In hospitality, excellence is often measured in the details guests may never consciously notice: a perfectly presented room, immaculate public spaces, seamless service, and the quiet assurance that every corner has been cared for. Behind these details are the people who make them possible—the housekeeping professionals who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to create experiences that guests remember.
The “Clean Middle East Housekeepers Power List 2026”, sponsored by Tork, celebrates the leaders who are redefining what housekeeping means in a rapidly changing hospitality landscape. From driving operational excellence and elevating cleanliness standards to championing sustainability, embracing technology and developing high-performing teams, these professionals are moving the function far beyond its traditional role.
As Tom Marshall, Commercial Director, Middle East & Africa, Tork – Essity says, “Housekeeping teams are at the heart of every great guest experience. Tork is focused on helping professionals make everyday hygiene easier and more efficient, with solutions designed around the realities of their work so they can focus their time while maintaining the high standards guests expect.”
Akash Das, Director Of Services, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi
Over 13 years, I have progressed from Guest Room Attendant to Director of Services, building a career focused on operational excellence, guest delight, innovation and people development. At Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, I transformed housekeeping into a driver of guest satisfaction and commercial value. In 2025, Guest Voice cleanliness scores increased by 2.2%, while housekeeping and laundry expenses remained 0.4% and 2.47% under budget. We also achieved a 119.08% room profit.
I introduced planned deep-cleaning cycles, sharper SOPs, in-room coffee machines and guest-room enhancements, including new pillows, linen, duvets and upholstery. I also created wedding and honeymoon setup packages and curated Elite guest gifts, generating additional value and strengthening loyalty.
Sustainability and resource optimisation remain priorities. Initiatives including refillable dispensers, PET bottles, sustainable cleaning solutions and improved inventory practices delivered a 2.5% saving on guest supplies. Repairing equipment avoided AED 11,316 in replacement costs, while bringing uniform washing in-house reduced laundry expenses.
People development has delivered seven promotions, supported by coaching, cross-training and Marriott development programmes. Team engagement reached 94%, with a 96% Work Experience and Culture score.
My vision is for housekeeping to become smarter, greener and more respected, using technology and data while creating meaningful career pathways and preserving the human touch at the heart of hospitality.
Ashutosh Singh Baghel, Cluster Director of Housekeeping, Raffles and Fairmont Doha
As Cluster Director of Housekeeping at Raffles and Fairmont Doha, I have focused on building a culture of luxury, consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement. I strengthened quality assurance through structured inspections, digital tracking, performance monitoring, and close collaboration with Front Office, Engineering, and Laundry, improving room readiness
and guest experience while maintaining demanding Forbes Five-Star and LQA standards. Innovation and sustainability have been central to my leadership. Digital housekeeping tools and real-time communication improved operational visibility and productivity, while controlled chemical dilution, optimized linen and towel reuse, and enhanced waste segregation reduced resource consumption and operational costs without compromising luxury standards.
Most importantly, I have invested in people through structured onboarding, cross-training, coaching, recognition, and succession planning. This has strengthened engagement and retention while creating opportunities for team members to progress into supervisory and leadership roles. I believe true leadership is measured not only by operational results, but by the people you develop and the culture you create.
My vision is to position housekeeping as a strategic driver of guest loyalty and business success, supported by smart technology, data, predictive maintenance, sustainability, and—most importantly—the human touch. Recognition on the Housekeepers Power List 2026 would honour both my journey and the dedicated teams behind every exceptional guest experience.
A. Siva Shanmugam, Executive Housekeeper, Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi
With 16 years at Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa, progressing from Assistant Executive Housekeeper to Executive Housekeeper, I have focused on operational excellence, people development and exceptional guest experiences. I have optimised procurement, inventory and vendor management, delivering significant cost efficiencies while maintaining luxury standards.
Structured room inspections and enhanced VIP handling contributed to guest satisfaction scores consistently exceeding 90%.
I also played a key role in the pre-opening of The Leela Udaipur, establishing housekeeping operations, implementing brand standards and ensuring operational readiness. In addition, I have supported renovation and refurbishment projects while maintaining guest comfort and brand compliance.
People development remains central to my leadership. Through structured training, coaching, performance management and succession planning, I helped achieve 93% employee satisfaction. My commitment to development was recognised with Trainer of the Year in 2017, while Manager of the Year awards in 2016 and 2023 recognised my leadership and operational excellence.
My career has also included award-winning achievements, including the Hilton CONNIE Award, Hilton Brand Awards of Excellence and the highest housekeeping ranking among 269 Middle East and Africa properties. Most recently, I was shortlisted as one of the Best Hotel Housekeepers – UAE at the MECHF Awards.
Looking ahead, I envision housekeeping becoming more technology-enabled, sustainable and people-centric, combining digital tools, data-driven decisions and strong human leadership to elevate guest experiences and develop future leaders.
Ashik Salim, Assistant Executive Housekeeper, WB Curion Collection by Hilton Yas Island
I have built my housekeeping leadership approach around four priorities: operational excellence, guest experience, sustainability and people development. Under my leadership, our hotels have achieved outstanding Hilton Quality Assurance scores of 99.72% at Warner Bros. Hotel Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, and 99.51% at DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences.
I maintain rigorous inspection routines and work closely with Engineering to ensure that 100% of guest rooms complete their Planned Preventive Maintenance cycle every six months, helping protect hotel assets, minimise maintenance issues and maintain consistently high standards.
Guest satisfaction remains central to my approach, with year-to-date cleanliness scores reaching 93.3% and 95.7% across the two properties. I have also embedded sustainability into daily operations, including contributing 1,500kg of textile waste for recycling and promoting reusable materials and waste reduction.
However, my greatest achievement is developing people. Through structured training, mentoring, coaching and career development, 13 team members have progressed into leadership positions. Ten current Housekeeping Supervisors and three Order Takers began their careers as Room Attendants.
I lead by example, with professionalism, humility and integrity, while collaborating across departments to drive continuous improvement. I believe true leadership is measured not only by results, but by the people we empower to grow.
Baburaj Nair, Executive Housekeeper, Mama Shelter Dubai
My career in hospitality has been driven by a commitment to operational excellence, team development and exceptional guest experiences. I have consistently maintained high housekeeping standards by ensuring rooms are clean, well-presented and guest-ready, while working closely with Front Office and Maintenance to resolve issues quickly and support a seamless guest journey.
As a leader, I have improved daily operations through better task planning, regular training and clear quality standards. I believe in developing people through hands-on coaching, recognising good performance and encouraging teamwork, helping colleagues build confidence and new skills. This approach has improved efficiency, reduced errors and created a more engaged and positive working environment.
Sustainability is also an important part of my leadership. I have encouraged the responsible use of cleaning chemicals, water and disposable items, while promoting environmentally conscious practices without compromising hygiene or service quality.
I believe housekeeping is at the heart of the guest experience and deserves to be recognised as a strategic function within hospitality. Being named Best Executive Housekeeper at both the Clean Middle East and Hotelier Middle East Awards has been a proud milestone in my career. As a speaker at Clean Middle East events in the UAE and KSA, I have also shared knowledge and exchanged ideas to help advance housekeeping standards across the region.
Bhawani Bhargava, Executive Housekeeper, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
My most significant contribution has been building a housekeeping culture rooted in purpose, care, respect, and pride. I believe that when colleagues feel supported and empowered, engagement improves—and this directly translates into stronger productivity, quality, and guest satisfaction. This approach contributed to a cleanliness score of 89.4%, representing a 4-point improvement over the previous year.
Sustainability has also been an important part of my leadership. I implemented an initiative to donate usable discarded room linen and uniforms to Doctor Linen, extending the lifecycle of resources, reducing waste, supporting local communities, and contributing to Marriott’s sustainability goals. We are also working towards introducing beach bags made from recycled fabrics. Our sustainability efforts were further recognised through achieving a Silver Stamp from Dubai Sustainable Tourism.
Looking ahead, I see technology playing an increasingly important role in housekeeping. We are exploring the introduction of AI-powered autonomous vacuum cleaners for large-area cleaning, which can improve efficiency while allowing colleagues to focus on tasks requiring greater human attention.
I believe recognition through the Housekeepers Power List 2026 would acknowledge not only my contribution but also the achievements of my team. My vision is to create a future-ready housekeeping department that combines strong people leadership, sustainability, AI, and autonomous cleaning technologies to deliver higher standards and operational excellence.
Bishnu Chhetri, Executive Housekeeper, Tivoli LA VIE Muscat Hotel & Residences
As part of the opening of Tivoli LA VIE Muscat Hotel & Residences, I built the luxury housekeeping operation from the ground up, establishing standards, recruitment strategies, quality assurance programmes and service rituals designed to deliver effortless luxury. By fostering ownership, accountability and attention to detail, I positioned housekeeping as a key ambassador for guest satisfaction and the hotel’s reputation.
During the pre-opening and launch, I recruited, trained and mentored a multicultural team, embedding a culture of learning, recognition and continuous improvement through structured development, daily coaching and open communication. I also introduced smarter room inspections, strengthened preventive maintenance reporting, optimised scheduling and improved cross-department collaboration to enhance efficiency and minimise operational disruptions.
Sustainability has been integrated into daily operations through responsible resource management, waste reduction and environmentally conscious housekeeping practices, ensuring that luxury standards are maintained alongside environmental responsibility.
My leadership philosophy is centred on people, innovation and purpose. I believe housekeeping is no longer simply a back-of-house function but a strategic contributor to guest loyalty, reputation and commercial success. My vision is to create future-ready housekeeping operations that combine technology, predictive maintenance and sustainability with highly engaged teams and genuine human connection.
I aim to continue developing future hospitality leaders and demonstrating that housekeeping creates far more than clean rooms—it creates comfort, belonging and memorable luxury experiences.
Dibyanshu Shukla, Assistant Executive Housekeeper, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel
Over the past decade, I have focused on transforming housekeeping into a structured, people-focused and sustainable function where excellence becomes self-sustaining. At Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, I developed a tiered training and competency programme combining hands-on mentorship, cross-training and certification pathways.
Over 18 months, this reduced new-hire ramp-up time from six weeks to under three, improved guest room cleanliness scores from 89% to 99%, and supported the promotion of five attendants into supervisory roles.
Innovation has also been central to my leadership. I introduced digital room-status and task-assignment systems, reducing miscommunication and cutting room turnaround times by approximately 15%. Sustainability initiatives included linen-reuse programmes, eco-certified concentrated cleaning products and improved resource management, reducing water consumption by around 20% and chemical costs by approximately 12% annually. Discarded linen was also upcycled into guest gifts, while I supported an innovative project generating drinking water from atmospheric humidity.
My leadership philosophy centres on developing people. Peer mentorship and monthly skills workshops strengthened engagement and contributed to a significant reduction in turnover.
Having progressed from Housekeeping Associate to Assistant Executive Housekeeper, I believe housekeeping should be recognised as a strategic function offering genuine career opportunities. My vision is for technology, sustainability and professional development to become integral to the future of housekeeping.
Donna Blah, Executive Housekeeper, Banyan Tree Doha
My most significant contribution has been elevating housekeeping standards and guest experience at Banyan Tree by aligning daily operations with the brand’s core values of wellbeing and sustainability. I have focused on creating a more conscious housekeeping culture where people, planet, and personalization work together.
A key achievement has been driving circular housekeeping initiatives to reduce waste and eliminate single-use plastics. I partnered with Nespresso to collect used coffee capsules for repurposing and with Diversey to explore innovations around soap, coffee capsules, and plastic reuse. We introduced linen-reuse practices, improved energy and water conservation, and repurposed discarded linen into extra bed covers, dusters, baby pillow covers, and duvet covers. Discarded towels have also been donated to animal shelters, while further partnerships are being explored to transform old linen into useful products.
Team engagement has been equally important. Through the “Waste to Wow” competition, colleagues were encouraged to creatively transform discarded items into decorative and functional products, turning sustainability into a shared team experience.
My vision is for conscious housekeeping—People, Planet and Personalization. This means creating more career opportunities and wellbeing-focused teams, aligning housekeeping with ESG goals, and personalizing guest experiences through thoughtful room setups, wellness elements, pillow choices, and daily service touches.
The future of housekeeping is circular, technology-enabled, and people-centric, with the department playing a leading role in delivering sustainable and memorable guest experiences.
Ebenezer Ahimaz, Executive Housekeper, Radisson Collection Muscat, Hormuz Grand
With 24 years of hospitality experience and two successful five-star hotel openings, my leadership has focused on elevating housekeeping through people development, data-driven operations, sustainability, and continuous improvement. By combining detailed room inspections, guest feedback, audit results, productivity data, and resource monitoring,
I have helped my team identify gaps early and maintain strong performance, achieving a 94% LRA Audit cleanliness score and 94.6 ReviewPro cleanliness score.
I have strengthened sustainable practices through Green Key and SGS Hotel Sustainability Basics certification, responsible waste management, water and energy conservation, and improved chemical and cleaning-product management, while maintaining high hygiene and guest standards.
Developing people remains central to my approach. Through daily briefings, on-the-job coaching, cross-training, performance monitoring, and recognition, I empower colleagues to understand the importance of standards and take ownership of their responsibilities. My achievements, including being recognised as Best Housekeeper in the Middle East in 2023 and 2025 and among leading regional housekeeping professionals, reflect this commitment.
My vision is to create smarter, greener, technology-enabled and people-focused housekeeping departments. AI, IoT, predictive maintenance, smart inventory management, and sustainable solutions should empower—not replace—people. Ultimately, the future of housekeeping is about creating memorable experiences, developing future leaders, protecting resources, and positioning the department as a strategic driver of hotel excellence.
Fahim Khan, Director Of Housekeeping, Millennium Central Downtown
My greatest contribution has been driving a hotel-wide transformation focused on guest satisfaction, housekeeping excellence, operational efficiency and sustainability. Through stronger quality standards, team engagement and process improvements, I helped increase our cleanliness score from 76% to 98% and reduce guest complaints from 20% to just 3% within six months.
I have also championed sustainability across housekeeping by planting more than 2,000 plants, introducing biodegradable amenities and wall-mounted bathroom dispensers, promoting linen-reuse programmes, and repurposing retired bed sheets into plant pots. These initiatives have helped reduce waste while making sustainability part of our everyday operations.
I played a key role in major renovation and upgrade projects across the hotel, including public washrooms, the pool, sauna, steam room, gym, business lounge and guest rooms. Upgrading furniture, bed headboards, pillows, linens, curtains and floor rugs improved guest comfort, room presentation and operational efficiency.
My career reflects my commitment to excellence and continuous growth. I became a Manager at 24 and a Director at 28, achieving these milestones through hard work, talent and determination. At 29, I remain committed to inspiring young hospitality professionals, supporting newcomers and demonstrating that housekeeping is a powerful driver of guest experience and hotel success.
Ghulam Murtaza, Executive Housekeeper, Millennium & Copthorne
Throughout my 25-year career as an Executive Housekeeper, I have focused on transforming housekeeping operations through service excellence, operational efficiency and people development. At Millennium & Copthorne Al Naseem Makkah, I manage housekeeping operations for more than 1,300 rooms, successfully maintaining high standards during the demanding Hajj and Ramadan seasons and periods of full occupancy.
I have strengthened operational performance through structured inspections, SOP compliance, continuous training, data-driven quality monitoring and proactive preventive maintenance in collaboration with Engineering. By analysing guest feedback and performance trends, I have introduced corrective actions that improved room readiness, consistency and guest satisfaction. I have also optimised manpower deployment, inventory and linen management to improve productivity, control costs and ensure efficient operations.
Developing people remains central to my leadership. Through structured induction, coaching and mentoring, I have built confident, accountable teams capable of maintaining exceptional standards under pressure. I have also promoted sustainable practices through responsible linen and chemical management, reducing unnecessary consumption and waste.
I believe the future of housekeeping will be shaped by technology, sustainability and empowered people. Digital inspections, predictive maintenance and data-driven decisions can make operations smarter, but the human touch will remain essential. My vision is to develop skilled, motivated teams that embrace innovation while delivering the warmth, care and attention to detail that define true hospitality.
Haidar Ali, Executive Housekeeper, Royal M Resorts Al Aqqah Fujairah
Over a 15-year career in luxury hospitality, I have built and led high-performing housekeeping teams committed to exceptional guest experiences, operational efficiency, and consistent luxury standards. My most significant contribution has been strengthening housekeeping operations through quality-focused inspections, process improvements, staff development, and strong leadership across multicultural teams.
I have introduced practical improvements that enhance productivity, reinforce service consistency, and promote accountability. Through regular training, coaching, mentoring, and performance monitoring, I have empowered team members to perform with confidence while fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. These efforts have contributed to stronger employee engagement, higher guest satisfaction, and consistently maintained brand standards across multiple properties.
Sustainability has also been central to my leadership approach. I have implemented practices focused on reducing waste, optimizing resource consumption, and improving operational efficiency, demonstrating that responsible housekeeping can support both environmental goals and business performance.
I believe I deserve recognition for combining integrity, passion, people development, and operational excellence throughout my career. Looking ahead, my vision is to integrate innovation, technology, and sustainability with strong human leadership to create smarter, more efficient housekeeping operations while developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Ibrahim Moawad, Cluster Executive Housekeeper/Director of Housekeeping, Hilton Hotels and Resorts
Throughout my nearly 24-year career with Four Seasons, Hyatt, Accor and Hilton, I have focused on building high-performing housekeeping operations that elevate guest satisfaction while improving efficiency and profitability. At Four Seasons, I was part of a pre-opening team, helping establish luxury housekeeping standards, procedures and training from the outset.
At Swissôtel Makkah, I led one of the region’s largest housekeeping operations, driving quality, cost optimisation and team development while maintaining luxury standards during demanding Hajj and Ramadan periods.
At Hilton, I strengthened quality assurance through structured inspections, training and accountability systems, while optimising manpower, controlling costs, improving laundry revenue and enhancing cleanliness scores. Across my career, I have also implemented energy conservation, chemical control and linen life-extension initiatives.
Developing people remains at the heart of my leadership. Through structured training, succession planning and coaching, I have built engaged teams and developed future housekeeping leaders.
I believe housekeeping should be viewed as a strategic business partner, contributing to guest satisfaction, profitability and sustainability. Looking ahead, I see technology, data-driven decision-making and sustainable practices transforming the profession. My goal is to continue raising standards while inspiring the next generation of hospitality leaders to see housekeeping as a career of influence, innovation and excellence.
John Manohar, Cluster Director of Housekeeping, JACOB'S J5 HOTELS, JACOB'S J5 HOTELS – PORT SAEED, JACOB'S J5 RIMAL HOTEL APARTMENTS ,JACOB'S J5 HOLIDAY HOMES
With more than 43 years in hospitality and over two decades in leadership, I have focused on building a culture where guest experience, operational efficiency, sustainability and team engagement work together. As Cluster Director of Housekeeping at J5 Hotels, I have introduced practical initiatives that deliver measurable environmental and operational results.
Through waste segregation and general-waste compactors, we reduced landfill waste by 30%. Water-saving measures reduced shower flow from 60 to 8 LPM, washbasin consumption from 10 to 5 LPM and WC consumption from 8 to 5 litres per flush. We also introduced Carbon Zero linen products, energy-efficient lighting, linen recycling and circular practices. Our sustainability efforts were recognised through a Sustainable Initiatives – Linen Recycling award and participation in the 360 Weave initiative.
People development remains at the heart of my leadership. Through coaching, mentoring, recognition and continuous learning, I empower teams to take ownership and understand how their work shapes guest satisfaction and hotel reputation.
Beyond J5 Hotels, I contribute to the profession through industry conferences, panels, forums, judging and knowledge-sharing initiatives. I believe housekeeping excellence is about more than maintaining cleanliness; it is about creating memorable experiences sustainably through proud, skilled and empowered teams.
My vision is for housekeeping to become smarter, greener and more technology-driven, combining data, innovation, circular practices and people development to strengthen its role as a strategic contributor to hotel success.
Kym Mayes, Housekeeping Manager, Emirates Flight Catering
I have always believed that motivated, well-trained teams are the foundation of exceptional housekeeping. Throughout my career, I have invested in coaching, on-the-job training, recognition and open communication, creating a culture where colleagues understand not only what they do, but why it matters. By setting clear expectations & leading by example, I have strengthened accountability, morale & pride in our work,
resulting in greater consistency, improved room presentation, stronger productivity & enhanced guest satisfaction.
Sustainability has also been a key focus of my leadership. I led the implementation of improved waste segregation processes across our operation, delivering Environmental Cascades across all airport concourses to ensure every team member understood their role in reducing environmental impact. These efforts contributed to 104.94 tonnes of plastic being recycled in 2025, significantly reducing waste sent to landfill.
I believe the future of housekeeping lies in positioning the profession as a strategic driver of guest satisfaction, sustainability and operational excellence. By embracing technology, investing in people and embedding sustainable practices, housekeeping can work smarter while delivering exceptional experiences.
Being recognised in the Housekeepers Power List 2026 would celebrate not only my achievements, but the dedication, passion and commitment of the teams I have had the privilege to lead.
Lal Bahadur Singh, Cluster Executive Housekeeper, The Torch Hotels
As Cluster Executive Housekeeper, I have focused on maintaining five-star housekeeping standards while improving operational efficiency, guest satisfaction and team performance. Through structured quality inspections, daily briefings, regular training, cross-training and stronger interdepartmental coordination, I have improved room readiness, productivity and service consistency.
People development is central to my leadership. I replaced the traditional annual staff recognition programme with a quarterly performance-based system, strengthening motivation, accountability and service quality. I also introduced a dedicated housekeeping communication group for real-time updates, task coordination and accurate record-keeping, enabling faster decisions and stronger teamwork. I make employee engagement a priority by recognising achievements, celebrating milestones and creating an environment where colleagues feel valued.
Sustainability has been another key focus. I introduced recycling initiatives for discarded linen, guest amenities and paper, while improving inventory control and reducing chemical and linen waste. I also implemented a Summer Action Plan to manage seasonal costs and monitor the use of water, electricity, flowers and other resources without compromising guest comfort. Structured deep-cleaning programmes further help preserve hotel assets and maintain exceptional cleanliness.
Looking ahead, I believe housekeeping must become more people-focused, technology-enabled and environmentally responsible. Through digital communication, smarter resource management, continuous development and sustainable practices, I aim to drive innovation and operational excellence while preserving the personalised service at the heart of five-star hospitality.
Manasa Shanbhag, Executive Housekeeper, Sheraton Bahrain
With more than 13 years of experience in housekeeping operations, I have focused on improving standards through team development, quality control and operational efficiency. I introduced more consistent room inspection procedures, strengthened attention to detail through regular coaching, and improved communication between Housekeeping and Front Office to ensure guest requests were addressed promptly.
By organising workloads more effectively, monitoring room turnaround times and reinforcing brand standards, I have improved productivity and operational consistency. These initiatives have contributed to higher room quality, faster room availability, fewer guest complaints and stronger guest satisfaction.
Leadership, for me, is about developing people while continuously improving the operation. I have introduced more efficient cleaning schedules, strengthened SOPs and implemented structured quality inspection processes that support both productivity and exceptional cleanliness standards. I have also promoted sustainable practices, including reducing unnecessary chemical and water consumption, improving waste segregation and encouraging reusable cleaning materials where appropriate. These initiatives have helped reduce operational costs while supporting wider sustainability objectives.
I believe housekeeping is about far more than maintaining cleanliness. It is about leading people, creating exceptional guest experiences and delivering lasting value for the business. My aim is to build high-performing teams through accountability, collaboration, mentoring and continuous learning, empowering colleagues with the skills and confidence to deliver excellence every day.
Maricel Salazar, Assistant Executive Housekeeper, Abesq Doha Hotel & Residences an IHG Hotel
My leadership has focused on elevating housekeeping standards through quality, consistency, operational efficiency and team development. I have strengthened inspection processes, introduced structured training and reinforced attention to detail, ensuring guest rooms and public areas consistently meet brand standards.
By closely monitoring guest feedback and implementing corrective actions, I have helped improve guest satisfaction while maintaining high cleanliness standards.
Developing people remains central to my approach. Through on-the-job training, coaching and cross-training, I have strengthened team confidence, improved productivity, reduced operational errors and prepared high-performing colleagues for greater responsibilities. I also foster a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous learning, encouraging colleagues to take pride in their work.
Sustainability and cost efficiency are equally important. I have focused on reducing waste through careful chemical usage, optimising linen and towel replacement, controlling inventory consumption, and reinforcing recycling and energy-saving practices. These initiatives have helped reduce costs while maintaining quality.
I have also improved coordination with Front Office and Engineering to enhance room turnaround times and respond more efficiently to guest requests.
Looking ahead, I believe housekeeping should become an even more strategic contributor to the guest experience through technology, data-driven decision-making, sustainability and continuous talent development. However, genuine care, attention to detail and the human touch will always remain at the heart of exceptional hospitality.
Mazhar Malik, Director of Housekeeping, Al Manakha Rotana Hotel Madina Munawara
My most significant contribution has been building a proactive and accountable housekeeping culture centred on consistent standards, guest satisfaction and operational discipline. Through daily room inspections, structured follow-up, stronger communication with Front Office and Engineering, and prompt action on guest feedback, I have improved room readiness, presentation and service consistency.
People development is central to my leadership. Through coaching, cross-training, daily briefings, one-to-one feedback and delegation, I have empowered supervisors and colleagues to take ownership of quality and identify practical solutions. I have also strengthened inventory monitoring, linen management, deep-cleaning programmes and preventive maintenance coordination to improve efficiency and resource utilisation.
Sustainability has been an important part of this approach. I have promoted responsible use of linen, uniforms and guest supplies, including coordinating the donation of more than 2,000 usable items such as linens, uniforms, plastic bottles and bed essentials in collaboration with Kiswa. This gave valuable resources a second life while supporting our sustainability objectives.
I believe the future of housekeeping lies in evolving from a traditional cleaning function into a strategic driver of guest experience and business performance. Technology, AI and data can improve productivity and resource management, but people will remain at the heart of hospitality. My goal is to develop skilled, empowered and digitally capable teams while promoting sustainability and inspiring the next generation of housekeeping leaders.
Mohamed Ibrahim Ziada, Executive Housekeeper, ANANTARA MINA RAS AL KHAIMAH RESORT
My leadership philosophy is centred on building sustainable housekeeping systems that deliver quality, efficiency and consistency at scale. I have strengthened cleaning and hygiene standards by introducing steam cleaning in guest rooms and enhancing carpet and sofa deep-cleaning through the HYLA system.
A structured ‘task of the day’ rotation has improved productivity and reduced rework, enabling each room attendant to service 13 rooms per day while maintaining an average cleaning time of 30 minutes per room.
These initiatives have contributed to strong performance, including a 98% GRI cleaning score, 95% NPS cleaning score and 94% LQA score, exceeding key benchmarks.
For me, innovation is also about human connection. I introduced a ‘plus one’ service mindset, encouraging colleagues to add thoughtful personal touches that make guests feel genuinely welcomed. This philosophy extends to public areas and laundry, where attention to small details can create lasting impressions.
I lead a 56-member team through hands-on coaching, clear career pathways, buddy systems and daily floor presence. I also promote commercial awareness by sharing P&L performance and educating the team on responsible product usage.
Sustainability is embedded through waste segregation, recycling, water filtration and Diversey Green Wash solutions that reduce water and chemical consumption. Ultimately, I strive to build a team that takes ownership, delivers consistently and creates experiences guests remember.
Mohammed Iqbal Hossain, Executive Housekeeper, Holiday Inn Muscat
My most significant contribution has been elevating housekeeping standards through rigorous room inspections, structured team training and strong interdepartmental collaboration. By placing quality assurance and staff development at the centre of my leadership, I have improved consistency in room cleanliness, enhanced guest satisfaction and strengthened operational efficiency while maintaining cost control and service excellence.
I have also focused on building a motivated and accountable team by continuously improving training, reinforcing quality standards and encouraging colleagues to take ownership of their responsibilities. Alongside operational excellence, I have implemented sustainable housekeeping practices that have helped reduce waste and promote more responsible resource use.
These initiatives have delivered improved inspection results, higher guest satisfaction, stronger productivity and a more engaged team. I believe housekeeping excellence is achieved when high standards are supported by capable, confident and empowered people.
I believe I deserve recognition in the Housekeepers Power List 2026 for my commitment to maintaining exceptional standards, developing my team and consistently enhancing the guest experience. My vision is to create a housekeeping culture that is efficient, sustainable and guest-focused, where every team member is empowered to develop their potential and contribute meaningfully to the success of the operation.
Mudasir Nazir, Director of Housekeeping, Hilton Doha
My contribution to housekeeping has centred on raising standards, improving operational efficiency, controlling costs and developing a more accountable, guest-focused team. By strengthening room inspections, supervisor follow-up and daily coordination, I have improved room cleanliness, public area presentation and overall guest readiness.
One of my key achievements has been identifying an opportunity to bring marble polishing and crystallisation in-house rather than relying fully on external contractors. By reviewing chemicals, pads, manpower, machinery and processes, we identified the potential to reduce monthly costs from approximately QAR 22,000 to QAR 4,796 – a potential saving of around QAR 17,204 per month without compromising quality or presentation.
I have also invested heavily in team development, training supervisors and attendants in inspections, room readiness, public area standards, communication and guest request handling. This has strengthened accountability, confidence and ownership across the department.
My leadership philosophy is rooted in practical action, continuous improvement and teamwork. I believe housekeeping is about more than cleanliness; it is about consistency, care, responsiveness and creating a comfortable guest experience.
Looking ahead, I aim to build a more efficient, sustainable, technology-driven and people-focused housekeeping operation through smarter planning, data-led decision-making, reduced wastage and stronger career development, creating a team that is confident, motivated and proud of its work.
Muhammed Abdul Fathah M T, Housekeeping Manager, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort & Dhafra Beach Hotel
Since taking charge of both properties in mid-2025, I have focused on strengthening housekeeping standards through rigorous inspections, staff training, quality audits and daily analysis of guest feedback. These efforts have delivered measurable improvements across both hotels.
At Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, overall guest sentiment increased from 76 to 88, while Rooms improved from 73 to 88 and Cleanliness from 80 to 94. At Dhafra Beach Hotel, overall sentiment rose from 77 to 85, with Rooms increasing from 74 to 81 and Cleanliness from 79 to 89.
People development has been equally important to my leadership. Through training, coaching, recognition and team-building initiatives, I increased employee engagement from 76% to 90%, while supporting team members in progressing into higher positions.
I have also championed sustainability by introducing sustainable cleaning products, refillable bathroom dispensers and eco-friendly dry guest-room amenities, helping reduce single-use plastic while maintaining luxury standards.
I believe housekeeping should be guest-focused, people-driven and environmentally responsible. For me, excellence extends beyond spotless rooms; it is about creating memorable experiences, developing future leaders and making a positive environmental and community impact. I am particularly proud to represent the “Western Region of Abu Dhabi” and showcase the exceptional hospitality delivered by its dedicated teams.
Nadeem Saleem, Cluster Executive Housekeeper, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel Ajman/Coral Beach Resort Sharjah
As Cluster Executive Housekeeper for Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, I have focused on elevating housekeeping through quality, operational efficiency, sustainability and people development. I introduced enhanced room inspection standards, digital housekeeping monitoring, stronger preventive maintenance coordination and optimised staffing to improve productivity and consistency while maintaining guest comfort.
Sustainability is central to my leadership. I have reduced single-use plastics through refillable amenity dispensers, strengthened waste segregation and recycling, optimised chemical usage, and supported water, energy, linen and towel conservation initiatives. Working with other departments, I have also contributed to environmental audits, sustainability projects and certification programmes aligned with the UAE’s sustainable tourism goals.
Developing people is equally important. Through structured training, coaching, cross-exposure between both properties and regular performance reviews, I have strengthened team capability, engagement and accountability while preparing future housekeeping leaders. I believe sustainability succeeds when every team member understands their role in reducing waste and conserving resources.
These initiatives have contributed to improved guest satisfaction, stronger inspection standards, greater productivity, cost savings and a more motivated team.
I envision smart housekeeping powered by digital solutions, sustainable products, resource conservation and empowered people. My goal is to demonstrate that operational excellence and environmental responsibility can work together to create cleaner, greener and more responsible hotels.
Nader Elshiekh, Cluster Executive Housekeeper, Braira Hotels & Resorts
With more than 30 years in hospitality, I have focused on transforming housekeeping into a strategic function that drives guest satisfaction, operational excellence and business performance. I have standardised housekeeping procedures across multiple properties, strengthened inspections, training and performance monitoring, and improved room readiness while maintaining premium service standards.
Cost efficiency and sustainability have been central to my approach. By optimising chemical and linen consumption, improving inventory management, reducing waste and streamlining workflows, I have delivered cost savings without compromising guest experience. I believe operational efficiency and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand.
Developing people is equally important. Through structured onboarding, skills training, coaching, mentoring and performance feedback, I have built motivated teams that take ownership of quality and continuously seek ways to improve. I also empower supervisors and team members to identify challenges and contribute to solutions.
I work closely with Front Office, Engineering, Laundry and Food & Beverage to create a seamless guest journey, improving communication and service coordination.
Looking ahead, I see technology, AI, data analytics, smart-room technology and predictive maintenance reshaping housekeeping. However, the human touch will remain essential. My goal is to inspire the next generation to view housekeeping as a career of influence, innovation and excellence.
Nithya Mehrotra, Director Of Rooms, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
I have built my career around creating a culture of operational excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement. From my role as Executive Housekeeper during the pre-opening of Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah to leading the Rooms Division today, I have consistently focused on raising quality standards while delivering memorable guest experiences.
My most significant contribution has been bringing housekeeping, front office and guest services together to create a seamless guest journey. Through strong quality standards, proactive service recovery, cross-training, coaching and recognition, I have empowered teams to take ownership of guest satisfaction and operational performance. This approach has strengthened engagement, productivity and consistency while ensuring Hilton brand standards are consistently achieved.
I have also championed sustainable practices by optimising resource use, reducing waste and improving operational efficiency. For me, leadership is about developing people, encouraging accountability and creating an environment where every team member takes pride in their contribution.
I believe the future of hotel housekeeping lies at the intersection of technology, sustainability and human connection. By embracing smart solutions, data-driven decisions and continuous learning, we can create more efficient operations without losing the personal touch that defines exceptional hospitality. I am committed to leading this evolution with care, innovation and purpose.
Nitin Pandere, Executive Housekeeper and Incharge of Sport & Leisure, Jumeirah Muscat Bay
As Executive Housekeeper and In-Charge of Sports & Leisure at Jumeirah Muscat Bay, I have focused on driving operational excellence, developing people and consistently elevating the guest experience. I strengthened housekeeping standards through structured inspections, improved room-readiness processes, preventive maintenance coordination and continuous coaching,
while working closely with Engineering, Front Office, Laundry and other teams to improve efficiency and reduce service delays.
People development remains central to my leadership. Through coaching, cross-training and mentoring, I have built a versatile, confident and engaged team capable of consistently delivering luxury standards. I have also embraced innovation by using operational data and guest feedback to identify improvements and strengthen workflows.
Sustainability is another key priority. I have supported initiatives to reduce waste and optimise the use of linen, water, energy and cleaning chemicals, embedding greater environmental responsibility into daily operations.
My contribution extends beyond the resort. I was recognised among the Top 30 Most Popular Housekeeping Leaders in the Middle East in 2023 and 2024, and in 2025 I was invited to speak at the Clean Middle East Conference in Oman on data-driven decision-making in housekeeping and FM.
I believe the future of housekeeping lies in combining technology, data, sustainability and human service to create smarter operations and exceptional guest experiences.
Pamini Hemaprabha, International Luxury Hospitality and Retail Leader
I have focused on transforming housekeeping through standardised processes, technology, sustainability and continuous team development. I introduced comprehensive cleaning checklists, regular training and clear KPIs to strengthen consistency, quality and accountability. Technology has also played an important role, including inventory management systems, mobile housekeeping applications, smart cleaning equipment and data analytics to improve communication, resource planning and operational efficiency.
These initiatives delivered measurable results, including a 20% reduction in cleaning time, a 15% increase in efficiency and a 15% reduction in operational costs. By improving processes and using data to guide decisions, teams have been able to focus more on guest engagement while maintaining high cleaning standards.
Sustainability is another key priority. I introduced biodegradable cleaning products, recycling initiatives, water-saving practices and low-flow fixtures, contributing to a 30% reduction in chemical waste and a 25% reduction in water consumption.
People development remains central to my leadership. Through comprehensive technical and soft-skills training, cross-training and recognition programmes, I have strengthened morale, reduced turnover by 40% and increased employee engagement by 35%. These improvements contributed to a 20% increase in guest satisfaction and 25% higher overall productivity.
My vision is for housekeeping to become increasingly technology-enabled, sustainable and guest-focused, supported by continuous learning and stronger collaboration across departments to deliver seamless, personalised experiences.
Prabhat Shukla, Director of Housekeeping & Quality, Intercontinental Doha The City
As Director of Housekeeping & Quality at InterContinental Doha The City and InterContinental Residence Suites Doha, I have focused on transforming housekeeping from a traditional support function into a strategic business partner that drives guest satisfaction, operational performance, sustainability and colleague engagement.
Through data-driven productivity planning, structured quality audits, digital performance tracking and SMART action plans aligned with IHG’s Inspire Incredible philosophy, we achieved a 5.44-point increase in Guest Love and a 7.06-point improvement in Room Cleanliness, while maintaining strong brand compliance across more than 1,075 guest room credits, residences and facilities. Our 111-strong multicultural team also achieved an exceptional 99% Heartbeat colleague engagement score.
Sustainability is central to my leadership. I have championed Green Key initiatives, waste reduction, responsible chemical management, linen and energy conservation, resource optimisation and preventive maintenance, promoting responsible luxury without compromising guest expectations.
People development remains my greatest passion. Through succession planning, mentoring, cross-functional exposure and leadership coaching, I have helped colleagues build skills and prepare for future leadership roles. Beyond the hotel, as President of the Asian Housekeepers Association and Founder of the Qatar Housekeepers Association, I promote knowledge-sharing, professional recognition and continuous learning across the region.
My vision is to make housekeeping more technology-enabled, sustainable, ergonomic and people-focused, using AI and smart technologies while preserving the human connection at the heart of hospitality.
Praveen Kumar Chaudhury, Housekeeping Manager, Marriott Executive Apartment
With 25 years dedicated to housekeeping, I have focused on raising standards through strong leadership, team development and operational excellence. I lead by example, coaching and motivating colleagues to improve productivity, maintain attention to detail and remain focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
People development is at the heart of my approach. Through continuous training, coaching and recognition, I have built a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement, empowering team members to take greater ownership of their responsibilities.
I have also introduced more efficient cleaning processes, optimised resource utilisation and encouraged environmentally responsible practices to reduce waste while improving productivity. By combining operational discipline with innovation and sustainability, I have helped create an efficient and guest-focused housekeeping operation.
I believe I deserve recognition in the Housekeepers Power List 2026 because my career reflects 25 years of passion, commitment and continuous improvement within the housekeeping profession. I take pride in developing people, maintaining high standards and ensuring that every guest receives a positive and memorable experience.
Looking ahead, my vision is to combine innovation, sustainability and the human touch to shape the future of housekeeping. I want to continue inspiring and developing the next generation of housekeeping professionals while demonstrating that excellence begins with empowered people, responsible practices and a genuine commitment to guests.
Prince Kaushik, Director of Housekeeping, Salalah Rotana Resort
As Director of Housekeeping at Salalah Rotana Resort, I have focused on transforming housekeeping into a strategic department that drives guest satisfaction, operational efficiency and brand reputation. Through structured inspections, preventive maintenance coordination and consistent room presentation standards, I have strengthened accountability and improved room readiness through closer collaboration with Front Office, Engineering and Laundry.
I introduced systematic deep-cleaning schedules, detailed quality audits and SOP-driven operations to maintain consistent standards throughout both peak Khareef season and normal operations. Developing people has been equally important. Through coaching, recognition, cross-training and leadership development, I have built a motivated team while strengthening succession planning and preparing future leaders.
Sustainability is embedded in my approach through responsible chemical usage, resource conservation, waste reduction and environmentally responsible housekeeping practices. I have also encouraged data-driven decision-making, improved inspection processes and stronger interdepartmental communication to enhance productivity, room turnaround and colleague engagement.
I believe the future of housekeeping lies in combining technology with the human touch. Digital inspections, predictive maintenance, smart resource management and AI-supported planning can improve efficiency, while empathy, attention to detail and genuine hospitality remain essential.
My goal is to continue developing the next generation of housekeeping leaders and positioning our profession as a strategic contributor to guest experience, sustainability and overall hotel success.
Ram Sharan Khatiwada, Housekeeping Manager- Hospitality, Al Ain SEHA Health Care Services
Ram Sharan Khatiwada has brought more than two decades of luxury hospitality experience into healthcare, redefining hospitality support services as an essential part of patient-centred care. As Manager – Hospitality Support Services with SEHA, a PureHealth subsidiary, he oversees operations across four Abu Dhabi healthcare facilities and leads a workforce of more than 2,000 employees.
Beginning his career as a Room Attendant, Ram progressed through leading international hospitality brands, contributing to the opening of nine hotels and resorts and managing large multicultural teams and multimillion-dirham operations. His transition into healthcare reflects his belief that hospitals, like hotels, must create environments where people feel respected, comfortable and cared for.
Drawing on five-star hospitality principles, he has enhanced patient environments through premium-quality linens, improved operating supplies and selected luxury amenities, while ensuring strict compliance with healthcare safety and infection prevention requirements. His approach combines comfort with clinical responsibility, positioning housekeeping and hospitality services as contributors to patient confidence, dignity and wellbeing.
Ram also places strong emphasis on people development, coaching and engagement, while supporting a workforce comprising approximately 90% Emirati nationals. His vision is to integrate hospitality excellence with advanced healthcare, technology, sustainability and compassionate service, helping Abu Dhabi establish a global benchmark for patient experience where healing extends beyond treatment to the environment in which care is delivered.
Ramesh Kumar, Housekeeping Manager, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone Authority
Throughout my tenure at RAKEZ, I have focused on transforming housekeeping from a routine support function into a strategic service that drives operational excellence, customer satisfaction, sustainability, and business value. I introduced preventive cleaning schedules, standardized inspections, KPI-based performance monitoring, digital service tracking,
and structured contractor evaluations, improving service consistency across industrial and business zones, public areas, roads, accommodations, and shared facilities.
Customer experience was strengthened through faster response mechanisms, improved stakeholder communication, and systematic complaint monitoring. Sustainability has been a defining part of my leadership, with initiatives covering waste segregation, cardboard, wood, glass and scrap recycling, resource recovery, TSE reuse, and environmental awareness campaigns. These efforts have supported RAKEZ’s ESG objectives and reduced environmental impact.
People development has been equally important. Through mentoring, toolbox talks, coaching, and performance feedback, I have built a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to identify solutions and take ownership of service standards.
I believe the future of housekeeping lies in becoming more technology-enabled, sustainable, and people-centred through digital inspections, real-time dashboards, predictive maintenance, automation, smart waste management, and data analytics. However, technology must complement—not replace—the human element. Recognition on the Housekeepers Power List 2026 would celebrate not only my achievements, but the vital contribution of housekeeping professionals to creating safe, sustainable, efficient, and welcoming environments.
Rishabh Singh, Housekeeping Manager, Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC
I believe great housekeeping is measured not only by immaculate rooms, but by the people we develop, experiences we create and value we deliver. As Housekeeping Manager at Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC, I have built a culture of excellence, ownership and continuous improvement, reflected in a 100% Employee Satisfaction Score for two consecutive years and consistently strong cleanliness results.
I have strengthened operational performance through rigorous quality standards, cross-departmental collaboration, multi-skilling and demand-based rostering, achieving full operational coverage while optimising labour costs. During periods of lower occupancy and geopolitical uncertainty, strategic floor closures, vacation planning and supplier negotiations generated savings without compromising guest experience. I also led Front Office operations alongside Housekeeping during Q1 2026, ensuring seamless performance across both departments.
Sustainability remains central to my leadership. I introduced 100% biodegradable dry amenities and supported the hotel’s in-house water plant initiative, reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles. Working with Engineering, I also contributed to Green Engage targets through resource efficiency and waste reduction.
People development is equally important. Through coaching, cross-training and empowerment, I have created opportunities for career growth while strengthening team engagement.
My vision is for housekeeping to become more sustainable, technology-enabled and commercially aware, with leaders who understand guest experience, business performance and the enduring importance of people.
Santosh Pardeshi, Executive Housekeeper, Hilton
When I took over the housekeeping department in early 2024, I inherited significant operational challenges: 25% staff turnover, room turnaround delays of 20%, a failed Hilton Quality Control Audit score of 64%, and costs running 15% over budget. I set out to transform the operation through digitalisation, sustainability, cost control and team empowerment.
I introduced a real-time mobile management system, replacing paper-based processes and improving coordination between Front Office and Room Attendants. I also implemented concentrated, eco-friendly cleaning solutions and a ‘Linen Life Cycle’ tracking system to reduce waste and control costs. These initiatives helped reduce chemical and waste costs by 19%.
People development was equally important. Through peer mentoring, cross-training, career pathways and recognition programmes, I strengthened engagement and reduced turnover from 25% to 4%. Strategic, volume-based scheduling also reduced overtime costs by 95%.
Digitalisation extended to uniform and linen management through barcode systems, saving more than 32,000 pages annually and reducing administrative waste. Our Zero Plastic initiative achieved a 95% reduction in plastic bag usage, saving approximately 3,420kg of plastic and QAR 34,200 annually.
The results were transformational: our Quality Control score rose from 64% to 97.58%, the highest in Hilton Qatar, while room turnaround improved by 12 minutes. My vision is to make housekeeping a data-driven, sustainable and people-focused strategic asset for the hotel.
Seyyed Kasim Abdul, Cluster Executive Housekeeper, Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel
My biggest contribution has been maintaining high cleanliness standards while ensuring rooms are consistently ready on time for guests. Through attention to detail, adherence to hotel standards, teamwork and prompt issue resolution, I have helped create clean, comfortable and welcoming experiences for our guests.
I am particularly proud of the housekeeping team’s contribution to the wider improvements across our property, which helped us achieve the Silver Tier 2025 recognition. By maintaining room quality, supporting sustainability initiatives and collaborating closely with other departments, we contributed to stronger operational performance and an improved guest experience.
Our efforts also supported strong guest satisfaction, with the property achieving 23rd place out of 897 hotels on TripAdvisor at the time of submission. This achievement reflects the collective dedication of the entire team and reinforces the importance of consistent housekeeping standards in shaping a hotel’s reputation.
I believe I deserve recognition in the Housekeepers Power List 2026 for my dedication to quality, teamwork and guest satisfaction. Looking ahead, my vision is to continue raising housekeeping standards, supporting sustainability, developing colleagues and contributing to the property’s ongoing success. I believe that through consistency, teamwork and a commitment to continuous improvement, housekeeping can play a vital role in creating memorable guest experiences and achieving lasting hotel success.
Shah Poran Miah, Housekeeping Manager, The Outpost Al Barari Resort
With 17 years of hospitality experience across the GCC, my most significant contribution has been leading the pre-opening and operations of the housekeeping department at a luxury desert resort. I developed comprehensive housekeeping SOPs, established quality standards, recruited and trained the team, and implemented structured inspection procedures to ensure every room consistently met high cleanliness and service standards.
Throughout my career, I have focused on leading by example while driving innovation, sustainability and continuous team development. I introduced structured training programmes, daily briefings and regular room quality inspections to strengthen operational consistency and accountability. I have also provided hands-on coaching in cleaning techniques, guest interaction and safety procedures, helping team members build confidence, improve their skills and take greater ownership of their responsibilities.
My approach to leadership is centred on creating high-performing teams that understand the importance of their contribution to the overall guest experience. I believe that strong housekeeping operations are built through clear standards, effective communication, continuous learning and genuine engagement with people.
I believe I deserve recognition in the Housekeepers Power List 2026 because my 17-year GCC hospitality career reflects a consistent commitment to operational excellence, leadership and people development. I remain passionate about raising housekeeping standards, empowering teams and creating exceptional guest experiences through disciplined, innovative and people-focused leadership.
Shashi Ranjan Kumar, Assistant Executive Housekeeper, Coral Beach Resort, Sharjah
As Assistant Executive Housekeeper at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, I have focused on transforming housekeeping into a strategic driver of guest satisfaction, operational excellence, sustainability, and team development. By standardising SOPs, strengthening inspections, monitoring performance, and coaching supervisors and room attendants,
I helped maintain exceptional cleanliness standards, including 100% cleanliness on TrustYou and improving Booking.com cleanliness from 8.8 to 9.2, with a peak of 9.9.
Sustainability has been central to my leadership. I introduced biodegradable bathroom amenities, automatic soap dispensers, and a linen recycling programme that diverted approximately 1,000 kg of discarded linen and uniforms from landfill. I also enhanced cleaning and preventive maintenance practices while developing housekeeping-led flower arrangements and guest setup services that generated approximately AED 37,871 in additional revenue.
People development remains my greatest priority. As a Certified Departmental Trainer, I mentor colleagues through practical coaching, skills development, and continuous feedback, fostering accountability, confidence, and ownership. My efforts have been recognised through multiple Leader of the Quarter awards and the CSR Champion Award.
My vision is to position housekeeping as a strategic partner in hospitality through sustainability, innovation, digital transformation, and continuous learning. I aim to inspire future housekeeping leaders while demonstrating that excellence comes from integrity, teamwork, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to exceeding guest expectations.
Shrey Grover, Executive Housekeeper, Citymax Hotels
Over the past 15 years, I have focused on building high-performing housekeeping operations that balance guest satisfaction, profitability, sustainability, and people development. Leading operations across two hotels, I achieved a 96% Quality Audit score and maintained cleaning scores 5% above target, while delivering an 83% departmental profit through efficient cost management without compromising service standards.
People development remains central to my leadership approach. By promoting from within, supporting career transfers to sister properties, and investing in coaching and engagement, I maintained staff turnover at just 15%. I have also fostered an inclusive workplace that supports the organisation’s gender diversity goals.
Sustainability is embedded in our daily operations. Our recycling initiatives diverted 40,130 kg of waste from landfill in the last financial year, while 780 kg of paper and 270 kg of aluminium cans were donated to the Emirates Environmental Group in the first half of 2026. Through our partnership with Circulife by Landmark Group, discarded linens and uniforms were also responsibly repurposed.
I believe housekeeping is the heartbeat of a hotel and a key driver of business success. My vision is to continue modernising the profession through technology, data-driven insights, sustainable practices, and strong mentorship, while empowering the next generation of housekeeping leaders.
Sijith Periyadan, , Executive Housekeeper, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach
As Executive Housekeeper at Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, I lead 92 colleagues across Housekeeping, Laundry, Recreation and Health Club operations, overseeing 444 guestrooms and extensive public facilities. My focus has been to transform housekeeping into a high-performing, data-driven operation that combines luxury standards with productivity, sustainability and exceptional guest experiences.
Through enhanced inspections, room grading, preventive maintenance coordination and structured quality audits, we achieved a 92.5% LQA Housekeeping score. I also introduced time and motion studies, digital workflows, improved pantry layouts, inventory controls and productivity-based manpower planning to strengthen efficiency while maintaining service quality.
People development remains central to my leadership. Through coaching, mentoring, cross-training and personalised development plans, I have empowered colleagues to take ownership, resulting in internal promotions and stronger succession planning. I have also advanced paperless operations and embedded sustainability through linen recycling, repair programmes, reduced single-use plastics, improved chemical management and responsible resource consumption.
Guest satisfaction drives every initiative. Personalised programmes for long-stay guests, strategically positioned request stations and empowered supervisors have strengthened responsiveness and guest loyalty.
Being named a Top 7 Finalist for Best Hotel Housekeeper at the UAE MECHF Awards 2026 was a significant milestone. Looking ahead, I envision housekeeping becoming smarter, more sustainable and technology-enabled, using AI, predictive analytics and digital tools while preserving the human connection at the heart of hospitality.
Siva Mani, Housekeeping Manger, Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach
I have built my career around operational excellence, sustainability and people development. Starting as a Housekeeping Attendant and progressing to Housekeeping Manager at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, I have gained a strong understanding of every level of housekeeping operations, enabling me to lead by example and mentor future professionals.
My focus has been on creating a culture of quality, consistency and teamwork through structured cleaning standards, regular training, detailed inspections and continuous coaching. I have also improved operational efficiency by optimising manpower, controlling departmental expenses, and strengthening preventive maintenance and deep-cleaning programmes without compromising guest satisfaction.
As the hotel’s Sustainability Champion, I have led key initiatives to reduce environmental impact, including replacing single-use plastic guest amenities with bulk dispensers and supporting the introduction of an internal water-refilling system. I have also embedded sustainability awareness within the housekeeping team, making responsible practices part of everyday operations.
These efforts contributed to achieving over 95% compliance in the Green Globe Audit, Platinum Status, and the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Gold Tier Award.
I believe the future of housekeeping lies in combining exceptional service with technology, sustainability and continuous learning. My goal is to develop high-performing teams and future leaders while creating smarter, safer and more sustainable operations.
Subiah Ganeshan, Executive Housekeeper, Majestic Hotels
For more than 20 years with Majestic Hotels, I have been committed to operational excellence, consistency and exceptional housekeeping standards. As one of the organisation’s pioneers, I have played an important role in establishing and maintaining the culture, discipline and service standards that continue to shape the guest experience.
Throughout my journey, I have led by example, embracing change while preserving the core values of quality, attention to detail and guest satisfaction. I have mentored and trained generations of colleagues, sharing my knowledge and reinforcing best practices to build a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement. Many team members I have supported have grown into confident and experienced hospitality professionals.
As Majestic Hotels evolved from its first property into a growing group, I helped implement new procedures and operational improvements while maintaining consistency in service delivery. My hands-on approach has supported productivity, cleanliness standards and positive guest experiences.
I believe the future of housekeeping lies in combining traditional hospitality values with innovation and sustainability. Technology can improve efficiency, but the human touch will remain essential to exceptional service. My vision is to continue developing skilled professionals, embracing sustainable practices and ensuring housekeeping is recognised as a key driver of guest satisfaction and hotel success. Recognition would honour not only my 20-year journey, but the teams who have shaped it.
Subhojit Banerjee, Executive Director of Housekeeping, Wynn Al Marjan Island
As Executive Director of Housekeeping at Wynn Al Marjan Island, my most significant contribution has been building a world-class housekeeping operation from the ground up for one of the hospitality industry’s most ambitious integrated resorts. Leading six divisions—Rooms, Public Areas, Floral, Laundry & Linen, Uniform Control, and Butler Services—I have developed operational standards, workflows, training frameworks, leadership structures, and career pathways designed to support more than 1,000 housekeeping professionals.
My leadership philosophy centres on people, innovation, and creating a culture where excellence becomes a daily behaviour rather than something measured only through inspections. By aligning diverse teams under one shared vision, I have strengthened collaboration, operational readiness, colleague engagement, and pride across the department.
Throughout my career, including leadership roles at Atlantis, The Palm and Wynn Al Marjan Island, I have focused on developing future leaders and elevating housekeeping from a traditional support function into a strategic contributor to guest experience, culture, and business performance. My recognition through the Clean Middle East Housekeepers Power List and nomination for Forbes Travel Guide Rising Star further reflect this commitment.
My vision is to redefine housekeeping as a strategic leadership function powered by technology, innovation, sustainability, data, and—above all—people. Guests are our product, but colleagues are our purpose; when people take pride in what they do, exceptional guest experiences naturally follow.
Sulfikkarali Sidheek, Executive Housekeeper, Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel and Villas
I have focused on transforming housekeeping through digital innovation, sustainability and people development. One of my key achievements was leading the three-month transition from HotSOS to Hygeo, enabling mobile, real-time room status updates and guest preference management. This improved productivity, communication and personalisation while delivering annual savings of approximately USD 12,000 by eliminating the HotSOS renewal cost.
I also led the digitisation of housekeeping documentation. After identifying around 28 printed documents generated daily, I introduced Microsoft Forms and Hygeo to replace paper-based checklists, inspections, reports and handovers. Approximately 70% of operational checklists are now digital, while the introduction of a digital Shift Log has improved accountability, communication and real-time visibility. A biometric attendance system for casual colleagues has further strengthened workforce management.
Beyond operational efficiency, I prioritise team wellbeing. I introduced a ‘Stay Hydrated’ programme, providing personalised water bottles to around 80 colleagues, including outsourced team members, alongside hydration reminders during briefings. This reinforced a culture of care and employee engagement.
My vision is to create a fully paperless, digitally connected and people-focused housekeeping operation. I believe technology should reduce administrative workloads, strengthen data-driven decision-making and give teams more time to focus on quality and guests. By combining innovation, sustainability and wellbeing, I aim to help shape a smarter future for hotel housekeeping.
Suresh Khadka, Executive Housekeeper, Voco Muscat Al Mouj, Oman
I led the pre-opening of voco Muscat Al Mouj by IHG, the first voco-branded hotel in Oman, establishing the Housekeeping Department for the 251-room property and its recreation facilities. My focus was on creating an audit-ready operation that fully complied with IHG brand standards, safety requirements, SOPs and policies from day one.
I managed manpower planning, budgets, cost controls, inventory systems, OS&E, FF&E, linen and uniforms, while recruiting, training and developing a high-performing Housekeeping and Recreation team. I also introduced efficient linen, inventory and chemical management practices to support cost optimisation and sustainability.
Working closely with Engineering, Front Office and Project teams, I ensured timely room readiness and a smooth transition from pre-opening to daily operations. Following the opening, I continued to drive operational excellence through strong quality controls, team engagement and continuous improvement.
These efforts contributed to outstanding guest satisfaction, including a 100% Guest Love Cleanliness Score in March and a 96%+ Year-to-Date Cleanliness Score.
I believe the future of housekeeping lies in combining people development with smart technology, sustainability and innovation. My goal is to build high-performing teams and position housekeeping as a strategic driver of guest satisfaction, operational excellence and long-term hotel success.
Sushma Dahal, Executive Housekeeper, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar
My most significant contribution has been elevating housekeeping standards through rigorous quality inspections, structured deep-cleaning programmes, effective operational planning, and personalised guest experiences. Creative room decorations and special occasion setups have generated positive guest feedback, while stronger teamwork, productivity planning and accountability have improved overall service delivery.
I have driven innovation through digital preventive maintenance tracking, structured cleaning programmes and creative guest enhancements, supported by regular coaching, skills development and team empowerment. These initiatives have helped maintain guest room cleanliness scores above 9.6, strengthen guest satisfaction, improve productivity and build a highly engaged workforce.
Sustainability is also embedded in daily operations, with more than 80% of the resort operating through sustainable practices. These include environmentally responsible cleaning products, waste reduction, linen optimisation and resource-efficient processes. These efforts have contributed to the resort’s recognition as a leading sustainable luxury destination, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and exceptional hospitality can work together.
I believe I deserve recognition in the Housekeepers Power List 2026 for my commitment to operational excellence, innovation, sustainability and people development. My vision is to position housekeeping as a strategic contributor to guest experience and hotel success, combining technology, sustainability, creativity and continuous learning while preserving the human touch and attention to detail at the heart of hospitality.
Tatjana Ahmed, Director of Housekeeping/Functional Specialist, Grand Hyatt Dubai
I have transformed housekeeping from a support function into a strategic business partner influencing guest satisfaction, financial performance and operational excellence. Despite staffing challenges and changing guest demographics during the current regional unrest, I maintained high service standards while protecting financial performance through
disciplined labour management. Guest room cleanliness remains above 98%, reflecting a strong culture of quality, coaching and continuous development.
Innovation and sustainability are central to my approach. I introduced robotic cleaning machines for public areas and eliminated mop-and-bucket cleaning from back-of-house operations, replacing it with machine cleaning to improve efficiency, ergonomics and resource consumption. I also implemented chemical-free marble floor maintenance using industrial diamond pads across lobbies, restaurants, washrooms, guest bathrooms and suites, significantly reducing the use of crystallisation chemicals and strippers.
My contribution extends beyond my hotel. For 15 years, I have led the UAE Professional Housekeepers Group, a community of 380 members that facilitates knowledge-sharing, networking and best-practice exchange. Since 2025, I have also served as Chairwoman of the Women at Hyatt Dubai Chapter, supporting career development, networking and engagement among female colleagues.
I believe the future of housekeeping lies in combining exceptional people with intelligent technology. Automation and AI should enhance, not replace, human service, freeing teams from repetitive tasks and enabling more personalised guest experiences.
Tej Bahadur Magar, Executive Housekeeper and Recreation Manager, Marriott / Qabila Westbay Hotel
My most significant contribution has been building a strong, guest-focused housekeeping culture through leading by example, developing people, and encouraging ownership. I have focused on consistency, attention to detail, teamwork, and accountability to ensure that every team member understands their role in delivering an exceptional guest experience.
A key priority has been creating a close-knit team built on trust, mutual respect, and collaboration. Through improved communication, cross-training, and continuous support, we have strengthened daily operations, improved productivity, and maintained consistently high room cleanliness standards. I have also encouraged responsible resource use and waste reduction, helping the team work more efficiently while supporting sustainable housekeeping practices.
The result has been a more motivated, accountable, and united team, contributing to stronger room standards and improved guest satisfaction. I believe my nomination for the Housekeepers Power List 2026 reflects not only my individual contribution but also the collective effort of the team I lead.
My vision for the future of housekeeping is to develop empowered, skilled, and sustainable teams that continuously improve while preserving the human touch at the heart of hospitality. I believe the strongest housekeeping departments are built on people—people who feel respected, take pride in their work, support one another, and understand that every detail contributes to making guests feel genuinely welcomed and cared for.
Trishna Hundal, Executive Housekeeper/Rooms Division, Accor
As Executive Housekeeper, my most significant contribution has been establishing a defect-free room culture that improved cleanliness and maintenance scores by 8% and 6%, respectively. Through structured training, detailed inspections, stronger interdepartmental coordination, and consistent standards, I have improved room readiness, reduced guest concerns, and strengthened accountability across the department.
Over the past eight months, cleanliness scores increased from 88% to 96–97%, repeat housekeeping complaints decreased by 25%, and guest-supply consumption was reduced by 12% compared with 2025. I also replaced physical task sheets with QR-code and smartphone-based assignments, reducing paper and printing while improving productivity tracking. With rooms operating under 100% Green practices, sustainability remains embedded in daily operations.
People development has been equally important. I cross-trained eight colleagues for future opportunities, established individual career paths, and conduct quarterly one-to-one reviews to track progress. Two team members have successfully transferred to other departments for career growth.
I believe recognition should reflect not only cleanliness but also the people developed, efficiencies created, and environmental impact achieved. My vision is a technology-enabled, sustainable, inclusive housekeeping function where digital tools, data, and carefully controlled AI enhance—not replace—human judgement and care. I want housekeeping professionals to have continuous learning, clear career pathways, wellbeing support, and a stronger voice in hotel operations.
Vinodh Venkataperumal, Cluster Executive Housekeeper, Centara Muscat Hotels Oman
My contribution has focused on strengthening housekeeping standards through structured SOP implementation, team training, quality audits and data-driven improvement plans. At Centara Muscat Hotel Oman and CHR Oman properties, I have worked to enhance room cleanliness, service consistency, sustainability and guest satisfaction by aligning operations with brand standards and guest feedback.
I have demonstrated leadership by developing teams through continuous coaching, cross-training and performance-focused development plans, building accountability and preparing future leaders. By introducing improved SOPs, quality monitoring systems and structured action plans, I have helped identify recurring issues, strengthen service delivery and create a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
Sustainability has also been an important part of my approach. I have supported waste reduction, greener operational practices and more responsible resource management, while maintaining the quality standards expected of a leading hospitality operation.
Through close collaboration across departments, I have helped improve operational consistency, guest satisfaction and cost control. I believe housekeeping should be viewed as a strategic driver of the overall guest experience rather than simply a support function.
My vision is to create a future-ready housekeeping culture where technology, sustainability, empowered teams and personalised guest experiences work together to deliver world-class hospitality while developing the next generation of housekeeping leaders.
Zeba Khan, Housekeeping Manager, St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar
Since joining St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island in January 2025, I have focused on transforming housekeeping through structured training, operational discipline, innovation and people development. I introduced twice-daily training sessions, strengthened LQA-based inspections and established clear accountability for supervisors, creating a culture of consistency and continuous improvement.
By the end of 2025, Housekeeping was recognised as the Best Department of the Quarter, leading the hotel in Guest Satisfaction Scores, departmental revenue, LQA, Forbes and Marriott International Health Check results. In 2026, the department has continued to achieve scores of 90–95%.
I also redesigned residential housekeeping packages following a time-and-motion study, improving service consistency, generating additional revenue and supporting manpower planning. In laundry, I developed an internal leader and introduced stronger standards, pricing and quality controls, virtually eliminating quality complaints while increasing revenue.
People development remains my greatest achievement. Through cross-training and clear career pathways, several associates have progressed into leadership roles. I also introduced daily ‘Wow Moment’ recognition and guest preference tracking, strengthening personalised service.
Sustainability has been integrated through a colour-coded chemical caddy system that reduced waste, plastic consumption and operating costs. Leading 76 associates across a complex luxury destination, my vision is to position housekeeping as a strategic driver of guest experience, revenue, sustainability and talent development.
Zhennia Cheng, Director of Housekeeping, In-charge of Residences Operation, InterContinental Hotel Beach and Spa
With almost 30 years of experience in hotel housekeeping leadership, I have focused on building a culture of consistency, accountability, teamwork and attention to detail. Through hands-on leadership, continuous coaching, Forbes standards training and close interdepartmental collaboration,
I have strengthened quality control, operational planning, staffing efficiency and communication, ensuring consistently high standards across guest rooms and public areas.
People development has always been central to my leadership. Through coaching, cross-training, delegation and empowerment, I encourage supervisors and team members to take ownership, share ideas and find practical solutions, particularly during high-occupancy and challenging periods. This approach has improved teamwork, accountability, manpower utilisation and operational efficiency while maintaining guest satisfaction.
I have also championed sustainable housekeeping practices by improving the planning and reuse of flowers, plants and linen, while reducing unnecessary consumption and ensuring resources are used responsibly without compromising the guest experience.
I believe housekeeping is about more than cleanliness; it is about creating comfort, care and a sense of belonging for every guest. Looking ahead, my vision is to build innovative, sustainable and people-focused operations where technology and data help teams work smarter, while training and career development remain priorities. I want housekeeping to be recognised as a strategic, respected profession that offers meaningful opportunities for people to grow and build rewarding careers.
Sponsored by Tork
For more than half a century, Tork has been shaping professional hygiene through innovation. Today, Tork is the global leading brand in professional hygiene, helping businesses improve performance and make working life better.
As part of Essity, they inspire and support businesses to think ahead and stay ready—from enhancing user experiences and improving cleaning efficiencies to finding new ways to support sustainability ambitions.
This ambition drives their people and innovations in circularity, well-being, and health. Their portfolio includes dispensers, tissue, towels, soaps, napkins, wipers, and innovative hygiene solutions designed to save time, money and effort.
Tork Vision Cleaning, their data-driven cleaning solution, uses real-time data and connected technology to help teams clean where and when it matters most, improving cleaning efficiency and supporting better ways of working.
Designed with your business and the planet in mind, Tork solutions help you focus on what matters most to your business.
Find out more at: Torkglobal.com/ae/en

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