Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Walia is leading Marriott’s charge in the Middle East. Marriott International Marriott International, the world’s largest hotel company with nearly 8,900 properties across more than 30 brands in 141 countries and territories, set its sights on the Middle East. The area has seen rapid growth in tourism with big projects like Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Saudi Arabia’s new 22-island, Maldives-like Red Sea development.
And Marriott has jumped on the opportunities, opening luxury properties like The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island in Doha and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve in Saudi.
One of the company’s key players leading the charge in the region is Sandeep Walia, Marriott’s COO, Middle East & Luxury Europe, Middle East & Africa. The hospitality veteran has more than 25 years in the business, assuming the COO role in 2021. We talked to Dubai -based Walia to find out his go-to spots in his city, the most awe-inspiring place he’s visited and his biggest accomplishments.
Walia calls chef Atherton’s Row on 45 a treat. Row on 45 What culinary experiences do you recommend in Dubai? Row on 45 by Jason Atherton. There are three acts within the restaurant, which features everything from a champagne lounge to an open kitchen setting.
The presentation is as much about the theatricality of service as it is about the food. What’s one dish everyone should try in Dubai? Tuna pizza a.
