Introduction: A Leader for a Changing Hospitality World

In an industry where luxury has often been defined by chandeliers, marble lobbies, and Michelin-starred restaurants, Ziad Tantawi brings a fresh dimension to leadership: hospitality with empathy and inclusivity at its core.

As of June 2025, Tantawi serves as Cluster General Manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai and Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Business Bay, two properties that stand as shining examples of Hilton’s modern identity in the Middle East. Under his stewardship, the cluster achieved recognition as a Certified Autism Center™, a milestone that reflects not just operational excellence but a deeper cultural commitment to inclusive guest experiences.

For Tantawi, hospitality is not simply about service — it is about human connection, dignity, and accessibility. His leadership is helping reshape Hilton Dubai’s position in a competitive market, proving that luxury and inclusivity can coexist harmoniously.

Early Foundations: The Making of a Hotelier

Ziad Tantawi’s career reflects the classic arc of a hotelier who has grown through dedication, adaptability, and vision. While specific details of his early life remain private, his professional trajectory demonstrates values rooted in resilience, empathy, and a guest-first mindset.

Dubai, as one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality hubs, demands leaders who can balance operational complexity with cultural sensitivity. Tantawi’s rise through the ranks positioned him not only as a manager of properties but as a visionary shaping the future of guest experiences.

Understanding Dubai’s Hospitality Landscape

To appreciate Tantawi’s achievements, one must first understand the stage he performs on: Dubai’s hospitality market.

• The city is home to over 800 hotels, including some of the world’s most luxurious resorts.
• Hilton, with its multiple brands (from Waldorf Astoria to Hilton Garden Inn), is a key player in Dubai’s hotel sector, competing against Marriott, Accor, and local icons like Jumeirah.
• The Business Bay area, where Hilton Garden Inn and Embassy Suites are located, is a vibrant hub for both corporate and leisure travelers, demanding properties that are versatile, accessible, and guest-focused.

It is within this context that Tantawi leads, balancing global Hilton standards with Dubai’s unique market demands.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai & Hilton Garden Inn Business Bay: Properties with Purpose

Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai

Embassy Suites is known worldwide for its all-suites model, offering spacious accommodations designed for both business and leisure travelers. In Dubai, this brand appeals to families, long-stay guests, and international travelers seeking comfort with luxury.

Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Business Bay

Hilton Garden Inn brings Hilton’s midscale lifestyle experience to one of Dubai’s busiest business districts. It caters to corporate travelers, conference attendees, and younger leisure guests who value quality without extravagance.

Together, these properties create a diverse hospitality offering. Under Tantawi’s leadership, they have not only thrived commercially but have also stood out culturally — by becoming the first hotels in Dubai to be certified as Autism Centers™.

Certified Autism Center™: Hospitality with Heart

In 2025, under Tantawi’s leadership, both properties earned recognition as a Certified Autism Center™ from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

This milestone reflects:

• Staff Training: Equipping hotel teams with knowledge to serve guests with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) sensitively and effectively.
• Operational Adjustments: Creating inclusive environments — from sensory-friendly design elements to communication support.
• Cultural Shift: Reinforcing Hilton’s global vision of “Travel with Purpose”, ensuring no guest feels excluded.

Tantawi himself emphasized:

“Becoming a Certified Autism Center™ is not just a milestone; it’s a manifestation of our values… We are proud to lead with empathy.”

This achievement illustrates his philosophy of hospitality: true luxury is when every guest, regardless of background or ability, feels welcomed and respected.

Guest Engagement: A GM Who Listens

Hospitality today is measured not only in occupancy rates but in guest feedback. Ziad Tantawi stands out as a leader who engages directly with guests, often responding personally to reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor.

These responses show more than managerial duty — they reflect his commitment to dialogue, transparency, and accountability. Whether addressing praise or criticism, his tone consistently emphasizes gratitude, empathy, and a desire to improve.

For guests, this level of engagement signals that leadership is accessible, human, and invested in their experience.

Leadership Philosophy: Values in Action

Tantawi’s approach to leadership can be understood through five core values:

1. Empathy First – Beyond policies, he emphasizes understanding the human side of hospitality.
2. Inclusivity as Strategy – By championing certifications like Autism Center™, he positions inclusivity as a competitive advantage.
3. Team Empowerment – He believes in developing staff not just as employees but as ambassadors of Hilton’s culture.
4. Innovation through Diversity – By welcoming diverse guests and staff, he creates an environment of creativity and adaptability.
5. Sustainability in Hospitality – Though less publicized, his leadership aligns with Hilton’s global sustainability goals, ensuring responsible growth.

Industry Context: Inclusive Hospitality in the Middle East

In the broader Middle Eastern hospitality market, inclusivity has not always been central to luxury narratives. Ziad Tantawi’s initiatives place Dubai on the global map of inclusive hospitality, aligning with trends in Europe and North America.

His leadership signals a paradigm shift:

• Hotels are no longer judged solely on luxury but on how inclusive, sustainable, and empathetic they are.
• Hilton Dubai, under his guidance, is a benchmark for other properties to follow, especially in the region’s competitive F&B and lifestyle space.

Challenges and Opportunities: Steering Through Complexity

Managing two properties in Dubai’s Business Bay is not without challenges:

• High competition from global hotel chains.
• Evolving guest expectations post-pandemic, emphasizing health, flexibility, and inclusivity.
• Balancing dual brands — Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn serve different demographics but require unified leadership.

Tantawi’s success lies in his ability to navigate these complexities seamlessly, ensuring both properties thrive individually while benefiting from cluster synergies.

Visionary Outlook: The Future of Hilton Dubai Under Tantawi

Looking ahead, Ziad Tantawi’s vision for Hilton Dubai likely includes:

• Expanding Hilton’s role as a leader in inclusive hospitality in the Middle East.
• Enhancing guest personalization through technology and staff empowerment.
• Positioning Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn as case studies of operational excellence and empathy-driven service.
• Inspiring other Hilton properties globally to follow Dubai’s lead in Certified Autism Center™ accreditation.
• Building a next generation of hotel leaders in Dubai who embody empathy as a core leadership trait.

A New Definition of Luxury

Ziad Tantawi’s story is more than a professional biography — it is a narrative of redefining what hospitality means in the 21st century.

As Cluster General Manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai and Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Business Bay, he has proven that luxury and inclusivity are not opposites but partners.

By leading his properties to become Certified Autism Centers™, engaging personally with guests, and positioning Hilton Dubai as a pioneer of inclusive hospitality, Tantawi has set a new benchmark not just for Dubai, but for Hilton worldwide.

In a city celebrated for its skyscrapers and extravagance, Ziad Tantawi reminds us that true hospitality is about human connection, dignity, and belonging. His leadership is shaping the future of Hilton Dubai — and influencing the global hospitality narrative.