Dubai, United Arab Emirates: DRIFT Dubai – the city’s most iconic beachfront destination located within One&Only Royal Mirage is pleased to announce a series of key leadership appointments across its culinary, operations, marketing and restaurant divisions. The new hires mark an exciting chapter for the award-winning beach club and restaurant, strengthening its position as a leading pool and beach destination while continuing to elevate its French gastronomy, service excellence, and curated lifestyle experiences.
The refreshed senior team brings together General Manager Marina Morel, Executive Chef Yassine Riahi, Marketing Manager Valentina Curvelo and Restaurant & Bar Manager Stephane Laforest, working under the guidance of Operations Director Scott Messiah, who continues to oversee DRIFT Dubai alongside Bâoli Dubai and Folie Restaurant & Sea.
Marina Morel – General Manager, DRIFT Dubai
Marina Morel steps into the role of General Manager with nearly ten years of leadership experience at acclaimed beach clubs in St. Barth and St. Tropez. Her background includes managing multimillion-euro operations, leading large teams and curating high-touch guest experiences for UHNWIs and global travellers. At DRIFT, Marina oversees all aspects of operations, service excellence and brand experience, ensuring the venue continues to deliver world-class beachfront luxury.
Yassine Riahi – Executive Chef, DRIFT Dubai
DRIFT Dubai welcomes Executive Chef Yassine Riahi, a classically trained chef with a culinary foundation shaped at Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon and Le Cordon Bleu Paris – two of the world’s most distinguished culinary institutions. His experience spans leading multi-outlet operations at luxury hotels across France, including Sofitel Paris Baltimore, bringing a balance of refined French technique and modern creativity. At DRIFT, he elevates the venue’s culinary identity with contemporary French flavours crafted for Dubai’s vibrant beachfront dining scene.
Valentina Curvelo – Marketing Manager, DRIFT Dubai
Valentina Curvelo joins DRIFT Dubai as Marketing Manager, bringing over five years of experience in luxury hospitality marketing across brands such as One&Only Za’abeel and Ritz-Carlton Reserve. She has led high-impact campaigns, managed pre-openings and elevated digital and social presence for globally recognised venues. At DRIFT, Valentina focuses on strengthening brand storytelling, driving strategic visibility and shaping the venue’s creative and global positioning.
Stephane Laforest – Restaurant & Bar Manager, DRIFT Dubai
With more than two decades of experience across renowned beach destinations including St. Barth, St. Tropez and Ibiza, Stephane Laforest brings deep expertise in bar culture, beverage programme development and premium guest service. His career includes senior roles across the Nikki Beach global portfolio, where he oversaw cocktail concepts, supplier partnerships and high-energy event environments. At DRIFT, Stephane elevates the restaurant and bar experience with a refined, international approach.
Scott Messiah – Operations Director, DRIFT Dubai, Bâoli Dubai & Folie Restaurant & Sea
As Operations Director, Scott Messiah oversees DRIFT Dubai’s leadership team while continuing to guide Bâoli Dubai and support Folie at a strategic level. Scott is known for transforming DRIFT into one of Dubai’s most recognisable lifestyle destinations, previously launching DRIFT Sea Lounge and leading the venue through key collaborations such as the Missoni Resort Club. With extensive experience across luxury destinations including the South of France and the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, he drives operational excellence and long-term brand growth.
