This week, Emirates Man speaks to Amir Golbarg, the Senior Vice President of Middle East & Africa of Minor Hotels.
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.
With over 560 destinations under Minor Hotels, the brand has a vast portfolio of hotels including NH Collection, Oaks, Avani, Anantara and more under them.
Golbarg currently oversees a total of 38 properties in operation across ten countries and five brands, in addition to driving the development of the strong pipeline of properties within the region across multiple brands.
To delve into his journey, Emirates Man spoke to Golbarg to see how it all began.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I was always drawn to political science and history. Understanding how people and societies evolve, and the systems that shape our world fascinated me from a young age.
What was your first job?
Technically, my first job was helping my mother who was a psychologist, in her private practice. I would assist by writing up her notes after the sessions. It gave me early exposure to people’s stories and a sense of empathy that has stayed with me. It was an unusual but deeply formative experience.
What inspired you to enter the hospitality space?
Growing up, my uncle was a restaurateur and owned several hotels, so I got an early glimpse into that world. It wasn’t the path expected of me, I come from a very academic, politically inclined family and choosing hospitality over a more ‘traditional’ career raised some eyebrows. But I’ve always believed that hospitality is politics in its own way: it’s about people, connection, diplomacy, and vision.
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What are the key elements of your role?
My role goes far beyond managing hotels. I’m responsible for nearly 10,000 people, which includes their growth, development, and wellbeing. That sense of responsibility is what drives me every day. We’re also accountable to the owners and partners who have entrusted us with their assets, and we take that trust seriously. Growth is central to what we do, not just business growth, but human growth. Without that, we can’t retain talent or move the company forward.
Talk us through your daily routine
When I’m not travelling, my day starts early, I like to be up and out the door by 6:30am. I take the first 30 minutes of the morning to sit with a coffee to gather my thoughts, process the previous day and plan the day ahead. That quiet hour before meetings begin is vital and helps me stay clear-headed and strategic.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
“Make sure you love living hospitality before you start working in it.” From the age of five, I remember visiting family in Berlin and being captivated by the elegance of the iconic Hotel Adlon, the red carpets, the guests, the sense of glamour. Hospitality has always been more than a job for me; it’s a lifestyle. If you don’t genuinely enjoy the environment, it’s hard to succeed.
Tell us more about the hotels under this portfolio?
Minor Hotels boasts a diverse and expansive portfolio of eight distinctive hotel brands, each catering to a unique segment of the global travel market. With over 560 properties across 58 countries, the group offers a range of experiences from luxurious resorts to urban accommodations, ensuring that every guest finds a place that resonates with their travel aspirations. Anantara Hotels & Resorts stands as our flagship luxury brand, offering bespoke experiences in stunning locations such as the Maldives, Thailand, and Zambia. Properties like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara and the recently opened Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort exemplify the brand’s commitment to immersive luxury and cultural authenticity. Avani Hotels & Resorts presents a modern and vibrant approach to hospitality, blending style with comfort.
With over 40 properties in more than 20 countries, including the upcoming Avani Bilaj Al Jazayer in Bahrain, the brand caters to both business and leisure travellers seeking contemporary accommodations. Through these diverse brands, Minor Hotels continues to expand its global footprint, aiming to add more than 200 hotels by the end of 2026. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and guest satisfaction ensures that travellers worldwide can find a Minor Hotels property that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations.
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What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
My motto has always been to assess people on their hearts not their minds. You can change someone’s mind, but it’s much harder to change their heart.
And what is the worst?
The idea of “work-life balance” as a goal. I’ve always found that to be a cliché. If you truly love what you do, your work becomes a part of your life in a fulfilling way. Passion brings its own sense of balance.
Any plans of coming to Dubai or expanding here?
As Senior Vice President of Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa I lead our regional team which is based here in Dubai. We currently operate 10 properties in Dubai under 5 brands, watch this space as we continue to grow across the UAE and beyond.
What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Of course, the pandemic was an unprecedented challenge; not just for our industry, but on a human level. It forced us to reassess everything. But on a more personal level, the hardest part of this lifestyle is the emotional split and your heart being in two places at once. You’re constantly travelling away from home, and while you’re striving to build a better future for your family, there’s always a sense of guilt that you’re missing precious moments. That sacrifice is the real cost of this career.
What lies ahead for the brand?
Minor Hotels is on an ambitious growth trajectory and is on track to surpass 850 properties by 2027. We’re planning to introduce new brands and are constantly evolving to meet emerging market demands and provide tailored options for hotel owners. Additionally, across the global Minor Hotels portfolio we’re highlighting wellness across the brands and expanding our offering of branded residences in key markets like Europe and here in the Middle East. This strategic growth positions Minor Hotels among the world’s leading hospitality groups, focusing on delivering exceptional value for guests and partners alike.
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