Conrad O’Riordan has landed in the UAE to head up F&B at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert. O’Riordan will develop and implement a range of new F&B strategies at the five-star desert escape.
He will manage seven dining concepts at the secluded resort, including the Farmhouse restaurant, all-day dining at Middle Eastern-inspired Kaheela, Moroccan influenced eatery Moorish, and alfresco rooftop concept Moon Bar.
Moreover, the “vanguard of international culinary,” as Marriott described him, will work with local suppliers to source the best local ingredients and train the waiting staff to educate customers about the culinary journey of a dish.
Previously director of F&B at Trisara Phuket in Thailand, O’Riordan has experience leading Michelin-starred kitchen operations. He has also been operations manager at Alila Oman hotel and food and beverage manager at Alila Ubud in Bali.
Tracey Oliver, general manager at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert and Al Hamra Beach, said: “In the last year we have fortified our team at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert by welcoming new members who are leaders in their respective industries. In recent times, we appreciate how holidays have become even more important to our guests and therefore we have looked to evolve our offering to ensure we continually surpass customer expectations. I am delighted to welcome Conrad, as not only is he dedicated to delivering the highest standards but he is also a team player who leads by example.”
O’Riordan added: “As a life-long admirer and guest of The Ritz-Carlton brand, I am very proud to step into my new role as director of food and beverage. I am looking forward to the new challenges of working in a new location and the Arabic trendy cuisine hub of the Middle East. The UAE has built an incredible global reputation for setting new standards of hospitality and it is my goal to see The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert strengthen its position as the leading luxury desert resort in the region.”
