When you walk into Rixos Obhur Jeddah, the Kingdom’s first Rixos resort, it’s easy to be swept away by the luxury, the sparkle, and the seamless service. What you don’t see are the countless systems working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. From air conditioning and lighting to water systems and safety protocols, these invisible details are what ensure that every guest’s stay is as effortless as it is unforgettable. And at the heart of it all is someone making history: Albatool Almehdar, the first Saudi female Duty Engineer at Rixos Obhur Jeddah.
Her story is not just about a career in hospitality engineering. It’s about resilience, creativity, and the quiet strength it takes to open doors for others.
Albatool Almehdar on design to engineering
Albatool Almehdar’s journey didn’t begin in engineering. With a degree in Interior Design Engineering, she started out seeing spaces through the lens of creativity, function, and atmosphere. But when the opportunity arose to join Rixos Obhur Jeddah during its pre-opening phase, she took a bold leap into hospitality engineering.
“My journey began with a passion for design and creativity, which I pursued through interior design engineering, where I learned to see spaces not only for their function but also for the experiences they create,” she says. “Transitioning into engineering within hospitality was a natural step. It allowed me to combine creativity with problem-solving and technical precision.”
That creative foundation became her edge. Where others saw systems and technical checklists, she also saw how every decision would impact the guest journey, the ambiance, and the overall experience.
Building a resort from the ground up
Joining Rixos Obhur Jeddah in its earliest days gave Albatool Almehdar a front-row seat to history in the making. The pre-opening phase, she says, was one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.
“I still remember the moment when we tested the full systems for the first time; seeing everything come to life after months of preparation was incredible. When the resort finally opened its doors, it felt like witnessing a dream come true, not only for me but for the whole team.”
That dream came with immense responsibility. From high-pressure system tests to ensuring flawless operations during major VIP events, Albatool’s leadership and technical expertise quickly earned her the respect of her peers.
Navigating challenges with quiet strength
Of course, breaking into a male-dominated field wasn’t without its challenges. But Albatool Almehdar’s approach has always been rooted in professionalism, perseverance, and a refusal to underestimate herself.
“Breaking into a field that has traditionally been male-dominated required persistence, confidence, and belief in my abilities. At times, I had to prove myself twice as much, but I learned that professionalism and excellence speak louder than anything else.”
Her philosophy is simple but powerful: challenges are opportunities, learning never stops, and excellence always rises to the top.
Engineering luxury behind the scenes
Guests at Rixos see the luxury. Albatool sees the invisible work that makes it possible. Every seamless stay relies on technical precision, and that’s her domain.
“Behind the scenes, every detail, from air conditioning and lighting to water systems and safety protocols, plays a vital role in ensuring that our guests experience comfort without interruption. My role as Duty Engineer is to ensure that these systems run smoothly and reliably.”
It’s this attention to detail and commitment to excellence that keeps the resort running like clockwork, letting guests focus on what matters most: enjoying themselves.
Inspiring the next generation
Albatool knows her journey is bigger than herself. She is part of a shift that’s redefining what it looks like for Saudi women to lead in technical and operational roles.
Her advice for young women eyeing similar paths is direct and heartfelt: “Don’t be afraid to dream big, and don’t let obstacles define your path. Hospitality and engineering offer so many opportunities for growth, creativity, and impact. Equip yourself with strong knowledge, stay committed to your goals, and surround yourself with mentors and colleagues who believe in you.”
Looking ahead
The hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia is only just getting started, and Albatool is excited to grow alongside it. Rixos Obhur Jeddah represents more than luxury; it’s a platform for innovation, talent development, and representation.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to grow alongside the industry. As the hospitality sector continues to expand, more doors are opening for Saudi women to step into engineering, leadership, and operational roles.”
Albatool Almehdar’s journey is about more than technical systems or flawless operations. It’s about paving the way for a future where Saudi women confidently take their place in the most demanding fields, bringing creativity, professionalism, and resilience with them.
And as long as she’s around, those doors will keep opening.
To learn more about Rixos Obhur Jeddah, please visit, all.accor.com.
