Name: Slim Zaiane
Title: General Manager
Company, city: Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Dubai; Dubai, U.A.E.
Number of employees: 400
Recent project: A $100 million property renovation that included the full refurbishment of the Aspen Chalets, completed over nearly four years.
First job: Food and beverage management trainee in Geneva at what was then the Hilton, now a Kempinski.
Little-known fact about you: I am British, born in Tunisia, and educated in Switzerland and the U.K. I speak fluent French, English, Arabic and Italian. I am married with two daughters and enjoy running—regularly covering around 100 km per month and often finishing a hectic day with a 10 km run.
Your Business
What innovations or initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years? As a leader in luxury hospitality, Kempinski is focused on innovations that meet and exceed the expectations of millennials—both as employees and as current and future guests. This generation is the largest to emerge since the baby boomers and will represent an increasing share of the workforce and guest base over the next two decades. Hotels must adapt engagement models, technology, experiences and service philosophies to attract and retain millennial talent and appeal to their preferences for authenticity, personalization and seamless digital integration.
Best career advice you’ve received: Dream big and set high expectations. To achieve great things, aim forward with a clear goal and relentless commitment.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Bring passion to everything you do, and transfer that enthusiasm to your team. Passion fuels service standards, inspires colleagues and elevates guest experiences.
Slim Zaiane as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: I collect works by regional artists during my travels, building a curated collection of modern art from the countries I visit. This collection serves as a personal archive of memories and moments gathered over many years.
One travel tip you cannot live without: Learn something from every trip—sample local cuisine and take time to understand the basics of the culture. These small efforts deepen travel experiences and create lasting memories.
Best advice for business travelers: Stay mindful of health and routine while on the road. Travel makes it easy to fall into unhealthy habits, so prioritize rest, nutrition and regular exercise to perform at your best.
About Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Dubai
What can premium travelers expect from a stay at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Dubai? The hotel is a luxury lifestyle destination in the heart of Dubai. Guests choose Kempinski not only for personalized service and refined accommodations but also for the convenient access to the city’s best attractions. Visitors can enjoy Dubai’s offerings during the day and return to spacious suites designed for privacy and relaxation. Guests in the Aspen Chalets benefit from 24-hour private butler service. Whether traveling for business or with family, our attentive team anticipates needs and delivers tailored experiences.
Tell our readers about your Aspen Chalets. The Aspen Chalets are unique in Dubai and the region: they overlook the famous Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates, providing an exceptional view and an ambience that evokes a luxury ski lodge. The design, furnishings and attention to detail recreate the warmth and character of Aspen while offering Dubai’s high standards of comfort and service.
What are the dining options at the hotel? The hotel offers a diverse range of dining experiences across several outlets. Olea, the flagship restaurant, serves authentic Levantine cuisine—traditional dishes from Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, southern Turkey and Cyprus. Salero Tapas & Bodega brings creative Spanish tapas, paellas and fresh seafood to the table. Aspen by Kempinski celebrates the European grand café tradition in a contemporary setting. For lighter moments and social evenings, Noir provides artisan cocktails, and Mosaic Chill offers poolside refreshment and relaxation.