Rolf Lippuner joins Raffles and Fairmont as VP of Operations for the Middle East
DUBAI, UAE – Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, two of Accor's leading luxury brands, proudly announce the appointment of Rolf Lippuner as Vice President of Operations for the Middle East. In this role, he will oversee the strategic direction and operational excellence of 19 Raffles and Fairmont hotels and resorts across the region, including iconic properties such as Fairmont Dubai, Raffles The Palm Dubai, Fairmont Doha, and Raffles Doha. Lippuner will report to Sami Nasser, Global Chief Operating Officer for Fairmont, and Guy Heywood, Senior Vice President of Global Operations for Raffles, ensuring alignment with each brands' distinct vision.
A seasoned leader in luxury hospitality, Lippuner brings over 30 years of experience in hotel operations, brand strategy, and high-end guest experiences across key international markets. With the region experiencing an unprecedented evolution in the luxury travel sector, Lippuner's expertise will be instrumental in ensuring that both brands continue to set new benchmarks in ultra-luxury and modern refined hospitality.
Sami Nasser, Global Chief Operating Officer, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, commented on the appointment, 'Rolf's experience within the luxury hospitality industry is unparalleled, and what truly sets him apart is his invaluable insight and instinctive understanding of the Saudi market. Rolf's multi-dimensional leadership has proven highly successful in managing large teams, and we are confident that with his direction, our Middle Eastern hotel portfolio will thrive on an all-encompassing level.'
Lippuner built a strong foundation in operations at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, where he honed his leadership, financial acumen, and luxury service expertise. His tenure included leading the flagship at Four Seasons Washington DC, where he oversaw the operational structure of a Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond property, ensuring an exemplary guest experience, financial performance, and timeless brand positioning. He later took on the role of General Manager at Four Seasons Riyadh, where he spearheaded a five-year strategic plan that secured millions in capital investment and transformed the property's food and beverage division into a market leader.
As the previous Acting CEO & Chief of Asset Operations at AlUla Development Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) entity, Lippuner played a pivotal role, negotiating with world-renowned hospitality brands to drive investment in Saudi Arabia, shaping the future of high-end tourism in the region. Most recently as the GM of Fairmont Hotel Riyadh, Lippuner marked the start of his journey with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, where he overlooked the operations, leading strategic initiatives to elevate service standards, optimize performance, and position the property as a flagship destination for luxury hospitality in the capital of the Kingdom.
'Luxury hospitality has always been about storytelling—not just in how we build guest experiences, but in how brands integrate local heritage,' said Rolf Lippuner, Vice President Operations for the Middle East, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. ' Raffles represents elegance and ultra-luxury at its finest, curating deeply personalized, culturally immersive experiences, while Fairmont blends historical heritage with spectacular design, redefining modern luxury across its extraordinary global portfolio. In a region that is setting new benchmarks for high-end travel, I'm honored to be entrusted with leading their growth and transformation.'
Lippuner's leadership philosophy is centered on operational discipline, guest-centric innovation, and talent development. His immediate priorities include strengthening the performance of Raffles and Fairmont's Middle Eastern portfolios, driving financial growth, and expanding leadership pathways. A champion of talent development, he is also committed to fostering the next generation of hospitality leaders, placing a strong emphasis on empowering women in executive roles.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Lippuner is passionate about the art of curation, whether in luxury experiences, hospitality, or gastronomy. His deep appreciation for fine dining, authentic cultural immersion, and memorable travel influences his approach to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
As Raffles and Fairmont continue to redefine luxury in the Middle East, Lippuner's appointment signals an exciting new chapter for both brands, reinforcing their commitment to delivering engaging service, innovation, and sophistication in one of the world's most competitive hospitality landscapes.
With a strong presence in the region, Raffles and Fairmont collectively operate 19 luxury properties, including flagship destinations such as, Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, Fairmont Amman, Fairmont Riyadh, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, among others. Looking ahead, the brands are set for significant growth in the Middle East, with a combined development pipeline of 40 new properties, including Fairmont Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, and Raffles Trojena in NEOM, in addition to Raffles Jeddah, which is slated to open later this year.
About Fairmont
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is renowned for the international luxury hospitality brand's unrivalled portfolio of more than 93 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. From grand hotels to urban retreats, since 1907 Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – renowned addresses such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, Fairmont Doha and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Fairmont hotels are the social epicenters of their cities—iconic gathering places where people, culture, and ideas converge. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL, a loyalty program and booking platform providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
fairmont.com | all.com | group.accor.com
About Raffles
Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels, Resorts and Residences are places where ideas are born, history is made and stories and legends are created. At each landmark address, distinguished guests and residents will find a world of elegance and enchanted glamour, where Raffles' renowned legacy of gracious service knows no bounds. As the authentic heart of a destination, Raffles champions fine art and design, and fosters culture in all its forms, guiding guests to make discoveries in their own time and way. Raffles' commitment to local communities is expressed through diverse initiatives with a unified mission to actively support the arts and the environment. From one generation to the next, visitors arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. Raffles can be found in key international locations including Singapore, Paris, London, Boston, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Maldives, Jaipur, Phnom Penh and Bali, among others. Raffles is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL, a lifestyle loyalty program and booking platform providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
raffles.com | accor.com | group.accor.com
For further information, please contact:
Myriam Sedki
Director of Marketing & Communication – AEMA
Myriam.Sedki@fairmont.com
Sian Donovan
Account Director
sian@bacchus.agency
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
10 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Saudi CDF celebrates KSA handicrafts through showcase in Selfridges, London
The Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) is showcasing a curated collection by Saudi artisans at Selfridges London, one of the world's leading luxury retail destinations, June 3-22. The initiative highlights the cultural and economic value and salience of Saudi handicrafts, providing an international platform for local artisans and cultural entrepreneurs to introduce their work to a global audience, as part of CDF's ongoing efforts to amplify the impact of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 in KSA. In collaboration with Turquoise Mountain, a global non-profit dedicated to reviving traditional arts and empowering craftspeople, the showcase offers visitors a curated selection of handcrafted pieces in a dedicated space within Selfridges. Themed with references to Saudi Arabia's natural and architectural heritage, the activation highlights work crafted from locally sourced, sustainable materials, reimagined through a contemporary creative lens. The collection features handicraft pieces in palm handicrafts, jewellery and accessories and leather crafts created by artisans from across the Kingdom, together representing the diverse and rich landscape of Saudi artisanship. Examining a product. The programme runs in parallel with a Saudi fashion showcase at Selfridges, also enabled by CDF in collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission. It features a curated lineup of Saudi fashion brands — beneficiaries of CDF and the Saudi 100 Brands initiative — presenting their collections alongside Selfridges' leading international labels, highlighting the dynamism and rapid growth of Saudi Arabia's cultural sector. Through the multifaceted show, CDF aims to empower artisans and cultural entrepreneurs to showcase their work on a global stage, stimulate investment in the handicrafts and fashion sectors, and reinforce the international visibility of Saudi heritage during the Year of Handicrafts 2025 in Saudi Arabia. The showcase builds on CDF's ongoing Year of Handicrafts initiatives to empower the Saudi cultural sector, maximise economic and social contributions of traditional crafts, and broaden their reach, both locally and internationally. A key milestone in the efforts is the recent launch of the Nama' Accelerators: Handicrafts Track — a dedicated enablement solution that supports cultural businesses through specialised training, mentorship, and financial incentives. By developing scalable, sustainable enterprises, Nama' drives community growth, enhances innovation, enriches national identity, and reinforces heritage crafts as dynamic contributors to Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification. Through Nama' and other empowerment solutions, CDF strives to strengthen the creative entrepreneurial ecosystem and ensure that traditional crafts thrive as both cultural treasures and engines of economic growth. Founded in 2021, CDF seeks to enrich Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape. It is organisationally linked to the Saudi National Development Fund and aims to foster the development of a self-reliant cultural sector. By supporting cultural activities and projects, empowering those involved in them and facilitating investment in the sector, CDF works to improve the cultural sector's profitability, in alignment with the National Culture Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. Selfridges is a London icon. Aligned with the Ministry of Culture's ambitious goals, the Saudi Fashion Commission was established to empower and support the fashion sector in Saudi Arabia. The Commission's strategy focuses on supporting the fashion community throughout the total value chain, from the design process through production, development, and product lifecycle management. The Commission recognises the fashion industry as a pillar of local culture, reflecting Saudi Arabia's rich heritage. It works to amplify Saudi heritage and identity within the industry, contributing to fulfilling global needs and achieving a positive impact on the national economy. The Commission's mission is to enable the development of a thriving Saudi fashion sector that is sustainable, inclusive, and fully integrated to support local talent. Handicrafts have long held a special place in Saudi Arabia's cultural fabric, representing a prosperous heritage passed down through generations. Rooted in the creativity and skill of Saudi artisans, traditional crafts symbolise the nation's ingenuity and resilience, while highlighting its diverse cultural identity. Throughout 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Culture is organising an array of events, exhibitions, educational programmes and competitions under the banner of the 'Year of Handicrafts'. The activities aim to emphasise the cultural and historical significance of handicrafts, while supporting their relevance in contemporary life. By highlighting artisanry across various sectors, the initiative seeks to foster appreciation for traditional arts and encourage their continued practice and preservation. Handicrafts, including palm weaving, metalwork and pottery, serve as enduring symbols of Saudi culture, blending tradition with modernity. They are not only artistic expression, but also a reflection of the Kingdom's history, values, and adaptability. By celebrating them, the Year of Handicrafts aims to inspire new generations to engage with their heritage and highlight the talent of Saudi artisans to local and global audiences. The initiative also seeks to empower artisans by enhancing opportunities for their crafts in contemporary markets and strengthening their connection with the global community. Through partnerships across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, the Year of Handicrafts cultivates sustainable practices, fosters innovation, and contributes to cultural dialogue. As a testament to the Ministry of Culture's commitment to safeguarding Saudi Arabia's heritage, the Year of Handicrafts also provides a platform to celebrate the stories, skills, and traditions that form the foundation of the Kingdom's cultural identity. Selfridges is an upscale department store, stocking designer and popular clothing brands plus housewares and gifts. The Oxford Street icon is a London landmark and a luxury shopping experience, home to both affordable and premium brands, offering fashion, beauty, time pieces and jewellery to home and technology and haute cuisine.
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Arabian Post
From petrostate to deal state: Gulf IPO markets mature
Maein Khalid Since the pandemic, IPO activity across GCC capital markets has surged – offering a sharp contrast to the stop-start pace on New York's Nasdaq and the near standstill on London's LSE. Nearly 300 IPOs have raised around $50 billion across the Gulf since 2021. ADVERTISEMENT Below I outline six key macro themes shaping this post-Covid IPO boom in the GCC. First, contrary to expectations, the number, size and aftermarket performance of IPOs in the GCC have shown little correlation with oil prices. Since 2021 Brent crude has swung wildly, yet IPO momentum has remained resilient, even in hydrocarbons-heavy markets like Saudi Arabia. Second, the sheer variety of sectors that contributed to regional IPO deals demonstrates that non-oil growth, industry deregulation, private sector entrepreneurship and e-commerce are powerful macro themes in the Gulf. The two largest IPOs in the GCC last year were the $2 billion food delivery app Talabat's IPO, listed in Dubai's DFM, and the $1.8 billion Lulu hypermarket, a 50-year-old family-owned grocery chain listed on Abu Dhabi's ADX. ADVERTISEMENT Last year saw 48 IPOs from sectors as varied as grocery chains, software and IT services, e-commerce, education, healthcare, financial services, remittance solutions, leisure, transportation and real estate. Third, Saudi Arabian deal flow both dominated the IPO pipeline and dramatically outperformed its GCC peers in aftermarket trading. For instance, 38 out of the 48 deals in the GCC that raised $12.06 billion in 2024 originated from the kingdom, and the average aftermarket performance in the week following the IPO was a spectacular 45 percent. The kingdom's first three IPOs on the main market this year all went 'limit up', surging on their first day of trading by the maximum 30 percent allowed. It is no mistake that the first aviation IPO in the region in almost two decades – Flynas is seeking to raise $1.1 billion – is taking place in the kingdom. This is a testament to both the vast liquidity available in the Saudi new issue market and the magnetic power of the kingdom's junior exchange, Nomu, which saw 27 companies listed in 2024 alone. New listings on Nomu are typically domestic Saudi firms operating in high-growth sectors tied to the kingdom's digital transformation – highlighting a clear link between rising tech literacy among its youthful population and a growing appetite for high-risk, high-reward IPOs. Fourth, the GCC IPO constellation is dominated by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Oman a distant third. Saudi Arabia's 38 IPOs in 2024 dwarfed seven from the UAE, two from Oman and a solitary flotation in Kuwait. This spectacular asymmetry in the national origin of IPOs reflects the vast differences in the capital markets milieu, investor ecosystems and liquidity preferences among the six GCC states. Fifth, the recent IPO boom has attracted global investor interest in the Gulf's emerging capital markets, as sovereign wealth funds from the region have become a significant force in Wall Street and Silicon Valley deal-making. This trend will both broaden and deepen the GCC capital markets, evidencing that they are no longer an illiquid sideshow in the emerging markets universe. Historically the GCC IPO landscape was dominated by state-led privatisations and secondary offerings, with governments selling minority stakes in national champions. The most iconic example remains the 2019 Saudi Aramco listing – still the largest IPO in history – which raised $25.6 billion by selling just 1.5 percent of the company on Riyadh's Tadawul exchange. But the market has since evolved, moving beyond oil giants and into broader, more diversified territory. Saudi Aramco subsequently raised $12 billion in a secondary offering last year. These mega deals played a crucial role in the development of the kingdom's capital markets infrastructure and set the stage for the current bullish IPO environment. The UAE's role as the most diversified, cosmopolitan and networked economy in the Arab world can be gauged by the fact that it contributed to the two largest IPOs of 2024 – both private sector businesses with no connection to oil and gas or the government. The 2025 IPO of Bahrain-based Investcorp Capital marked a milestone for the region – positioning Abu Dhabi where it listed not just as an oil-rich emirate, but as a rising power in global finance. By listing a world-class alternative investment manager on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the UAE has shown it is no longer just deploying capital abroad – it's building the infrastructure to manage it at home. As a growing nexus for hedge funds and private capital, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a noodle point in the global alternatives ecosystem. Mixed IPO outlook I predict the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF will midwife the next generation of privatisation IPOs in the kingdom, as it did with Saudi Aramco in 2019. But while the IPO market outperformance and the sheer scale of domestic liquidity flows make mega privatisation listings viable, the same cannot be said for smaller GCC states like Oman and Bahrain. Facing tighter fiscal constraints, their private investor base tends to favour quasi-debt, high-yield instruments issued by state-owned blue-chips over equity exposure. The sale of a 25 percent stake in OQ Gas Networks by Oman's state energy company suggests that it is problematic to engineer an IPO or even a state-owned energy colossus when oil prices are mired in a bearish downtrend. While the IPO marked a milestone for the Muscat bourse, it also revealed the limitations of investor appetite when crude prices are under pressure. Unlike Saudi Arabia's liquidity-fuelled listings, Oman's experience shows that timing – and broader market sentiment – can still make or break even the most strategic flotations. Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Sharjah 24
UAE pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat for the Hajj greatest pillar
UAE pilgrims arrive in Arafat in comfort and good health Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat and Chairman of the UAE Pilgrims Affairs Office, confirmed that all UAE pilgrims arrived safely and comfortably in Arafat. He noted that the pilgrims are in good health and under continuous care from the accompanying medical teams, who are ensuring their wellbeing during this sacred journey. Comprehensive support for UAE pilgrims Dr Al Darei emphasised the UAE Pilgrims Affairs Office's commitment to providing all necessary services and support. From medical care to logistical assistance, the office is working to ensure that every UAE pilgrim has a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience throughout the Hajj journey. Appreciation for Saudi Arabia's hajj management Dr Al Darei also praised the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with all related Saudi institutions, for their exceptional efforts. He highlighted the successful implementation of programs, the use of modern technologies, and the outstanding services provided to pilgrims. These efforts led to a smooth movement of pilgrims between holy sites, including the transitions from Mina to Arafat and from Arafat to Muzdalifah. A seamless experience for millions of pilgrims Thanks to the coordinated efforts and logistical support, the process of grouping and transporting the large crowds of pilgrims was carried out efficiently and with great care. The experience reflects the high level of organization and the deep commitment to serving the Guests of God during this sacred time.
