Above and Beyond
Meet Haneen Ali Alqadi, a proud Saudi national who is thrilled to be working as a butler at one of the Middle East's most prestigious new hotels, The St Regis Red Sea Resort.
Haneen Ali Alqadi is thrilled to be working as a butler at the prestigious St Regis Red Sea Resort.
Haneen Ali Alqadi is thrilled to be working as a butler at the prestigious St Regis Red Sea Resort.
The St Regis Red Sea Resort opened in early 2024.
The St Regis Red Sea Resort opened in early 2024.
Cultural exchange is a big part of Haneen's role with guests.
Cultural exchange is a big part of Haneen's role with guests.
Haneen enjoys showing guest around the newly opened St Regis Red Sea Resort.
Haneen enjoys showing guest around the newly opened St Regis Red Sea Resort.
Haneen's story is one of incredible ambition and success, following her 18-month training on Red Sea Global’s Vocational Training Programme (VTP). Being one of tens of thousands of applicants to our VTP gave her what she thought would be a remote chance of being selected. But selected she was due to her exceptional talent and persona.
Fast-forward two years, and that decision is validated as she humbly serves as one of Saudi Arabia’s first female butlers while taking pride in being a cultural ambassador for the Kingdom.
"I want to show my guests the Saudi culture and also to let people come and explore our great country," she says. This dedication to cultural exchange is a core part of her mission at the resort.
Located on the beautiful Ummahat Island at The Red Sea destination, the St Regis Red Sea Resort provides a stunning backdrop for Haneen's role. The resort's design is a marvel of contemporary architecture by Kengo Kuma with interiors by Kristina Zanic Consultants, while paying homage to the surrounding coral reefs, marine life, and sand dunes.
The mix of blue and green hues, white sands, and the turquoise ocean create an idyllic setting that leaves a lasting impression on guests. In Haneen’s own words, 'it's spectacular'.
In addition, in just a few months of being open, the multinational staff at the resort have bonded well in what is an altogether brand-new destination that is helping put Saudi Arabia firmly on the luxury tourism map. “We are a family here on the island,” she says. “We support each other.”
Haneen was one of the first graduates of our comprehensive 18-month VTP, a collaboration between Red Sea Global, the Saudi Human Resources Development Fund, and King Abdulaziz University. The program aims to prepare young Saudis for various careers in the tourism sector, so Haneen's success is a tribute to its effectiveness and role in shaping the future of Saudi tourism.
"I’m totally proud to be part of Red Sea Global’s Vocational Training Programme and to work at this destination," Haneen says. While the program provided her with the technical skills required for her role, it also instilled a deep sense of responsibility and pride in representing Saudi Arabia to the world, particularly as a woman.
"As a Saudi woman, when I meet guests, they're a little bit surprised to see that there are Saudi women working here on the island," Haneen says. "They just say, 'We are proud you are working here in this destination'. It’s an amazing feeling."
Haneen says her new colleagues at The St Regis Red Sea Resort are like family.
Haneen says her new colleagues at The St Regis Red Sea Resort are like family.
Haneen spends time with her colleagues on the boat trip between The St Regis Red Sea Resort and the mainland.
Haneen spends time with her colleagues on the boat trip between The St Regis Red Sea Resort and the mainland.
Haneen with a guest in The St Regis Red Sea Resort.
Haneen with a guest in The St Regis Red Sea Resort.
"I want to show my guests the Saudi culture and also to let people come and explore our great country."
St Regis Red Sea Resort location
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