Ritz-Carlton, DIFC Appoints New Sales, Marketing Head

 Soufiane El Allam
Soufiane El Allam
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Ritz-Carlton, DIFC Appoints New Sales, Marketing Head

 Soufiane El Allam
Soufiane El Allam

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has recently appointed Soufiane El Allam as the new director of sales and marketing.

El Allam will concentrate on widening business opportunities for the hotel, strengthening existing ties with key partners, enhancing food and beverage marketing and creating breakthrough concepts to showcase the gastronomic excellence of the hotel’s dining. Under his guidance, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC will strengthen its position as the place to be for culinary discoveries and entertainment for both the local community and beyond.

El Allam has more than 16 years of experience working in luxury hospitality and has recently returned to Dubai following five years as executive assistant manager, in charge of sales and marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. He is now responsible for directing and developing the overall commercial marketing and sales strategies of The Ritz- Carlton, DIFC.

El Allam brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge successfully leading multi-cultural teams. Soufiane’s experience in hospitality ranges from corporate business hotels to luxury destination resorts as well as golf hotels. He is working closely and strategically with international tourism operators, tourism boards, blue-chip companies, Mice and travel agencies. During his time with The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, the team under his leadership successfully sustained the hotel’s performance and position as Bahrain’s leading luxury city resort whilst reinforcing the positioning of the property as the hub for large events, conferences, and destination weddings.

El Allam commented on his appointment saying: “I am delighted to return to Dubai and to continue my career with the prestigious The Ritz-Carlton brand. I am pleased to join a very special team at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC and to continue my journey with the very successful team of ladies and gentlemen in creating #RCMemories for all of our guests and crafting the exceptional and timeless service for which The Ritz-Carlton is globally recognized for. The DIFC is growing and we are very confident that our luxury travelers would always choose to stay with us as we pride to provide the finest and genuine service."



Qatar Investment Authority Invests $180 million in TechMet

The Qatari flag is seen at a park near Doha Corniche, in Doha, Qatar February 17, 2018. REUTERS/Ibraheem al Omari/File Photo
The Qatari flag is seen at a park near Doha Corniche, in Doha, Qatar February 17, 2018. REUTERS/Ibraheem al Omari/File Photo
TT

Qatar Investment Authority Invests $180 million in TechMet

The Qatari flag is seen at a park near Doha Corniche, in Doha, Qatar February 17, 2018. REUTERS/Ibraheem al Omari/File Photo
The Qatari flag is seen at a park near Doha Corniche, in Doha, Qatar February 17, 2018. REUTERS/Ibraheem al Omari/File Photo

Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced on Wednesday an initial $180 million investment in TechMet, a company focused on building businesses across the critical minerals value chain, from extraction and processing to refining and recycling.

This investment aligns with QIA’s ambition to invest in a broad range of areas in the industrial sectors such as critical minerals, which are required to advance the clean energy transition and to help address the growing demand in the global market for sustainable energy solutions, QIA said in a statement.

“We are delighted to partner with TechMet to invest in the responsible sourcing of critical minerals, which are crucial to the global green transition,” said Chief Investment Officer of Americas at QIA Mohammed Al-Sowaidi.

“This investment builds on QIA’s theme of diversified energy transition and critical minerals investments,” he added.

For his part, TechMet Founder, Chairman and CEO, Brian Menell, said: “QIA’s investment further highlights TechMet’s position as a leading global critical minerals investment company.”

In a statement, TechMet said the funds will be used to develop both its existing assets and to continue to build its portfolio with strategic projects that scale production and refining of its target critical minerals, which include lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earths.

The announcement sees TechMet meet its $300 million fundraising target, adding to a follow-on investment from S2G Ventures, bringing their total commitment to $50 million; and an additional $50 million from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

Now valued at well over $1 billion, TechMet is one of the largest private investors in critical minerals supply chains.