IWTTF Gulf 2024 is proud to showcase the stories and achievements of extraordinary women shaping the future of travel and tourism. These leaders inspire us with their resilience, vision, and innovation, empowering others through their remarkable journeys.
Today, we are thrilled to feature an exclusive Q&A with Mahwussh Alam, the visionary founder of One Perfect Stay. Dive into her story to learn about her insights into building a successful business in the competitive world of vacation rentals.
Discover how Mahwussh sees the significance of women’s leadership and her commitment to empowering others.
Could you tell us about One Perfect Stay, its growth journey, and the inspiration behind its founding?
One Perfect Stay, founded by Mahwussh Alam in Dubai in 2016, grew from her passion for creating exceptional experiences for travellers while maximizing value for property owners. Starting with just a few properties, Mahwussh poured her energy into every detail, working with platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway to reach a global audience. Personally curating the first 50 homes and engaging with the first 300 guests, she was hands-on in crafting a guest experience she truly believed in. Driven by a commitment to quality and growth, Mahwussh secured seed funding within two years, expanding the business to over 50 properties and building a dedicated team. Today, One Perfect Stay manages around 200 homes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Her journey has been fueled by a relentless passion, adaptability, and the belief that real impact comes from listening, learning, and improving. With a vision to make One Perfect Stay a global leader in luxury vacation rentals, Mahwussh remains focused on delivering the best for guests and property owners alike.
What is your perspective on women’s leadership and entrepreneurship in the Gulf region? How have you seen it evolve?
Mahwussh’s journey reflects Dubai’s inclusive business environment, where women from around the world play a vital role in driving growth. Her experiences have shaped a vision where women, regardless of background, are empowered to succeed and lead in industries like hospitality, real estate, and tourism. Through One Perfect Stay, Mahwussh actively supports initiatives that create opportunities for women to thrive, believing that their diverse perspectives bring innovation and strength to the workplace. Women-led businesses in Dubai are making a significant impact, with female entrepreneurs contributing billions to the economy. In 2021, female-led business registrations in Dubai. The chamber increased by 23%, showcasing the growing role of women in shaping key sectors. Mahwussh sees the workplace as a space where determination and competence should be celebrated and where women can break barriers, build careers, and redefine industries. Her vision is to create not just opportunities but a culture where women at work are seen as leaders and drivers of economic change. Through partnerships with organizations like Dubai Tourism, Mahwussh works to ensure that women are at the forefront of innovation in tourism and hospitality.
How do you ensure diverse perspectives, especially those of women, are represented in your organization’s decision-making processes?
At One Perfect Stay, Mahwussh believes diversity is a core strength. The team is made up of individuals from all over the world, each bringing unique insights that shape our decisions and improve our understanding of clients. As a woman-led company, we are dedicated to empowering women within the organization. We actively work to increase our female representation and aim to have women leading in every department. Our focus is on mentorship and clear career paths, ensuring women have the support they need to grow into leadership roles. We believe that by valuing diverse perspectives, we not only become a stronger company but also more innovative and resilient. At One Perfect Stay, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels heard and valued, fostering a culture that’s both a family and a business with purpose.
What does great leadership mean to you? Could you share examples from your experience and offer advice for emerging leaders?
For Mahwussh, leadership wasn’t about having all the answers, but about proving to herself that determination could overcome inexperience. When she started One Perfect Stay, she had no background in hospitality. Yet, driven by her belief in turning dreams into reality, she took on every challenge, from curating properties to managing the first guests. This hands-on approach laid the foundation for One Perfect Group, which has since expanded into real estate and interior design. Her journey is rooted in passion and hard work, transforming a small portfolio into a successful business. Through persistence, Mahwussh secured strategic partnerships and scaled the company. Her story shows that with hard work and commitment, dreams can turn into reality. Her advice to emerging leaders? Trust yourself, face challenges head-on, and stay focused on your vision.
Women in Travel CIC
