United Hospitality Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Shadi Refai as Cluster General Manager for the Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait, Vignette Collection by IHG and a soon to be opened second hotel in Kuwait City marking a key milestone as the company continues to strengthen its regional footprint and accelerate its expansion across the Middle East.
Refai brings over two decades of international hospitality experience, with a career spanning leading luxury and upscale brands including Hilton, Shangri-La, Sofitel, Four Seasons, Wyndham and Centara. His experience covers key global markets across the Middle East, Asia and the United States, with a strong track record in hotel openings, operational leadership and driving commercial performance.
He joins Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait from Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, where he served as Hotel Manager, overseeing day-to-day operations and contributing to the property’s commercial performance and positioning within one of Dubai’s most competitive beachfront destinations. Prior to this, he held senior leadership roles including Director of Operations and General Manager, consistently delivering operational excellence and strong financial results.
At Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait, Refai will lead the hotel’s strategic and operational direction, with a clear focus on driving revenue growth, strengthening market positioning, and enhancing overall commercial performance. His appointment comes at a time of strong momentum for the property, as it continues to expand its culinary, leisure, and lifestyle offerings to capture both domestic and regional demand. In addition, he will oversee a soon-to-be-unveiled hotel in Kuwait, further reinforcing the group’s long-term commitment to the Kuwaiti market.
Commenting on the appointment, Klaus Assmann, CEO, Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, United Hospitality Management, said: “Kuwait represents an important market for United Hospitality Management, and Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait is our first property in Kuwait, plays a strategic role in our regional growth ambitions. Shadi’s appointment brings the leadership required to unlock the asset’s full commercial potential, strengthen its competitive positioning, and drive sustained performance. We are confident that under his direction, the hotel will further establish itself as a leading lifestyle destination in the market.”
Shadi Refai, General Manager, Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait added: “I am pleased to join Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait at such a pivotal stage of its growth. The property has already built strong foundations, and I look forward to working closely with the team to further elevate the guest experience, strengthen its positioning within the market, and deliver continued commercial success.”