Ganzhina Maibalieva: Inside Chalet Berezka’s Luxury F&B Leadership in Dubai

By Evangeline Elsa / June 9, 2025

Dubai, UAE: She came to the UAE in 2021 to attend a festival, with just enough clothes to spend three days in Dubai. But, those three days were enough for Russian expatriate Ghanzina Maibalieva to decide that she would make Dubai her home.

It was pure luck when Ganzhina headed to Chalet Berezka one evening after a party and told the owners of the upscale Russian restaurant that she would love to work as a Guest Manager there. With her previous experience in guest management at a restaurant in Russia, and an undeniable skill to impress, she was quick to get the job.

Today, she is the General Manager of this restaurant that has grown in popularity among celebrities and VIPs.

Ganzhina’s journey is a masterclass in turning passion into unparalleled success.

“My professional journey has been shaped by continuous learning, adaptability, and a passion for excellence,” Ganzhina shares, reflecting on a path that began at the Grand Marine Yacht Club, where she honed her understanding of precision and world-class service. Her tenure in international catering, notably overseeing operations for Rosoboronexport events across diverse global locales like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, China, and Abu Dhabi, exposed her to varied cultures and refined client expectations. This foundational experience now informs her leadership at Chalet Berezka, where she leads “with empathy, cross-cultural sensitivity, and a strong operational foundation.”

Navigating Dubai’s Dynamic Culinary Landscape

As General Manager, Ganzhina’s purview at Chalet Berezka is comprehensive, spanning strategic planning, team leadership, guest experience, and business development. The Dubai F&B market, especially in the high-end sector, presents unique challenges. “Consumers here are sophisticated, well-traveled, and have high expectations,” she observes. For Chalet Berezka, a concept rooted in authentic Russian cuisine, the mission is clear: “The challenge is to maintain authenticity while innovating — both in presentation and service.” The ultimate goal, she explains, is to deliver “not only a meal but an immersive cultural experience that resonates with both local and international guests.”

The Art of Catering to Elite Clientele

Working with VIP guests and high-profile events is Ganzhina’s forte. She emphasises the non-negotiable nature of expectations in this segment. “Everything must be seamless,” she states. For her, success lies in “anticipating needs before they are verbalized and and delivering a curated, personalized experience.” This involves intricate coordination, real-time problem-solving, and a unified team vision. Given the significant brand impact these events carry, “flawless execution is not just expected, it’s essential.”

Trends and Strategic Growth

Dubai’s F&B scene is always evolving, and Ganzhina keenly identifies key emerging trends. “Dubai is rapidly embracing immersive dining experiences that go beyond just good food,” she notes. Guests are increasingly seeking “emotional and sensory engagement — live performances, storytelling through food, and personalized service.” The wellness trend is also growing, driving demand for “balanced, health-conscious menus.” Furthermore, technology continues to play a pivotal role, from efficient QR-code ordering to integrated CRM tools. At Chalet Berezka, these insights drive innovation, ensuring their offering remains “fresh and relevant, while still staying true to our core identity.”

Chalet Berezka’s business development strategy is rooted in long-term guest engagement and brand visibility. Ganzhina highlights their efforts, stating, “We’ve launched exclusive private events to attract niche audiences, implemented loyalty programs to increase guest retention, and partnered with local influencers to grow digital presence.” Critical to this continuous evolution is the reliance on “market research and real-time feedback from guests,” alongside close monitoring of competitor activity. “Ultimately,” she concludes, “the goal is to build a strong emotional connection with our audience while maintaining high operational standards.”

Cultivating a Winning Team and Leading with Purpose

Ganzhina firmly believes that “hospitality is a people-first industry.” For her, the foundation of a high-performing team rests on “transparency, mutual respect, and continuous development.” She prioritizes involving team members in key decisions, fostering open communication, and regularly recognizing achievements. “Regular training, mentorship, and fostering a culture of ownership have been essential to building a motivated and resilient team,” she adds.

As a female leader in hospitality, particularly in the Middle East, Ganzhina acknowledges unique challenges but views them as opportunities for growth. “It has also shaped my resilience and confidence,” she reflects. Early experiences taught her “the importance of being assertive while maintaining authenticity.” To young women aspiring to leadership in this field, her advice is clear: “Trust your instincts, build supportive networks, and invest in your growth consistently.”

Beyond the Professional: Personal Passions and Future Leadership

Ganzhina’s personal interests, including yoga, reading, horse riding, and language learning, actively support her professional effectiveness. “Yoga and meditation, in particular, help with stress management and mental clarity, which are vital in high-pressure leadership roles,” she explains. Reading broadens her perspective, while language learning enhances the cultural awareness crucial for managing an international clientele and team. These practices keep her “balanced and aligned with both my personal and professional goals.”

She credits inspiring mentors for shaping her career, particularly those who exemplified “grace under pressure and service-oriented leadership.” A pivotal moment was organizing a large-scale diplomatic event early on: “It reinforced my confidence in managing high-stakes environments and solidified my passion for hospitality.” Such experiences clarified her path: “This industry is not just my career — it’s my calling.”

In today’s landscape, digital communication is paramount. “We actively use platforms like Instagram to build our brand presence and connect with our audience,” she confirms. Collaborations with influencers and curated visual storytelling are vital to communicating Chalet Berezka’s essence. “It’s not just about visuals — it’s about telling a story that invites people in.”

For Ganzhina, the most rewarding aspect of leadership is witnessing direct impact: “Seeing satisfied guests, receiving heartfelt feedback, and watching team members grow into their full potential.” She finds deep satisfaction in creating memorable experiences and influencing team culture. Looking to the future, she identifies three essential skills for emerging leaders in hospitality: “emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strategic thinking.” These, she believes, are the “cornerstones of modern leadership in hospitality.”