In the world of hospitality, there are leaders, and then there are visionaries who redefine what the industry can be. Among the latter stands Manish Ahluwalia, Cluster General Manager at The Heart of Europe, World Islands Dubai. With more than 22 years ofexperience across Australia, the Middle East, China, Africa, and now the UAE, Manish embodies IHG’s commitment to bold innovation, people-first leadership, and exceptional guest journeys.
A Global Citizen of Hospitality
Manish’s career spans continents and cultures, weaving a story of adaptability, transformation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From pre-openings in dynamic markets to leading operations in some of the world’s most complex luxury hotels, his career has been a masterclass in both strategy and heart.
His leadership has been pivotal in shaping pre-opening milestones at properties such as the InterContinental Luanda Miramar, Angola’s first internationally branded luxury hotel, where he personally steered the transition into a landmark destination that welcomed heads of state and dignitaries. Today, his focus is on bringing the same precision and grandeur to The Heart of Europe hospitality portfolio, under the IHG Hotels & Resorts umbrella.
Defining The Heart of Europe Experience
At voco Dubai Monaco and the soon-to-launch voco Dubai Nice, Manish is rewriting the rules of island hospitality. His vision extends beyond operations: he is curating an entire
lifestyle. From introducing innovative F&B experiences and concepts like the boat concierge, to crafting immersive luxury events that seamlessly blend entertainment and
elegance, Manish is setting new benchmarks for resort hospitality in the region.
The Heart of Europe, already renowned for its 5,000 keys, 52 dining concepts, and worldfirst attractions, is being elevated further under his stewardship. Manish is at the helm of building not just resorts, but a destination within a destination, where storytelling, sustainability, and service meet.
A Philosophy Rooted in People
What truly sets Manish apart is his leadership philosophy. He believes in nurturing teams that are motivated, empowered, and aligned to a guest-first culture. For him, operational excellence is not just about systems, but about people who embody the brand ethos every day. By cultivating a culture of authenticity and engagement, he ensures that each guest interaction becomes memorable, a hallmark of voco’s promise to turn moments into memories.
Shaping the Future of Luxury Hospitality
With his contemporary, guest-centric approach to ultra-luxury, Manish is more than a general manager, he is a storyteller of experiences and a custodian of dreams. His journey is a testament to IHG’s global values: growth, belonging, and doing things differently.
As voco Dubai Nice prepares to welcome its first guests, Manish’s leadership ensures that the property will not only meet expectations but surpass them, redefining Dubai’s position as a hub for immersive, adults-only luxury escapes.