Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certifications and Achievements
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Akalanka Udawaththa

Akalanka Udawaththa

Abu Dhabi,UAE

Summary

Seasoned hospitality professional with over 7 years’ experience managing high-volume bar operations. Skilled in team leadership, cost control, guest service, and inventory management. Holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management and currently pursuing an MBA specialized Global Management & Leadership. Proficient in leveraging AI tools to optimize staff scheduling, streamline workflows, and drive operational efficiency. Committed to delivering exceptional service and leading high-performing teams in dynamic UAE hospitality environments.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work history

Senior Bartender

Viya Golf
Abu Dhabi, UAE
08.2023 - 09.2025

Yas Links Golf Club.

  • Currently fulfilling Bar Manager-level responsibilities, supervising bar operations across multiple luxury venues within Dubai Golf's hospitality division.
  • Home club based at Hickory's Bar and Crafty Fox GastroPub at Yas Links Abu Dhabi.
  • Provide operational support & oversee across various premium outlets as needed, ensuring consistency in service standards and leadership coverage, including:

Yas Acres Golf & Country Club:

Roots Restaurant & Bar, Grill House (Steakhouse), Black Room (Cigar Lounge), Pool Bar.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club:

Hawksbill Restaurant, Dolphin Bar.

  • Lead daily bar operations, including team leadership, shift supervision, stock control, and maintaining high service standards.
  • Managed bar setups, staffing, and cash operations for VIP and large-scale events, while actively delivering high-volume service during prestigious occasions such as:

1. Disney Abu Dhabi Reveal premiere - Yas Links, 2025

2. DP World Tour Championship Rolex Series (2023 & 2024) - Jumeirah Golf Estates

3. Dubai Desert Classic 2024 - Emirates Golf Club

4. HSBC World Championship Rolex Series 2024 - Yas Links Golf Club

5. Casa Ferrari - Abu Dhabi F1 Weekend (2023 & 2024) - Yas Links Golf Club

  • Drive cocktail development, promotional strategies, and increased beverage sales across outlets.
  • Ensure strict compliance with health & safety regulations, HACCP standards, and Dubai & Abu Dhabi Municipality guidelines.

Bar Supervisor

Bollywood Bronx
, UAE
03.2022 - 08.2023

Contemporary Indian fine dine restaurant & lounge,

WTC Mall, Abu Dhabi.

  • Led daily bar operations in a high-end Indian fusion fine dining restaurant, known for creative mixology and vibrant ambiance.
  • Supervised a team of bartenders and bar backs, ensuring smooth service and exceptional guest experiences.
  • Developed and implemented signature cocktail menus aligning with the restaurant's modern Indian concept.
  • Managed stock control, supplier ordering, and inventory reporting to maintain cost-effective bar performance.
  • Delivered staff training on service excellence, product knowledge, and up-selling techniques.
  • Supported management in coordinating VIP events, themed nights, and promotional campaigns.
  • Maintained strong collaboration with kitchen and floor staff to ensure seamless service flow.


Assistant bar manager

Lakrasa Pubs & Restaurants
Colombo, Srilanka
01.2020 - 02.2022

Education

Master of Business Administration - specialized in Global Management & Leadership

Swiss School of Management
Switzerland
04.2025 -

Postgraduate Degree - Tourism and Hospitality Management

OTHM Level 7 (RQF/EQF Level 7 – Master’s Equivalent)
United Kingdom
06.2024 - 06.2025

Higher National Diploma - Computing and Systems Development

pearson Btec level 5
United Kingdom
09.2017 - 09.2019

Skills

  • Bar operations management
  • Staff supervision and scheduling
  • Cocktail, wine and mixology expertise
  • Inventory and stock control
  • POS system proficiency
  • Beverage menu development
  • Team training and performance monitoring
  • AI tools for efficiency and scheduling
  • Guest experience enhancement
  • Waste reduction and cost control
  • Conflict resolution
  • Multicultural team leadership
  • Fine dining and casual service adaptability
  • Time management and problem solving

Certifications and Achievements

  • HACCP Food safety
  • GCE Advanced Level Mathematics - 2016
  • General English British Council - 2016
  • Sip & Vibe with Alexander - Laphroaig


References

References available upon request.

Languages

English
Fluent
Sinhala
Native

Timeline

Master of Business Administration - specialized in Global Management & Leadership

Swiss School of Management
04.2025 -

Postgraduate Degree - Tourism and Hospitality Management

OTHM Level 7 (RQF/EQF Level 7 – Master’s Equivalent)
06.2024 - 06.2025

Senior Bartender

Viya Golf
08.2023 - 09.2025

Bar Supervisor

Bollywood Bronx
03.2022 - 08.2023

Assistant bar manager

Lakrasa Pubs & Restaurants
01.2020 - 02.2022

Higher National Diploma - Computing and Systems Development

pearson Btec level 5
09.2017 - 09.2019
Akalanka Udawaththa