WALED SHAABAN
UAE
Summary
Dynamic and resourceful Recreation & Hospitality Director with over 25 years of experience in managing 5-star resorts and beach clubs. Proven leadership in multi-property recreational operations, guest engagement, health and safety compliance, and financial performance. Strong ability to manage large-scale leisure operations and build high-performing teams that deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Director of Recreation
IHG Hotels & Resorts
05.2025 - 07.2025
- Leading recreation operations for a luxury 5-star resort under IHG brand.
- Overseeing wellness programs, guest activities, and revenue-driving initiatives.
- Developing team performance KPIs and enhancing guest satisfaction metrics.
Director of Recreation
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
06.2022 - 05.2025
Hilton Cluster Director of Recreation
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Corniche Hotel & Residences, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island
06.2020 - 05.2022
Hilton Director of Recreation
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Corniche Hotel & Residences
05.2018 - 06.2020
Hilton Cluster Recreation & Spa Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah
10.2013 - 05.2018
- Oversaw recreation operations across multi-property clusters with up to 1,500 rooms, 10 pools, 1.5 km beachfront, waterparks, kids clubs, and wellness centers.
- Drove financial performance through cost management and revenue-generating activities.
- Maintained safety and hygiene standards in all recreation and spa facilities.
- Led recruitment, training, and development for diverse teams.
Recreation Manager
Hilton Beach Resort & Spa
01.2009 - 09.2013
- Oversaw recreation operations across multi-property clusters with up to 1,500 rooms, 10 pools, 1.5 km beachfront, waterparks, kids clubs, and wellness centers.
- Drove financial performance through cost management and revenue-generating activities.
- Maintained safety and hygiene standards in all recreation and spa facilities.
- Led recruitment, training, and development for diverse teams.
Assistant Recreation Manager
Domina Gardenia Plaza
08.2005 - 12.2008
- Planned and executed resort activities and team-building events.
- Conducted training sessions to enhance operational effectiveness.
Recreation Supervisor
Sea Club & Sea Life Hotels
09.2003 - 08.2005
- Supervised guest recreation activities, including beach sports and wellness programs.
- Ensured staff compliance with resort safety standards.
Shift Leader (Recreation)
Laguna Vista
06.1999 - 07.2003
- Led daily recreational operations, beach/pool safety, and guest experience planning.
- Coordinated team assignments and managed guest feedback.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Business/Commerce (General)
Kafr El-Sheikh University
01.2000 - 05.2004
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Recreational Operations Management
- Guest Experience Enhancement
- Financial Oversight & P&L
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Project & Event Planning
- Crisis Management
- Staff Training & Scheduling
- Outdoor adventure equipment
- Marketing initiatives execution
- Responsive communication
Languages
Arabic
English
Italian
Timeline
Director of Recreation
IHG Hotels & Resorts
05.2025 - 07.2025
Director of Recreation
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
06.2022 - 05.2025
Hilton Cluster Director of Recreation
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Corniche Hotel & Residences, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island
06.2020 - 05.2022
Hilton Director of Recreation
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Corniche Hotel & Residences
05.2018 - 06.2020
Hilton Cluster Recreation & Spa Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah
10.2013 - 05.2018
Recreation Manager
Hilton Beach Resort & Spa
01.2009 - 09.2013
Assistant Recreation Manager
Domina Gardenia Plaza
08.2005 - 12.2008
Recreation Supervisor
Sea Club & Sea Life Hotels
09.2003 - 08.2005
Bachelor's Degree - Business/Commerce (General)
Kafr El-Sheikh University
01.2000 - 05.2004
Shift Leader (Recreation)
Laguna Vista
06.1999 - 07.2003
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