Housekeeping is often described as the backbone of hospitality, and few careers illustrate this truth as clearly as that of Mohamed Nishad, Executive Housekeeper at Al Ain Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi. With over 16 years of hands-on experience across leading regional and international hotel brands, Nishad’s journey is one of perseverance, continuous learning, and deep respect for the craft of housekeeping.

Beginning his career in 2009 as a Room Attendant at Arjaan by Rotana, Nishad chose housekeeping with conviction, recognising early on its critical role in shaping guest experiences and driving hotel performance. Through dedication, adaptability, and strong mentorship, he progressed steadily through supervisory roles, earning accolades such as Employee of the Year and gaining exposure across multiple hotel groups including Rotana, Hyatt, Central Hotels, and Louvre Hotels.

Today, at one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest heritage properties—opened in 1967—Nishad leads with empathy, operational discipline, and a strong focus on sustainability, guest engagement, and team development. In this interview, he reflects on defining moments from the ground up, the evolving expectations placed on modern housekeeping teams, and his belief that true leadership is about standing with your team, not above them.

More than just maintaining spotless spaces, Nishad sees housekeeping as the art of creating memories—an outlook that continues to earn guest trust, online recognition, and industry-wide respect.

Early Career.

I began my professional journey in hospitality in 2009, shortly after completing my hospitality management studies and industrial training. During my training period, I was exposed to various hotel departments, each playing a vital role in operations. However, it was housekeeping that truly resonated with me. I quickly realised that housekeeping is not just another department—it is the backbone of hospitality. Without strong housekeeping operations, no hotel can function effectively, regardless of its brand, size, or location.

Although I was given opportunities to move into other departments, I made a conscious decision to commit myself fully to housekeeping. It was not an easy choice, especially for someone at the beginning of their career, but I trusted my instincts. I believed that if I mastered this department from the ground level, it would open doors for long-term growth and leadership.

That same year, I achieved my dream of working abroad when I joined Arjaan by Rotana as a Room Attendant. Moving into an international hospitality environment was both exciting and challenging. The standards were high, the pace was demanding, and expectations were uncompromising. Initially, adapting to these pressures was not easy, but with the guidance and encouragement of my department head and supervisors, I steadily improved my performance. I focused on learning, discipline, and consistency. In 2010, my dedication was recognised when I was honoured with the Employee of the Year Award at Arjaan by Rotana—a milestone that reinforced my belief in hard work and commitment.

Growth & Learning

One of the most defining moments of my early career came when my department head called me into his office while I was still working as a Room Attendant. He encouraged me to begin cross-training for a supervisory role. That conversation changed everything. He told me something I still carry with me today: “Never stop training until you achieve your position. You will not get it suddenly, but one day it will happen.”

Those words became my motivation. I was given opportunities to act as a supervisor whenever senior colleagues were on leave, allowing me to experience the responsibilities of leadership firsthand. These acting roles helped build my confidence, sharpen my decision-making skills, and deepen my understanding of team management and quality control.

In 2012, my efforts were rewarded with a promotion to Housekeeping Supervisor, along with a transfer to Amwaj Rotana. This step marked my transition from execution to leadership, and it reinforced my belief that patience, perseverance, and continuous learning always pay off.

Defining Moments

Housekeeping is a department where challenges are constant and pressure is unavoidable. One of the most demanding realities we face is operating with limited manpower while maintaining uncompromising standards. Preparing rooms on time for arriving guests—especially during high occupancy periods—requires precision, coordination, and teamwork.

There are days when checkout rooms are left in extremely poor condition, or when late checkouts compress already tight timelines. Despite these challenges, the rooms must be ready on time and meet brand standards. Over the years, I have learned that teamwork and mutual support are the only ways to overcome such situations. When a team works together with trust and clear communication, even the most difficult days can turn into achievements.

Evolution of Housekeeping

Housekeeping has evolved significantly over the years. Today’s guests expect more than just clean rooms—they expect exceptional hygiene, comfort, attention to detail, and consistency. With the rise of online review platforms, housekeeping now plays a direct role in shaping a hotel’s reputation and revenue.

Technology and eco-friendly innovations have made operations more efficient, but they have also raised expectations. I firmly believe that housekeeping is not just about cleaning; it is about creating memories that bring guests back. When guests feel comfortable, safe, and cared for, they return—and repeat guests are one of the strongest drivers of revenue growth.

Leadership & Team Development

Because I started my career at the base level, I understand the pressure, workload, and emotional demands faced by housekeeping teams. This experience has shaped my leadership style. I lead as a leader, not a boss. I stand with my team during challenging moments, support them when things are difficult, and encourage them to grow.

Trust is the foundation of strong leadership. When you trust your team and support them genuinely, the results speak for themselves. I maintain a friendly and straightforward approach with my colleagues because open communication creates confidence and accountability. A motivated team will always deliver better results than a fearful one.

Guest Experience

I consistently encourage my team to communicate with guests every day. Simple interactions can make a significant difference. When guests feel comfortable sharing feedback—whether about service quality, maintenance issues, or special requirements—we can address concerns immediately and prevent negative online reviews.

More importantly, these interactions show guests that we genuinely care. When guests return, we can provide anticipatory service based on previous preferences, creating personalised experiences that build loyalty and trust.

Innovation & Sustainability

Sustainability is no longer optional—it is a responsibility. In our operations, nearly 70% of the cleaning products we use are eco-friendly, ensuring they are less hazardous to both people and the environment. We manage resources efficiently, practise waste segregation across guest rooms and public areas, and actively recycle materials wherever possible.

In addition, we have introduced indoor and outdoor plants to create a greener, fresher environment for guests. I strongly believe that sustainability and innovation can coexist with high standards of guest satisfaction, and when implemented correctly, they enhance the overall guest experience.

Cross Cultural Experience

Hospitality brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. Recognising and respecting these differences is essential. I focus on open communication, motivation, and appreciation. Every team member must feel valued and respected as an asset to the organisation.

When people feel recognised for their efforts, they perform better and contribute more positively to the workplace culture. Diversity, when embraced correctly, becomes a strength rather than a challenge.

Recognition & Achievements

Over the past 16 years in the UAE hospitality industry, I have had the privilege of working with renowned hotel groups including Rotana, Hyatt, Central Hotels, and Louvre Hotels. Each experience has contributed to my professional growth and leadership development.

Currently, I serve as Executive Housekeeper at Al Ain Palace Hotel, one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest heritage properties, established in 1967. Working at such an iconic, stand-alone hotel is a matter of great pride. Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and quality while preserving the property’s legacy is both a responsibility and an honour.

In 2025, I was humbled to be recognised by Clean Middle East Magazine as one of the Power List Housekeepers in the Middle East—a recognition that reflects not just my journey, but the collective efforts of the teams I have worked with.

Advice & Legacy

My message to anyone starting their career in hospitality is simple: believe in yourself, stay optimistic, and never underestimate the power of hard work. Housekeeping is not “just cleaning”—it is a profession with immense growth opportunities. Without housekeeping, no hotel can operate successfully.

We are the ones who create memories, comfort, and woven moments for guests. When you take pride in that responsibility, success will follow.