Name : Mr. Turab Saleem
Profession : Partner – Head of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, MENA, United Arab Emirates
Phone : + 966 56 100 5014, + 971 50 558 1699
Professional Experience
• An influential hospitality industry leader with over 25 years of seasoned experience dedicated to elevating hospitality, tourism, leisure & real estate across the MENA region.
• Successfully managed over 160 high-profile projects valued at approximately $206 billion.
• Originating strategic comprehensive, tailored plans from concept to execution for landmark iconic initiatives and large-scale transformations.
• Proven track record driving innovative and sustainable growth by inspiring stakeholders and delivering measurable results in profitability, operational efficiency and futurizing with technology.
• Trusted advisor in hospitality and dynamic speaker and moderator at premier global industry forums and news media.
• Excels at new business acquisition and building beneficial partnerships with influential clients including impactful government agencies.
• Agile and focused business leader of rapidly growing regional division overseeing independent analysis and research, financial planning and project management of complex ventures as well as recruiting and retaining top talent.
Academic / Professional Qualifications
• Master’s in Hospitality & Tourism – New York University, USA
• Master’s in Business Administration - Arkansas State University, USA
• Professional Development Program, Hotel Development & Asset Management, Cornell University, USA
• Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management – IHTTI, Switzerland
Strategic Capabilities
• Strategic Vision & Leadership
• Business Strategy & Planning
• Client Acquisition & Relationship Management
• Innovation & Creativity
• Conceptualization & Idealization
• Master Planning
• End to End Project Management & Execution
• Organizational Restructuring
• Financial Planning & Profitability Management
• Public Speaking & Thought Leadership
• Leadership & Talent Development
• Regional Economic & Market Knowledge

Projects Executed
Turab has successfully executed numerous significant projects over the years across multiple service lines. These demonstrate his command and expertise on a wide range of subject matters.

Success Stories

Tourism Planning & Development Advisory
• Dubai Tourism – Developed and implemented Hotel Classification system, the first of its kind in the region.
• Jazan Region – Developed Master Plan & Tourism Plan for the region by launching initial set of 24 assets in record timeframe and within the specified budget
• Saadiyat Island Master Plan & Tourism Advisory – Developed one of the modern day iconic Master Plan for the tourism destination and now it is successfully implemented.
• Tourism & Cultural Authority Abu Dhabi – Developed Tourism Laws, Policies & Procedures which became the law after approval from the cabinet and Presidential office.
• Qatar Tourism Authority – Developed and implemented Desert Tourism Plan, Hotel Classification & F&B & HACCCP Criteria.
• Dubai Municipality – Developed and implemented HACCP regulations for Dubai Government.
• Jabal Al Akhdar Region – Successfully developed unique Master Plan of the whole destination within the given budget.
• NEOM Asset Planning & Tourism Advisory – Developed Area Programming of 120 Assets for the NEOM Landscape of the Line within record timeframe.
• Government of Pakistan – Developed National Tourism Master plan in 2024 providing roadmap to reach over $20 billion of revenue which is in approval stage before implementation.
• Government of Punjab, Pakistan – Developed Tourism Plan for Province of Punjab with targeted revenue of $8 billion in 5 years. Financial Advisory & Feasibility
• Qiddiya – Successfully developed Financial Plan for one of its kind project in Saudi Arabia
• Diriyah Gate – Advised on the Financial Planning of the project valued at $63 billion.
Success Stories.
• NEOM – Developed Hospitaity Strategy for the whole project based on future Gen Z & Alpha’s requirements.
• Rua Al Madinah – Developed futuristic way of consolidating Back of House for 40,000 Hotels rooms.
• Rua Al Madinah – Planned and designed one of the biggest laundry facilities in the Middle East that can wash over 50,000 room linen on any given day.
• Shangri La Abu Dhabi – Designed, developed & fully executed two hotels, serviced apartments and Souk within record time of 22 months.
• Dubai Internet City – Completed Master Planning & Hospitality Advisory on first of its kind Free Zone development in the region within record timeframe.
• Rua Al Madinah – Developed Central Kitchen for 40,000 Hotel rooms based on futuristic requirements and complete automation.
• Al Dar Hotel – Upon request from Presidential office, planned, designed, developed and delivered a Hotel within 9 months record duration.
• Qatar Airport Hotel – Developed 2 new hotels inside the airport in a record timeframe.
• W Hotel Qatar – Designed and developed award winning and one of the most profitable hotels as a landmark for the city of Doha.
• Mandarin Riyadh – Renovated and reflagged a hotel to Mandarin brand which helped increasing revenue stream by 35% after the first year of reflagging.
• Cairo Casino – Rebranded and refurbished existing casino that resulted in 38 % increase in revenue.
Advisory Board Participation.
As a trusted and credible voice in the hospitality field, Turab Saleem has been requested to join the Advisory Boards of leading hospitality forums. These include:
• Future of Hospitality Summit (FHS)
• GBB – Events & Trade Conferences
• The Hotel Show

Conferences Participation

Turab Saleem has made significant contributions to various Real Estate & Hospitality conferences across the Middle East, US, Europe and Africa as a distinguished speaker and moderator. With extensive years of expertise in the industry, he is a sought-after speaker, known for his insightful presentations and engaging moderation. Recently, Turab further solidified his reputation by presenting on "The Future of Hotel," where he explored the evolving landscape of the hospitality sector. His discussion covered upcoming trends, innovative technologies and the changing expectations of guests, offering valuable perspectives on what the future holds for hotels. His contributions continue to shape the dialogue and development within the hospitality industry in the region.

Research and Media Contributions

Turab Saleem has significantly contributed to the Real Estate & Hospitality industry through his extensive media presence and research work, establishing himself as a credible source of information and insight. His involvement in various research projects within the consulting industry has solidified his reputation as a thought leader. This research work, combined with his forwardthinking perspectives, showcases his ability to identify emerging trends, innovative technologies, and evolving guest expectations. Turab's comprehensive analysis and insights continuously influence the discourse and development within the hospitality sector, further highlighting his expertise and leadership qualities.
Research and Media Contributions Recent Research Works
• Hotel of the Future – How Hotel industry will transform over the next decade
• Future Trends in F&B Industry
– Introduction of Tech & AI
• Behavioral Pattern of Future
Generations – Gen Z & Alpha • Future of MICE Industry –
How Meeting, Convention & Exhibition space will evolve • Saudi Hotel Industry
Transformation – Evolving trends in KSA hotel industry