NASSIR AL-DOSSARI General Manager InterContinental Hotel

PM Communications: The InterContinental Group has a very respected name around the world, and, as you mentioned, the first hotel of such prestige that was built in Saudi Arabia, had to be an Intercontinental. I would like to know, as a first question, what the recent developments of the chain in Saudi Arabia are.

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of InterContinental Hotel: Answering this question is the Area office's duty. But I do know that the company is trying to expand in Saudi Arabia in different cities. I have no idea about the exact locations or developments. I understand that as this hotel was being constructed, another ten hotels were being operated in different cities like Taif, Abha, Makkah, Jeddah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province. Because, as you know, when the development of Saudi Arabia started in the 1950's, a lot of projects and oil companies like ARAMCO started in the Eastern Province, and the government thought of having hotels to accommodate delegations, consultants and head of companies coming to the country.

PM Communications: Since you have been in different positions within the Hotel's structure, and you have just been appointed General Manager, what would you say are the advantages of the Intercontinental in Riyadh?

Mr. Nassir Al Dossari- General Manager of Intercontinental Hotel: This hotel not only has a prime location, but we have also received the "Best Business Hotel Award" for a Fifth consecutive year. New openings and renovations are in the pipeline. We have signed a contract with designers to start a new renovation project, starting from the main entrance to the lobby. The whole image will be changed; the entrance, the parking lot, the lobby, the main lounge and some back office areas. The first phase of the project will start hopefully during this year. Moreover, it is the only hotel, not only in Riyadh but also in Saudi Arabia, which has a golf course with a 9 hole par.

PM Communications: The image of the InterContinental is mainly business oriented, but is a slight shift towards leisure customers taking place?

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of InterContinental Hotel: Yes, exactly. That is why we are also planning to upgrade the bowling club with new technology. We have two health clubs. One was opened recently and the other one is being upgraded. So we will have four different sport areas; the 12 lane bowling club, the executives' health club, the main health club and the golf course. We have two outdoor swimming pools as well, one for adults and one for children.

PM Communications: Are these the main features that the InterContinental Hotel has, compared to other ones?

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of Intercontinental Hotel: In fact, recently we opened new outlets, the Mondo Restaurant, new state-of-the-art meeting room, the Palms Café and a terrace that is an extention to the famous Pavillion restaurant. Another restaurant will be opening soon, so we will be operating three restaurants at the same time. On top of that, the Club InterContinental building have been completely renovated and is appreciated by all of our guests.

PM Communications: What are the advantages that Saudi Arabia has to offer compared to other GCC countries? Is this mainly a business-oriented destination?

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of InterContinental Hotel: Exactly, this is the main reason why businessmen visit Saudi Arabia.

PM Communications: What are your top priorities for 2006?

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of InterContinental Hotel: Our priorities are to increase and improve our facilities and services. Furthermore, we are working to attract more guests and to promote the tourism sector. HRH Prince Sultan, who is working very hard on these issues, is handling this. There might be new Visa regulations that will be implemented this year.

PM Communications: What are your expectations in terms of tourism within the next five years? Where do you see the InterContinental Hotel in this period of time?

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of InterContinental Hotel: Some hotel chains are starting to come to Saudi Arabia, due to the major projects taking place in Riyadh, Jeddah, Rabegh and Makkah, and among others cities. We expect many visitors whether it is for business, tourism or pilgrimage. The new Visa issue will be of great significance. With this improved regulation put into place, pilgrims will come for Umrah during the whole year, not only during Ramadan. And with regard to the InterContinental Hotel, we are optimistic that it will keep growing as well.

Moreover, with the new laws regarding Visas, you will be free to move around any city in Saudi Arabia. The Government is taking these issues very seriously, and we heard last week, that there are plans to permit free movement within the Gulf Countries without even a passport. Members of the six Gulf Countries would be able to move freely with only their ID card.

The last and easier part will be to educate people, starting with the taxi drivers, to welcome foreigners. Few years ago you could not find anyone speaking English in the streets. All signs where in Arabic, but now you can move freely not only in the major cities but also in small towns.

PM Communications: Let's talk about Saudization, an important issue for King Abdullah. I believe that the percentage in this hotel is twenty five percent…

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of Intercontinental Hotel: It was twenty five percent a few months ago. Now it is 30 percent.

PM Communications: Is there a constant increase in these figures? What are the problems you are facing?

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of InterContinental Hotel: Yes, there is a constant increase. And the Riyadh InterContinental is considered in Saudi Arabia as a training center. Many of our employees are promoted or transferred from Riyadh Intercontinental to other sister properties within Saudi Arabia, and some join other hotel chains here in Riyadh or in other cities. In fact, I started here, and then moved to different cities. I never thought I would come as the General Manager to the Riyadh Intercontinental.

PM Communications: Is training one of the Intercontinental Hotel's main goals?

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of InterContinental Hotel: Yes, and I think this is also the aim of all other companies and institutions in Saudi Arabia. The continous training is essential in anyone's career.

PM Communications: With the WTO accession, many foreign investors will come to Saudi Arabia to start businesses. What should foreign investors first consider when coming to Saudi Arabia?

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of Intercontinental Hotel: Every Company has its own strategy on how and where to start a business, but I am sure that all government authorities, based on the instructions of the custodian of the two holy mosques King Abdullah and the Royal Cabinet, will work to eliminate any obstacle in the way.

PM Communications: How would you qualify your management style?

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of Intercontinental Hotel: I cannot judge myself. But I think I am loyal and straightforward to all employees and guests. I try to do my best. I accept constructive criticism and try to improve every day. I have goals to achieve in all aspects. That is why I always take tours to every department and chat with the employees. I ask them about the difficulties they are facing, their suggestions and their personal situations. We try to solve all issues, whether major or minor.

PM Communications: The hotel industry in the UK has a bad reputation between employees. The staff does not stay long in the hotel. Is that also a problem here?

Mr. Nassir Al-Dossari- General Manager of Intercontinental Hotel: In fact, we had our annual staff party just weeks ago, and some employees have been with us for thirty years now. They are very loyal. If the employee is not comfortable with his working atmosphere, the housing, the staff restaurant and the health protection we provide him with, he cannot continue.