I started my career as a Software Engineer and worked as one for more than 25 years.
However, since a young age embroidering, sewing, lace making and all things creative were a strong passion of mine. The turning point I believe was when I attended an exhibition where I saw one of the most beautiful hand embroidered bed linens imaginable. It was at this moment that I decided it was time to make my hobby my profession.
Over the last decade, I have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people from across the globe – Artists, Artisans, Hoteliers, Property Managers and many other talented professionals. All of whom left their mark on me.
I have seen some of the most exclusive items available for use by discerning persons, enriching my awareness of possibilities in any given product field.
If I were to define design, I would say that it’s the offspring of an elevated use of the senses and internal creative power – a journey of discovery where inspiration can come from anywhere.
After more than 20 years of interior design experience, 16 of which were in the GCC, I believe my actual achievement is the happiness and comfort my clients feel in their newly created environment. Having worked for the KSA royal family, renowned entrepreneurs and business leaders, my specialization spans high-end residential palaces, governmental offices, and luxury hotels in the GCC, Middle East, and Morocco.
My early childhood years were spent in Beirut, Lebanon, where cultural significance is naturally woven into the fabric of any born artist. Thereafter I moved to Montreal and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Interior Design from the University of Montréal.
Given my eclectic background, my eyes continue to perceive the hidden potential of any space. Authentic, effective communication is always the underlying foundation of any successful designer-client relationship. Drawn from the unique ability to truly understand a client’s vision, this means transcending time and trends, and using function and aesthetics to create the emotions a client expects from a designated space.
As a Hotel Management graduate, Rakesh began his professional journey fueled by a genuine passion for hospitality, starting his career with Hyatt Hotels. With a strong foundation in guest satisfaction and operational excellence cultivated through his tenure in the hotel industry, he seamlessly transitioned into sales. Leveraging his interpersonal skills, he forged lasting client relationships and drove business growth within the HORECA industry.
A strong ability to understand client’s needs, combined with a decades’ worth of experience, and more importantly, a passion for the industry, has made Rakesh a specialist in providing OS&E solutions, servicing clients across the Middle East and Africa.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Rakesh for any of your hospitality needs, whether they are part of your daily operations, pre-opening projects or specialty requirements.
M: +971 58 550 1696
E: rakesh@raia.ae
I joined the company in 2012, a newbie from the Philippines. Since then, I have grown tremendously and realized several valuable traits in myself especially oriented to customer service and design. I handle all logistics and sample requirement organization for the company, among other things.
Please contact me for any assistance needed.
T : 04-2247300
M : 056 1997299
E : vina@raia.ae
We at Raia feel jazzed about what we do.
Motivated, enthusiastic, confident, proud, happy– we love to serve our clients and develop bonds of loyalty with them.
Via the front liners whom we support!
Customer Testimonials
We had just bought our new home and were looking for high quality, customised bed and bath linen for all our rooms - master bedroom, four children’s bedrooms and a guest room. Raia Global stepped in and promised a customised plan for each bedroom complete with colour coordinates. They took the time to understand our needs. Each bedroom was coordinated with the colours of the room, and the quality of the end product was excellent. Needless to say that we are confident of a good nights sleep after a tiring day on bed linen provided by Raia. I would highly recommend Raia Global. They lived up to their promise!
The Lobos, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai
Working with Raia makes the process seamless and follow up is made consistently which is highly appreciated in terms of efficiency . We ordered high end bed linen quality which we are extremely happy and add a luxury touch to our bedrooms. The Raia team was pro-active by submitting alternative products in a timely manner. Their products are special but the people you deal with are even more special.
Michelle Millot, Sofitel