Nelson Mandela once famously said, ‘Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed towards the sun, one’s feet moving forward’. Treading forward is life with a similar outlook on life is Mariam AlAraimi. She began her professional journey working as a school receptionist. Mariam has since worked across diverse fields and organizations, gaining significant expertise in the fields of human resources and learning development. She currently functions as the Director of Total Quality Management and Learning & Development at DusitD2 Naseem Resorts and is considered Oman's youngest Omani professional to lead Quality and learning & development.

Mariam is an ambitious person who thrives on learning and engaging with people from different fields to gain varied experience. A firm believer of the "Half cup full, not half cup empty" philosophy, she instills the same sense of optimism at her workplace too. She is a fearless person who never shies away from grabbing every opportunity that comes her way.

The Women entrepreneur team got an opportunity to speak to Mariam and learn about her personality, her thoughts and her journey to DusitD2 Naseem Resorts.

Take us through the prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What motivated you to venture into the field of learning & development?

My professional journey started more than a decade ago. I began my career as a secretary/receptionist at a private school, where I used to go to work for the first half of the day (sometimes walking) and then to my university to get my bachelor's degree. This went on for a year, until I was promoted to an ICT teacher. After two years with them, I went to work as a receptionist for a private company while realizing that my future is with Administration and Management. Within two years of working there, I was promoted to administrative assistant and then to head of administration. That company sparked in me a desire to train, learn, and develop. Following the demise of the founder, I resigned from my position and started taking coaching, attending training sessions and conferences. My latest certification in CHRC (certified HR Professional), CHRM (Certified HR Manager) & CHRP (Certified HR Professional) have added a wide knowledge to my experience in the Human resources field.

“Despite having to start a new, i did not give up. I am really proud of the fact that i am oman's youngest and first omani director of quality and learning development”

After my coaching, I applied for a receptionist position with the first hotel chain, IHG, but was instead offered a position as a Learning Development Coordinator due to my Coaching certification and my previous manager’s belief in me. From there, I began my career as an L&D professional. I stayed with them for two years before moving on to another famous hospitality chain as an assistant director of learning and development. They promoted me to Director of Human Resources and Learning Development after I stayed with them for another year. Later, I was offered a position in Dusit International company with its first ever hotel in Oman, as the Director of Total Quality Management/Learning & Development, my first pre-opening hotel. I took it up and have been here for10 months now.

Give us an overview of dusitd2 Naseem resorts. What are the various roles and responsibilities that you currently shoulder at the firm? What are some of the most critical business challenges that you face?

Dusit International is the leading hospitality group and is the number one Thai hospitality company in Asia. Dusit was formed with the goal of spreading Thai humbleness, graciousness, and culture around the world. In Oman, dusitD2 Naseem Resorts is the first of its kind located in Jabal Akhdar. The Dusit resort is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters atop Oman's highest mountain range, and offers leisure and relief alongside the thrills of an 8,000-square-meter Adventure Park.

Currently I am an executive member of the Executive Committee, and the Director of Quality Management and Learning Development. My responsibilities include everything from the first day's orientation to ensuring the quality of the rooms, services we provide, and everything else related to the guests.

Mariam Alaraimi, Director Of Total Quality Management/ Learning & Development, Dusit Naseem Resorts

Mariam is an ambitious person who thrives on learning and engaging with people from different fields to gain varied experience. A firm believer of the "Half cup full, not half cup empty" philosophy, she instills the same sense of optimism at her workplace too. She is a fearless person who never shies away from grabbing every opportunity that comes her way.