logo
TIME Hotels appoints Fares Satli as Director of Business Development to drive the company's regional and global growth

TIME Hotels appoints Fares Satli as Director of Business Development to drive the company's regional and global growth

Zawya27-05-2025
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: TIME Hotels, the UAE-headquartered hospitality brand, has announced the appointment of Fares Satli as its Director of Business Development, strengthening the company's senior leadership during a period of growth. The announcement comes as TIME Hotels pursues a multi-brand expansion strategy, with 12 new openings planned by Q1 2026 and a long-term objective of reaching 100 properties worldwide within the next five years.
A seasoned executive with over 20 years of cross-sector experience, Satli brings a unique perspective to the role. He began his professional journey in the banking industry, where he held senior roles in retail, investment, and private banking at top-tier institutions, including Standard Chartered, Barclays, HSBC, and Citibank.
In 2014, he moved into hospitality, specialising in business development and taking on senior positions at leading regional and international operators such as BlueBay Hotels and Resorts, Ishraq Hospitality, and Valor Hospitality Partners.
Satli will lead TIME Hotels' commercial expansion efforts, develop corporate partnerships, identify new revenue streams, and support the strategic rollout of the group's growing portfolio of brands. These include VIVI by TIME, a bold lifestyle brand; HALO by TIME, a premium upscale offering; and Rotella, TIME Hotels' luxury concept designed to deliver exclusivity, sophistication, and culturally enriched hospitality. The company is also repositioning its residential offering under three distinct tiers, TIME Residences Classic, Executive, and Premium, to serve both long- and short-stay guests better.
Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels, stated: 'Fares joins us during an exciting and transformative period. We are evolving from a strong regional player into a global operator with a multi-brand strategy designed to meet the diverse needs of today's travellers. His dynamic leadership, sharp commercial instincts, and track record in financial services and hospitality will be instrumental in our next growth phase.'
Holding a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Satli is also a certified Investment Consultant through the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), London. His strengths in feasibility analysis, strategic negotiations, and investor relations ideally position him to support the company's ambitious expansion goals across high-growth tourism markets.
In addition to his core business development responsibilities, Satli will be central in reinforcing TIME Hotels' presence across key territories. By Q1 2026, the company is set to launch 12 new properties across Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Tanzania, and the Maldives.
This includes two flagship developments in the Maldives: VIVI by TIME, a contemporary 75-key lifestyle resort on Hankede Island, and HALO by TIME, a 150-key upscale property offering a mix of overwater villas and luxury rooms. These openings mark TIME Hotels' debut in the Indian Ocean region and reflect the company's long-term commitment to global expansion through carefully curated destinations.
Speaking about his appointment, Satli said, 'TIME Hotels has built a strong reputation for operational excellence and guest-centric service, and as such, I am delighted to join the brand at this pivotal point in its journey. The expansion of our brand family presents new avenues for growth and innovation. I look forward to building key partnerships, delivering new opportunities, and helping TIME Hotels scale new heights in established and emerging markets.'
The company operates 17 properties in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. Its pipeline will increase its portfolio to 29 hotels and more than 8,000 keys by early 2026.
For more information, please visit https://www.timehotels.com/.
About TIME Hotels
TIME Hotels was founded in 2012 by a multinational team dedicated to the art of international hospitality. Each of our hotels in the UAE is run with incomparable passion, with all travel needs not only anticipated but exceeded. The scope of our ideas can be seen in every aspect of TIME Hotels, from the sumptuous room features to the deft skills of our events staff. Visit one of our remarkable properties and find your concept of hospitality and travel redefined.
TIME Hotels' family of properties epitomises the region's unparalleled hospitality. Found in some of the most desirable UAE locations and beyond, TIME Hotels provides travellers with international, modern, and stylish accommodations that speak to contemporary trends and the region's famed Arabian hospitality. To learn more about TIME Hotels, visit https://www.timehotels.com/.
Media contact:
JAMES LAKIE
General Manager
E-mail : james.lakie@shamalcomms.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Can Egypt's Coastal Tourism Thrive Year-Round?
Can Egypt's Coastal Tourism Thrive Year-Round?

Zawya

time26 minutes ago

  • Zawya

Can Egypt's Coastal Tourism Thrive Year-Round?

Egypt's coastal cities have long been synonymous with vibrant summer seasons, as sun-seekers flock to the Mediterranean and Red Sea shores, injecting a powerful dose of energy and capital into the local economies. From the bustling beaches of Alexandria to the luxury resorts of the North Coast, summer tourism is a cornerstone of the nation's economic landscape, driving growth in hospitality, retail, and a myriad of related services. However, this seasonal boom also highlights a significant challenge: the pronounced "summer-winter divide." As the high season wanes, many of these coastal hubs experience a dramatic slowdown, leading to seasonal employment, underutilized infrastructure, and a palpable dip in economic activity. The Economic Impact of Summer Tourism Tourism is one of Egypt's promising sectors, with growing revenues despite geopolitical challenges. Tourism revenues increased by 15.4% to $12.5 billion during the period from July 2024 to March 2025, from approximately $10.9 billion during the same period the previous fiscal year, according to the Central Bank of Egypt's (CBE) Balance of Payments (BoP) report. This growth was driven by a 15.4% increase in tourist nights, which reached 134.3 million from around 116.4 million. In an effort to attract 30 million tourists annually, the Egyptian government aims to add 200,000 new hotel rooms within the next five years. This ambitious goal is a key part of the country's broader strategy to boost its tourism sector and increase its hotel capacity. Egypt's tourism revenues are not driven solely by foreign tourists, but by locals as well. Domestic tourism usually increases in summer due to long vacations and Egyptians visiting coastal cities. In 2024, Egyptians spent around $11.1 billion on domestic travel, while spending by foreign tourists reached around $16.3 billion, according to Moataz Sedky, General Manager at Travco Holiday Egypt. Summer tourism plays a vital role in Egypt's economic engine, especially during peak travel months, as both international and local visitors head to coastal resorts, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. Economist Ali Metwally tells Arab Finance: 'Egypt's coastal hotspots like Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, and the North Coast enjoy a major economic boost during the summer peak. In coastal cities specifically, this summer surge drives seasonal employment in hotels, restaurants, water sports, and transport, while greatly increasing demand for rental and resale real estate, particularly short-term vacation units, pushing property values upward.' 'However, seasonality brings sizable downsides for coastal towns. During off-peak months, many businesses and their staff face sharp drops in income. Heavy reliance on tourism makes these areas vulnerable, meaning employment becomes unstable and scales down dramatically, and small local businesses suffer profitability losses,' according to Metwally. Year-Round Tourism Egypt is working on maintaining high tourism all year round. Metwally explains, 'The government recognizes the need to transform seasonal hotspots into year-round destinations. As highlighted by key urban planners, a comprehensive master plan is essential to shift places like the North Coast away from summer-only peaks toward sustainable, vibrant communities.' 'This requires diversifying attractions, improving infrastructure, investing in off-season promotions, and integrating coastal cities into broader economic ecosystems, making them appealing and economically viable throughout the year,' he adds. Hesham Shafick, Assistant Professor of Strategic Management at the German International University (GUC), tells Arab Finance: 'The core ambition of projects like Ras Al-Hekma and New Alamein is to transcend Egypt's seasonal tourism trap by creating multifunctional urban ecosystems.' 'Ras Al-Hekma, a landmark $150 billion UAE-Egypt venture, prioritizes luxury residential units, tech hubs, and curated entertainment. It aims to attract high-spending tourists year-round, targeting 8 million annual visitors by 2040. New Alamein complements this by embedding universities and medical facilities to foster long-term residency,' Shafick adds. However, Shafick explains that this development might not be as promising as it seems. 'These projects risk becoming exclusive enclaves for foreign elites, sidelining affordable housing and local entrepreneurship. Without deliberate inclusion mechanisms, they may inadvertently deepen spatial inequalities rather than build resilient communities.' The challenge is not just economic inequality, it is also about long-term sustainability. While a seasonal foreign tourist peak is expected, building an entire city's viability around their constant presence is far riskier. Both approaches hinge on external demand, yet the sudden withdrawal of this 'hot money' in response to global shocks can trigger far deeper and more damaging economic consequences, according to Shafick. 'Extended off-season stays only make sense if the locals and their lifestyles are integrated into the tourist lifecycle. Egypt's coastal future hinges on rebalancing luxury megaprojects with community-rooted resilience. Without locally inclusive policies and experience-mapping rigor, these billion-dollar developments risk becoming seasonal showpieces,' he notes. To further ensure sustainable tourism all year round, developing travel infrastructure and attractive packages are essential. 'Strategic air access and tailored experiences are non-negotiable for winter demand generation,' Shafick says. 'Charter flights, such as Ras Al-Hekma's anticipated airport network, could bridge connectivity gaps for European and GCC tourists during off-peak months, lifting winter occupancy. Dynamic long-stay packages, such as month-long wellness retreats with cultural excursions, can stabilize revenue, as demonstrated in our neighboring coastal resorts like Türkiye,' Shafick points out. Shafick goes on, explaining, 'Persistent infrastructural gaps and fragmented policies undermine year-round viability. Only 40% of North Coast hotels operate in winter due to inadequate heating, water scarcity, and fragmented transport. The economic toll is severe, with hotels suffering 60-70% occupancy drops, forcing seasonal closures, eroding profits, and displacing skilled labor.' Egypt's coastal cities have proven their economic vitality through booming summer tourism, with rising revenues and ambitious expansion plans signaling strong momentum. Yet, beneath the surface of seasonal success lies a structural imbalance that threatens long-term sustainability. To truly unlock the potential of Egypt's shores, the path forward must prioritize inclusive, year-round development. This means integrating local communities into the tourism lifecycle, investing in resilient infrastructure, and crafting experiences that appeal beyond the summer sun. © 2025 All Rights Reserved Arab Finance For Information Technology Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

Saudi: Al Babtain Power logs 36% higher net profits in H1-25; dividends recommended
Saudi: Al Babtain Power logs 36% higher net profits in H1-25; dividends recommended

Zawya

time26 minutes ago

  • Zawya

Saudi: Al Babtain Power logs 36% higher net profits in H1-25; dividends recommended

Riyadh - Al Babtain Power and Telecommunication Company registered a 35.79% surge in net profits to SAR 185.90 million in the first half (H1) of 2025, compared to SAR 136.90 million in H1-24. Revenues stood at SAR 1.31 billion as of 30 June 2025, down 2.29% year-on-year (YoY) from SAR 1.34 billion, according to financial statements. Earnings per share (EPS) climbed to SAR 2.91 in the first six months (6M) of 2025 from SAR 2.14 in the same period of 2024. Financials of Q2-25 During the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, Al Babtain Power generated net profits of SAR 97.70 million, reflecting an annual surge of 79.92% from SAR 54.30 million. Revenues increased by 5.75% to SAR 687.50 million in April-June 2025 from SAR 650.10 million in Q2-24. Quarterly, the Q2-25 net profits rose by 10.77% compared to SAR 88.20 million in the first three months (3M) of 2025, while the revenues grew by 8.91% from SAR 631.20 million. Cash Dividends The board recommended a cash dividend distribution of SAR 63.94 million or SAR 1 per share for H1-25. The payment date will be disclosed at a later time. In 2024, Al Babtain Power reported 87.77% higher net profits at SAR 265.70 million, compared to SAR 141.50 million in 2023. All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2025 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

UAE: Gold prices may hit $3,500 due to central bank purchases
UAE: Gold prices may hit $3,500 due to central bank purchases

Khaleej Times

time26 minutes ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE: Gold prices may hit $3,500 due to central bank purchases

Gold prices could reach $3,500 per ounce in the next six to 12 months, driven by central bank purchases, according to the latest forecast by Standard Chartered bank. The precious metal was trading at $3,356/77 per ounce on Monday afternoon, down 1.29 per cent. In Dubai, 24K and 22K were trading at Dh406.75 and Dh376.75 per gram, respectively. 'We expect gold to reach $3,500 in six to 12 months. The main driver of our view remains central bank purchases — while these have slowed for now after the last surge in prices, we believe central bank reserve diversification into gold is not yet complete. In the meantime, though, likely lower US interest rates are likely to be another source of support, as well as safe haven demand during bouts of volatility,' said Manpreet Gill, chief investment officer of Africa, Middle East and Europe at Standard Chartered. 'Central bank demand is expected to result in another leg higher in prices after a period of consolidation. It also plays a key portfolio diversifier role when bonds do not,' said the global bank in its global market outlook. According to a World Gold Council survey, 76 per cent of global central banks surveyed believe that gold will comprise a higher share of global reserves five years from now, up from 69 per cent in last year's survey. Gold now accounts for an estimated 18 per cent of global reserves, up from 11 per cent in 2018. 'If there's a winner from the de-dollarisation push, it's gold. Central banks, especially in emerging markets, have ramped up gold purchases. The People's Bank of China, for instance, resumed gold buying in 2022 after a three-year pause,' the bank said. 'Part hedge, part symbol, gold's appeal is clear in a world of rising inflation, geopolitical friction and currency uncertainty,' it said. The global bank projected that the yellow metal has limited near-term upside if Middle East tensions stay contained, but remains a key strategic hedge. 'We raise our three-month price expectation to $3,400, but leave our 12-month expectation unchanged at USD 3,500,' it added.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store