An Exclusive with Hyatt’s Commercial Leader for the MEA
Ahmed El Meligui
Redefining Hospitality in the Middle East and Africa
By Peter Davis
With more than 30 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, Ahmed El Meligui, Regional Vice President, Sales, Revenue and Business Development, and Business Development for the Middle East and Africa at Hyatt, has become a key architect of commercial growth and innovation in the region. Since joining Hyatt in 2022, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the group’s strategy across a diverse and rapidly evolving market.
El Meligui’s approach is rooted in a wealth of experience spanning both on-property and above-property roles. This dual lens has allowed him to expertly navigate the intricate balance between operational effectiveness and strategic direction. His leadership, marked by a genuine passion for people development, has inspired high-performing teams across culturally diverse landscapes, fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusion.
Reflecting on the hospitality sector’s transformation over the decades, El Meligui notes the MEA region has experienced a profound shift. Guest expectations have matured towards personalised service, seamless digital integration, and environmentally conscious operations. “Today’s guests seek meaningful, frictionless experiences supported by smart technology and sustainable values,” he explains.
Consequently, commercial strategies have evolved too, embracing dynamic pricing, data-driven customisation, and alliances that foster brand differentiation and loyalty.
Upon joining Hyatt, El Meligui’s priorities were clear: to strengthen customer relationships, highlight the breadth of Hyatt’s brand portfolio, and synchronise distribution and innovation strategies. Sustainability, particularly within the MICE sector, also featured heavily on his agenda. As the market continued to shift, so did the focus, expanding to emerging segments, nurturing local partnerships, and adapting to post-pandemic travel behaviours, all while ensuring the guest experience remained at the core.
El Meligui’s broad experience, both at property level and within corporate leadership, has shaped a holistic vision for revenue growth. His time spent at the operational level instilled a deep appreciation for service excellence and team engagement. At the corporate level, he embraced broader strategic thinking, identifying macro trends, building synergy between properties, and driving sustainable performance.
His leadership style is defined by authenticity and empowerment. In a region as culturally diverse as MEA, El Meligui emphasises the importance of open communication and mutual respect. “Recognising and celebrating cultural diversity within the team creates an environment where collaboration and innovation can flourish,” he says.
Hyatt’s continued expansion across MEA is another area where El Meligui’s strategic oversight is felt strongly. The success of a new property opening or conversion, he shares, hinges on a profound understanding of local markets and guest needs. “From aligning with cultural norms and local regulations, to creating bespoke guest experiences, every detail counts.” Technology, partnerships, and sustainability are central pillars of Hyatt’s expansion approach, enabling flexibility and resilience in dynamic markets.
When it comes to balancing short-term goals with long-term brand equity, El Meligui sees it as a matter of harmonising tactical execution with strategic foresight. While dynamic pricing and occupancy optimisation fuel immediate results, long-term brand growth is built on guest loyalty, consistent service, and innovation. Adapting to evolving travel behaviours, be it the growing wellness trend or hybrid work, is key to futureproofing the business.
Digital transformation is a cornerstone of his commercial strategy, particularly in emerging markets where tech adoption is accelerating. Through AI, automation, and data-driven platforms, Hyatt is enhancing personalisation, improving distribution, and driving direct bookings. “Technology enables us to meet guests where they are, and tailor experiences in ways that weren’t possible before,” he states.
One standout success story under El Meligui’s leadership was the orchestration of a multi-property collaboration in Dubai, where one of the Hyatt hotels, Grand Hyatt Dubai, hosted a major global leadership conference with 2,000 attendees. The operation spanned five Hyatt properties, with Grand Hyatt Dubai and Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights at the centre of the experience. The coordinated buyout met the client’s demands for exclusivity and proximity, demonstrating Hyatt’s ability to deliver large-scale, integrated events with excellence.
Looking to the future, El Meligui sees enormous opportunity in the growth of sustainable tourism and wellness. Travellers are seeking more than just accommodation, they crave authentic cultural immersion and environmentally responsible stays. The Middle East and Africa, with their rich heritage and natural beauty, are uniquely positioned to meet this demand. Hyatt is already responding with properties such as the Alila hotels in Oman, where sustainability is embedded in the guest journey, and the much-anticipated Miraval The Red Sea, set to open in Saudi Arabia by 2026, marking the wellness brand’s first international debut.
El Meligui’s career journey has been defined by a series of bold transitions and strategic choices. A turning point came early when he pivoted from operations to sales, gaining commercial acumen and a broader business vision. Progressing into above-property roles, he expanded his influence and sharpened his market insight. His arrival at Hyatt in 2022 marked a new chapter, one in which he saw perfect alignment between his values and Hyatt’s forward-thinking ethos. He remains driven by a commitment to collaboration, growth, and embracing new opportunities.
Behind this impressive professional trajectory lies the unwavering support of his family. Their love for hospitality, matched with their constant encouragement, has provided El Meligui with the grounding and perspective needed to navigate the highs and lows of leadership. “They remind me of what truly matters,” he reflects. “Staying true to my values and maintaining balance is what keeps me focused and fulfilled.”
In a region undergoing extraordinary transformation, Ahmed El Meligui stands out not only as a seasoned strategist but as a visionary leader, driving Hyatt’s growth while helping redefine what hospitality means in the Middle East and Africa.
