In the heart of Doha’s glittering hospitality scene, where opulence meets precision, one woman has quietly and confidently redefined the standard of event excellence: Nawal Benlazrak, the Director of Event Operations at Rosewood Doha.
Nawal Benlazrak’s journey to becoming a leading figure in luxury event management is marked by diverse international experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Before making Doha her professional home, Nawal honed her hospitality skills in Dubai, spending two formative years at the prestigious Rixos Hotel. This experience laid a strong foundation for her to excel in high-profile luxury environments and prepared her for the challenges of the elite hospitality sector.
Her story is not just about career progression; it’s about resilience, passion, and the pursuit of perfection in every guest experience. Early career experiences in Tunisia, working as a waitress and barista, endowed her with a deep understanding of guest connection and service, essential qualities that continue to inspire her leadership style today.
Nawal’s expertise expanded significantly during her time at The St. Regis Doha, where she spent nearly a decade directing weddings and social events. Her leadership not only elevated service standards to epitomize elegance and sophistication but also included fostering empowered teams and embedding a culture of collaboration. Demonstrating remarkable versatility, she was also part of a critical task force in 2024 aimed at opening The St. Regis Oman, where her insight and operational acumen contributed to the successful launch of this luxury property.
In her current role at Rosewood Doha, a landmark hotel that earned an extraordinary reputation as the best hotel in Doha within just four months of its opening, Nawal has played a central role in steering the property’s rapid rise. Under her leadership, Rosewood Doha achieved the distinguished recognition of a 5-star Forbes rating and was awarded a Michelin Key, distinctions that underscore both operational precision and exceptional guest experience.
Nawal’s ability to blend operational excellence with emotional intelligence marks her leadership approach. She is known not only for meticulous attention to detail but also for her heart-centered management style that values people, cultivating an environment where staff thrive and guests encounter warmth paired with luxury.
What sets Nawal apart is her dedication to nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals. She leads by example, passionately advocating for increased women’s leadership in an industry navigating the balance between tradition and transformation. Her guiding mantra, “Luxury is not just service; it’s an emotion, and every event is a chance to create it,” reflects her holistic vision of hospitality.
Nawal Benlazrak’s inspiring journey over seventeen years across Tunisia, Dubai, and Doha echoes as a beacon for women leaders in the Arab world. Her career embodies a narrative of grace under pressure, resilience in the face of demanding industry standards, and a commitment to elevating the luxury event experience to unprecedented heights.
As she continues to elevate Doha’s hospitality and event management landscape, Nawal stands as a symbol of empowered leadership, proving that passion combined with purpose and precision can craft unforgettable excellence.
The Arab Leaders proudly recognize Nawal Benlazrak in their Women Leaders feature, celebrating her invaluable contributions to redefining luxury event standards and shaping the future of hospitality in the Arab world
