
Rafeeq Alhakimi
Executive Hotel Management Professional | 15+ Years in Hospitality Leadership
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About
Results-driven hotel executive with 15+ years of progressive leadership in luxury and upscale hospitality operations across Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Currently functioning as de facto Hotel Operations Manager at a 460-room 5-star property in Mecca — one of the world's highest-demand hospitality markets — overseeing full daily operations, vendor negotiations, budgeting, and GM-level decision-making. Career trajectory demonstrates consistent growth from PA to executive leadership, with a proven track record of being entrusted with responsibilities beyond official title.
Seeking a senior hotel management role in Europe.
Experience
Executive Assistant Manager | Acting Hotel & Operations Manager - Alsafwah Royal Orchid Hotel - Mecca, Saudi Arabia
(2017-01)
Officially appointed as Executive Assistant Manager; in practice entrusted with full Hotel & Operations Manager responsibilities — overseeing all departments, daily operations, and executive-level decisions.
- Manage complete end-to-end hotel operations for a 460-room 5-star property, directly supervising 150+ staff across front office, housekeeping, F&B;, maintenance, and procurement.
- Lead vendor negotiations and procurement contracts, driving cost-efficiency across all supply chains while maintaining luxury service standards.
- Act as principal decision-maker and hotel representative during GM absences — liaising with ownership, government bodies, and VIP clients.
- Oversee full budget management and financial reporting; monitor revenue KPIs and implement corrective strategies to meet targets.
- Manage peak-season surge operations during Hajj and Umrah, coordinating logistics for 1,000+ guests per cycle with zero compromise on service quality.
- Progressed through four roles within the organisation: Personal Assistant → Secretary → Administrative Manager → Executive Assistant Manager (Acting Operations Manager).
Personal Assistant → Secretary → Administrative Manager → Hotel Supervisor - Golden Orchid Hotels & Resorts - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
(2012-02 - 2016-12)
Demonstrated rapid career progression across four roles within the same group, reflecting consistent performance and growing trust from senior leadership.
- As Hotel Supervisor: managed daily departmental operations, ensured service quality standards, and oversaw front-of-house and back-office teams.
- As Administrative Manager: led administrative functions, staff scheduling, interdepartmental coordination, and reporting to GM.
- As PA & Secretary: supported executive management with scheduling, board-level correspondence, and confidential reporting.
Marketing & Sales Supervisor - ARWA Company - Hodeida, Yemen
(2010-10 - 2011-05)
- Directed marketing campaigns and B2B sales strategies, growing client portfolio and regional market presence.
- Managed and mentored a sales team, implementing performance targets and reporting frameworks.
Administrative & HR Affairs Coordinator - Thabet Group – Dairy & Juice Industries - Yemen
(2006-10 - 2010-03)
- Coordinated HR functions including recruitment support, staff training, social insurance, and foreign personnel management.
- Supported senior executives in procurement, administrative operations, and inter-departmental communication.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Administration - Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (2001 - 2005)


