We recently got to interview Mohammed Basiony, C.E.O. of M.R. Holding L.L.C. He is an accomplished and entrepreneurial leader known for accomplishing varied profitability, managing assets, and enhancing team efficiency. Mohammed is matchless when it comes to leading different development projects. Learn more about him and his journey through this interview below!
Starting The Journey
We were intrigued to learn about the advent of his journey that led him to his current fascinating position. So we asked, “Which career path led you to where you are today?”
Mohammed shared, “I’ve always had a passion for learning and a thirst for knowledge, which is why I pursued such a diverse educational background. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Architecture, followed by a Master of Science in Hotel Management, and then a Master of Science in Assets Management. I didn’t stop there, and continued to gain several professional certifications to expand my skill set.
After gaining valuable industry experience in Egypt, I realized the importance of gaining international experience, which led me to travel abroad. It was a challenging decision, but one that I’m grateful for because it allowed me to broaden my horizons and gain new perspectives.
It has been an incredible journey, and I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to the success of the company.”
Inspiration Behind This Success
We further asked, “What’s your inspiration behind developing your hospitality management company and adding it to your portfolio of companies?”
He shared, “M.R. Holding L.L.C. is a group of companies that includes M.R. Properties and Al Ali Construction & Development. As the group C.E.O. and Owner representative, I am proud of the progress we have made over the years. We have diversified our portfolio, added a hospitality sector, and grown to 1650 rooms keys. Developing M.R. Hospitality was a particularly exciting opportunity for us, as our vision was to align with and support the fastest-growing Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Our goal has always been to create a diversified portfolio of businesses that cater to the local market’s needs while providing excellent service to our customers.”
Priorities Of Business
As a business owner, having priorities is a common and essential aspect. We asked, “How have your priorities in terms of business evolved since you first started?”
Mohammed shared, “As a certified Project management professional with expertise in Lean 6 and Agile methodology, I have learned the importance of continuously evolving and adapting to stay ahead of the competition. Throughout my career at M.R. Holding L.L.C., I have prioritized customer satisfaction and employee development, recognizing that our team is our most valuable asset. As the group C.E.O., I am committed to upholding the values of the company and ensuring that our businesses operate ethically, sustainably, and with the highest levels of integrity, a commitment that aligns with my personal values and beliefs.”
Challenges And Keys To Overcome It
Despite facing severe challenges, the path adopted by the business in overcoming the same matters the most. So we asked, “What are the most challenging situations your company overcomes?”
He shared, “At M.R. Holding L.L.C., we are no strangers to the challenges that come with running a business. Having faced economic downturns, changes in consumer preferences, and stiff competition, our team has learned to work together and find innovative solutions to overcome these challenges. In the hospitality sector, for example, we made a strategic decision to partner with the powerhouse brand, Hampton by Hilton, and created an innovative concept that elevated the brand name to a new upscale level. This approach helped attract guests, boost the hotel’s reputation, and tap into new markets. We believe in constantly exploring new avenues to ensure that our businesses remain competitive and thrive in the ever-evolving market.”
We even wanted to learn how his team overcomes all the obstacles in the business. We asked, “What’s the key strength to overcome it?”
“The key strength that has helped us overcome challenges is our ability to adapt and innovate. We continuously seek to improve our services and offerings to meet the evolving needs of our customers.” Mohammed shared
Unique Features
As a business in this competitive market, having unique features is the best option. We asked, “What makes your company stand out from all the other businesses in your industry?”
Mohammed shared, “Our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and sustainability sets us apart from other businesses in the industry. We strive to positively impact the community while providing exceptional service to our customers.”
KPI For Measuring Success
“What KPIs do you use to measure your business success?”
“We use various KPIs to measure our business success, including customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, revenue growth, and profitability.” he shared
Current Services
We were also interested to learn about the current services offered by Mohammed’s company. We asked, “Tell us something about your services. What are you working on now?”
He shared, “As a group of companies, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of services that cater to the needs of our customers. From real estate development to construction and hospitality, we are constantly evolving and expanding our portfolio. Our latest focus is on expanding our hospitality portfolio by introducing new brands and expanding our existing properties. We are particularly excited about our latest addition, the DoubleTree by Hilton in Ras Al Khaimah, which reflects our commitment to providing exceptional service and luxurious accommodations to our guests. We believe that our ability to adapt and innovate, along with our commitment to excellence and sustainability, sets us apart from other businesses in the industry.
Key achievements:
- Opening of the world’s largest Hampton by Hilton in 2021 with 515 room keys, 750-meter beach, and incredible sea and island views; Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island
- Completing the construction of two large projects – InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, the first IHG Hotels & Resorts property in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in March 2022, having 351 keys; and Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island in June 2022, It is the first resort opened in the UAE by Movenpick, with 418 room keys
- Completion of modern coastal residential complex Marbella Villas and Townhouses, on Hayat Island, Mina Al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah, 2022 – 205 units
- Successfully completing the sale of DoubleTree by Hilton Resort and Spa Marjan Island, as well as an adjacent beachfront development plot, the hotel is the largest Doubletree by Hilton in the Middle East and one of the biggest resorts under the Hilton brand in the UAE”
Building Bond With Employees
A strong bond with employees is paramount if the business aims to succeed. We asked, “How do you build trust with your employees and boost productivity without causing burnout?”
Mohammed shared, “We prioritize employee development and provide opportunities for growth and training. We encourage a work-life balance and provide a positive and supportive work environment. We also value open communication and encourage feedback to ensure our employees feel heard and valued.”
Adapting To the Latest Technologies
To boost the success and growth of the business, adapting to the latest technologies is essential. We asked, “How do you stay on top of new technologies and trends in your industry?”
“As a leader in the industry, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends is crucial to our success. That’s why we prioritize continuous learning and development across our businesses. Our team members are encouraged to attend industry events and conferences, collaborate with industry experts, and participate in ongoing training programs to stay ahead of the curve.
In addition to these efforts, we also leverage our network of industry partners to share knowledge and insights. Our commitment to staying informed about the latest technologies and trends helps us to provide our customers with the best possible experience and stay ahead of the competition.” he shared
Advice To Beginners
“What advice would you give to starting entrepreneurs?”
Mohammed stated, “My advice to starting entrepreneurs is to remain committed to their vision, work hard, and never give up. It is essential to prioritize customer satisfaction, build a strong team, and continuously learn and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.”
