Doha, Qatar – [09–08-2026] – Rixos Hotels is delighted to announce the appointment of Sherif Kasseb as Managing Director of Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, where he will oversee the continued growth of one of the Middle East’s most distinctive integrated hospitality, lifestyle and entertainment destinations.
Bringing more than 30 years of international hospitality experience, Sherif returns to Qatar with an extensive track record of leading luxury resorts, driving commercial performance and developing high-performing teams across the Middle East. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the destination as it continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourism and leisure hub in the region.
A familiar face within the Rixos family, Sherif has played a pivotal role in the success of several flagship properties across the brand’s portfolio. His Rixos journey includes senior leadership positions at Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, Rixos Premium Seagate Sharm El Sheikh, Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha and most recently, Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah.
Throughout his career, he has successfully led hotel pre-openings, brand transformations and award-winning properties, including the launch of Qatar’s first all-inclusive resort. Most recently, he spearheaded the successful repositioning of Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah, delivering record-breaking commercial performance and securing various recognitions for the resort in UAE and abroad.
Renowned for his people-centric leadership style, Sherif has consistently delivered exceptional guest and colleague satisfaction scores whilst developing high-performing teams and nurturing future hospitality leaders.
Prior to joining Rixos Hotels, Sherif held senior leadership positions with Marriott International, including Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai and Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, where he gained extensive experience in luxury hotel operations, pre-openings, stakeholder relations and strategic business management.
In his new role, Sherif will oversee the strategic direction and operations of Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, Meryal Waterpark, and Azure Beach Doha, leading one of the region’s most distinctive destination ecosystems where luxury hospitality, entertainment, lifestyle and leisure experiences come together under one vision.
Leveraging his strong commercial expertise and strategic leadership, he will focus on driving sustainable business growth, operational excellence, exceptional guest experiences, talent development and stakeholder engagement, while further strengthening Qetaifan Island North’s position as a leading tourism and entertainment destination in the region.
Commenting on his appointment, Sherif Kasseb, Managing Director of Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, said:
“I am honoured to return to Qatar and take on the leadership of such a unique destination. Having previously been part of the journey that introduced Qatar’s first all-inclusive resort, this opportunity holds special significance for me. Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North represents an exciting evolution of hospitality, bringing together luxury, entertainment and unforgettable experiences in one destination. I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to build on this strong foundation, continue elevating guest experiences and create lasting memories for travellers from around the world.””
Commenting on the appointment, Cenk Ünverdi, Chief Operating Officer of Rixos Hotels and All_Inclusive Collection, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Sherif back to Qatar and to the next chapter of his journey with Rixos. His extensive experience across several of our flagship properties, combined with his strong commercial understanding and passion for developing people, makes him ideally suited to lead Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, Meryal Waterpark and Azure Beach Doha. We look forward to seeing him build on the destination’s strong foundations and continue shaping one of the region’s most innovative hospitality and entertainment destinations.”.
As the destination enters its next phase of growth, Sherif’s appointment reinforces Rixos Hotels’ commitment to delivering world-class experiences, exceptional service and sustainable long-term success.
About Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North
Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North is Qatar’s premier integrated luxury resort destination, located in the vibrant city of Lusail. As part of the prestigious Rixos All-Inclusive Collection, the resort redefines the family holiday experience by seamlessly blending luxury hospitality, world-class entertainment and exceptional lifestyle experiences in one iconic waterfront destination.
Guests enjoy the flexibility of the resort’s signature Multi-Board Experience, choosing from All Inclusive, Half Board or Bed & Breakfast options to suit their travel preferences. The resort features elegantly appointed accommodations, a diverse collection of award-winning restaurants and bars, the tranquil Anjana Spa inspired by authentic Turkish wellness traditions, the Exclusive Sports Club, and the vibrant Rixy Kids Club, offering enriching experiences for guests of all ages.
Perfectly positioned on a pristine private beach, the resort provides direct access to Meryal Waterpark, home to Rig 1938, the world’s tallest waterslide tower, alongside Azure Beach Doha, creating a truly unique destination where adventure, relaxation and entertainment come together.
With exceptional service, distinctive culinary experiences and unrivalled leisure facilities, Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North continues to set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Qatar, welcoming families and leisure travellers from around the world to discover unforgettable experiences in one of the Middle East’s most exciting integrated destinations.
About Meryal Waterpark
Meryal Waterpark is Qatar’s biggest waterpark, located on Qetaifan Island North in Lusail. It’s designed to reflect Qatar’s oil and gas history, with RIG 1938 as its centerpiece, a tower that currently holds two Guinness World Records for its height and the number of waterslides it has. Beyond the rides, you’ll also find a beachfront, places to eat, shops, private cabanas for elevated comfort and privacy, and even some interactive educational experiences.
About Rixos Hotels
Established in 2000, Rixos is one of the world’s fastest-growing hotel chains specialising in luxurious all-inclusive holidays. At the heart of every Rixos Hotel & Resort is a revitalising wellness spa with an authentic Turkish Hammam, renowned for its unique selection of spa rituals, revolutionary entertainment programme, one-of-a-kind children’s edutainment programme at Rixy Kids Club and action-packed challenges at Exclusive Sports Club. Each hotel offers a distinctive variety of restaurants and bars, an exciting entertainment and sports schedule, and a diverse range of lavishly appointed rooms and suites.
Rixos Hotels operates a global portfolio across the Middle East, Europe and Asia, with continued growth into new international markets. Each property is defined by best-in-class facilities, distinctive dining concepts and immersive entertainment experiences. The award-winning Rixos Hotels brand has received international recognition from leading industry bodies, including the MICHELIN guide, Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards, World Travel Awards, and TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Rixos Hotels is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Formed in 2021, Ennismore is a joint venture with Accor, which holds a majority shareholding.
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