
Tell us about yourself
My name is Mudasir Ahmed. I originally hail from the state of Jammu & Kashmir (Indian), I embarked on my professional journey in the hospitality industry as a proud member of Vivanta by Taj, Srinagar, Kashmir in September 2010. Having gained invaluable experience in Indian hospitality, I decided to venture into the international arena to broaden my horizons and work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
In pursuit of gaining international exposure, I made the leap to Dubai in 2013. It was during this time that I had the privilege of joining Le Royal Meridien and Grosvenor house Dubai Jumeirah as a Housekeeping Supervisor on 21 September 2013. This marked the beginning of my international hospitality career, which has been an enriching and rewarding journey thus far.
I am currently working as the executive Housekeeper at Tapestry Collection by Hilton Doha. My profound passion for keeping my team happy, which ultimately translates into exceptional care for our guests.
Throughout my career, I have consistently found satisfaction in nurturing a positive and supportive work environment for my team. I firmly believe that by genuinely caring for and supporting my team members, they, in turn, will serve our guests with wholehearted dedication. This approach, deeply rooted in my passion for people, has been a driving force behind my success in the hospitality industry.
Your experience and years in this industry
Since September 2013, I have been fortunate enough to work in various roles within the hospitality sector, starting from Housekeeping Room attendant positions and gradually moving up to managerial positions. I began my journey in India, where I gained valuable experience working with Marriott, starting as a Room attendant and eventually progressing to the role of Housekeeping Supervisor.
After serving Marriott for three fruitful years, I decided to explore new opportunities and moved to Doha, Qatar in September 2016. There, I joined Fraser suite west bay 369 Apartments hotel, which was later renamed Voco West bay in 2019. During my tenure, I had the privilege of being part of the opening team for Centera, a remarkable property consisting of 367 Apartments and 150 hotel rooms. Despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, I successfully contributed to the seamless opening of the property as an Asst Ehk department head.
In 2020, due to the unforeseen circumstances of the pandemic, I had to take a temporary leave from my position. However, this break allowed me to join Hilton Salwa, another esteemed property located in Doha. This property featured a magnificent 3.5 km expanse with 84 villas, 275 hotel rooms, and 35 Arabic townhouses. My time at Hilton Salwa provided me with valuable insights and further enriched my knowledge in the field.
Notably, in October 2022, I joined Tapestry collection by Hilton as the Executive Housekeeper./ Sports and recreation Manager This role has allowed me to take on a more senior position and work closely with a diverse team, overseeing the housekeeping operations of the property.
Having worked in hotels of varying sizes, from intimate boutique establishments to well-established chains, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry as a whole. This experience has equipped me with strong managerial skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced and challenging environments.
How did you get into this industry?
Considering how it was not widely popular in our hometown, ever since I was a child, I had always been drawn to serving and helping others. Seeing the joy on someone's face after receiving excellent service has always brought me happiness. It was this passion that led me to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.
After completing my 10th grade, I made the decision to enroll in a hotel management course at Srinagar Rajbagh for a duration of one year. It was a transformative experience, as I learned the necessary skills and knowledge required to excel in the field.
Throughout this journey, I have been incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my parents and my sisters.Their encouragement and belief in my abilities have been instrumental in getting me to where I am today. Without their support, I doubt I would have come this far.
What drives you and your career
One of the main reasons that keeps me fully motivated every day is witnessing our guests living a true home-away-from-home experience under our care. Their smiles, their compliments, and their heartfelt appreciation fuel my passion for hospitality, reminding me of the importance of our roles as hospitality professionals.
But what truly sets our team apart is the unwavering dedication and hard work that each team member brings to the table. Celebrating success with all of you fills me with immense satisfaction and joy. Our victories, no matter how big or small, are a testament to our collective commitment to excellence.
An accomplishment that shaped your carrier
Throughout my tenure, I have been fortunate to be recognized for my hard work and dedication.
sharing a significant turning point in my career that has had a profound impact on my professional growth and development. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to take charge of a team consisting of 156 internal team members and 150 outsourced team members, with the primary objective of successfully launching and managing the opening of our new resort. The responsibility was immense, but I was determined to rise to the challenge.
Undoubtedly, it proved to be a daunting task to ensure that every member of the team was well-prepared and informed about the resort's operations. However, with a strong belief in fostering a culture of continuous learning, we introduced a comprehensive "Train the Trainee" program to address this need. As the lead of this initiative, it was my responsibility to design and execute a training program that would equip our team members with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their roles.
The best part of your job
I have had the privilege of witnessing and being a part of some truly extraordinary moments.
First and foremost, the best part of my job is the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. Each day brings new guests with unique stories, diverse backgrounds, and fascinating perspectives. It is through these interactions that I am constantly reminded of the beauty of human connection and the importance of providing exceptional service that goes above and beyond expectations.
Another aspect of my job that I find incredibly enriching is the chance to create memorable experiences for our guests. From organizing surprise celebrations to recommending hidden gems and local hotspots.
The most challenging aspect of my job
The most challenging aspect of being an Executive Housekeeper is undoubtedly maintaining the high standards of cleanliness and organization while managing a diverse team and a rapid turnover of guests. With a constantly evolving roster of guests and the need to accommodate their unique preferences and requirements, it can be quite demanding to ensure that our housekeeping services consistently meet and exceed their expectations.
One of the main challenges lies in effectively communicating and reinforcing the importance of our housekeeping standards to the entire team. With a diverse group of individuals, each with their own abilities and levels of experience, it can be a continuous task to ensure that everyone understands the importance of attention to detail, timeliness, and thoroughness when performing their duties. Regular training sessions, performance evaluations, and open lines of communication help mitigate this challenge, but it remains an ongoing effort.
Housekeeping practices you live by
We have a diverse group of staff members, consisting of both temporary and permanent employees. In order to foster a harmonious working environment, it’s crucial that we treat everyone equal and provide them the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in their roles.As a reputable resort dedicated to providing exceptional guest experiences, it is imperative that we maintain high standards in all areas of our operations, including housekeeping.Timeliness of service: Promptness is crucial in delivering excellent housekeeping services. Develop a clear schedule and work efficiently to complete tasks within the designated time frame. Promptly respond to guest requests for housekeeping services and strive to exceed their expectations.
Cleaning practices in your hotel
Just cleaning is no longer enough; it is crucial to focus on achieving a high standard of cleanliness based on footfall and guest traffic. In public areas, we prioritize maintaining high hygiene levels for high touch points throughout the entire hotel, both in the back of the house and the front of the house. This lesson was learned during the pandemic when controlling the spread of viruses became a top priority.
When it comes to guest rooms, we understand the significance of ensuring thorough sanitization and disinfection for each and every guest. Our commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment remains paramount. We have diligently adopted all standards set forth by the Qatar clean Municipality and are strictly following all hygiene and sanitization protocols in compliance with both brand and local authorities.
The health, safety, and well-being of our guests and team members are at the forefront of our operations. We want to assure you that our efforts to achieve and maintain exceptional cleanliness standards are ongoing, and we continually strive to create a comfortable and secure environment for all.
The latest products (chemicals & equipment) that are in use
At our resort, we understand the importance of maintaining high cleanliness standards throughout our property. Therefore, we employ various top vendors in the market to provide us with the most effective products and chemicals available. These include machines for deep cleaning, steam cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, ensuring that every corner of our hotel is thoroughly cleaned and maintained.
To guarantee the highest level of cleanliness, we utilize municipality-approved sanitizing products in all our guest rooms. This ensures that your accommodation is sanitary and safe during guest stay. Moreover, we have installed sensor-based sanitizers in all guest and team member areas throughout the hotel, providing easy access to hand hygiene for all.
To further enhance hygiene practices, we use high-quality microfiber color-coded dusters, mop pads, scrubber dryers, and twister pads. These specialized tools contribute to the efficient removal of dirt and bacteria, while also reducing the risk of cross-contamination across different areas of the hotel.
The latest technology trends in housekeeping
In today's technologically advanced era, various innovative tools and solutions have emerged to enhance efficiency and revolutionize the housekeeping industry. Applications play a crucial role in enhancing productivity and communication within the housekeeping department and allow supervisors to delegate and monitor cleaning tasks systematically. Housekeeping staff can access these apps on their smartphones or tablets to receive instructions, update completed tasks, and report any issues promptly and IMop helps us to keep the floor clean from time to time especially in busy periods of public areas.
Training provided to the cleaning staff
We provide regular training opportunities to ensure the professional growth and development of our team members. In line with this commitment, we have partnered with two renowned industry leaders, Ecolab and Taski, who join us every three months and share their new products and training with us. Also, a monthly training program has been incorporated into our HR training calendar. As we believe it will significantly contribute to our collective success as a department and company.
Challenges you have faced
The ongoing challenges that our industry is facing, which is retaining top talent. In the face of numerous opportunities and an abundance of brands emerging with enticing prospects, it has become increasingly difficult to persuade employees to remain with their current brand for an extended period.
The current generation is driven by the desire for rapid career advancement and personal growth, making it a formidable task to keep our teams intact and committed to our brand. However, I believe that with the implementation of effective strategies, we can maintain a strong and loyal workforce.
The further of cleaning industry
Over the past few years, technological advancements have revolutionized the cleaning industry. These innovations have not only made cleaning more efficient and effective but have also addressed the need for environmentally friendly practices. Here are some key insights into the future of the cleaning industry:
Automation and Robotics:
With the rapid progression of robotics, we can expect to see a significant shift towards automation in the coming years. Robots equipped with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence will become commonplace, offering precise and consistent cleaning services. They will autonomously navigate and clean various environments, ensuring thorough cleaning without compromising safety.
Internet of Things (IoT):
The Internet of Things will continue to play a crucial role in the cleaning industry, with connected devices and sensors optimizing cleaning practices. Smart technologies will enable real-time monitoring and management of cleaning operations, helping streamline processes, reduce wastage, and ensure timely maintenance.
Sustainable Cleaning:
The industry is witnessing a growing demand for eco-friendly cleaning products and practices. The continued emphasis on sustainability will lead to the development of eco-conscious cleaning solutions. From biodegradable chemicals to water-efficient cleaning equipment, the cleaning industry will heavily focus on reducing its environmental impact.