Category Archives: Hotels

The Governor of Tabuk, Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, inaugurated in the university city of the University of Tabuk the ‘Grand Millennium Tabuk’ Hotel of the Higher Education Fund, in the presence of the Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the University Higher Education Fund, Dr. Hamad Al Sheikh. The hotel is managed by Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, one of the fastest-growing hotel management companies in the region, and is conveniently located on the Duba Road close to Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Airport. Guests can sink into the nostalgic era by choosing from a sprawling list of 218 luxury rooms, suites and a Royal Suite spread across six lavish floors of the hotel, with the fascinating view of Tabuk City. Every room is designed keeping in mind the heritage of the Hejaz Railway station exploding from every inch especially the photographs and wall-art that reflect the trains of the bygone era. The hotel outlets include Al Maksoura (The cabin) All-day dining restaurant, Juzurna Arabesque restaurant, Al Multaqa (The gathering place) Lobby Café and Al Manzar Pool Lounge in addition to a grand ballroom for weddings and events with a total space of 1082 sqm with a total capacity up to 800 people, five meeting rooms with a total meeting space of 283 sqm equipped with state-of-the-art modern technology and a pre-function/welcome area with a total space of 536 sqm. The hotel also includes a large recreation area with outdoor and indoor swimming pools for adults and kids, designated gym and spa facilities for ladies and gents, two tennis courts, multipurpose court and kids’ play area.

The 16th edition of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), will take place in a brand new format over three days from 29 September – 01 October 2020 with an exciting programme filled with critical insights from industry leaders, and networking opportunities designed for the new world. AHIC will be ‘on the road’ for the three-day programme, broadcasting live from pop-up studios across hotels in Dubai with select audiences, shared simultaneously on a virtual platform with the AHIC online community worldwide. During the three days attendees will be able to create their personalised schedules, choosing the sessions and activities they would like to attend either virtually or on-site in Dubai. Commenting on the new format of AHIC, Jonathan Worsley – Chairman of Bench Events and Founder of AHIC, said, “We have had to start from scratch and imagine what bringing the hotel investment industry together looks like in September 2020. It’s a very different scenario to what we have done in the past as the industry has changed, our community’s needs have changed and the regulations governing events have changed. However, what remains constant and more pressing than ever, is the need for the industry to come together, connect, share information, challenges and solutions and be inspired. AHIC is an important opportunity for the industry to demonstrate its resilience and how it is evolving to bounce back stronger.”

Atlantis, The Palm announced that it will be offering international guests who stay five nights or more in resort free COVID-19 PCR tests for all international bookings until December 18, 2020. Additionally, the all-encompassing resort has partnered with one of the emirate’s leading hospitals in order to be able to conduct the tests in the resort. This means that guests can maximise their leisure time without the need to disrupt their vacation with a visit to a hospital or clinic. All passengers travelling back from Dubai to UK, Europe and other mandated destinations are now required to take a COVID-19 PCR test no more than 96 hours before departure and present the printed test result certificate at check-in. (Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are exempt from this test.) However, guests checking into Atlantis, The Palm can rest assured that the team at Atlantis will make all the necessary arrangements for a seamless and safe departure with each guest staying five nights or more receiving free testing from an authorised medical facility and test results returned within 24 hours. Speaking about this latest development, Timothy Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis Dubai said, “We are continuously evolving to meet the needs of our customers during this challenging time. Using our on-site medical centre, the new PCR tests will help to reduce any travel inconveniences and encourage more international guests to visit Dubai’s premier entertainment destination.” Kelly added, “We look forward to our guests relishing every moment of their time spent at Atlantis, The Palm as we strive to implement innovative ways to serve them in a socially responsible way. …

Seven Tides has appointed UAE-based Airolink as the main building contractor, to complete the construction of its Seven City JLT development in Jumeirah Lake Towers, in Dubai. The project is valued at over AED 1 billion and due for completion in Q2 2023, Seven City JLT with a total built up area of up to 3.5 million square feet and situated within Cluster Z in DMCC, opposite the Montgomery and Emirates’ golf courses and the Emirates Hills community. Commenting on the appointment, Abdulla Bin Sulayem, CEO, Seven Tides said, “Airolink is well established, has a solid reputation along with a wealth of experience across numerous sectors, which is ideal for this development. Work is well underway on site and we are already working with Airolink at our Seven Palm development on Palm Jumeirah, so this should be a smooth transition.” “We are offering excellent value at a competitive price point. In addition, we offer a very attractive easy payment option consisting of a 5% deposit, followed by payments equal to 6% of the cost price to be paid every subsequent quarter. We estimate that studios should yield 12% per annum,” said Bin Sulayem. Bin Sulayem added, “Seven City JLT is designed to provide everything a resident might possibly want, with various retail options, entertainment, food and beverage outlets, gym and a health club. However, when residents do venture outside, they’ll still be able to enjoy the urban vibe, with the excitement and fast-paced, hustle and bustle of city life, right on their doorstep.”

Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of the Radisson Blu Serviced Apartments, Islamabad in Pakistan, the first internationally branded serviced apartments in the country. This marks the group’s second hotel in Pakistan, accelerating its ambition to have 10 hotels and 2,000 rooms in operation and under development across the country by 2025. Scheduled to open by Q2 2023, this addition brings the group’s South Asia portfolio to over 160 hotels in operation and under development. Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is located on Potohar Plateau in the northwest of the country and is Pakistan’s most diverse metropolis, renowned for embracing modern ideas while remaining true to its rich cultural heritage. The city is rich in historical sights, expansive green spaces, fascinating museum and impressive monuments such as the Faisal Mosque, Islamabad’s most iconic and instantly recognisable landmark. Inside the hotel’s 224 upscale apartments, varying between 51 – 84 sqm, guests will discover Radisson Hotel Group’s renowned hospitality and modern amenities. The new-build hotel will form part of a mixed-use development, which includes offices and a retail mall. Dining options will include an all-day dining restaurant, while the property’s leisure facilities will feature a spa & fitness centre, sports courts and swimming pool. Elie Milky, Vice President Development Middle East, Greece, Cyprus and Pakistan, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “We are continuing to proactively grow our serviced apartments portfolio globally. Serviced apartments are becoming increasingly popular amongst corporate and leisure guests and we are supporting our owners and investors to maximise their real estate values with high occupancies and attractive profit margins. This deal is the beginning of a strategic partnership with Falaknaz Group and we thank them for their trust.” Shakeel …

Emirates is offering UAE nationals and residents a chance to plan a quick escape this summer to Seychelles. The airline was the first international airline to return to the island country, coinciding with its re-opening to tourists on 1st August. Book now and unwind at some of the world’s most pristine, white sand beaches and crystal clear water. COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from. Economy Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED 3,705, Business Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED 10,915, and First Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED 22,045. The offer is valid for bookings made starting today until 7 September 2020, for travel until 31 May 2021.*Visitors to Seychelles will be captivated by its stunning white sand beaches and lush, tropical forests. Go on an adventurous hike, relax in five-star hotel resorts or enjoy exploring the island’s diverse marine life. To visit the popular Indian Ocean holiday destination, UAE travellers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, conducted within 72 hours of the date of travel. Emirates is offering customers convenient access to Seychelles with four weekly flights, utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Emirates flight EK705 will depart Dubai at 02:10 am and arrive in Mahe at 06:45 am local time. The return flight, EK 708, will depart Mahe at 23:50 pm and arrive in Dubai at 04:20 am local time, the following day. COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, …

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has started construction of a new community-focused, eco-friendly resort in the desert canyons of Ashar Valley AlUla following the signing of a new partnership with Habitas. RCU is expanding AlUla’s economic opportunities through light-touch tourism and sustainable development, while Habitas is redefining modern luxury by focusing on bringing likeminded but diverse travellers together, who prioritise human connection and experiences over the traditional luxury experience of five-star hotels. Commenting on this collaboration, Amr AlMadani, CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla said, “This agreement reflects our commitment to making AlUla a global destination that offers visitors unique, authentic experiences as we protect, share and celebrate our natural and cultural heritage. Construction is underway, a fact that signals that we are actively opening up new opportunities for regional and international investors in the hospitality sector while empowering and enabling our community.” Oliver Ripley, CEO of Habitas added, “From our very first trip to AlUla we were really inspired by the people we met and by its natural beauty and heritage. Travel is an incredible gift to create greater compassion and understanding in the world between different people and cultures. We are grateful to RCU for the opportunity to create our home here and invite our community to discover the unique history of AlUla, to share unforgettable experiences and adventures, and make new friends that stay with us long after we leave.” Ripley continued “RCU’s approach to sustainable development aligns very closely to our values and DNA and in our mission to support local communities. The world, now more than ever, needs to create places for people to reconnect with one another and with nature.”

Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA is delivering on its growth plans for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with debuting its first Grand Millennium Hotel in Tabuk Province. “Grand Millennium Tabuk represents the first Grand Millennium in Saudi Arabia and unfolds a story of the bygone era. The hotel is reminiscent of the vintage Hejaz Railway and the intricate design speaks volumes of stories reminding of the nostalgic Hejaz Railway,” said Kevork Deldelian, Chief Executive Officer of Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East and Africa. Hejaz Railway holds great importance in the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, departing from Damascus and making its way through Tabuk and Hejaz region to Al Madina Al Munawara. The hotel is conveniently located on the Duba Road close to Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Airport. Guests can sink into the nostalgic era by choosing from a sprawling list of 218 luxury rooms, suites and a Royal Suite spread across six lavish floors of the hotel, with the fascinating view of Tabuk City. Every room is designed keeping in mind the heritage of the Hejaz Railway station exploding from every inch especially the photographs and wall-art that reflect the trains of the bygone era. The hotel outlets include Al Maksoura (The cabin) All-day dining restaurant, Juzurna Arabesque restaurant, Al Multaqa (The gathering place) Lobby Café and Al Manzar Pool Lounge in addition to a grand ballroom for weddings and events with a total space of 1082 sqm with a total capacity up to 800 people, five meeting rooms with a total meeting space of 283 sqm equipped with state-of-the-art modern technology and a pre-function/welcome area with a total space of 536 sqm. The hotel …

With a focus on developing regional business Hard Rock Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Tiri Consultancy and Crossroads Maldives will work together to bring these unrivaled properties to GCC clients. Crossroads Maldives is the first multi island leisure destination in the Maldives nestles between the Kaafu Atoll and the Enboodhoo Lagoon and just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport in Male. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives introduces unique music inspired stays with a full range of signature experiences for the all ages. With over water and beach villas as well as global brand recognition The Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is the perfect getaway for travellers from the GCC. If the music inspired Hard Rock Hotel doesn’t suit your taste then SAii lagoon certainly will. The Curio Collection by Hilton property overlooks the Indian Ocean and boasts an array of accommodation options which are suitable for couples and families alike. “These properties are absolutely perfect for the GCC market” says Nour Aridi, Managing Director of Tiri Consultancy. She goes on to say “These are two properties which will suit GCC travellers both in terms of accommodation and activities with travellers having the option to eat in various restaurants and enjoy shopping as well as the idyllic Maldivian experience, I am extremely excited to start working with the properties to develop the GCC market”. We are delighted to be working with Tiri Consultancy to target this market for Crossroads Maldives which houses both Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives. We believe we have an excellent proposition to attract guests from the GCC and we are very much looking forward to working with the GCC trade through Tiri Consultancy to …

Majid Al Futtaim has announced a new opening date for its flagship Mall of Oman. The mall is now scheduled to open its doors to customers in September 2021. The revised opening schedule has been put in place to ensure that Mall of Oman’s tenant partners are best placed, with ample time, support, and resources, to prepare their new stores adequately. This will enable them to deliver the quality of service they and Majid Al Futtaim are renowned for. Shireen El-Khatib, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim – Shopping Malls said, “We take great pride in crafting cherished memories for the friends and families that make up the communities in which we operate. To accomplish this, we believe we must make use of every resource and take every step that we can to deliver the standard of customer service for which we are acclaimed. That is precisely why we have taken this considered and thought-out decision to put in place a new opening date for Mall of Oman.” Mall of Oman is primed to become Majid Al Futtaim’s fifth and largest shopping and entertainment destination in the Sultanate. It will have 145,000 sqm of retail space, comprising of dining outlets and a range of lifestyle experiences. In addition to 350 retail outlets, the mall will also house Oman’s largest VOX Cinemas, a Magic Planet family entertainment centre, a 12,100 sqm Carrefour Hypermarket, and the largest indoor snow park in the Sultanate. Additionally, the mall will play a significant role in supporting local communities, enhancing the Sultanate’s retail and entertainment offerings for both residents and tourists, and boosting the local economy by creating 3,500 jobs once opened.