An exclusive one-on-one interview with Farid Hagag, Executive Housekeeper at Royal M Hotel Fujairah By Gewan & Uptown Apartments Fujairah By Gewan, offers insights into a remarkable journey of dedication, perseverance, and passion within the realm of housekeeping. Hagag, an Egyptian citizen aged 42, traces his trajectory from humble beginnings in the housekeeping department since 1999 to his current prestigious position.

Hagag's journey epitomizes the essence of climbing the management ladder through unwavering commitment and sheer determination. 

Through his remarkable journey and insightful perspectives, Farid Hagag embodies the spirit of excellence and dedication within the field of housekeeping, inspiring others to strive for greatness in their own endeavors, as reflected in this One-on-One interview. 

Tell us about yourself

I'm Farid Hagag, an Egyptian citizen, aged 42. Since 1999, I've dedicated myself to the housekeeping department, starting from the bottom and steadily ascending the management hierarchy through hard work, perseverance, and determination. With sweat and patience, I pursued my dream, ultimately achieving my ambition of becoming an executive housekeeper.

When did you start your housekeeping journey and how have you grown since then?

I embarked on my professional journey as a housekeeping staff member in employee housing, but my gaze was always set on those colleagues bustling within the hotel's public areas. Determined to transition from staff housing to a role within the hotel, my aspirations were met with jubilation when the housekeeping manager spotted me one day and declared, "You'll be joining us in the hotel tomorrow morning." Overwhelmed with happiness, I scarcely slept that night, eagerly anticipating the morning ahead. Stepping into my new role filled me with joy and satisfaction. Within a mere month, I set my sights on the next milestone: becoming a room supervisor. After six months, I ventured to a different hotel where my manager became a paternal figure, recognizing my potential and offering unwavering support. Under his guidance, I assumed the role of room supervisor. We worked in tandem for two years before relocating to another city and hotel, fueled by my enduring passion for housekeeping. Transitioning through various roles—from supervisor to a stint in Greece working in floating hotels—my journey led me back to Egypt where I progressed from first supervisor to assistant manager of housekeeping. A shift to sports activities management ensued before my relocation to Dubai in 2016, where I assumed the mantle of executive housekeeper at the Riviera Hotel. My journey continued through various roles, including overseeing operations at Expo's Conference of the Parties, culminating in my current position in Fujairah at the Royal M Hotel & Uptown Apartments under Gewan Hotel Management.

What is the best and most challenging part of your job?
The best part of my job is dealing with different nationalities and cultures, which helps in scientific revitalization and innovation. The most challenging part of my job is always staying on top

What drives your career?
What drives my professional life is the passion and ambition to go as far as possible in my field of work.

Tell us about the best housekeeping practices you follow
The primary housekeeping principles I adhere to involve fostering teamwork, cultivating a joyful atmosphere regardless of stress levels, and providing ongoing training for employees to ensure the success of our system.

What is your take on emerging cleaning technologies?
I prioritize utilizing cleaning techniques that incorporate natural materials to safeguard the health of both employees and guests. Continuously seeking out new methods aligning with this approach is essential to me. Looking ahead, I aspire for cleaning materials companies to cultivate comprehensive awareness and adopt practices that prioritize environmental preservation.

Why is training important to you?
Providing training to the cleaning workforce is not only commendable but also a source of pride, signifying a growing awareness in this field. I earnestly hope this initiative will persist. As I've mentioned previously, we constitute the backbone of any establishment.

Your advice to fellow housekeepers
For those embarking on their journey in housekeeping, I offer the following advice: Firstly, never perceive yourself solely as a cleaning worker; instead, envision yourself as an interior designer leaving a lasting imprint of beauty and innovation. Secondly, cultivate a genuine passion for your work to foster creativity. Let your aspirations drive you to ascend the ladder of success, step by step, until you reach the pinnacle.