Adrian Messerli, president of Hotel Operations at Four Seasons

Four Seasons operates four properties in the UAE – three in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. What are your expansion plans amid the tourism boom the country is experiencing?
The Middle East is an important market for Four Seasons – both in terms of our property presence as well as a key source market for guests. Here in Dubai, we celebrated the opening of our property Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach in 2014, closely followed by Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre in 2016. In 2021, when we announced our standalone Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah, all 28 units sold out before going to public sales – the first time we have seen this in our 36-year residential history.
Apart from UAE, which other key markets do you see contributing majorly to the group’s revenue?
While we see guests from across the Middle East staying with us in our properties, some of our key markets include Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. In addition to domestic and inter-regional stays, travellers from the Middle East are a key source market for many of our properties around the world – from our beautiful Indian Ocean resorts in Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius, our historical European palace hotels, which includes George V, Paris; San Domenico Palace, Taormina; and the Gresham Palace in Budapest, as well as our properties in key international markets such as Los Angeles, New York, Washington, DC, Tokyo, Singapore and Seoul.
What are some innovative offerings that Four Seasons has for its customers?
At Four Seasons, our people have and always will be the key to our success and our most important differentiator, delivering our legendary service and authentic, unscripted care. Our people and culture of service are what have driven us for more than 60 years, affirming Four Seasons as the world’s leading luxury hospitality company. To continue leading our industry, we must always reach higher, innovating the ways in which we show up as a brand. As our founder Isadore Sharp said: “It’s the pursuit of excellence that allows you to never be complacent, to always say, ‘What else should we be doing?’ ”
Tell us more about the recently announced Four Seasons Yacht experience. Will UAE be on the itinerary?
Launching for its inaugural season in 2026, Four Seasons Yachts will explore more than 130 distinct destinations across over 30 countries and territories. All itineraries are crafted with flexibility in mind, allowing guests to tailor their own adventure as they explore beyond the familiar. The team curating each itinerary understands the nuances of these locales, ensuring each experience is truly extraordinary. Enhancing itineraries are customizable with pre-and-post hotel and overland programs at beloved Four Seasons hotels and resorts.