IHG Hotels & Resorts appoints Cluster General Manager for InterContinental Abu Dhabi and InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi
Newly Appointed Cluster GM Sayed Tayoun to Elevate Guest Experiences and Drive Innovative Hospitality Standards at Abu Dhabi’s Heritage & Elevated Hotels.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 10 December 2024
IHG Hotels & Resorts proudly announces the appointment of Sayed Tayoun as the new Cluster General Manager for InterContinental Abu Dhabi and InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi. With over 20 years of distinguished experience in hospitality, Tayoun is celebrated for his visionary leadership, innovative approach to elevating guest experiences, and operational expertise. Known for his unwavering dedication to guest excellence, he is an ideal fit for leading two of Abu Dhabi’s most established properties. Tayoun is also committed to driving commercial success, optimizing technology, building high-performing teams, and engaging with local communities further solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking and results-driven leader.
Abu Dhabi’s tourism boom and success as a premier global destination are fueled by strategic government initiatives, creating positive, high-quality visitor experiences. In his new role, Tayoun will oversee two distinguished properties. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, a heritage hotel built in 1981 to host the first GCC Summit, is celebrated as one of Abu Dhabi’s first 5-star establishments. The hotel is renowned for its timeless charm and seven signature dining venues, including the iconic Fish Market, Michelin-selected Byblos Sur Mer, and the popular Belgian Café. Alongside it, the InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi, the newest addition to the city’s upscale hospitality landscape, offers refined living spaces tailored to travelers and residents alike. Tayoun envisions enhancing the elevated status of these properties by blending upscale hospitality with historic appeal, refining service standards, and creating memorable experiences that resonate with both international travelers and the local community. His goal is to establish both properties as leaders in innovation, creating exceptional, unforgettable moments for guests.
Tayoun’s recent success as General Manager at Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park included an exemplary pre-opening phase, during which he established the property as a vibrant community-centric hotel. His dedication to sustainable practices led to pioneering initiatives, such as an in-house water bottling plant and a no single-use plastics policy. These sustainability measures, paired with Tayoun’s focus on innovation and community engagement, have set a high bar for eco-friendly hospitality in the region.
Tayoun’s achievements and contributions to the industry have garnered him widespread recognition. In 2024, he earned a distinguished place on Hotelier Middle East’s GM Power List, was celebrated as a TOP 40 Hospitality Heavyweight 2024, and was shortlisted for the inaugural GM of the Year Award at the 2024 Hotelier Middle East Awards. These accolades underscore Tayoun’s reputation as a transformative leader, known for his commitment to elevating guest satisfaction, optimizing operational standards, and pioneering sustainable growth within the industry.
His career with IHG began in 2005 at InterContinental Doha, followed by various senior roles across the region. At Dubai Festival City, Tayoun served as Cluster Hotel Manager, successfully overseeing a multi-branded complex with over 1,500 rooms, launching innovative F&B concepts, and leading more than 20 projects to enhance the guest experience. A graduate of Notre Dame University in Lebanon, Tayoun has also attended professional development programs at Cornell University and Harvard Business School. Proficient in Arabic, English, and conversational French, he brings a well-rounded, multicultural perspective to hospitality.
“Joining InterContinental Abu Dhabi and InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi is an incredible privilege and a significant responsibility,” Tayoun shared. “These properties are the cornerstones of Abu Dhabi’s hospitality landscape, and I am both excited and fully committed to bringing my experience and passion to further elevate the guest experience, drive commercial and best hospitality practices, and support our dedicated team. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact in the community and set new service standards for sophistication and excellence, solidifying our position as leaders in hospitality.”
