Category Archives: Hotels

Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai wins ‘Best Hotel to practice sustainable initiatives’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning this award is a recognition of the impactful sustainable practices pioneered by Swissotel Al Ghurair this year. It reflects the team’s dedication and hard work for initiatives such as eliminating single-use plastics, installing a water filteration system, and inventing a recycling tank for wastewater, for irrigating our vegetable garden. This recognition highlights the importance of sustainable innovation, which is crucial for the future of hospitality and tourism. ”- Amal El Ansari, General Manager, Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai.

Damac Maison Aykon City was recognised as the’Best Luxury Hotel Apartments’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “We are delighted this evening to be awarded two very prestigious awards, and I would like to thank Arabian Travel Awards for their nomination in considering our properties, Paramount Hotel Dubai for lifestyle and for our new property, DAMAC Maison Aykon City. We are just delighted by these awards and nothing can ever be achieved without having a fabulous team and thank you very much for your hard work and dedication. ”-Dean Rossilli, SVP, DAMAC Hotels and Resorts

Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) has collaborated with Marriott International to launch a new Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis, reinforcing their joint commitment to shaping the future of the UAE hospitality industry. This initiative, accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, will provide students with a comprehensive education that blends theoretical learning with hands-on experience, setting them on a path to successful careers in the hospitality industry in Dubai and the wider UAE. The Diploma in Hospitality – Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis will commence its first edition in May 2025 with 40 Emirati students who will be enrolled in DCT’s One Central campus, where the world-class vocational college delivers full-time certificate and advanced diploma courses in four core subject areas: tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, and events. This initiative is also in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure, with a key D33 priority being to integrate the next generation of Emiratis into the private sector. Mariam Sultan Al Maeeni, Director, Industry Nationalisation at the Dubai College of Tourism, commented: “This new collaboration with Marriott International on the Diploma in Hospitality – Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis stands as a testament to our commitment to developing a skilled and competent workforce for the tourism and hospitality sectors, in alignment with the aspirations of our visionary leadership to integrate new generations of Emiratis into the private sector, as part of the D33 Agenda. By blending theoretical learning with practical experience, we ensure that our students gain valuable industry insights and develop essential skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. The initiative enables Emirati students to build …

The Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia, taking place in Riyadh, 11-13 May, will host the region’s first NextGen Investment Forum to address the challenges – and opportunities – surrounding education, training and talent retention in KSA’s growing hospitality sectors. Investing in the next generation of leaders in hospitality is fundamental to delivering KSA’s Vision 2030 goals, according to industry experts, who will come together at FHS to explore and discuss issues such as bridging skill gaps, creating new pathways to career growth, empowering Saudi nationals and encouraging more women to take up a career in hospitality. The event takes place on the first day of FHS Saudi Arabia, Sunday 11 May, from 3:00pm, with more than 30 speakers set to take part. Through a series of curated roundtable discussions, the forum will bring together key industry stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges in hospitality education and retention with a focus on solution-oriented conversations and actionable outcomes to help shape the future of hospitality education and workforce development. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of FHS organiser The Bench, said: “By 2030, KSA’s hospitality and tourism transformation will create more than a million new jobs, deliver 320,000 new hotel rooms, and inject around US$46 billion into the country’s economy. And with Saudi Arabia set to welcome 150 million annual tourists in the next five years, it goes without saying that the right investment today is key to creating the hospitality leaders of tomorrow. “We are proud to launch this first-of-its-kind initiative at FHS Saudi Arabia and look to drawing inspiration from highly respected industry experts during an afternoon of collaboration, insight and actionable solutions to shape the future of KSA’s hospitality industry.” The NextGen …

Aldar has launched an in-house customer experience academy and have agreed a partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches to establish and curate its courses. The Aldar CX Academy (“The Academy”) is part of the company’s strategy to enhance customer experience and instill a hospitality mindset across the organization. The Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches is a groundbreaking institution that sets a new standard in hospitality education by integrating global expertise with a deep-rooted emphasis on Emirati culture. This aligns closely with the ethos of Aldar’s CX Academy, which is founded on the philosophy of traditional Emirati hospitality, with every guest treated with unconditional welcome and care. The pillars of Emirati hospitality will also inform The Academy’s curricula with a key focus on selfless generosity, relationships over transactions, commitment to craft, excellence beyond expectations, respect for all cultures, and sustainable relationships. The Academy is designed to support the Abu Dhabi Customer Experience Strategy and contribute to the emirate’s reputation as a destination with world-class service across all sectors. With a mandate to establish an elevated signature experience at every touch point across, The Academy will train more than 30,000 direct and indirect employees from senior management to frontline staff. This will include employees across every Aldar asset, business, and function including sales, community management, facilities management, retail, hospitality, and schools. Courses are scheduled to commence by the end of Q1 2025, with plans for a purpose-built, state-of-the-art, facility on Yas Island. Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer at Aldar, said: “In line with our customer experience strategy and purpose to have a positive impact on people’s lives, we believe that hospitality is the universal language of …

Speaking with Tourismbreakingnews.ae Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel shared that he expects over 90% occupancy during this Holy month of Ramadan and the Eid season. “As we approach Ramadan, we anticipate a significant increase in F&B revenue, driven by Iftar offering tailored to our diverse guests. Our occupancy rates are expected to rise, particularly with regional travellers seeking a memorable stay during the holy month. We look forward to welcoming a mix of GCC, Middle Eastern and local guests, ensuring an exceptional experience that blends tradition with modern comfort. This is CIS holiday period, and our base occupancy is already set and now we are increasing with 3 to 4% pick up on daily basis, which will make our occupancy 90% plus month to date.” This Ramadan, indulge in an exceptional outdoor Iftar experience at Nojoom Lounge of Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel. For just AED 179 per person, enjoy a lavish buffet with traditional Arabian delicacies, international favourites, and live cooking stations, all set in a stunning open-air ambiance overlooking the Arabic Gulf. To make the occasion even more special. Exclusive discount offers are available for early bookings and group reservations. Gather with family and friends and enjoy a memorable evening filled with delicious food, refreshing Ramadan beverages, and warm hospitality. For bookings, call or message +971 50 634 2054 or email dining.bahiajman@hmhhotelgroup.com

Conrad Dubai was recognised as the ‘Best Luxury and MICE Hotel – UAE’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. Conrad Dubai is located in the financial and shopping district, minutes from Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the airport. This luxurious hotel offers accommodations with panoramic views, five dining venues, an outdoor pool, a premier spa, a fitness centre and a yoga pavilion.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has awarded 153 hotels with the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp in the initiative’s second cycle. This marks a 118% increase from the 70 hotels recognised in last year’s inaugural edition, reflecting the commitment of the hospitality sector in Dubai to prioritising sustainability, and reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a sustainable destination. The DST Stamp, which was launched in July 2023, recognises hotels that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with Dubai’s ambitious environmental goals and vision for a green future. Hotels are evaluated against a comprehensive set of ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’, covering areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and staff engagement. The awards, which feature a three-tier recognition system in gold, silver and bronze categories, were officially announced at an exclusive ceremony held on 26 February at Atlantis The Royal. Contributing to broader clean energy targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 2030, the DST Stamp initiative is also in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. As part of the wider DST programme, the recognition is designed to elevate the environmental performance of the hospitality sector. Rated for their performance in 2024, 18 hotels achieved the gold tier – including Atlantis, The Palm; Atlantis The Royal; Jumeirah Al Qasr; Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf; Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa; and Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai – while 64 earned silver and 71 received bronze. These hotels underwent rigorous assessments by third-party independent assessors as part of the Dubai Government Excellence programme, ensuring …

In partnership with AIMS Holding, IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to bring its ultra-luxury brand, Regent, to the holy city of Makkah, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s evolving hospitality landscape. IHG and AIMS have signed an agreement to brand and operate a property that is strategically located just steps from Al Haram Al Sharif. With construction already underway, the hotel is moving ahead of initial timelines, reinforcing IHG’s commitment to expanding its luxury portfolio in the region. Regent Makkah will offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Holy Mosque, Masjid al-Haram and Al Kaaba, offering an exceptional retreat with world-class comfort for travellers visiting Islam’s holiest city. The hotel will redefine opulence in Makkah, ensuring an exclusive, serene, and refined experience in one of the world’s most spiritual destinations. The hotel will house 330 meticulously designed rooms and suites, each featuring state-of-the-art technology, thoughtfully curated wellness experiences that cater to both relaxation and spiritual well-being, ensuring a truly elevated stay. Adding to its grandeur, the property will feature an expansive presidential suite on a high floor, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Haram and Al Kaaba, setting a new benchmark for luxury accommodations in the city. The Regent Makkah will offer a supreme culinary journey with specialty restaurants led by acclaimed chefs. Additionally, a world-class spa and wellness centre will enrich the experience with rejuvenation and relaxation offerings in a setting of unparalleled comfort. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are excited to launch Regent Makkah, a brand that embodies the pinnacle of luxury and hospitality. This property will not only elevate the guest experience in Makkah, but also …

The Tower Plaza Hotel Dubai was recognised as the ‘Best City Hotel’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “It gives us immense pleasure for winning the “Best City Hotel” award at the Arabian Travel Awards. It is an incredibly important and significant achievement for the whole team. It not only validates the hard work and dedication but also reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for our guests.”-Haitham Galal, General Manager, The Tower Plaza Hotel Dubai