
“A 12-Year-Old’s Question About Hotels”
Today, my 12-year-old son asked me a simple question: “Dad, are hotels in the U.S. better than the ones in the UAE?” At first, I
Karim Abdelhamid, General Manager of Mondrian Abu Dhabi, brings over 26 years of global experience in luxury and lifestyle hospitality. Known for operational excellence and a people-centric leadership style, he has led iconic properties including The Plaza Hotel, The Knickerbocker, and The Ritz-Carlton Central Park in New York, as well as Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Egypt and InterContinental Festival City in Dubai.
Karim previously served as General Manager of Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Vice President of Hotel Operations at The First Group, overseeing major portfolios and Michelin-level F&B programs. He has contributed to the development of nine ultra-luxury hotels with brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Park Hyatt, and Capella.

Today, my 12-year-old son asked me a simple question: “Dad, are hotels in the U.S. better than the ones in the UAE?” At first, I
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