EXPERIENCE. IMAGINATION. RESPONSIBILITY.

Guided by Mulchandani’s ‘Sustainable Indulgence’ ethos, FIVE Holdings achieved industry-leading EBITDA margins with robust governance, prioritizing environmental impact mitigation and social well-being. In 2023, FIVE Holdings’ proforma* EBITDA margin reached 39%, and earned an ‘A’ rating for ESG by ISS, showcasing the brand’s dedication to sustainability.

FIVE Holdings continues to demonstrate consistent financial performance, achieving revenue of AED 630 million and an EBITDA of AED 214 million for the three months ended September 2024. Year-to-date revenue for the nine months ended September 2024 stands at AED 1,531 million, with an EBITDA of AED 525 million, underscoring the Company’s steady growth trajectory.

FIVE Holdings’ occupancy rate for the nine months ending September 2024, stood at 86%. From 2019 to end of September 2024, total revenue experienced a substantial growth of approximately 239%, increasing from US$123 million to US$417 million.

In Q3 2024, FIVE Holdings’ hospitality segment achieved remarkable results with revenue reaching AED 507 million and EBITDA totalling AED 187 million. This represents a substantial 156% increase in revenue as well as EBITDA compared to Q3 2023, when revenue was AED198 million and EBITDA was AED 73 million. Even on a like-for-like basis, comparing to Q3 2023 pro forma* figures of AED 433 million in revenue and AED 178 million in EBITDA, the current quarter shows a notable 17% revenue increase and a 5% improvement in EBITDA.

In nine-months ended 30th September 2024, the first complete season in which The Pacha Group properties were fully operational following the acquisition, the Company achieved a total revenue of AED 409 million, marking a robust 14% increase compared to AED 359 million during the same period last year. The EBITDA** amounted to AED 155 million, representing an 11% improvement from AED 140 million in nine-months ended 30th September 2023.

* Pro forma statement of Profit or Loss includes the effect of acquisition of Universo Pacha S.A as if the business combination was effective for three months ended September 2023.
**EBITDA before allocation of management incentives.

With FIVE Holdings’ emphasis on digital innovation, which accounts for 50% of bookings through its proprietary website and reservations teams, FIVE Jumeirah Village emerges as the most reviewed hotel on Booking.com, boasting over 39,700 reviews and an impressive 9.1/10 rating. Similarly, FIVE Palm Jumeirah achieved a stellar rating of 9.2/10 and FIVE LUXE has a 9.4/10 rating on Booking.com.

A GLOBAL VISION

Mulchandani has taken his homegrown success to Europe, with the opening of FIVE Zurich in 2022. This destination hotel in the Swiss city is driven by the same qualities that Mulchandani worked to instill in it’s Dubai properties: an obsession with luxury customer service, immersive entertainment and world-class global cuisine. Mulchandani’s ambition is to develop FIVE’s presence in continental Europe, the UK, and beyond.

In October 2023, FIVE Holdings acquired legendary Spanish nightlife brand, The Pacha Group in a landmark deal, led by Mulchandani’s visionary leadership. With this acquisition, that includes a range of assets from Pacha Ibiza nightclub, Destino Five Ibiza, El Hotel Pacha, Toy Room Clubs, and WooMoon Storytellers, FIVE Holdings’ vision and commitment to fuse world-class hospitality with sensational, cutting-edge entertainment experiences continues to expand worldwide.

DOMINATING DIGITAL MEDIA

Recognized as globally famed lifestyle destinations, FIVE has welcomed over 7.6 million guests from 179 nationalities since 2017 to its award-winning, entertainment-driven venues and over 5000 musically driven events across 30 venues with over 500 top DJs.

With a highly engaged, online social media community of over 1.7 million followers across social media profiles on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn, FIVE garnered over 547 million views for FIVE Holdings and The Pacha Group’s hashtags on TikTok in 2024. All of this has led FIVE to be 410% more googled than other comparative luxury hotel brands in the UAE, while The Pacha Group is190% more googled than comparative entertainment brands.

PEOPLE-FIRST GROWTH

Mulchandani has built a people-first culture across FIVE. A culture, as he puts it, “Based on hiring people who love people. Where we constantly ask the question, ‘What do we, as consumers, want to feel’. Because once you are providing value, there is money to be made. Guests will keep coming back.”

Acknowledged as a Great Place to Work, in 2024 FIVE Hotels and Resorts ranked #12 for Best Workplaces for Hospitality in GCC, #13 in the Best Workplaces for Millennials ‘Large Category’, #8 in the Best Workplaces ‘Large Category in the UAE’ and #16 in the Best Workplaces ‘Large Category in the Middle East’. Additionally, FIVE Hotels and Resorts also earned a prestigious spot in Fast Company Middle East’s Best Workplaces for Women in the Middle East 2024 list, distinguishing itself as the only hospitality group.

The company’s distinction as a large-sized organization is evident, ranking #31 in the Best ‘Large-Sized Companies in Asia’ 2024. Additionally, FIVE Hotels and Resorts stood #6 for the Happiest Employees in the Region (ahead of Coca Cola and Deloitte) and #3 in UAE’s Workplace for Women in 2021.

SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP

With FIVE’s Sustainable Indulgence ethos of guilt-free luxury lifestyle and immersive entertainment experiences, Mulchandani pioneers a no compromise model of sustainable hospitality. Achieving 100% solar power for his Dubai hotels, 100% LEED Platinum certified hotels in Dubai and Zurich, and earning the world’s only and highest ‘A’ ESG Rating through ISS, Mulchandani proves his conviction in sustainability runs in equal force with the rest of FIVE’s Brand success. Mulchandani has developed a Net Zero ‘Build Tech’ Luxury Building Design Concept that stands ready for development.

FIVE debuted its $350 million Green Bond on Nasdaq Dubai in October 2023, securing the High Yield Debt Deal of the Year accolade at the Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Middle East Awards 2024. Through this deal, Mulchandani acquired Ibiza’s The Pacha Group and is working with the Balearic Government to achieve its Net Zero 2050 goals through LEED Platinum and LEED Zero Water and Energy certified renovations. In Q2 2024, The Pacha Group secured a 100% green power contract, ensuring zero emission Scope 2 electricity for 2024-2025. Aiming for LEED Zero energy and water certification by 2025, Destino FIVE Ibiza is on track to become the world’s first net zero water and energy hotel.

Addressing Ibiza’s water scarcity, The Pacha Group implemented measures reducing water usage by 25.04% in July 2024 vs. July 2023, for Destino Five Ibiza and its surrounding community. A state-of-the-art water recycling system already saves 70,000 litres daily, and future plans include expanding its connection to neighbouring properties to unlock 350,000 litres of daily water treatment capacity. Destino Five Ibiza will also plant efficient grass species and enhanced irrigation systems to cut water consumption by 30%. The Resort, Pacha Ibiza Nightclub, and El Hotel Pacha are already registered with the US Green Building Council, undergoing renovations to meet green building standards.

Mulchandani is recognised as a Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leader 2024 in the Travel and Tourism Sector at #9 and was also nominated for The World Sustainability Awards 2024 in the Sustainability Leader of the Year category, Reuters Events Sustainability Awards 2024 in the Sustainability Trailblazer Award category, 2024 Skift IDEA Awards in the Change Makers – Leadership category and edie Awards 2024 in the Sustainable Leader of the Year category. Mulchandani’s sustainability leadership has also been recognized with FIVE Holdings earning a second place tie in the Global ESG Awards 2024 for Innovations that Foster Sustainability, being listed in Construction Week’s Top Green Developers in the Middle East 2023, and as a Arabian Business Sustainable Company of the Year 2023 finalist.

EFFECTIVE ALTRUISM

Recognized as Philanthropist of the Year by CEO Middle East, Mulchandani’s dedication to making a difference is at the heart of his philanthropic commitments.

Over $1.8 million has been contributed to date across FIVE Holdings’ diverse portfolio of local and global partnerships, including New Face Medical Trust and Room to Read. Over $200,000 has been committed to support global literacy and girls’ empowerment foundation, Room to Read India’s “Literacy and Gender Equality in Education” program, directly impacting 1500 girls. Furthermore, Mulchandani’s philanthropic efforts have also facilitated over 800 life-saving heart and face operations for children in India till date.

The FIVE Cares program, personally championed by Mulchandani, stands as a beacon of support for the FIVE Tribe members. Offering critical financial aid to employees, their immediate family and dependents during medical crises, FIVE Cares is a catalyst for positive change, delivering life-saving medical grants.

Mulchandani believes in sharing success through equitable wealth distribution, fostering rapid progression that earns both, recognition and remuneration, and creating a continuous journey of learning and achievement. As part of this unwavering commitment to equitable wealth distribution, in 2024, Mulchandani announced the implementation of a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) featuring share-based awards, highlighting his vision of inclusivity. By granting ownership stakes, the programme empowers eligible employees to participate as true partners in the Company’s growth, strategically aligning with long- term financial and organisational goals. Designed to be non-hierarchical, the LTIP ensures equal opportunities for eligible employees to benefit from the company’s success, promoting collaboration and fairness.

As President of The Pacha Foundation, Mulchandani steers its 2024 strategy and under his leadership, the Foundation, which supports social, environmental, marine conservation, sports, arts and cultural preservation causes, saw a 350% increase in contributions for 2024.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Kabir Mulchandani’s recognition at #1623 in the Forbes World Billionaire List 2024, #20 in the Forbes Middle East’s Richest Billionaire’s List 2024, Forbes Middle East’s prestigious Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders list at #11 in 2024 and #24 in 2023, Forbes Middle East’s Most Impactful Real Estate Developers 2024 and Forbes Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders List in the Travel and Tourism Sector at #9 in 2024 and 2023, underscores his significant presence as an influential and innovative figure in the industry.

Mulchandani’s leadership has been further acknowledged across prestigious power lists from #10 in Construction Weeks’ Power 150 Top Developers in the Middle East List 2024, #8 in Arabian Business Dubai’s 100 Distinguished Individuals List 2024 to #31 in Arabian Business 100 Most Inspiring Leaders List 2024 and Arabian Business Indian Aces Power List 2024. In 2024, Mulchandani also earned recognition in Gulf Business’ Most Influential Indians in the Region 2024: Icons of Influence List and Hotelier Middle East’s Hospitality Developers Power 11 List 2024.

Most notably, he was honoured with Diario de Ibiza’s Business Career Award 2024, in celebration of The Pacha Group’s cultural and economic impact on the White Isle.

Mulchandani’s Arabian Business’ Indian Power List 2021 cover highlights his swift ascent as one of the GCC’s most visionary lead.

IN THE PRESS

A charismatic leader and pioneering entrepreneur, Kabir Mulchandani has graced top-tier worldwide press from Bloomberg, Forbes, CNN, BBC, CNBC, Arabian Business, Construction Week, CEO Middle East, and more.

FIVE’s diverse array of accolades include the following – FIVE Zurich holds an 8.6/10 rating in the Swiss Location Awards. Cinque has been celebrated by the Michelin Dubai Guide 2024, Gault & Millau 2023 -2024 and Gambero Rosso 2023 – 2024, Goose Island Tap House is the most awarded pub in Dubai as highlighted by What’s On Dubai and Time Out Dubai till date, while the Penthouse is DJ Mag’s #1 Nightclub in the Middle East in 2023 and 2024.

ZAYA GROUP

Nadia Zaal’s role was pivotal in the development of Zaya Nurai Island. Her undying passion for sustainability is evidently reflected in Zaya’s inaugural project in Abu Dhabi. The island had the region’s first floating solar plant in the sea, generating 30 percent of the power for the island. Zaal’s mission to create sustainability in the luxury real estate world was further extended through the introduction of public solar lighting throughout the island as well as transportation solely via use of electric buggies. Moreover, the novel and visionary ‘green carpet’ concept also ensures that Nurai is designed to appear as a ‘virgin’ sland with minimal concrete views across the panorama of the landscape.

AL BARARI

Nadia Zaal was the driving force behind the Al Barari project, a first mixed-use development to target the premium segment of the real estate market while still focusing on the concepts of sustainability and eco-conservation. With Al Barari, Zaal created the lowest-density lush microclimate community in the region which was conceptualised keeping greening practices in mind and encouraging strong social interactions with ample community space, specially for children. Al Barari also recycles all its grey water and green waste to use for composting.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

A ‘hands-on’ entrepreneur and developer, Nadia is the recipient of the Women in Leadership Achievement in Dubai and The Arab Woman Award for Business. Her extensive experience in project development, structuring and funding has won her monikers such as Most Influential Women in the Middle East by Arabian Business, One of the Top 50 Travel and Tourism Leaders and one of the Forbes Middle East’s  Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the Middle East.

Under his leadership, FIVE has welcomed over 7.6 million guests from 179 countries across its diverse portfolio, including three UAE hotels —FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village, FIVE LUXE—along with FIVE Zurich in Switzerland, Destino Five Ibiza and El Hotel Pacha in Spain, Pacha Ibiza nightclub, FIVE MODE and The Pacha Collection Fashion Lines; and a range of assets including Toy Room Clubs, and WooMoon Storytellers (Globally). The Group also encompasses FIVE Music, a joint venture with The Warner Group and the launch of FIVE Music Studio at The Penthouse Dubai.

FIVE Holdings continues to demonstrate consistent financial performance, achieving revenue of AED 630 million and an EBITDA of AED 214 million for the three months ended September 2024. Year-to-date revenue for the nine months ended September 2024 stands at AED 1,531 million, with an EBITDA of AED 525 million, underscoring the Company’s steady growth trajectory.

FIVE Holdings’ occupancy rate for the nine months ending September 2024, stood at 86%. From 2019 to end of September 2024, total revenue experienced a substantial growth of approximately 239%, increasing from US$123 million to US$417 million.

In Q3 2024, FIVE Holdings’ hospitality segment achieved remarkable results with revenue reaching AED 507 million and EBITDA totalling AED 187 million. This represents a substantial 156% increase in revenue as well as EBITDA compared to Q3 2023, when revenue was AED198 million and EBITDA was AED 73 million. Even on a like-for-like basis, comparing to Q3 2023 pro forma* figures of AED 433 million in revenue and AED 178 million in EBITDA, the current quarter shows a notable 17% revenue increase and a 5% improvement in EBITDA.

In nine-months ended 30th September 2024, the first complete season in which The Pacha Group properties were fully operational following the acquisition, the Company achieved a total revenue of AED 409 million, marking a robust 14% increase compared to AED 359 million during the same period last year. The EBITDA** amounted to AED 155 million, representing an 11% improvement from AED 140 million in nine-months ended 30th September 2023.

* Pro forma statement of Profit or Loss includes the effect of acquisition of Universo Pacha S.A as if the business combination was effective for three months ended September 2023.
**EBITDA before allocation of management incentives.

BUILDING A PROFITABLE ‘VIBE AT FIVE’

FIVE Holdings is globally renowned for its iconic lifestyle destinations, experiential dining and entertainment. Batra has successfully created the ‘Vibe at FIVE,’ combining venues and nightlife under one roof, resulting in lower costs and higher profitability. With over 30 venues hosting daily events, FIVE’s signature IPs such as Maiden Shanghai Naughty Noodles, Bohemia Beach Club at Beach by FIVE, The Penthouse Presents and Pacha ICONS at at Playa Pacha Pool and Beach Club, FIVE LUXE, feature top artists such as Lost Frequencies, Robin Schulz, Keinemusik duo Adam Port and Rampa, Joseph Capriati and many more.

DIGITAL DOMINATION

Batra’s digital expertise has built a highly engaged online community of over 1.7 million followers, driving over 547 million views for FIVE Holdings’ and The Pacha Group’s hashtags on TikTok in 2024. FIVE’s experiences, tailoured for Millennials and Gen Z, are rich in Instagrammable Moments, amplifying brand visibility through powerful, user-generated content.

Consequently, FIVE is 410% more searched than other UAE luxury hotel brands, while The Pacha Group is 190% more searched than comparable entertainment brands.

With FIVE Holdings’ emphasis on digital innovation, which accounts for 50% of bookings through its proprietary website and reservations teams, FIVE Jumeirah Village emerges as the most reviewed hotel on Booking.com, boasting over 38,700 reviews and an impressive 9.1/10 rating. Similarly, FIVE Palm Jumeirah achieved a stellar rating of 9.2/10 and FIVE LUXE has a 9.4/10 rating on Booking.com.

FUN DINING POWERHOUSE

Batra is the visionary behind successful homegrown concepts, including Dubai’s iconic rooftop venue, The Penthouse voted DJ Mag’s #1 Nightclub in the Middle East 2023 and 2024. He also created Cinque, recognized by the Michelin Dubai Guide 2024, Gambero Rosso 2023-2024, and Gault&Millau 2023 – 2024; Maiden Shanghai, an MSG-free gourmet Chinese experience is highly commended by What’s On Dubai Nightlife Awards 2021-2024, awarded by Fact Dining Awards 2022 and BBC Good Food Middle East Awards 2022; the immersive street-food destination, Soul St.; and Trattoria by Cinque. Batra introduced Dubai’s most awarded Goose Island Tap House, acknowledged by Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2023-2024, Time Out Dubai Nightlife Awards 2021 – 2024, What’s On Dubai Nightlife Awards 2022-2024, and FACT Dining Awards 2023.

Expanding his success to FIVE Zurich, he brought Cinque Studio, Soul St., and The Penthouse, a finalist for the Swiss Bar Awards 2024’s Best Bar.

Expanding his success to FIVE Zurich, Batra brought Cinque Studio, Soul St., and The Penthouse, which is a Swiss Bar Awards 2024’s Best Hotel Bar finalist. Notably, in 2024, the Time Out Dubai Nightlife Awards 2024 bestowed top awards to Playa Pacha Pool and Beach Club and Paradiso Dubai, cementing their position in Dubai’s nightlife scene within a short span of time.

FIVE MUSIC INNOVATOR

Boasting over 30 weekly, high-energy entertainment events across 30 venues in Dubai and Zurich, Batra led the creation of private record label, FIVE Music in a joint venture with global giant, The Warner Music Group and state-of-the-art FIVE Music Studio, to bring the inimitable ‘Sound of FIVE’ to a global music-loving community through creative artist collaborations, exclusive music releases, signature events such as Bohemia Presents at Beach by FIVE, The Penthouse Presents, Pacha ICONS at FIVE LUXE and more.

FLY HIGH, FLY FIVE

An extension of famed ‘Vibe at FIVE’, Fly FIVE perfectly embodies FIVE’s ethos of immersive entertainment and luxury service with this one-of-a-kind private jet experience, featuring 16 seats, a dining area, a luxurious suite and shower, in-flight entertainment, fully serviced, curated menu of culinary highlights.

GOING GLOBAL

In October 2023, FIVE Holdings acquired legendary Spanish nightlife brand, The Pacha Group in a landmark deal with Batra taking on the mantle of CEO, The Pacha Group. With this acquisition, that includes a range of assets from the Pacha Nightclub, Destino Five Ibiza, El Hotel Pacha, Toy Room Clubs, and WooMoon Storytellers, FIVE Holdings’ vision and commitment to fuse world-class hospitality with sensational, cutting-edge entertainment experiences continues to expand worldwide.

LINKEDIN THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

With over 42,000 engaged LinkedIn followers, Batra openly shares his journey of building a successful, trailblazing hospitality brand. For YTD ending 8 Aug 2024, Batra’s content reached over 800,000 users, successfully positioning him as an industry expert who is also relatable, friendly, and always open to fresh perspectives – a persona that mirrors his charismatic real-life presence.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Batra is recognised as one of the Forbes Middle East Top 100 CEOs for 2022-2024, ranks #44 in Arabian Business Dubai 100 List 2024, #57 in Arabian Business 100 Most Inspiring Leaders 2024, sits amongst 50 Powerful Indians in the Middle East in the Arabian Business ‘Indian Aces’ Power List 2024 and 2023, and was awarded CEO of the Year – Hospitality 2023 by CEO Middle East. His relentless efforts to integrate sustainability and technology into the business enabled FIVE Holdings to be recognised as one of the Most Innovative Companies of The Year in 2022 (the only Hospitality Group included in the Annual List) by Fast Company Middle East.

Batra’s unwavering commitment and marketing prowess has earned FIVE Holdings prestigious recognition, including ranking #15 in Fast Company Middle East’s 2024 Most Innovative Companies of the Year in the Travel and Tourism category, winning the MIT Sloan Management Review Middle East 2024 Customer Centricity Award in Travel and Hospitality, and securing the #25 rank on Arabian Business’ 2024 Most Admired Companies List.

Building on this momentum, FIVE is a finalist for the 2025 Arabian Business Achievement Awards’ Hospitality Company of the Year. Meanwhile, FIVE LUXE has earned nominations in the Design ME 2024 Awards for both Hospitality Project of the Year and Sustainability Project of the Year, and Ronin at FIVE LUXE is celebrated as a nominee for Commercial Interior Design Awards 2024 Interior Design of the Year (F&B High End).

FIVE boasts a diverse array of accolades. FIVE Zurich holds an 8.6/10 rating in the Swiss Location Awards. Cinque has been celebrated by The Michelin Dubai Guide 2024 and Gault & Millau 2023 and 2024, Goose Island Tap House is the most awarded pub in Dubai as highlighted by What’s On Dubai and Time Out Dubai till date, while the Penthouse is DJ Mag’s #1 Nightclub in the Middle East in 2023 and 2024.

AWARD-WINNING WORKPLACE CULTURE

Acknowledged as a Great Place to Work, in 2024 FIVE Hotels and Resorts ranked #12 for Best Workplaces for Hospitality in GCC, #13 for Best Workplaces for Millennials in GCC, #8 in the Best Workplaces ‘Large Category in the UAE’ and #16 in the Best Workplaces ‘Large Category in the Middle East’. Additionally, FIVE Hotels and Resorts also earned a prestigious spot in Fast Company Middle East’s Best Workplaces for Women in the Middle East 2024 list, distinguishing itself as the only hospitality group.

The company’s distinction as a large-sized organization is evident, ranking #31 in the Best ‘Large-Sized Companies in Asia’ 2024. Additionally, FIVE Hotels and Resorts stood #6 for the Happiest Employees in the Region (ahead of Coca Cola and Deloitte) and #3 in UAE’s Workplace for Women in 2021.

FIVE boasts a diverse array of accolades – FIVE Palm Jumeirah is Condé Nast Traveller Middle East’s Favourite Beach Hotel and FIVE Zurich boasts an 8.6/10 in the Swiss Location Awards. Cinque has been celebrated by The Michelin Dubai Guide and Gault & Millau; Goose Island Tap House has been feted by What’s On Dubai and Time Out Dubai; the Penthouse is DJ Mag’s #1 Nightclub in the Middle East and the ultra-luxurious ReFIVE Spa has also been widely celebrated. Forbes ME, CEO ME and Hotelier ME on the other hand, have commended FIVE’s Leadership endeavours.

IN THE PRESS

Batra has featured in reputed press tiles from Forbes Middle East, Billboard, Numero, CEO Middle East to Entrepreneur Middle East, Arabian Business, Hotelier Middle East and more.

Likewise, FIVE continues to dominate the spotlight — consistently grabbing headlines globally. From publications in the Middle East to international ones that include Vogue, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Esquire, GQ, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Grazia, Cosmopolitan and Nylon to Bloomberg, Forbes, Robb Report, Business Insider, Business Traveller, The National, Gulf News and Gulf Business. Condé Nast Traveller Middle East extolled FIVE Palm Jumeirah’s entertainment ecosystem, Cinque stood out with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Cosmopolitan Middle East, while Rolling Stone India was impressed by FIVE’s music-driven experientials. ReFIVE Spa across all FIVE destinations have been applauded by Vogue Arabia, Emirates Woman and Cosmopolitan Middle East.

Batra completed his education at The Cathedral and John Connon School before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business from Sydenham College, Mumbai. Originally from Mumbai, India, Batra now resides in Dubai, UAE with his wife and three children.

Bringing more than two decades of expertise, Nabil Akiki spearheads the design, development, and construction management of FIVE Holdings’ projects in his role as Chief Development Officer.

His journey with FIVE Holdings from an architectural perspective began in 2012 ideating on Cappadocia, Villa Pera and Villa Myra; three luxury residential G+4 developments with over 220 luxury residential Apartments in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle community. Despite a very challenging DCR and tight regulations for that zone, the spaces have been designed to be refreshingly modern, new and boast organic architecture, integrating lifestyle swimming pools and outdoor furnished terraces to the indoor luxury space of an apartment.

Nabil Akiki says, “For me, this was the start-up and the seed of an evolving architectural concept that opened up ours and our clients’ awareness of the added value offered by the outdoor space. The swimming pool and furnished terrace add to the indoor luxury space of an apartment.”

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Akiki has delivered a range of world-class projects including hospitals, commercial, residential and luxury hotels and resorts in the GCC, North Africa, Middle East, and Europe, Akiki has a first-class degree from INBA in Beirut. He received his Master’s in Architecture from the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris on a special scholarship and graduated as Majeur De Promotion.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Together with his team at FIVE Holdings, he has won numerous regional and international Acclaimed Architecture and Design Awards, such as MIPIM Future Project Awards 2016: Tall Building – FIVE Jumeirah Village and CTBUH Awards 2021: Best Tall Building – FIVE Jumeirah Village

GREEN-FIRST DEVELOPER

As Co-Founder of FIVE Holdings, Anand plays a critical role in the brand’s success, ensuring development and sustainability planning remain aligned with FIVE Holdings’ thriving culture.

A proven Green Building developer, Anand created FIVE Holdings as the world’s first and only 100% LEED Platinum Hotel Group (Dubai and Zurich) and manages the UAE’s only hotel I-REC agreement with DEWA to source 100% Solar power for the Group’s Dubai hotels. The completion of FIVE LUXE earned the Group its highest LEED Platinum score to date, at 89 points for Building Design and Construction (BD+C), positioning it as the highest-rated 5-star hotel in the world for LEED v4 BD+C. Adding to the portfolio, SENSORIA, a luxurious residential tower with a 2,800 sqm solar façade, reflects FIVE Holdings’ commitment to‘Sustainable Indulgence’and is set to join the LEED Platinum ecosystem.

Highlighting FIVE Holdings’ dedication to sustainable finance and consistent ESG leadership, the company debuted a $350 million Green Bond on Nasdaq Dubai in October 2023, marking its inaugural appearance on the esteemed international financial exchange in the region.

Anand realised FIVE Holdings earning the world’s highest ESG ‘A’ Rating, awarded by the globally trusted ISS Global Rating Agency, which assesses a company’s environmental, social and governance performance. In unprecedented fashion, FIVE Holdings is the only company to secure an ‘A’ across all sectors and leads the leisure sector by a 3-grade margin, outperforming global entities such as Apple, Tesla, Microsoft, Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels.

Anand has led his teams to maintain six ISO’s, including ISO 50001 (Energy Management System) of which FIVE Holdings is the only 5-star hotel in the UAE to hold. His strength lies in the speed of execution and versatility between FIVE Holdings’ hardware and software assets, as he jumps between the board room and construction site every day. His focus on driving both, top and bottom-line growth, while improving operational efficiency has led to a 63.6% reduction in Carbon Use Intensity, 40.6% reduction in Water Per Capita, and 34.4% reduction in Waste Per Capita (FIVE Palm Jumeirah and FIVE Jumeirah Village Hotels 2023 vs. 2020 baseline).

A trailblazer of sustainability within real estate and hospitality, FIVE Holdings was recognized as one of Fast Company Middle East’s Most Innovative Companies of The Year 2022 (the only Hospitality Group included in the Annual List).

SHAPING A WORLD-CLASS GLOBAL COMMUNITY

Anand is a global authority on building and nurturing high-trust, high-performing workplace cultures. His vision for FIVE Holdings centers on people—the FIVE Tribe and the Pacha family —fostering a supportive and dynamic environment that encourages a thriving, empowered culture.

Globally, Anand oversees more than 3,000 employees from 80+ nationalities, managing 1,700+keys across FIVE Hotels and Resorts and The Pacha Group.

AN AWARD-WINNING CULTURE

Acknowledged as a Great Place to Work, in 2024 FIVE Hotels and Resorts ranked #12 for Best Workplaces for Hospitality in GCC, #13 for Best Workplaces for Millennials in GCC, #8 in the Best Workplaces ‘Large Category in the UAE’ and #16 in the Best Workplaces ‘Large Category in the Middle East’. Additionally, FIVE Hotels and Resorts also earned a prestigious spot in Fast Company Middle East’s Best Workplaces for Women in the Middle East 2024 list, distinguishing itself as the only hospitality group.

The company’s distinction as a large-sized organization is evident, ranking #31 in the Best ‘Large-Sized Companies in Asia’ 2024. Additionally, FIVE Hotels and Resorts stood #6 for the Happiest Employees in the Region (ahead of Coca Cola and Deloitte) and #3 in UAE’s Workplace for Women in 2021.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Anand is acknowledged in Hotelier Middle East’s Executive Power List 2024, 2023 and 2022, where he stands among 30 leaders shaping the hospitality landscape in the Middle East.

Kundu’s responsibilities span all of FIVE Hospitality, including three UAE hotels—FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village, and FIVE LUXE—as well as FIVE Zurich in Switzerland, FIVE MODE, and the music label FIVE MUSIC. Additionally, he oversees The Pacha Group, which includes Destino Five Ibiza, El Hotel Pacha, Pacha Ibiza Nightclub, Toy Room Clubs, WooMoon Storytellers, and the fashion line, The Pacha Collection.

As a seasoned global leader, Kundu boasts an unparalleled breadth of expertise in cross-border finance, taxation, risk management, digital transformation, process improvement, restructuring, deal-making, international law, auditing, and cybersecurity.

With an MBA in Finance and an LLB from the University of London, Kundu also holds professional qualifications such as FCA (India), CISA (US), CFE (US), and DISA (India).

This extensive educational foundation fuels his commitment to excellence in regulatory compliance, process optimisation, and financial and tax restructuring.

STRATEGIC FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP

Drawing on his extensive experience in key positions, including Group Chief Financial Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Executive Director, and ESG custodian, Kundu leverages his expertise in digitalisation and financial management to contribute significantly to the success of FIVE Holdings.

In his previous roles, Kundu has led numerous digitisation initiatives, including the establishment of an award-winning Centre of Excellence that leverages advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and robotics. He has also designed a comprehensive blockchain framework tailored for diverse applications within the hospitality sector. Furthermore, he led the development of a fully automated online audit infrastructure, featuring remote data access and sophisticated data analytics capabilities.

Kundu also spearheaded strategic expansion into new asset classes and diverse mixed-use projects—including hotels, resorts, residential, commercial, co-working, and lifestyle-oriented developments—through successful M&A deals and resolving JV disputes.

Demonstrating his exceptional leadership during challenging times, he navigated the company through the Covid-19 crisis by leading an oversubscribed equity fundraising in August 2020 and executing extensive debt restructuring amidst the pandemic.His leadership in leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, robotics, and blockchain aligns perfectly with the Group’s vision for digital innovation.

BUILDING A PROFITABLE ECOSYSTEM

Kundu’s holistic approach to financial management is a cornerstone of FIVE Holdings’ ongoing success and resilience. By aligning with cutting-edge trends in transformation and efficiency, Kundu empowers the Group to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity. His deep understanding of international markets and regulatory landscapes ensures FIVE Holdings not only remains compliant but also seizes opportunities aligned with business objectives.

Moreover, his focus on improving operational efficiency not only drives profitability but also supports sustainable business practices, propelling FIVE’s inimitable ‘Sustainable Indulgence’ ethos forward.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Kundu has received numerous accolades, including being named India’s Impactful CXO by The Economic Times – ET Edge and winning the Best Practice award at the CII DX Awards in 2023. In 2024, he was recognised as a Visionary Leader by The Financial Express, named CA CFO 2024 by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and earned a spot on the CFO 2024 Roll of Honour for Strategy Execution by CFO India.