This week, Emirates Man speaks with Saurabh Tiwari, the Area Director of Taj Hotels, Middle East.
Welcome to the Emirates Man weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to incredible entrepreneurs, and businessmen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
Known for his passion in hospitality, Tiwari focuses on creating exceptional guest experiences that define Taj Hotels. By setting new benchmarks in excellence, he’s known for his transformative guest experiences, that are committed to sustainability.
With extensive experience across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, Saurabh brings a profound understanding of global consumer behavior, emerging trends, and the evolving luxury landscape
So, to delve into his journey in this industry, Emirates Man spoke to him to see how it all began.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Math was always my favourite subject growing up. While most kids dreaded numbers, I found them calming and even fun. I used to solve equations when I was bored, just for the thrill of it. There was something incredibly satisfying about arriving at the right answer through logic and structure. I’d often race through my schoolwork just to get back to my math problems, and I was consistently top of my class. At the time, I didn’t realise how deeply that love for numbers would shape my future. They guide business forecasts, shape pricing strategies, and influence how we position our offerings in a competitive landscape. I rely on data to uncover insights, identify opportunities, and make informed, analytical decisions that fuel growth. Today, in the world of hospitality, that early passion has become one of my greatest strengths. Whether I’m analysing revenue trends, reworking business forecasts, or designing strategies to drive growth, numbers are still at the heart of everything I do. But it’s no longer just about getting the answer right, it’s about understanding the story behind the data, anticipating patterns, and making decisions that move people and businesses forward. It’s fascinating how something that once felt like a schoolyard hobby has now become a compass in my leadership journey.
What was your first job?
My first job was as an intern at Le Méridien, and I still remember the feeling of walking into the hotel on my first day, eager, nervous, and completely mesmerized. Everything fascinated me: the energy in the lobby, the precision in the back of house, the choreography of service that played out seamlessly in the restaurants. As an intern, I did it all, from setting up banquet halls to assisting the front office during peak hours. It was glamorous, and I soaked in every moment. That experience laid the foundation for everything that came after. It taught me that hospitality isn’t only about service, it’s about people, processes, and passion coming together with purpose. Over the years, I embraced every role with curiosity, moving from operations to leadership, working across different cities and cultures. Each step added a new layer to my understanding of the business, from the guest-facing finesse to the strategic thinking behind the scenes. What started as a summer internship eventually became a lifelong calling. Today, whether I’m walking the floor or looking at a P&L sheet, I still carry the same sense of excitement I had on that very first day. The journey has been anything but linear, but it’s been incredibly fulfilling, and every challenge has only deepened my commitment to this industry.
What brought you to Dubai?
What brought me to Dubai? In one word – vision. This city is both inspirational and aspirational. There’s something incredibly energizing about the pace, the ambition, and the way Dubai is always looking ahead. What really drew me in was the forward-thinking mindset of the city’s leadership. They build for the next generation, not only plan for the year. That kind of long-term thinking really spoke to me. For anyone in hospitality, Dubai is one of the most exciting places to be. It’s a true global melting pot, where cultures meet and expectations constantly evolve. The industry here is vibrant, diverse, fast-moving, and undeniably trend-setting. Before heading to Europe, I made sure I knew every industry fact, but what I was most excited about was experiencing the aesthetic flair first-hand. Dubai, in many ways, embodies that same balance of precision and beauty, where innovation meets design, and operations meet emotion. Moving to Dubai was about being part of a city that pushes you to think differently, stay agile, and keep growing both personally and professionally.
What inspired you to enter the hospitality industry?
Initially, I wanted to be a doctor, but medical school had other plans for me. So here I am, healing people with good food and warm service instead. However, jokes aside, the real inspiration was much closer to home, my father. He was a hotelier, and I grew up watching him walk out the door every day in a crisp suit, speaking with such grace and confidence. He made it all look effortless. He’d take me along on his travels, and I remember being completely fascinated by the grandeur of the hotels we visited, the lobbies, the chandeliers, the buzz, the sense of occasion. It was like stepping into a different world, every single time. Some kids grew up wanting to be superheroes, I just wanted to be like my dad. And that’s what brought me here. So yes, thank you, Dad, for the inspiration, the passport stamps, and a front-row seat to the world of hospitality.
What are the key elements of your role?
At its core, my role is about bringing together people, performance, and purpose. I oversee the strategic and operational direction of multiple properties, ensuring that each one not only meets but exceeds guest expectations while remaining commercially strong and culturally rooted. A big part of what I do involves aligning teams across departments front office, F&B, housekeeping, sales, marketing, finance, so that we all move with one vision. I focus heavily on talent development, building high-performing teams, and creating a culture where people feel empowered and inspired to deliver their best. On the business side, I’m constantly reviewing numbers, identifying trends, and working on strategies to drive profitability, enhance operational efficiency, and future-proof the business. At the same time, I keep a close eye on the guest experience, because at the end of the day, we’re in the business of people. I see myself as a custodian of the brand. It’s important that everything we do, whether it’s a new dining concept, a partnership, or a guest interaction, reflects our values and reinforces the trust people place in the Taj name.
Talk us through your daily routine.
No two days are ever the same in hospitality, and that’s what keeps it exciting. But I do believe in starting my day with structure. I’m usually up early, before the city fully wakes up. That quiet time is important to me. It’s when I clear my head, maybe catch up on the news or squeeze in a quick workout, and set the tone for the day ahead. Once I’m at the hotel, the first thing I do is walk the floor. I genuinely enjoy interacting with the team and checking in on different departments, it gives me a pulse on the day, beyond just what’s in the reports. From there, it’s a mix of strategy meetings, guest interactions, reviewing financials, and aligning with the leadership teams across our properties. A good part of my day is spent listening, whether it’s to guests, team members, or partners. I believe some of the best ideas and insights come from conversations that aren’t always planned. I also try to carve out time every day to mentor team members and keep our culture strong. That’s something I never want to lose sight of, no matter how packed the calendar gets. Evenings often include networking events, site visits, or just unwinding with the team to reflect on the day. And whenever possible, I make it a point to go home and spend time with my family, that grounding time is just as important as everything else. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy routine, but I thrive in that environment. And while the to-do list never really ends, it’s the people, the passion, and the purpose behind it all that keep me going.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
If you’re looking to build a career in hospitality, here’s my advice, straight from experience. First, there’s no alternative to hard work. You have to show up, put in the hours, and stay committed even when no one’s watching. But hard work alone isn’t enough, you have to be smart about it. Understand your business, know your guests, and always keep learning. One statement I live by is: feedback is the breakfast of champions. Don’t take it personally. Take it seriously. It’s the fastest way to grow. Travel as much as you can – travel is education, It opens your mind, teaches you culture, and gives you a front-row seat to global trends. If you can, learn international languages, they’re not only tools of communication, they’re tools of connection and comes handy in our industry. Finally, no matter your role or rank, get the job done, and make your stakeholders look good while you’re at it. Success in this industry is a team sport. The more you lift others, the further you go. Stay humble, stay hungry, and always remember why you started.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received came from my mother when I was very young. She always said, “Do your best, leave the rest.” It sounded simple at the time, but it’s stuck with me throughout my life. Whether I’m making a major business decision or dealing with a challenge, that line reminds me to give it everything I’ve got, and then let go of the outcome. It’s helped me stay focused, grounded, and calm in the most unpredictable situations.Another piece of advice I hold close is something I heard later in life: “Only try to control the controllable.” In an industry like ours, there are always things you can’t predict, guest behaviour, external markets, weather, you name it. But stressing over what’s beyond your reach only steals the joy from the present. So, I’ve learned to control what I can, let go of what I can’t, and most importantly, enjoy each moment along the way.
And what is the worst?
The worst advice I’ve ever heard is “Money can’t buy happiness.” I get where it’s coming from, but let’s be honest, money may not buy happiness directly, but it definitely buys comfort, security, opportunity, and the freedom to experience life on your own terms. In hospitality, we create aspirational moments for others every day, and I’ve seen how thoughtfully spent money can absolutely bring joy, ease, and memorable experiences.That said, this doesn’t mean money is everything. It should never come at the cost of your health or peace of mind. True happiness is a balance, between financial stability, personal well-being, and meaningful relationships. So yes, aim for success, but don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.
What’s lies ahead for the brand?
What lies ahead for the brand is incredibly exciting. We’re entering a bold new chapter of growth, especially here in the Middle East. With upcoming openings in Ras Al Khaimah, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, we’re expanding our footprint and deepening our presence in markets that are dynamic, fast-growing, and rich in opportunity. Under the visionary leadership of our Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Taj has once again been named the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand, a reflection of our commitment to excellence, heritage, and innovation. Each destination brings its own cultural nuances, guest expectations, and potential, and that’s what makes this next phase so inspiring. Our goal is to bring Tajness to life in new ways, balancing the timelessness of the brand with the evolving aspirations of a new generation of travellers. It’s not about flag planting, it’s about meaningful growth. We’re focused on creating experiences that are rooted in authenticity, driven by innovation, and powered by our people. From luxury resorts to urban retreats, the future is all about staying relevant, staying agile, and continuing to deliver the warmth, soul, and service that Taj is known for on a global stage.
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