Farah Halwani, PR and marketing executive Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront, reveals all to Hotel News Middle East
What’s the best thing about your job? The best thing about my job is that it fits my personality; I get to be who I am and do what I love. Being creative and staying trendy, that to me is everything, I never like to repeat the same idea twice. I always want to do something different and something new while staying on trend. And to have a job where I can be both is heaven.
What made you choose this role? Being part of the pre-opening team at Radisson Blu’s flagship hotel in the region made it very tempting! I’ve been able to work on everything from the very beginning from scratch; you’re putting your own fingerprints on the work you do now, how great is that? That’s a huge part of why I chose this role.
What do you do when you’re not working? I would be spending time with my fiancé and if it’s anywhere from a long weekend, up to a week or two, we would be travelling for sure. If not then we would be seeing our closest friends and trying out new restaurants – I personally love food. We never miss out on getting a lot of sun; whether it’s at our pool or going to the beach – a glowing tan is a must!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in the workplace? Don’t rush in making a decision and be patient. Think positive, be honest, and be yourself.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, Ibsee myself being a happy wife, a loving mother, and a creative director at work.
Tell us something that none of your colleagues know about you? At first I never wanted or even thought about studying hospitality or marketing – my initial plan was to be a graphic designer. Throughout high school I focused on art, and took a bunch of AP Art classes; I’ve got a portfolio of paintings and drawings I’ve done at my parents’ house.
If you could stay in any hotel in the world right now, where would you go? A beautiful all -inclusive resort at any island in the Caribbean; Havana, Bahamas or Jamaica.
Can you tell us why you wanted to join this industry? It’s a people’s industry and no day is the same in hospitality, it’s always different, there’s always something new happening. You can’t get more interesting than that!
What would you say to anyone starting out in your sector? Work from your heart and always put a touch of you in what you do; that will make you stand out.
What’s the worst thing about your job? There are no bad parts about my job, I love what I do!
What’s your favourite book? I personally don’t like books, I prefer watching movies; I’m a typical Gen Y girl, so it’s all about visuals and social media. But I do enjoy my magazines: like Vogue and Vogue Living, Time Out and Instyle.
If you invited guests round for dinner what would you make? If you know me well you would know that anything I make would be something very delicious but super unhealthy! So the table would be filled with dishes full of calories.
What song instantly gets you on the dancefloor? Hips Don’t Lie, Danza Kuduro, Cheerleader, Single Ladies, Crazy In Love, Mambo #5, Blurred Lines, Rockabye, Despacito – that’s more than one but I can’t choose between them, that’s my dancing playlist!
