Samir Arora, General Manager, The Retreat Palm Dubai, Gallery by Sofitel

2. 04/05/2018
2
The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel
• The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel, the newest addition to AccorHotels’ distinctive
MGallery collection of contemporary boutique hotels worldwide, is the region’s first 360-
degree holistic wellbeing resort, located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.
• The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel was launched by a predominantly female
team, and we continue to be inspired by them every day and empower them.
• Women are inspiring: they’re discerning, dedicated, and determined. This is why the
MGallery by Sofitel launched its bespoke “Inspired By Her” initiative - a concept that
includes special offerings tailor made for female guests by female team members - to pay
homage to the strong, intelligent and independent women who make up the team and the
community.
Showcase Theatre

3. 04/05/2018
3
The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel
• Women make up the majority of the global travel and tourism workforce (70%):
 Less than 40% hold managerial and supervisory positions;
 Less than 20% hold general management roles; and
 Only 5-8% hold corporate board roles
• The Retreat Palm Dubai has 53 female colleagues, including 5 Senior roles, 11 –
Midscale, 16 supervisors. The strategy is increase those numbers and we have a clear
strategy of not less than 30% of female in the team and where female chooses to leave is
replace by another female candidate.
• We established a coaching, mentoring and internship program called ‘in your shoes’ which
is designed to support women empowerment in the hotel.
Showcase Theatre

4. 04/05/2018
4
Evolvin’ Women
• The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel is the first hotel in the UAE to receive the
endorsement from Evolvin’ Women.
• In November 2017, we received the Evolvin’ Women Endorsement and went through an
assessment of our policies that helped us measure our diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Evolvin’ Women is a social enterprise that increases the employability of women from
developing countries through the provision of necessary resources, networks, education
and employment opportunities that would not be otherwise available to them.
 They work closely with UN women in markets like Africa, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt.
 They actually help and provide employment for the under privileged women.
 They groom and equip them with necessary skills before they arrive at the hotel
Showcase Theatre

5. 04/05/2018
5
Evolvin’ Women
• Multi-nationals like Accenture provide necessary hospitality soft skills prior to Evolvin’
Women’s comprehensive induction plan.
• They are in talks with Global Technological partners to come on board and impart
necessary technological skills.
• The hotel provides training and employment opportunities for women in Ghana who is
supported by Evolvin’ Women and looks into continuing the initiative.
• We are in the process of onboarding many more under privileged women from these
markets.
• We are privileged to be partners with Evolvin’ Women and help support this noble cause.
Showcase Theatre