United Hospitality Management Appoints Dominic Arel as VP of Operations for Middle East

United Hospitality Management Taps Industry Veteran Dominic Arel to Spearhead Ambitious Middle East Expansion

In a decisive move to fuel its aggressive growth strategy, United Hospitality Management (UHM), a global leader in managing luxury hotels and mixed-use properties, has announced the appointment of Dominic Arel as its new Vice President of Operations for the Middle East. This strategic hire is central to UHM's plan to expand its regional portfolio to 100 business units by 2030.

In his role as VP of Operations, Arel will be responsible for the seamless integration of new hotels into the UHM portfolio and for driving profitable operations across all the group's hotels and holiday homes in the Middle East. His core mandate is to spearhead operational excellence and enhance brand performance, ensuring that the company's rapid growth is matched by world-class guest experiences and strong financial returns.

A Strategic Mandate for Regional Growth

The appointment of a leader with Arel's caliber underscores the strategic importance of the Middle East market in UHM's global blueprint. His position is pivotal for scaling the company’s footprint, maximizing profitability, and establishing a consistent standard of excellence across a rapidly expanding portfolio.

Leadership's Confidence in a Proven Performer

Klaus Assmann, Chief Operating Officer for UHM in the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, expressed strong confidence in the new appointment.

“We congratulate Dominic on his new regional role,” said Assmann. “His extensive experience and proven track record will be fundamental in our expansion plans. Dominic is recognized for delivering record-breaking financial results and achieving market leadership, making his appointment vital in ensuring that UHM’s rapid growth is underpinned by operational rigour and profitability from day one.”

A Career Defined by Record-Breaking Performance

Dominic Arel is a highly respected figure in the hospitality industry, bringing nearly three decades of international experience, with a significant portion of his career dedicated to the UAE and wider Middle East region.

A Legacy of Leadership at Iconic Properties

Prior to joining UHM, Arel was the General Manager of Fairmont The Palm in Dubai, where he led the iconic resort to record-breaking performances across all revenue-generating departments. His vast international background spans three continents, including General Manager roles at Swissôtel Al Ghurair & Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair in Dubai, Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery in Qatar, and Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade in Portugal.

A Canadian citizen, Arel's academic credentials are as impressive as his professional ones. He holds a Diploma in Hotel Management from the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hôtellerie du Québec and has further honed his expertise through the International Hospitality Management Program at ESSEC Paris / Accor Academy and a recent certificate in Hotel Management and Owner Relations from eCornell.

A Vision for Benchmark Performance and Team Wellbeing

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new challenge, Dominic Arel outlined his focused approach to driving UHM's success in the region.

“I am incredibly excited to embrace this new challenge,” said Arel. “I look forward to utilizing my market knowledge and expertise to establish new performance benchmarks across UHM’s properties in the Middle East. My focus will be on driving superior operating models that will directly contribute to our guest experiences and team wellbeing, which will have a positive impact on the company’s expansion plans and long-term success.”

About United Hospitality Management (UHM)

United Hospitality Management is establishing itself as a global benchmark for excellence in luxury and mixed-use property management. The group's current extensive operations span two continents, comprising a portfolio of more than 3,600 keys across 15 hotels, resorts, and branded residences, and over 60 food and beverage venues.

UHM also operates its own wellness brand, ‘Serenity – The Art of Wellbeing’, and partners with the world’s most prominent hospitality companies, including Marriott International, Accor, IHG, Hyatt, Wyndham, Yotel, and its own holiday homes brand, ‘Bespoke’. The appointment of Dominic Arel is a clear signal of UHM's intent to become a dominant and highly respected force in the Middle Eastern hospitality landscape.