Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis appoints Saba Khalid as Security Manager
Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis has announced the promotion of Saba Khalid to Security Manager, marking a milestone not only in her career but also in the hospitality industry across the Middle East, where women remain underrepresented in security leadership roles.
Globally, the gender gap in security remains stark. In the U.S., just 25% of security officers are female, while men account for the remaining 75%. The gap is even wider in the UK, where only 10.2% of Security Industry Authority license holders are women, compared to nearly 90% men. Against this backdrop, Saba’s appointment underscores both Radisson RED’s and the industry’s commitment to greater diversity and inclusion in a historically male-dominated field.
Her career trajectory reflects resilience, adaptability, and purpose. She began her professional life as an English lecturer in 2012, sharpening her communication and leadership skills before transitioning into the field of aviation security in 2019. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Saba recognized the profound impact of security work: “While the world was in lockdown, security professionals were still on the frontlines. That experience filled me with pride and gave me a deep sense of purpose,” she recalls.
Over the years, she has equipped herself with industry certifications including the SIRA Guard License, NEBOSH certification, and the SIRA Security Manager License. These qualifications, coupled with her consistent professionalism and ability to handle high-pressure environments, laid the foundation for her promotion.
Reflecting on the achievement, Saba shared: “Becoming Security Manager is both an honor and a responsibility. My vision is to build a proactive security culture where risks are anticipated before they escalate. I want every guest, staff member, and partner who steps into Radisson RED to feel not only safe, but truly cared for. To me, security isn’t about disruption – it’s about integration, ensuring safety seamlessly enhances the guest experience.”
Her journey has been supported by mentors across Radisson Hotel Group and inspired by her father, a retired police officer whose career instilled in her the values of courage and community service. Her leadership style – focused, supportive, and adaptable – reflects her belief in teamwork and preparedness as the cornerstones of safety.
Nina Petridis, General Manager of Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis, praised the promotion: “Saba’s appointment is a proud moment for our hotel and for the Radisson RED brand. Seeing women step into leadership roles in security is a powerful reminder that talent, skill, and determination transcend gender. Saba’s professionalism, resilience, and vision will not only strengthen our hotel’s safety standards but also inspire more women to see themselves in similar roles.”
As Security Manager, Saba’s immediate priorities include enhancing emergency preparedness, leveraging technology-driven surveillance systems, and introducing real-time incident reporting tools. Beyond the technical, she is committed to shaping a culture where security is everyone’s responsibility, integrated into the DNA of hospitality.
Her story serves as both a personal triumph and a broader call for greater inclusion in security leadership. In a region where women are steadily breaking barriers, Saba Khalid’s promotion stands as a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the evolving face of hospitality.
