Christopher Lund

Head of Hotels – Middle East & North Africa, Colliers International

Christopher Lund oversees the Hotels consultancy division of Colliers International in the Middle East and North Africa. Over the past 7 years, the Hotels team has worked on more than 700 projects in the region, providing advisory services to hotel developers, investors, operators, governments, law firms and banks. Christopher specializes in development consultancy and strategic asset management, ranging from standalone hotels to large-scale destinations, as well as hotel company strategies, condo-hotel investment models and negotiating complex hotel management agreements. His operational and asset management experience allows him to have a 360-degree view and hands-on approach when providing actionable advice to enhance hotel profitability. Christopher holds an MSc in Real Estate Investment and Finance from Henley Business School, with other degrees and certificates from New York University, Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne and The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

Abdullah Al Abdouli

Managing Director, Marjan

Abdullah Al Abdooli, a qualified Architect and Urban Planner, is a senior contributor to the design and planning of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and its crown jewel, Al Marjan Island. His specialist areas of expertise include architecture, urban planning, interior design, project management and sustainable development.

As Managing Director of Al Marjan Island, Al Abdooli leads the company’s real estate investment, development and strategy. He is a board member of AlMarjan Island LLC and works closely with the board to deliver the strategic plan and vision for the organisation.

His priorities include establishing and building relationships with major institutions and developers. He actively engages all stakeholders as he continues to develop both the brand and the Al Marjan Island project into a highly regarded investment destination of choice, and proactively shapes partnerships within various investor categories.

In addition to being Managing Director and board member of Al Marjan Island LLC, Abdullah Al Abdooli is also Director, Town Planning, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, and board of RAK Dredging.

Abdullah Al Abdooli received his Master’s degree from Paris Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi and his Bachelor’s from the American University of Sharjah.

María Zarraluqui

Global Head of Development, Meliá Hotels International

María Zarraluqui is Global Development Managing Director for Meliá Hotels International Group, she is heading the worldwide development for the Group and is responsible for executing together with her team of developers the growth strategy of Meliá worldwide, having signed over the last 3 years more than 110 deals worldwide.  María holds a Law degree from the University of Navarra in Spain, as well as a Master’s degree in Enterprises Legal Consultancy for the Deusto University in, Spain, a Postgraduate degree in Urban Development Law from the UIB University and got a Mention of honour as number 1 of the 2008-2009 Executive Tourist MBA, IE Business School, in Spain. She joined Meliá´s legal Department in 1999, on 2008 she joined the Development team as Development Director and was promoted to Global Development Managing Director in 2011.