Category Archives: Hotels

Nature enthusiasts, can once again find sanctuary in Jubail Mangrove Park, Abu Dhabi’s, first of its kind, educational, nature and leisure destination on beautiful Jubail Island effective October 1, 2020. Abu Dhabi’s premier nature attraction, Jubail Mangrove Park, first opened in January with the aim of enhancing the awareness, appreciation and understanding of the delicate ecosystem and rich biodiversity of the UAE capital’s famed mangroves. The park was an instant success with residents and visitors alike, who flocked to explore the mangroves. The park temporarily ceased operations in March in accordance with safety precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19. Visitors will once again be able to stroll down the sprawling boardwalk that runs through the mangroves, meander through 2.3 kilometres of Boardwalk and see a variety of terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna. Specially trained rangers are on hand who can explain the history behind the mangroves and detail wildlife native to Abu Dhabi that can be spotted within the lush natural habitat and crystal waters. Educational tours led by rangers and other activities will also resume. Richard Russell, Chief Operations Officer of Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) said, “We have been working tirelessly with our partners in preparation for the reopening as the safety and health of our visitors and employees has – and remains – our top priority. As we resume operations, we have implemented policies designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and we will monitor all aspects of this issue as we continue to co-ordinate with relevant entities and strive to meet the highest standards of safety. We urge the public to help us keep our treasured park open by also doing their part by …

Radisson Hotel Group announced the launch of its new Hybrid Solutions incorporating Hybrid Rooms and Hybrid Meetings. Radisson Hotel Group’s Hybrid Meetings combine the best of meeting in person and virtually, offering a reliable image, sound and video conferencing system, dual screens, wireless presentation clicker, high-speed internet connection, and more. As the world continues to adapt to ‘new normals’ and ongoing travel limitations, meeting and event organisers can now choose to offer virtual participation options and hybrid formats that allow for small local gatherings, while also broadcasting to remote attendees and satellite locations. Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “With the various government imposed restrictions, travelling to meet in person has become somewhat impossible. However, as a hotel group with hospitality at its core, we certainly understand the importance of connections and the need to adapt and exercise flexibility, which has led to the creation and introduction of Hybrid Solutions.” Radisson Hotel Group has partnered with Zoom, the leader in modern enterprise video communication, to provide a smooth experience for their clients’ virtual and hybrid meetings and events. Specialist in-house event teams will assist clients in delivering a range of events from hybrid multi-site meetings to broadcasting events, ensuring events are efficient, effective, and engaging, with flawless execution and no audio / visual problems. Hybrid Rooms perfectly combine the facilities of a state-of-the-art office with the comforts of a superior hotel room to create a productive, dedicated, and quiet workspace for the business traveller, leisure guest, and local day-guest alike. Hybrid Rooms offer easy connectivity to second screen devices, video-conferencing facilities, wireless enabled keyboard, mouse and loudspeaker, printing services, stationery, unlimited coffee …

Heritance Aarah Maldives has re-opened to GCC travellers this month. With the ease of travel restrictions and increasing number of flights from the GCC, Maldives has now become one of the top destinations for a relaxing break where guests can unwind in absolute privacy. Heritance Aarah Maldives is located on the beautiful private island of RaaAtoli just 45-minutes by seaplane from the International Airport in Malé. This exclusive 5-star resort offers the perfect blend of Maldivian culture combined with modern comfort while being surrounded by the island’s pristine white sand. The resort features 26 Intimate Luxury Duplex Ocean Suites, 56 Ocean Villas and 68 Land Villas, ranging from Beach Villas to Pool Beach Villas as well as Family Beach Villas and Family Pool Beach Villas. Heritance Aarah Maldives is known for its all-inclusive premium packages which includes a stay in one of the suites or villas, full board with a choice of five restaurants, spa treatment, island excursions and premium beverages. The island boasts one of the largest collection of beverages in the Maldives and offers a stocked up mini bar based on guest preferences on arrival on the island. Travellers looking for a relaxed and calm vacation can pamper themselves at the Medi Spa, the first of its kind in the Maldives to offer holistic treatments to rejuvenate, soothe and uplift the mind and senses. Medi Spa offers treatments focused on wellness, weight loss and beauty in their stunning overwater therapy rooms. Heritance Aarah also boasts an extraordinary culinary experience with venues that are unrivalled throughout the Maldives including six restaurants, five bars and an Infinity Pool. The destination also offers an extended array of motorised and non-motorised water …

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, have launched a limited time offer allowing IHG Rewards Club and Emirates Skywards members to earn triple Skywards Miles when booking a stay at any IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide. This exclusive, limited time offer allows guests to earn 6 Skywards Miles per USD 1 spent at Regent Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hualuxe Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, Voco, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and avid Hotels globally; and 3 Skywards Miles per USD 1 spent at Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and The Venetian | The Palazzo Las Vegas. The promotion is valid for registrations and hotel bookings made from September 1, 2020 until December 31st 2020, for hotel stays until March 2021 at any IHG Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

Park Inn by Radisson announced the opening of its first hotel in Jeddah. The newest addition brings the group’s portfolio to over 45 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in operation and under development, accelerating Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion across the country. In addition to celebrating the opening of its latest addition to its growing portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Radisson Hotel Group is also marking another milestone in the Group’s commitment to Balanced Leadership, and its drive to improve diversity and inclusion within its business. Maram Kokandi, General Manager of the Park Inn by Radisson Jeddah Madinah Road made history, with her appointment as the world’s first female Saudi General Manager in the global hospitality industry. Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Our aim is to become the go-to hotelier for local guests and business travelers whilst empowering the Saudi working population simultaneously. As a pioneer and strong advocate of balanced leadership, we were the first hotel group to appoint a Saudi female GM in the Kingdom and it has been an honor to support Maram in her momentous progression.” Maram Kokandi, General Manager Park Inn by Radisson Jeddah Madinah Road and first female Saudi GM in the Kingdom said, “I can’t begin to describe how much being the first female Saudi GM means to me, both personally and professionally. It’s my aim to make a difference by empowering the younger generation and supporting them with their dreams. Introducing a new brand to the Jeddah market, allows us to showcase the brand’s unique affordability, convenience and difference.”

The Radisson Collection Hotel in Riyadh – Nofa Resort Riyadh, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in an exclusive retreat, and is now publicly bookable exclusively through their website. As tourism in Saudi Arabia begins to transform in line with Vision 2030, residents of large cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are embracing it by touring unexplored destinations. While many would usually leave Saudi Arabia during the summer months, the international travel ban has halted all trips abroad, resulting in an increased demand locally. Nationals and expatriates are venturing out, using the opportunity to discover Saudi’s rich heritage and culture as well as its breath-taking scenic beauty. “The Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, is an iconic and exceptionally exclusive product which we previously operated as a private members-only resort. We have received numerous requests from individual guests wanting to experience the beauty of this Safari jewel in the Saudi desert and we are excited that the hotel is now publicly bookable and accessible to everyone.” said Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa “ The international travel ban in Saudi Arabia has also been a driving force for the local demand with many searching for a peaceful sanctuary to escape to, while feeling completely free and safeguarded from the contraction and spread of COVID-19.” he added.

RAK Leisure (RAKL) announces the launch of 1484 by Puro on October 1, 2020. The highly anticipated restaurant located atop the Jais Adventure Peak is named for its height of 1,484 metres above sea level and is the UAE’s highest restaurant offering. Located next to the Jais Adventure Centre, 1484 by Puro offers guests magnificent views of the peaks and valleys of the Hajarmountains alongside a refreshingly delectable menu. Ideally positioned on the mountain-facing façade of the Jais Adventure Peak, an entire side of the venue consists of ceiling to floor glass windows that open up to uninterrupted views of the serene landscape, framed by year-round sunny blue skies and breath-taking sunsets, where guests can marvel at the spectacle of warm evening hues and the far-reaching mountains beyond. The dining offering incorporates fresh locally sourced ingredients, expertly crafted into a series of dishes that promise to appeal to the diverse array of guests that make their way up to the Jais Adventure Peak. The restaurant is the latest venture by PURO, an independent dining concept with two existing restaurants at Al Marjan Island and at the Jais Viewing Deck Park. Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding shared, “Jebel Jais is one of the most popular landmarks in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, offering visitors a host of bucket-list adventures that guarantee memorable experiences. With the opening of 1484 by Puro at the Jebel Jais Welcome Center, visitors can now enjoy an all-encompassing experience at the standalone destination that is the Jais Adventure Peak, home to thrilling adventure attractions such as the Jebel Jais Flight, Jais Sky Maze, and the Jais Sky Tour.”

Sarood Hospitality will launch its annual ‘Make It A December to Remember’ campaign next week with a four-day festive preview to mark the 100-day countdown to Christmas. Running 16-19 September at Sarood Hospitality’s Dubai Hills Golf Club venues, The Duck Hook and Hillhouse Brasserie, the four-day ‘Make It A December to Remember’ preview will showcase a stocking of Christmas-themed promotions taking place across the operator’s leading food and beverage brands in December. On September 18, Hillhouse Brasserie, the chic all-day eatery, will open to brunch lovers and festive fanatics for a special ‘Christmas Countdown’ edition of its popular Brunch in The Hills. Guests will enjoy a traditional family-style Christmas feast served to their table alongside free-flowing seasonal beverages. Diners can get into the Christmas vibe with festive nibbles, including duck liver pâté with sourdough toast; The Duck Hook scotch egg with homemade piccalilli; turkey, chestnut & cranberry salad; prawn cocktail and more. Mains include classics such as wild mushroom risotto; roast turkey with stuffing & sausages wrapped in veal bacon; prime rib beef with gravy and sides of roast potatoes, parsnips, carrots, braised cabbage and brussels sprouts. Traditional desserts include Christmas pudding; sticky toffee pudding; chocolate fudge arctic roll and mince pies. Giving brunch-goers a chance to pace themselves between courses, the talented bartenders at Hillhouse Brasserie have also created a slew of Christmas-themed concoctions befitting the festive celebration. Highlights include Mulled Grape; Gingerbread Martini; Salted Caramel White Russian; Jingle Juice and more. And dress to impress as the most festive dressed guest will win a turkey takeaway for four. The festive brunch runs from 1pm – 4pm with live music courtesy of legendary crooner Ciaran Fox. Prices start at …

Abu Dhabi Tourism Investment Company (ADTIC) has announced a major hotel refurbishment project in Egypt. Aimed at providing a momentum to the tourism and hospitality industry, one of the country’s leading economic sectors, the initiative will be implemented throughout next year. Commenting on the project, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ADTIC said, “The hotel refurbishment initiative is aimed enabling Egypt to turn the current challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic into an opportunity to gear up for the future. Egypt’s tourism sector would pick up once international airlines resume normal services.” Abu Dhabi Tourism Investments’ Egypt portfolio includes three hotels in the four and five-star category, located in Cairo, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. It also has a 99.28% stake in Arab Misr Hotels that owns a five-star resort in the ancient “open museum” city of Luxor. “The strategic locations of the hotels, combined with their popularity and potential to generate significant revenues, make the investment meaningful,” said Haitham Farouk, Chief Executive Officer of ADTIC. “We expect many changes and we are preparing accordingly. The lean period is a golden opportunity to plan for the next step and focus on reopening. One barely gets such a scope in normal times. We look forward to reopening with brand-new look and recouping occupancy.” He indicated that post-pandemic the sector would witness heavier application of digital tools and cutting-edge technology that would enable it to keep pace with the developments taking place in the global tourism industry. “Such changes will lead to increased occupancy and revenue generation,” he added. Farouk expressed hope that that the major phases of refurbishment …

OMNIYAT are set to deliver One at Palm Jumeirah with over 91% of the work completed already; ready for audiences to immerse themselves in unrivalled living as of December 2020. Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT, comments, “As the world was hit by a global pandemic, we worked tirelessly to maintain safety measures, allowing us to continue with construction and stay true to our promise of delivering unrivalled beachfront living. We are focused on completing this magnificent project by the end of 2020.” Christopher Cowdray, CEO of Dorchester Collection comments, “As One at Palm Jumeirah is the first project in the region that Dorchester Collection is managing, my team and I are delighted to see it so close to completion. This is a landmark not only for Dubai but for the region and reinforces our close partnership with Omniyat, a company renowned for its architectural vision. With One at Palm Jumeirah almost complete, the demand for these exclusive residence units has increased markedly. One at Palm Jumeirah hit news headlines in 2017 and 2019 by securing the title for the first and second most expensive penthouses sold in Dubai for a record-breaking AED102 million in 2017 and AED74 million in 2019 (these titles are still held).” Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT comments, “Collectively, we have maintained momentum to reach this point to near completion, with increasing demand and attention of Dubai’s affluent individuals. We look forward to the handover of this amazing project to the Dubai Skyline, and of course to the lucky few who will call this exclusive community home.”