Jannah Hotels & Resorts has appointed Ahmed Selim as Director of Human Resources, bringing nearly two decades of experience in human capital management to the UAE-based hospitality group. The appointment reinforces the company’s focus on building robust people practices as it expands its portfolio across the Emirates and prepares for growth in new markets.
Selim joins from Erth Abu Dhabi, where he served as Human Capital Director overseeing a workforce of more than 4,000 employees. His remit spanned luxury hotels, corporate catering operations, fitness and wellness facilities, and multiple dining venues – giving him exposure to the full breadth of hospitality operations at scale.
Transformation and workforce readiness
During his tenure at Erth Abu Dhabi, Selim led several large-scale transformation initiatives. These included HR strategy redesign, organisational restructuring, KPI alignment across departments, and the implementation of group-wide digital HR modernisation programmes. His work focused on creating scalable systems while maintaining operational agility across varied business verticals.
Selim also played a key role in HR planning and workforce readiness for COP28 UAE, the United Nations climate conference held in Dubai in 2023. The assignment required managing complex workforce needs across multiple operational sites and navigating the logistics of a major international event.
A decade with Rixos Hotels
Before joining Erth, Selim spent nearly 10 years with Rixos Hotels, the Turkish luxury hospitality brand known for its all-inclusive resorts across the UAE, Middle East, and Mediterranean. He held several senior HR leadership positions, including Director of Talent and Culture.
During this period, he was responsible for shaping talent strategy, driving cultural integration, and building leadership capabilities across the brand’s portfolio. His work aligned people strategy with brand values and guest experience – a critical element in luxury hospitality environments where service consistency is paramount.
Rixos operates six properties across the UAE, including Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, Rixos The Palm Dubai, and Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah.
Strategic HR expertise
Selim is recognised for his expertise in HR strategy development, UAE labour law compliance, and his commitment to cultivating inclusive, people-centric workplaces. His approach balances governance and compliance with engagement, capability building, and long-term workforce sustainability.
At Jannah Hotels & Resorts, he will focus on enhancing employee experience, strengthening HR frameworks, and supporting the organisation’s growth through effective talent and culture initiatives.
Jannah Hotels & Resorts: an expanding portfolio
Jannah Hotels & Resorts was founded in the spirit of traditional Bedouin hospitality and has established itself as a pioneer in the luxury halal hotel segment. The group operates properties across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, offering a mix of hotels, hotel apartments, and villas.
The portfolio includes the five-star Jannah Burj Al Sarab in Abu Dhabi, which features 224 rooms and 94 suites and holds the distinction of offering one of the world’s fastest hotel internet connections at 1.2Gb per second. Other properties include Jannah Marina Hotel Apartments and Jannah Place Dubai Marina in Dubai, as well as Jannah Resort & Villas in Ras Al Khaimah.
The group recently opened Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments in Abu Dhabi, adding 230 units to its portfolio. The property offers studios, one-bedroom apartments, and family suites, featuring sea views, modern kitchens, a rooftop pool, and fitness facilities. The launch forms part of Jannah’s ongoing expansion across the UAE, with plans to extend its presence into Saudi Arabia.
Selim’s appointment arrives at a strategic moment for the group as it invests in its organisational culture and prepares for the next phase of business growth.
