Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2018
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre

Employment History

• Four Seasons Hotel Baku, Azerbaijan; Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre; The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Dubai; Quo Vadis Restaurant and Private Members Club, London, UK

Education

• Certificate in Hotel Management and Owner Relations, Cornell University

Birthplace

• Istanbul, Türkiye

Languages Spoken

• Turkish (native, fluent), English (fluent)

Ahmet Bakar’s passion for hospitality runs deep. Born in Istanbul, Türkiye, he grew up immersed in a culture where welcoming guests is a sacred art. For Bakar, creating an environment where people gather, share and feel genuinely cared for is more than a profession – it’s a lifelong calling.

Bakar’s career launched in London, where he honed his craft as assistant restaurant manager in Soho’s celebrated Quo Vadis restaurant and private members’ club. His path then led him to world-leading hospitality destination Dubai, where he excelled as food and beverage manager at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Dubai. He first joined the Four Seasons family in 2018 as General Manager of the renowned Luna Sky Bar and Churchill Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre.

In 2021, Bakar became Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Baku in Azerbaijan: an ideal backdrop for his visionary energy. The hotel’s elegant Italian restaurant Zafferano was voted Azerbaijan's Best Hotel Restaurant 2023 by the World Culinary Awards, adding to a slew of international accolades for the five-star city retreat.

Across each role, Bakar has earned acclaim for his strategic, business-driven leadership, paired with a natural warmth and intuitive understanding of the guest experience. “Exceptional hospitality isn’t merely service,” he says. “It’s the art of making people feel valued, connected and at home.”

This ethos shines in Bakar’s role as Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait. Uniting cutting-edge contemporary design with Kuwait’s centuries-old hospitality traditions, the Forbes Five-Star-rated hotel stands as one of the world’s most iconic destinations. With jaw-dropping city views, architecture by Gensler of San Francisco and interiors by Yabu Pushelberg of New York, the property sets a spectacular stage for global culinary creativity. The hotel’s six dining outlets span a spectrum of refined experiences, from classic Middle Eastern cuisine to bold Asian flavours. Across each one, Bakar champions hospitality rooted in meaningful connection.

“There’s a deep resonance between Kuwait’s hospitality traditions and those of my homeland,” he says. “Both celebrate warmth, generosity and the joy of bringing people together. My goal at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait is to honour these shared values while creating extraordinary experiences that leave every guest feeling truly welcomed.”

Renowned for his creativity and visionary style, Bakar leads with a collaborative, people-first approach. He inspires his teams with innovative ideas from the outset, encouraging them to push the boundaries of dining experiences while upholding meticulous standards and attention to detail.

Outside of work, Bakar finds balance and joy in music. “Music is magic: it’s the most effective stress reliever,” he says. “Listening to one of my favourite songs or melodies always brings me back to a sense of peace.” He also enjoys exploring the culinary and cultural traditions of Kuwait. “I find constant inspiration in Kuwait’s rich heritage, vibrant flavours and the warmth of its people. I never stop learning – discovering new ideas that help create truly memorable hospitality experiences.”