“I was in love with Abu Dhabi before I got here, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to highlight the renowned Four Seasons in the city,” says Ekaterina. “There is so much for guests to do and enjoy here, and I look forward to keeping them engaged. From views of the capital to our menu of international dining experiences such as the vintage Chicago-style steakhouse Butcher & Still and renowned Italian cuisine of Café Milano, to the therapeutic services of Pearl Spa & Wellness, we offer so much for guests to have an expansive stay in Abu Dhabi even if never leave the property.”
In her new role, Ekaterina will oversee marketing and sales initiatives, public relations, digital marketing, events, revenue management, and reservations for the eight-year-old hotel. She leads a diverse team of 20, reflecting the hotel’s broader workforce which includes over 40 nationalities, enhancing the range of experiences and perspectives available.
Ekaterina’s journey to Abu Dhabi included several intriguing chapters. Raised in Russia, she attended the State University of Management in Moscow, where she obtained a Master’s degree and PhD in economics, initially setting her up for a career in finance and insurance. However, she soon found this work unfulfilling and pivoted to the hospitality industry, driven by a longstanding fascination with hotels.
She began her hospitality career with an international hotel group before moving to Four Seasons in 2014 as Director of Sales in St. Petersburg. Over the years, she transitioned to marketing, eventually serving as Regional Director of Marketing for properties in GCC countries. She also spent two years in a dual role as Hotel Manager/acting General Manager at Four Seasons in St. Petersburg. This role provided her with valuable management insights and a deeper understanding of the integral role each team member plays in creating outstanding guest experiences. Her continuous learning journey included achieving a Hospitality Management 360 certificate from Cornell University.
Now at the helm of marketing in Abu Dhabi, Ekaterina is focused on positioning Four Seasons as a leading name in UAE hospitality. “I view our team as ambassadors for both our company and Abu Dhabi. If guests’ only experience of Abu Dhabi is through us, they’ll undoubtedly return for more,” she states.
Tags: Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Ekaterina Saburova
