I’ve stayed in world-class hotels across the globe, but the service I received from Ashraf at the Armani Hotel in Dubai has truly redefined what exceptional hospitality means to me. From the moment I booked, Ashraf reached out via WhatsApp and became more than just a concierge—he became Dubai’s best travel consultant. He carefully curated my entire 36-hour stay, helping me make the absolute most of a tight itinerary, and somehow made it feel like a full, luxurious vacation. He booked a desert safari, secured an Amex upgrade, arranged sold-out Burj Khalifa tickets for the time we wanted (and personally walked us in), gave us local tips for shopping at the Gold Souk—including negotiation tactics—and even delivered first aid when I cut myself shaving. He sourced Dubai chocolates for me while I was out, retrieved a forgotten VAT sheet from my room, and did all of this with warmth, charm, and genuine care. But it wasn’t just *what* Ashraf did—it was *how* he did it, and the ripple effect of his choices. When I mentioned we’d be grabbing a drink at White Beach at Atlantis before the safari, he didn’t just nod—he proactively suggested having the tour company pick us up *from Atlantis* instead of returning to the Armani. That simple suggestion saved us 30 minutes and any stress about traffic. More than that—it created a core memory: a member of our group got to check off a bucket list item by ordering the salt-crusted baked fish at White Beach. None of that would have happened without Ashraf thinking one step ahead. He even checked in with us throughout the day while we were on various excursions, just to make sure we were happy and everything was going smoothly. Ashraf didn’t just help us have a great trip—he elevated the entire experience. He set the gold standard not just for service in Dubai, but for what true hospitality looks and feels like anywhere in the world. I left this trip with unforgettable memories, immense gratitude, and a genuine appreciation for someone who clearly takes pride in delivering excellence. I learned the word “Wasta” through my time in the UAE which means clout or pull or the ability to make something happen and with the Armani and Ashraf by my side I felt like I had all the Wasta a guy could ask for in Dubai. Thank you to the team - cannot wait to come back!