<p><span class="p-body">Turab Saleem is an award-winning executive leader and strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience driving transformative hospitality, tourism, and real estate ventures across the Middle East and North Africa. Based in the region, he currently serves as Partner and Head of Hospitality, Tourism, and Leisure Advisory at Knight Frank MENA, where he leads giga-project strategy, asset management, and portfolio optimization for sovereign entities and global investors. Turab has overseen more than 160 landmark projects valued at over $200 billion, including the development and opening of 75+ hotels and the asset management of 46 properties. His advisory impact spans 13 tourism masterplans and multiple high-profile board engagements. Holding advanced degrees from NYU, Cornell, and IHTTI Switzerland, Turab is a recognized thought leader, keynote speaker, and industry innovator. He chairs major conferences, delivers visionary opening speeches, and integrates wellness, sustainability, and strategic foresight into every facet of his leadership.</span></p>
My SPS education at NYU has been a cornerstone of my professional journey, equipping me with the strategic, analytical, and global perspective needed to lead transformative initiatives across hospitality, tourism, real estate, and leisure. It deepened my commitment to helping underdeveloped countries harness tourism as a catalyst for economic upliftment and sustainable growth. Beyond business impact, SPS nurtured my passion for mentoring emerging talent and sharing multidisciplinary expertise to build resilient, future-ready ecosystems. The program’s rigor and diversity continue to shape my leadership ethos—one rooted in purpose, innovation, and the belief that knowledge shared is legacy built."