Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya

Four Seasons Tenure 

• Since 2026
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya

Employment History

• Kharafi Global, Kuwait; Crepaway Lebanon; Bliss House, Beirut, Lebanon 

Education

• Hotel Management at CIS Technical College, Lebanon 

Birthplace

• Beirut, Lebanon 

Languages Spoken

• Arabic (native); English (fluent)

Ali Awada’s earliest memory is standing in his grandmother’s kitchen in Lebanon, a room filled with family voices and warmth. Within its embrace, he learnt that food was not simply sustenance, but a way to share stories and express love. “That feeling never left me,” he says, “and it became the foundation of who I am and why I cook today.”

Inspired to pursue a career in hospitality, Awada studied Hotel Management at CIS Technical College. His early employment took him from Lebanon to the equally hospitality-minded Kuwait. Over the past decade, he’s honed his skills in a country he now considers a second home. 

Working for Kharafi Global – a company operating more than 38 restaurants across the GCC - Awada developed both adaptability and leadership at scale. “Kuwait has given me stability, growth, and opportunity,” he says. “The diversity of people, respect for hospitality, and strong work ethic here allowed me to build my career.”

Awada is excited to return to his Lebanese roots in his role as Head Chef at Lï Beirut at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya. His cooking style is guided by freshness, generosity and simplicity – aspects he considers integral to Lebanese cuisine. “It’s food rooted in the land and the seasons,” he says, “but also in sharing.” His strongest influence remains his family, particularly his mother, "who cooked instinctively, without recipes and with a respect for Lebanese ingredients and tradition." 

It’s a vision of authenticity that has found a fitting home at Lï Beirut. Launched in 2024, the vibrant Kuwait hotspot is renowned for its open kitchen, live music, and warm vibes. “Lebanese hospitality is all about generosity and making guests feel like they’re in a home, not just a restaurant,” says Awada. “I’m excited to showcase good food made with love, all within the luxury setting of Four Seasons Resort Kuwait.”

Diners at Lï Beirut can expect a devotion to core elements like olive oil, lemon, garlic and seasonal herbs, with a subtle twist. Awada’s signature creations are simple and beautifully presented, highlighting Lebanese flavours without overcomplicating them – from mezze to slow-cooked classics. 

A natural leader, Awada is committed to mentoring the next generation of chefs with a focus on accountability, respect and open communication. This sense of care for his team ripples outward too. “I’m dedicated to creating a guest experience of feeling genuinely welcomed, deeply satisfied, and emotionally connected,” he says. “When people place their trust in you, you must earn it every day.”

Underpinning it all is Awada’s drive to “stay open to learning, take responsibility seriously and keep moving forward.” Outside of work, he stays in touch with his family and keeps active to stay balanced. Ever the curious culinarian, he also loves exploring different cuisines across the city he has come to call home.