If there is one hotel that consistently redefines what fashion-branded
boutique hoteling means, it’s Armani Hotel Dubai. Mark Kirby, General
Manager of Armani Hotel Dubai, located in Dubai’s über-luxury hotel
located in the iconic Burj Khalifah, is a veteran of the hospitality industry
with more than two decades of experience.
With Kirby at the helm, Armani Hotel Dubai continues to receive global
recognition, winning prestigious awards such as the World’s Leading
Design Hotel”, “Middle East’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel and “Dubai’s
Leading Hotel” at the 24th World Travel Awards, and the “Luxury Design
Hotel – Global Winner” at the World Luxury Hotel Awards in 2017.
An avid supporter of charity work and marathon running, the Rugby
enthusiast worked his way up through the ranks of the prestigious London
hotel before going global. Tasked with driving commercial strategy and
overall operations for the hotel, Kirby talks to Luxury Hoteliers Magazine
about what strengthening the Armani brand is all about.
YOU’VE GOT A LONG HISTORY IN
LUXURY HOSPITALITY. HOW DID
YOUR COLLABORATION WITH
ARMANI COME ABOUT?
To give some background, Armani Hotel Dubai is the first hotel under
the collaboration of Emaar Properties and Giorgio Armani, the fashion
legend. Armani Hotel Dubai is also the flagship property as part of this
collaboration and has an iconic location within Burj Khalifa. I joined
Armani Hotel Dubai in 2014, and it was a great opportunity to be part of
one of the world’s most admired hotels – set apart by its brand identity
and location
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