Mohammed Zarie is the Group CEO of AL Dyafa AL Moasera, overseeing Myrtle Hotels’ strategic direction and operational performance. His career has been shaped by strategic decisions, his deep passion for hospitality, and his ability to capitalize on opportunities. He has earned recognition for transforming businesses and achieving remarkable growth.
Starting his career in operations management, Mohammed quickly advanced to corporate governance, where he led multiple properties and significantly improved revenue and guest satisfaction. A key milestone in his career was navigating the restructuring of a struggling hotel chain, which earned him industry-wide recognition. His leadership and consistent results eventually led him to join Myrtle Hotels, where he took on the role of Group CEO, aligning with the company’s long-term vision.
As Group CEO, Mohammed is responsible for setting company goals, ensuring financial performance, and fostering a culture of excellence. His leadership style is collaborative and decisive. He empowers teams while focusing on innovation and operational efficiency. He also values relationships with key stakeholders, including owners, investors, and government bodies, to drive the company’s growth.
Mohammed’s leadership has also been instrumental in navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where he adopted a multi-pronged approach, emphasizing crisis management, cost optimization, and innovation. His ability to balance the demands of his role with personal growth reflects his commitment to continuous improvement for himself and the organization.
Mohammed’s vision for AL Dyafa AL Moasera is to establish a new Saudi brand from the ground up, aiming to be among the best four-star hotels in Saudi Arabia. His advice to young professionals in the hospitality sector is to build a strong foundation, develop soft skills, and remain resilient in a dynamic industry. He also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering a positive workplace culture that enhances the connection with guests from all backgrounds.
Key Milestones in Career
Mohammed’s career journey has been shaped by strategic decisions, a passion for hospitality, and the ability to seize opportunities. He began his career with IHG Intercontinental Hotel Group, where he spent the first 20 years of his professional journey. He then transitioned to AL Dyafa AL Moasera (Myrtle Hotels) as CEO.
Being in operations management allowed him to understand the core of hospitality from the ground up. A significant milestone was his transition to corporate governance, where he led multiple properties and achieved remarkable revenue and guest satisfaction improvements.
Another defining moment came when he was tasked with leading a struggling hotel chain through a critical restructuring phase. Successfully turning that operation around earned him recognition within the industry and solidified his ability to manage complex situations.
Joining Myrtle Hotels was an opportunity for him to bring his experience into a growing organization, and his promotion to Group CEO reflected his consistent results delivery and alignment with the company’s long-term vision.
Primary Responsibilities as Group CEO of AL Dyafa AL Moasera
As Group CEO, Mohammed oversees Myrtle Hotels’ strategic direction and operational performance. His daily responsibilities include setting company goals, ensuring financial performance, and fostering a culture of excellence. He also manages relationships with key stakeholders, including owners, investors, and government bodies, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision.
Daily, he prioritizes effective communication through meetings with department heads, reviewing key metrics, or addressing challenges as they arise. Decision-making is a significant part of his role, and he approaches it with a balance of data-driven analysis and intuition honed through years of experience.
Mohammed’s leadership style is collaborative yet decisive. He believes in empowering his teams by giving them autonomy while providing the support and resources they need to excel. He encourages open communication and creates an environment where innovation is celebrated.
He focuses on building trust and leading by example to inspire his teams. Sharing a clear vision and demonstrating commitment to their goals motivate everyone. He also regularly recognizes individual and team achievements, reinforcing a sense of purpose and belonging.
Strategies to Inspire Teams
Mohammed’s leadership style is collaborative yet decisive. He believes in empowering his teams by giving them autonomy while providing the support and resources they need to excel. He encourages open communication and creates an environment where innovation is celebrated.
He focuses on building trust and leading by example to inspire his teams. Sharing a clear vision and demonstrating commitment to the company’s goals ensures everyone stays motivated. He also regularly recognizes individual and team achievements, reinforcing a sense of purpose and belonging.
Connection with Government Sectors
Mohammed’s strong relationships with government sectors have driven Myrtle Hotels’ growth. These connections have facilitated smoother regulatory approvals, strategic partnerships, and access to resources that might otherwise take longer to secure.
For example, while developing one of the company’s flagship properties, their collaboration with local government entities expedited infrastructure improvements and marketing support, helping establish a strong regional presence. This synergy between the private and public sectors has been a cornerstone of Myrtle Hotels’ operational success.
Significant Challenge in Journey
One of the most significant challenges in Mohammed’s career was managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations. With travel restrictions and declining demand, the hospitality industry faced unprecedented setbacks.
To navigate this, he adopted a multi-pronged approach:
1. Crisis Management: Ensuring the safety of guests and employees was the top priority.
2. Cost Optimization: Operations were restructured to reduce expenses without compromising quality.
3. Innovation: Leveraging technology to offer contactless services and expanding into new revenue streams like staycation packages and long-term rentals.
This period tested his resilience and adaptability, but it also highlighted the importance of teamwork and forward-thinking strategies.
Balancing the demanding role of a CEO while maintaining personal growth and well-being requires discipline and intentionality. Mohammed prioritizes time management and delegates effectively, focusing on tasks that align with his core responsibilities.
On a personal level, he makes time for activities that rejuvenate him, such as reading, exercising, and spending quality time with his family. Continuous learning is also essential—he attends industry events and engages in executive education programs to stay sharp and motivated.
The hospitality industry is ever-evolving, and staying ahead requires a proactive approach. Mohammed regularly attends conferences, participates in industry forums, and engages with thought leaders to gain insights into emerging trends. Additionally, he relies on market research and analytics to understand consumer behavior and adapt offerings accordingly. For instance, recognizing the growing demand for sustainability and wellness, he has incorporated eco-friendly practices and wellness-focused amenities into Myrtle Hotels’ properties.
Vision for the Future of Myrtle Hotels
Mohammed’s vision for Myrtle Hotels is to establish itself as a global leader in the hospitality industry while maintaining a commitment to exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence. This involves:
- Expansion: Entering new markets while strengthening the presence in existing ones.
- Innovation: Investing in technology to enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Sustainability: Embedding sustainable practices across operations to contribute to environmental conservation.
Achieving this vision will require a cohesive strategy, strong partnerships, and a relentless focus on delivering value to stakeholders.
For young professionals aiming for leadership roles in the hospitality sector, Mohammed’s advice is:
1. Build a Strong Foundation: Gain hands-on experience in various departments to understand the industry’s nuances.
2. Cultivate Soft Skills: Effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial for leadership.
3. Stay Curious: Continuously seek knowledge and embrace lifelong learning.
4. Network Strategically: Build meaningful relationships within the industry, as connections often lead to opportunities.
5. Be Resilient: The hospitality sector is dynamic and challenging, but perseverance and a positive attitude will set you apart.
Personal and Professional goals
In the coming years, Mohammed will focus on driving Myrtle Hotels’ expansion into new markets and furthering the company’s sustainability agenda. On a personal level, he aims to mentor emerging leaders within the organization, passing on the knowledge and experiences he has gained over the years.
He is also committed to leveraging technology to revolutionize guest experiences, ensuring that Myrtle Hotels remains at the forefront of innovation. Balancing these ambitions with personal growth, he plans to continue exploring avenues for self-improvement, such as advanced leadership training and wellness practices.
Mohammed would like to emphasize the role of diversity and inclusion within Myrtle Hotels. The company strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued, regardless of background. This commitment has enriched the workplace culture and enhanced the ability to connect with guests from all walks of life.
Lastly, he believes that success is a collective effort. Myrtle Hotels’ achievements are a testament to the dedication of the teams and the trust of the stakeholders. Together, they will continue to reach new heights in the hospitality industry.
