Who We Are
MEET
THE TEAM
MBT Restaurant Management LLC is the F&B development and management division of MBT Development.
MBT Restaurant Management LLC is led by Niveen Ibrahim and Danny Kattar who bring a combined experience of over 40 years shaping Abu Dhabi's culinary, retail, and hospitality industries.
“There is no sincere love than the love of food.”
Chief Operating Officer
Niveen brings over 35 years of diversified experience in hospitality and travel retail management, commercial and business development as well as branding and creating successful F&B concepts. She is also experienced the fashion industry and created two well-known brands over the years. Niveen was also highly involved in the organization of international golf championships as well as international sports tournaments. She is armed with expertise in international marketing which she leveraged to position ‘Abu Dhabi’ as a touristic destination on the global map during her tenure at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Niveen currently leads commercial and business development at MBT, closely running the development of the projects, making sure that the company is heading in the right direction.
She strongly believes in the importance of being armed with information on all levels and research prior to initiating any project, as creating a portfolio of multi-F&B brands is very challenging, yet when it starts with in-depth brand research, identifying brand assets, brand positioning, visual identity, brand personality, tone of voice as well as brand environment design - the mission becomes successful. Creating F&B concepts is an art rather than a science. She believes in innovation supported by efficient project management and dedicated team members in friendly and professional work environments. One for all and all for one is her motto.
When our COO is not adding up numbers, she can be found at the stables relaxing with her horses.
+971 02 550 5552
General Manager
Danny has over 20 years’ high-end experience within professional cooking, kitchen management, and F&B operations leadership. He has developed notable award-winning and successful concepts in the MENA region. Danny’s creativity has no limits, and he wears many hats.
Don't be surprised if you see him in a chef's coat one day, and arriving on his Harley Davidson the next!
+971 02 550 5552
NIVEEN IBRAHIM
DANNY KATTAR
SANTHOSH VARUGHESE
Asset Management Director
Santhosh is the Director of Asset Management of MBT Development and has over 20 years of experience in Asset Management and and Hotel Operations within the Middle East. Before joining MBT Development, Santhosh was the Asset Manager of Rak Hospitality Holding where he was in charge of the asset management of the Rixos,Hilton and Ritz Carlton properties in Ras Al Khaimah. Prior to joining RAKHH, he was the Asset Manager and Hotel Operations Controller of Abu Dhabi National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels where he oversaw the Asset and Operations Management of a diversified portfolio of 20 hotels .Before joining NCTH, Santhosh worked as Regional Financial Controller with Ishraq Holding where he was part of the team responsible for the opening of Holiday Inn Express Hotels across Dubai.
+971 02 550 5552
ISSAM HALLAK
Projects General Manager
Issam Hallak is the General Manager of the projects department of MBT Hotel Management and Hospitality. Issam has an extensive exposure on the execution of hospitality and F&B projects.Prior to joining MBT, Issam has been been managing turn key residential and commercial projects for two fit-out companies in Abu Dhabi and in Muscat during 2008-2018 and in 1989 he co-founded and acted as the managing director of major furniture retail operation in Abu Dhabi till 2008 making him an ideal reference to handle the projects with utmost efficiency and cost- effective manner. As an Architect, Issam has a proven ability to manage the project team starting with the interior designer and the approved developed design till the final handing over, signaling the start of operations.
+971 02 550 5552
With a proven track record of proficient experience, May joined MBT Restaurant Management in 2019. Through her knowledge, she has been capable of designating and implementing coherent HR policies that precisely align with the overall business strategy.
She handles employee relations by addressing their demands and grievances and pursues human capital development, which is attained through assessing employees’ training needs to apply and monitor training programs, aiming to enhance their engagement and to foster a positive working environment.
MAY ELBADRY
Human Resources Manager
+971 02 550 5552
Derché brings with her nearly 25 years of experience in operations, personnel training, and cost control across the hospitality industry. She started her career in South Africa before making her way to the United Arb Emirates and worked with both local and international hospitality groups which armed her with extensive knowledge in the field. Derché holds a degree in Hospitality Management from the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality. Prior to joining MBT Development, Derché served a leading role in learning and quality management at InterContinental Hotels Group. During her tenure, she worked on development programs to effectively impact key business indicators. In her new role, she will be responsible for leading the food and beverage division in achieving a service culture which ensures that MBT Restaurant Management follows specific and consistent service standards.
ORPHEE DERCHE
Quality & Training Manager
+971 02 550 5552
Nour earned her bachelor’s degree in communication arts – Public Relations in Lebanon. She has always believed in human communication and that was when she experienced PR and event planning positions. She, then, took the trending shift in her career and digitalized her way of thinking to become a social media specialist. She brings to MBT the ongoing social trends and strategies, so when she is not conceptualizing ideas and building proposals, she would be having FUN!
NOUR ZEINEDDINE
Social Media Manager
+971 02 550 5552
Ashwin has 12 years of IT experience in the hospitality industry. He previously worked for several hotels and brands before joining MBT as IT manager.
Ashwin holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering. With the use of sophisticated IT infrastructure and processes, he has also opened or rebranded hotels with success. Ashwin enjoys taking long drives in his free time. He is an outgoing, upbeat individual who values interacting with friends and coworkers.
ASHWIN SAMUEL
IT Manager
+971 02 550 5552
Frederic is a results driven leader with more than 20 years of experience in every facet of the hospitality industry. Having moved from Lebanon, to KSA and then UAE, he has achieved success through dedication and agility in concepts such as Casper & Gambini’s & Al mawaed.
Frederic is a detail-focused operational driver and is a customer service leader, but his biggest enjoyment is experimenting with new food.
FREDERIC DAMIEN
General Manager
Beirut Sur Mer
+971 02 550 5552
Derché brings with her nearly 25 years of experience in operations, personnel training, and cost control across the hospitality industry. She started her career in South Africa before making her way to the United Arb Emirates and worked with both local and international hospitality groups which armed her with extensive knowledge in the field. Derché holds a degree in Hospitality Management from the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality. Prior to joining MBT Development, Derché served a leading role in learning and quality management at InterContinental Hotels Group. During her tenure, she worked on development programs to effectively impact key business indicators. In her new role, she will be responsible for leading the food and beverage division in achieving a service culture which ensures that MBT Restaurant Management follows specific and consistent service standards.
ELIAS GHAZAL
General Manager
Grand Beirut - DSO
+971 02 550 5552
Nour earned her bachelor’s degree in communication arts – Public Relations in Lebanon. She has always believed in human communication and that was when she experienced PR and event planning positions. She, then, took the trending shift in her career and digitalized her way of thinking to become a social media specialist. She brings to MBT the ongoing social trends and strategies, so when she is not conceptualizing ideas and building proposals, she would be having FUN!
JEAN HANNA
General Manager
Grand Beirut - Galleria
+971 02 550 5552
We are proud to work with world-class partners who support our success throughout the journey.
