Category Archives: Hotels

For the first time, over 180 sales and marketing professionals in the hospitality industry came together at the Madinat Jumeirah for the region’s inaugural ‘Revenue Optimization Conference (ROC)’ hosted by Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association (HSMAI). This was ROC’s fifth global event of the year, with other ROC locations including The United States, The Netherlands, Singapore, and Brazil. The conference brought together revenue management, distribution, sales and marketing executives in the hotel industry with a programme comprising education, collaboration and innovation. Robert A Gilbert, CHME, CHA, President and CEO, HSMAI, said, “The Middle East is one of the most rapidly expanding markets for hospitality and we’re pleased to bring timely insights into revenue optimisation to the region’s hotel professionals.” The conference featured an opening keynote presentation on global consumer trends by Lorraine Sileo, SVP, Research and Business Operations, PhocusWright. Other programmes throughout the day included panels on pricing strategy, digital marketing, key revenue management topics, and did not miss on covering MiCE and the value proposition of hotel restaurants and bars. HSMAI ROC Middle East also featured an impressive partner showcase; Gold Partners included Almosafer, Cendyn and Duetto; Silver Partner included Illusions, iWTX, Jumeirah and Tajawal; among other 19 Bronze and support partners. Mona Faraj, Managing Director, HSMAI Middle East Chapter, said, “HSMAI is delighted that ROC has been so well received by both our regional and international attendees, and we are excited to showcase an even more compelling line up of speakers and discussions next year. HSMAI is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners, and we are the industry’s leading advocates for intelligent and sustainable hotel revenue growth. We look forward to further engaging with the …

Etihad Energy Services hosted the 3rd Annual Dubai Green Hotel Innovation Conference organised by ACM in Dubai recently at the Ritz-Carlton Jumeirah Beach Residence. The conference convened experts, policy and decision makers, and key stakeholders under one roof where participants received updates on technological innovations and the latest practices being implemented to boost the local hotel sector’s environmental sustainability strategies, while improving operational costs and enhancing profitability. Ali Al Jassim, CEO, Etihad ES, said, “Over the years, hospitality industry in Dubai has grown exponentially. We cannot turn a blind eye on the environmental impact of hotels, especially in terms of their natural resource usage and energy consumption. The hospitality industry’s energy costs in Dubai account for a significant portion of total energy consumption. So, in order to decrease its energy demand and consequently contribute to Dubai’s 30 per cent energy demand reduction target by 2030, we encourage all key stakeholders to take action that has long-term positive impact.” An estimated 700 hotels are currently operating in Dubai, with more hotels expected to open before 2020. Al Jassim added, “In our collective efforts to make Dubai a leading example of energy efficiency for the region and the world, we at Etihad ES hosted the Annual Dubai Green Hotel Innovation Conference to highlight the important role of the hotel industry in achieving Dubai’s energy-efficiency targets. We are confident that it raises awareness and contributes towards improving the sustainability performance and energy-conservation efforts of these establishments as well as address pressing challenges to bring us closer to our vision of a sustainable future for all.”

Media Rotana celebrated the 47th UAE National Day with fervour. Celebrating the occasion, Sherif Madkour, General Manager, Media Rotana, said, “We are proud to celebrate the 47th year of the UAE National Day. We are happy to see the progress of our great nation – the UAE to bear witness its growth from strength to strength. We have conducted many activities at our property to celebrate this amazing day. This year, we hosted a special UAE National Day Market where we had special guests from the Ministry of Education and popular singers preparing for the big celebrations happening in the whole UAE to celebrate this great day.”

Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman, Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman, Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche extends wishes on the occasion of the 47th UAE National Day. Iftikhar Hamdani, Cluster General Manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman, Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman, Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche, said, “On behalf of our properties, we would like to extend our greetings to our leaders on the 47th UAE National Day. We are proud to be part of this nation-wide celebration as the UAE has achieved quite a feat in just a short span of time. This is an exciting time for all of us – both locals and expats – as we are presented with a bounty of opportunities and enjoy high standards of living. We are all thankful to our leaders for making all these happen and look forward to a brighter future ahead, especially in our beloved emirate of Ajman.”

Zabeel House The Greens is the third hotel to open as part of Jumeirah Group’s upscale casual brand launched earlier this year. Opening in Tower 3 of the Onyx Towers, the hotel is high on design synonymous with other hotels within the Zabeel House by Jumeirah collection; but inspired by New York loft living, with contemporary and yet quirky art and design throughout the hotel, representing the spirit of the Zabeel House by Jumeirah brand perfectly. 200 rooms and 10 Apartments split across 10 floors, with each room complete with Zabeel House by Jumeirah brand rituals constant across all hotels – SMEG mini bar fridges, Espresso machines, Osme bathroom amenities, SuitePads, bikes, skateboards and rollerblades to explore The Greens’ neighbourhood, an exploratory map of The Greens, with a knowledgeable team of locals to guide through you. The Onyx is a stylish integrated community with three towers of residential, commercial and hospitality buildings, as well as a podium of 32 retail and F&B outlets located in the heart of Dubai. A hotel to appeal to the intrepid traveller, it is perfect for those looking to stay in a social destination in the heart of new-Dubai, but also able to enjoy the conveniences of a Jumeirah-endorsed hotel, all at a great price.

Ras Al Khaimah’s staycations are maintaining their popularity as the best way to celebrate the UAE National Day on December 2 – the nation’s 47th anniversary. According to Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority, focus on heritage and cultural activities is having strong appeal with visitors, saying they are expected to push occupancy rates at the emirate’s hotels and resorts for the long weekend to reach more than 90 per cent. He said, “We expect to continue seeing a rise in the occupancy rates of the emirate’s hotels during this long weekend, especially for those looking for exceptional value for money hotel stays and adrenaline-packed adventure activities. I encourage visitors to explore the unique tourist attractions in Ras Al Khaimah, its distinct hotels and get out and get closer to nature.” On December 1, the UAE’s top singers Hussein Al Jasmi and Aida Al Manhali will take to a giant stage in front of the signature Julphar Towers for a free-to-attend cultural musical performance, singing and enacting the history, heritage and culture of Emiratis. Attended by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler, Ras Al Khaimah, the celebrations will start at 8pm and will be followed by a fireworks spectacular. Residents and visitors will also get the chance to witness a spectacular air show performed by Fursan Al Emarat, the aerobatics team of the UAE Air Force, on November 27, 2018 at the Old Corniche, Ras Al Khaimah.

Radisson Collection has announced opening of Nofa Resort with 57 luxurious bungalows and villas overlooking Nofa Wildlife Park. Located 1.5 hours’ drive away from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, the Nofa Resort Riyadh is nestled in golden sand dunes and majestic mountains. The leisure activities include an equestrian resort that features a show-jumping arena, a specialised race track, a polo field, am 18-hole course and an extensive stable complex. The hotel features three on-site restaurants- the Tswalu restaurant with its African-style interiors, serving international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner; the Butcher’s Den provides an upscale culinary experience – featuring grilled specialties, outdoor terrace seating and stunning lake views and the Al Fresco restaurant serving Italian classics (including stone-fired pizzas) for a more relaxed and informal dining experience. Guests can also enjoy exotic vibes in the Hookah Lounge, a charming tea experience in the African Tea Room, or relax by the pool with fresh juice at Al Fresco Café.

Rotana has signed a hotel management agreement with Grandview Hotels and Resorts to manage a new five-star hotel in the Republic of Zambia that is scheduled to be opened by 2021. Set to be situated in Lusaka, the upcoming hotel will be the first-ever property to be operated under the Rotana Hotels and Resorts brand in Zambia and will be an addition to the company’s three operating properties in the African continent, including Al Salam Rotana, Khartoum, Sudan; Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana, Kinshasa, DR Congo and Grand Rotana Resort & Spa, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. It will feature 150 rooms and 50 hotel apartments that will provide guests with all the comfort and the luxury for a pleasant and memorable long-stay experience. Making it appealing to business and leisure travellers, the five-star hotel will also feature exclusive hospitality offerings, including three signature dining restaurants, executive lounge, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and generous indoor and outdoor space for formal and informal gatherings. Other amenities will include pool and terraces as well as a fully equipped fitness & wellness club. Commenting on the agreement, Selim El Zyr, Vice Chairman, Rotana, said, “We are delighted to sign the agreement for a new hotel in Zambia which underpins Rotana’s growing presence in Africa. As reflected in our strong portfolio and our solid development pipeline, the continent is a key focus market for us. We will continue to seek new opportunities to add our hotels in new destinations, thereby providing value to our partners and guests and strengthening our global footprint even further. On behalf of Rotana, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the owner of Grandview Hotels and Resorts Limited for placing its …

Mövenpick opens 244 units of a plush apartment complex in Downtown Dubai. Catering to both leisure and business segments, this new Movenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown will very soon be the talk of the town with guests being able to club their holidays with leisure. The complex has one- two-and three-bedroom apartments in threee different colour pallettes that would suit the guests’ mood. The property is located within five minutes’ reach from Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. It also offers accessibility to major business districts such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, Business Bay and Dubai World Trade Centre. Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai offers a vibrant contemporary fully serviced studios and apartments with fully fitted kitchen, along with an outdoor temperature-controlled pool, 24-hour gym facilities and sauna to keep guests energised. Further, Dubai Airport is the nearest from this apartment complex.  

Meraas aims to pull out all stops to deliver Bluewaters’ unique promise of an island luxe vibe, with unparalleled experiences brought to the region for the first time at the Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, The Residences at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai and Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai. These five-star accommodations comprising 495 luxury rooms and 80 serviced apartments will be flanked by The Rotunda at one end and Caesars Forum on the other.  The exclusive 194-key Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai will feature an outdoor swimming pool, the wellness concept Qua Spa and a fitness centre with stunning views of Ain Dubai as well as six cutting-edge restaurants. The Residences at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai will offer additional 80 premium-serviced apartments ideal for contemporary living. The second hotel, Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai, will comprise 301 rooms, two outdoor swimming pools, six unique restaurants, three meeting rooms equipped to provide business services and a 750-square metre event hall. Since Ain Dubai first made its appearance off the coast of Dubai Marina, it has captured the imagination of the city. Making its presence felt, this new landmark-in-the-making has drawn attention to Bluewaters, the island destination by Meraas that has opened its doors to visitors. Connecting it to the mainland is a sophisticated network of roads, including a direct link to Sheikh Zayed Road, pedestrian access from The Beach opposite JBR and water transport by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). His Excellency Abdulla Al Habbai, Group Chairman, Meraas, said, “Dubai has always had its eye on the future. As the city develops in line with the vision of the UAE’s leadership, we are constantly striving to achieve greater heights. Meraas has been mindful of this, …