When Adnan Ali Fareed first joined HBL in May 2010 as a Games Operator at Thorpe Park in the UK, it was simply meant to be a part-time job while completing his degree. He never expected it to become a career spanning more than 15 years and lead him to a senior leadership position across the UAE.
As a Games Operator, Adnan’s main focus was on guest interaction and achieving daily sales targets. As he progressed through a variety of roles and responsibilities, eventually reaching his current position as Head of Games Operations – UAE, his responsibilities grew to include team leadership, stock management, operational performance and delivering annual budgets. When asked what he loves most about his job, he said it was the environment’s energy and liveliness. “Every day is different, and there are always new challenges to overcome. I enjoy being part of an industry that creates memorable experiences and brings happiness to people and families,” he recalls.
That passion for the industry, combined with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn, saw Adnan Ali Fareed steadily progress through the business. Relocating to Dubai to be an Assistant Games Manager brought a fresh set of challenges, as it meant adapting to a new culture and business environment. He overcame these challenges by seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, building strong teams and staying focused on delivering results. This ultimately led him to advance his career to Stock Manager for Global Village, UAE Stock Manager, Games Manager, Site Manager, General Manager-Global Village and ultimately Head of Games Operations – UAE. Looking back, Adnan says that those challenges played a key role in both his personal and professional growth.
Although he has already achieved an impressive career progression, Adnan remains focused on what comes next. He is eager to continue growing within HBL, taking on new challenges, and expanding his leadership responsibilities. Now, Adnan Ali Fareed aims to work towards a broader leadership position and eventually become Head of Operations for the Middle East region. He is excited by the opportunity to support teams across multiple markets, contribute to the company’s continued growth, and help shape HBL’s future success in the region.
