Atlantis Dubai appoints new Managing Director

Atlantis Dubai has appointed a new Managing Director, promoting Kym Barter to the role, following his successful two-and-a-half-year tenure as General Manager and Senior Vice President of Operations.

Barter joined the Atlantis leadership team during the Covid-19 pandemic, contributing to the pre-opening of Atlantis The Royal and driving the group’s food and beverage excellence. Under his leadership, Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm earned an impressive three Michelin stars, positioning it among Dubai’s most celebrated dining destinations.

Elevated to General Manager and SVP of Operations two years later, Barter steered the 1,544-key Atlantis, The Palm through a record-breaking 2024. His tenure saw the introduction of upgraded rooms, the launch of the region’s largest kids’ club, and the debut of globally renowned dining experiences, including those curated by acclaimed Swedish chef Björn Frantzén.

Recognised as General Manager of the Year – Resort Category at the Hotelier Middle East GM Awards 2025, Barter has been lauded by Atlantis Dubai for his “visionary leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to excellence,” the company said in a LinkedIn announcement.

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With more than three decades of experience in global luxury hospitality and F&B operations, Barter’s career spans senior leadership roles across Wynn Resorts, Nobu Hospitality and IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Prior to joining Atlantis, he served as Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage at Wynn and Encore Las Vegas, and earlier as Vice President of Food and Beverage for Nobu Hospitality. During his tenure there, he played a pivotal role in opening Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and later Nobu Hotel Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s first luxury boutique hotel.

Barter’s appointment follows a milestone year for Atlantis Dubai, which recently received multiple wins in the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards. Atlantis, The Royal became the first ’triple-five’ property in the Middle East and Africa, earning five-star ratings for its hotel, Awaken Wellness Spa and restaurant, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.

For more information, visit atlantis.com/dubai