Aloft Me’aisam, Element Me’aisam, and Aloft Dubai South have announced the appointment of Elaine Watson as cluster general manager. In her new role, Watson will oversee the management and operations of all three properties.

A dynamic and goal-orientated professional, with extensive experience in the international hospitality industry, Watson is a hands-on general manager who has demonstrated a high level of operational skills, problem-solving abilities, and the drive to achieve success under pressure. Her career with Marriott International spans four countries and has seen her hold senior positions at hotels UK, UAE, and Egypt.

Watson has substantial previous experience as a general manager in the UAE which includes the opening of the Marriott Executive Apartments, Dubai Creek and the opening of the Courtyard Green Community. Thereafter Elaine held the position of general manager at the 500 room Sharm El Sheikh Marriott Beach Resort in Egypt.

Watson also lead the re-branding of the African Pride Crystal Towers hotel in Cape Town in the role of general manager- projects which saw the opening of the first Marriott branded hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. She has proven success in managing some of the most demanding situations within the industry, including property development, pre-opening, and launching new brands into the UAE market.

“I am delighted to once again be tasked with such an important and challenging role at not one but three hotels in Dubai and working to establish these exciting relatively new brands of Aloft and Element in these new upcoming locations,” said Watson.

“I look forward to working with the talent team that these exciting Aloft brands attract in both Me’aisam and Dubai South and working to establish the first Element in the MEA region as a preferred extended stay product.”