AltoVita's Spotlight Series
AltoVita's Spotlight Series: 5 Minutes with Fatine El Khayyari
With Moroccan roots, an upbringing in Italy, and an extensive experience living in the Middle East, Fatine is AltoVita's Senior Sourcing Manager.
In her role, she focuses on identifying and securing new inventory in key locations across EMEA, with expertise in the Middle Eastern market. Fatine is dedicated to sourcing a diverse range of properties from both branded and local partners, carefully vetting them through our rigorous quality control process, and fostering strong relationships with regional partners.
Can you describe the current extended stay landscape in the Middle East — and what makes it unique from other countries?
The Middle East, long renowned for its luxury hotels, is experiencing a notable shift towards mid-scale and locally operated extended-stay accommodations, particularly among mid-market businesses outside the oil and gas sector. Significant investments are being made by industries such as tourism, real estate, technology, and construction.
This trend highlights the challenges businesses face in securing suitable lodging, driven by high demand and limited supply, especially in cities like Riyadh. Serviced apartments are emerging as a preferred option for corporate travellers, and a rising trend is evident as major hotel brands expand their portfolios to include extended-stay options, often within dual-tower complexes that integrate hotel rooms with serviced residences.
What do you enjoy most about your role, and what do you find most challenging?
Sourcing and vetting a property from scratch, particularly in remote or unfamiliar areas, can be a daunting task. It demands a meticulous eye for detail and a thorough understanding of our standards to ensure that every option we present aligns with the high expectations of our clients and their guests. We adhere to a rigorous four-tier quality control process, and upholding these standards is a responsibility I take with the utmost seriousness.
What makes my role truly rewarding is the journey from discovering a new property to seeing it evolve into a trusted and loyal partner of AltoVita. There’s immense satisfaction in starting with a blank slate, meticulously sourcing and evaluating a property, and then watching it become an integral part of our portfolio. Knowing that we've helped foster a lasting relationship that benefits both our Hospitality Growth Partners and clients is incredibly fulfilling.
How do you see AltoVita helping hospitality operators in the Middle East?
The Middle East is a region of remarkable diversity, encompassing a wide range of work styles, challenges, and workforce demographics. At AltoVita, we excel in addressing these varied needs by providing personalised living solutions. We collaborate closely with our hospitality partners to showcase their properties and develop tailored accommodation options that precisely align with our clients' specific requirements. This approach ensures that our partners can effectively meet the diverse demands of clients, enhancing their accommodation programmes and delivering exceptional service.
What in your opinion makes AltoVita so unique in the Middle Eastern market compared to other vendors out there?
At AltoVita, what truly distinguishes us in the Middle Eastern market is our deep local expertise and understanding of the region. Many of our team members, including myself, have lived in multiple cities across the Middle East, granting us unique insights into the cultural nuances and specific needs of the area. This local knowledge enables us to provide tailored advice and showcase a diverse inventory that includes both well-known brands and exceptional non-branded options that might otherwise go unnoticed. We take pride in bringing these hidden gems to the forefront, ensuring our clients have access to the highest quality accommodations.
During our recent "Smart, Safe, and Sustainable" event, we learned from clients that their employees, particularly women, sometimes feel overwhelmed when relocating to cities like Riyadh, where the cultural landscape remains unfamiliar to many. This is where AltoVita truly shines, offering a unique and supportive experience. We are here to provide guidance, helping them navigate these new environments and smoothly transition into their new homes.
What are your predictions for the next 12 months in the Middle East?
I firmly believe in the ongoing growth of the Middle East's extended stay market, fueled by the rising demand from corporate travellers and expatriates. We can anticipate more major hotel brands expanding their portfolios to include extended stay options, with a growing emphasis on flexibility and customised accommodations. Furthermore, the integration of sustainable practices and advanced technology is likely to gain prominence, as businesses and travelers alike seek solutions that meet their evolving needs.
Who are our top hospitality partners in the Middle East?
In the Middle East, we are proud to collaborate with leading brands such as Rotana, Ascott, IHG, and many others. These partnerships are invaluable to us, reflecting a shared commitment to providing exceptional living solutions for corporate travelers.
We greatly appreciate the flexibility and loyalty demonstrated by our Hospitality Partners, who consistently work closely with us to meet our clients' needs.
One of the most rewarding aspects of these partnerships is the opportunity for in-person meetings. While much of our work is conducted virtually, we recognize the immense value of face-to-face interactions. These meetings allow us to connect on a personal level, gain a deeper understanding of their properties, and strengthen our collaborative efforts.
If you had to move, which country would you most like to relocate to?
I can definitely see myself moving back to Doha, settling into a townhouse with a marina view, and enjoying my morning coffee while taking in the beautiful scenery.
