Tag Archives: DDP trailblazer

Hashim Alshawi, General Manager of Ashraqat, a dynamic business development and sales leader with a track record of exceeding targets, driving growth, and leading high-performing teams, was honoured as the DDP Trailblazer at the First Edition of the Arabian Travel Awards in Saudi Arabia. As Director of Corporate Travel & Tourism at the Elaf Group, Alshawi excels in strategic planning, sales management, and business expansion, adapting effortlessly to fast-paced environments. Skilled in negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and building lasting partnerships, Alshawi holds strong interest in government, tourism, investment, and cultural sectors. Multiple certifications from Saudi, British, and American institutions reinforce his expertise across sales, account management, and entrepreneurship.

Naeem Darkazally is a hospitality leader with commercial and asset management experience. His career path is filled with rich experience. He has worked in senior management positions with leading international hotel chains, such as Marriott, IHG, Le Meridien, and Millennium & Copthorne, as well as major grassroots operators like Rotana, where he was a key player in successfully opening 12 Rotana hotels in various destinations. Owning the Abjar Group, he managed to restructure a multi-branded franchised hotel’s all commercial disciplines. In April 2021, Darkazally moved to Tourism Authorities — firstly in Ajman, UAE and thereafter at Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism — as a hospitality advisor on strategies and developments.