MANAGEMENT TEAM

Stuart Gissing is the General Manager of Al Qana, the new waterfront dining and entertainment destination in the heart of Abu Dhabi. In his role, he oversees, manages and spearheads the overall concepts of Al Qana through development to implementation and full operational planning

With over 30 years of experience in corporate and retail real estate industries, Stuart has carried out over 65 million Sq Ft of retail development and shopping centre projects across the MENA region.

Prior to joining Al Qana, Stuart was the Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa, for Colliers International, working for the past 18 yrs with strategic and regional clients on shopping malls, retail design development and property management services, providing oversight and key advisory roles to some of the region’s largest and well known major developers.

Stuart holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Northampton and a known retail development industry leader in the Middle East.

William Holliday, originating from Scotland, is the Head of Property Management of Al Qana. In his role, he is responsible for administering and overseeing the operations of all the Al Qana management teams.

With over 20 years of experience in real estate; corporate finance; hospitality and leisure industries, William is a senior executive with a demonstrated ability to oversee and manage multiple teams within an organization.

Prior to joining Al Qana, William has worked in various senior management roles in the Middle East for the last fourteen years. Employed by the Jumeirah Group for the vast majority of that time, with his most senior role as the Head of Real Estate Leasing and Property Management.

William holds a Bachelor of Accountancy (BAcc) from the University of Dundee and a Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology from the University of St Andrews.

Tarek Kassar is the Head of Marketing at Al Qana where he oversees the implementation of the marketing strategy – including corporate communications, destination marketing, events, digital, advertising, media relations, public relations and strategic partnerships.

Tarek’s brings with him over 18 years’ experience as brand builder and strategy marketing communications leader in the retail, e-commerce, and community development industries.

Tarek previously worked on creative projects for the likes of Emaar, Nakheel, Mubadala, Al Barari, The Address Hotel, TDIC, Samsung, Kiri, Kraft Foods, Sorouh Real Estate, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Sports City, and Ajman Bank.

Bakr in his role oversees and manages the Customer experience team of Al Qana Property Management and its anchors. Bakr brings in more than 18 years of experience in hospitality management while working in UAE, Qatar, Italy, and Egypt and operating luxurious properties, and has participated in hotel pre openings/openings.

Prior to Al Qana, Bakr was holding the capacity of The Director of Rooms and Quality Improvement at the Shangri-La hotel Abu Dhabi, and he is the winner of Hilton CEO Award 2010 for MEA Region.

Bakr holds a bachelor’s degree of Hospitality management and advance level in Rooms Division Operations from the Hague University, Netherlands.

Ivaylo Kishkov is the Marina and Waterways Manager of Al Qana Marina, the unique spot for yacht owners and water sports enthusiasts. In his role, he oversees and manages the Marina and the entire waterway transport and activities systems.

Prior to joining, Ivaylo was the Director of Marina and Leisure at InterContinental Abu Dhabi. He has 18 years of experience within the hospitality industry, having worked for international companies such as Starwood, Rotana and IHG in several GCC countries. In addition, he has been seasonally cruising the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas on a Mega Yachts for 8 years.

Ivaylo holds Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Glion Institute of Higher Education Switzerland, and Advance Marina Management certificate from British Marine.

Tanya Bruce is the Finance Manager of Al Qana, the new waterfront dining and entertainment destination in the heart of Abu Dhabi. In her role, she oversees and manages finance related activities for the establishment.

With almost 25 years of work experience, 9 years of which were in the UAE, her knowledge covers various industries, including hotels, game lodges, theme parks, auditing and schooling.

Prior to joining Al Qana, Tanya was Financial Planning and Analysis Director for Farah Experiences LLC, a company that delivers unique, world-class entertainment experiences in the UAE.

Tanya has been a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants since November 2008 and holds a BComm Accounting Honours degree from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal as well as a BComm Hotel and Tourism degree from the University of Pretoria.