Welcome to Dubai

Welcome to Dubai

Lahcen Saadaoui
Chief Concierge - Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel (Operated By Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts)

Where are you from originally?
I came from Agadir, Morocco.

How long have you been working as a concierge?
I have been working for over ten (10) Years, I started in 1989 when I used to work in Family  Hotel as a receptionist , waiter where I explored the importance of Human contact . I am very pleased to join the amazing Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel where I feel very proud to belong to Moevenpick family of Swiss Origin and be part of a professional Team,

Do you like your job?
Well in fact, I am really interested in human interaction. It is usually based on meeting people from varied cultures and backgrounds each with different attitudes, expectations, demands and sometimes even sharing personal concerns and secrets.etc. It is also a great challenge to deal with high caliber guests who expect the best of service with great attention to detail. As a Concierge every minute of the day has an element of adventure to it .

Have you ever served any celebrity guest?
Well, not really; but I would love to.

What places do you recommend for your guest to see in UAE?
Dubai is a rich City and full of positive contradictions. First of all I would recommend a Tour of Dubai so the guest gets to see everything both the Old and New city have to offer – Dubai Museum, The Grand Mosque, The Heritage Village where people can discover the rich culture of the country, Sheikh Mohamed Centre for Cultural Understanding , Burj-Khalifa – the tallest tower in the world. The man made island the Palm Jumeirah etc. The city is famous for the gold souk and local markets. The desert safari meanwhile is a great way to escape from the city.

From here, the guest can take an Abu Dhabi City tour. Also Al Ain, The UAE green City full of history from the 40,000 year-old tombs at Hili to the 175-year-old Al Nahyan family fort and UAE’s only remaining traditional camel market. Sharjah, The cultural Capital of Emirates to discover the museums as well the Blue Souk and very attractive mosques. And towards Al Aqah for a diving experience in the north of Emirates.

Where do you go in your free time?
I enjoy  listening to music while driving around, Things are changing every single day, discovering new things in Dubai and other Emirates is part of the job. I also like taking my little family for some time to parks, shopping malls, surfing the internet, watching TV and off course some jogging as part of my health care.

How do you like UAE?
Dubai is a dynamic and exciting and safe destination, which blends the beauty of the desert with the cosmopolitan city. Dubai has lots to offer to visitors. The rich culture of the country with over 193 different nationalities makes the country a unique place. The Emirates people are so friendly and hospitable.