In Recognition of His Long Service and Successful Achievements

Gulf Hotels Group Held a Farewell Reception in Honour of Mr. Aqeel Raees, who Retired from His Position as Chief Executive Officer

As part of the Gulf Hotels Group commitment to honour its employees who contributed to the Group’s success and development, Gulf Hotels Group recently held the farewell reception for the occasion of Mr. Aqeel Raees retirement from his position as the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, after over 42 years of continuous service with the Group where he has greatly contributed to its growth and strengthened its leading identity in the hospitality and tourism sector. The farewell reception was held on 29 November 2016 at Al Dana Ballroom in Gulf Convention Center and attended by a number of senior officials & Businessman.

“Aqeel’s hard work and experience led to his promotion to the position of CEO in 2002. The company saw rapid changes under his leadership. The Gulf Hotel became the Gulf Hotel Group. The turnover increased by 145%. Our net profits increased by 260% or 18.6% annually. Gulf Hotel Group took over Bahrain Tourism Company. Our plans for the Dubai operation is on track.” Said Mr. Mohamed Hussain Yateem, Director and Chairman of the Board Executive Committee of the Gulf Hotels Group.

He further stated “Aqeel had a major role in achieving all this performance. As a result, the Gulf Hotel Group today manages 5 properties with the 6th on the way and inshallah soon we will see some of our restaurants being franchised outside of Bahrain. Internationally Aqeel was recognized for his leadership qualities when he was awarded world hotels LEADERSHIP AWARD 2013.”

Aqeel is married to Mrs. Faeqa Al Khaja and father of four children; two Doctors Mazen and Ayman; and two Lawyers Nezar and Dana.

He began his career in Bahrain Petroleum Company “Bapco” for about 10 years as Clerk in the Accounting Department. Then he later joined the hospitality and tourism sector when he joined the Gulf Hotel in 1974, he held many positions in the company to become Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Hotels Group in 2002.

Aqeel thanked Chairman Farouk Almoayyed and the Board of Directors of Gulf Hotels Group for their support which has greatly contributed to his success and to the management team for their hard work which has helped him establish the group as Bahrain’s leading high-end hospitality operator.

Aqeel Raees is one of the pioneers of the hospitality and tourism industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain, his outstanding and inspirational leadership within the group has greatly contributed to the growth of the Group to become what it is today.