Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Islam Adel El Sayed

Hospitality Professional
Dubai

Summary

Dynamic hospitality professional with more than 15 years of progressive experience, beginning in resorts and nightlife venues and advancing through multiple leadership roles within Hard Rock. Grew from Bartender and Supervisor to Bar Manager and now General Manager, with proven expertise in high-volume operations, staff development, and delivering legendary guest experiences. Recognized as an International Trainer and member of the Hard Rock International Bar Council, contributing to the development of global beverage programs and operational standards. Successfully led over 20 international Hard Rock openings, providing training and operational guidance to ensure consistency across diverse markets. Recently appointed General Manager, currently leading the full pre-opening phase of the new Hard Rock Sports City, including recruitment, supplier management, and operational setup, to ensure a seamless and successful launch.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

General Manager

Hard Rock Dubai Sports City
04.2025 - Current
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
  • Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
  • Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
  • Enhanced team collaboration and communication by introducing new project management tool, leading to more efficient project completions.
  • Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs while maintaining product quality.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
  • Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.

Bar Manager

Hard Rock Cafe Dubai Airport
01.2018 - 04.2025
  • Directed high-volume bar operations in one of the busiest international airports.
  • Led and coached a multicultural team to deliver Hard Rock's legendary guest service.
  • Managed beverage costs, stock levels, and introduced waste reduction strategies.
  • Planned and executed promotions and upselling programs, driving revenue growth.
  • Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
  • Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
  • Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.

Bar Supervisor

Hard Rock Cafe Dubai
06.2013 - 01.2018
  • Supervised daily bar operations ensuring consistent quality and service.
  • Trained and supported bartenders and staff to uphold brand standards.
  • Assisted in promotional strategies and sales initiatives.
  • Completed bar opening and closing procedures.
  • Monitored stock levels consistently to ensure adequate supplies during peak times without excessive overstocking.
  • Boosted sales through the development of innovative cocktail menus and promotional events.

Bartender

Hard Rock Cafe Dubai
10.2011 - 05.2013
  • Prepared and served cocktails and beverages according to Hard Rock recipes.
  • Maintained guest satisfaction through lively and engaging service.
  • Handled cash and POS transactions with accuracy.
  • Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
  • Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
  • Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.

Bartender

Hard Rock Cafe Cairo
01.2009 - 01.2011
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
  • Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
  • Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.

Bartender

Cairo Jazz Club
02.2008 - 02.2009
  • Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
  • Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
  • Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.

Waiter & Bartender

Coral Beach Rotana Resort
03.2004 - 02.2008
  • Managed high volume of customers during peak hours, maintaining prompt and efficient service.
  • Ensured food safety compliance by adhering to proper handling procedures when serving dishes.
  • Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
  • Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.

Education

High School Diploma -

Skills

  • Customer satisfaction focus
  • Bar management expertise
  • Team management skills
  • Expense tracking and inventory control
  • Customer relations,
  • Cost control
  • Inventory management
  • Issue resolution
  • Menu development
  • Quality control
  • Training and mentoring
  • Strategic planning

Affiliations

  • International Trainer | Since 2013
  • Led more than 20 Hard Rock Cafe openings worldwide.
  • Delivered training programs across multiple countries, ensuring consistency in service and operations.
  • Served as Bar Lead Trainer, developing bar teams and beverage programs.
  • Bar Council Member | Since 2023
  • Collaborated with international peers to shape bar standards and global beverage menus.
  • Contributed to recipe development and brand-wide bar initiatives.
  • Advised on training and operational strategies to elevate guest experiences worldwide.

Interests

Reading, Football

Timeline

General Manager

Hard Rock Dubai Sports City
04.2025 - Current

Bar Manager

Hard Rock Cafe Dubai Airport
01.2018 - 04.2025

Bar Supervisor

Hard Rock Cafe Dubai
06.2013 - 01.2018

Bartender

Hard Rock Cafe Dubai
10.2011 - 05.2013

Bartender

Hard Rock Cafe Cairo
01.2009 - 01.2011

Bartender

Cairo Jazz Club
02.2008 - 02.2009

Waiter & Bartender

Coral Beach Rotana Resort
03.2004 - 02.2008

High School Diploma -

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Islam Adel El SayedHospitality Professional