Category Archives: Hotels

DAMAC Properties has announced that it’s Paramount Tower Hotel and Residences on Sheikh Zayed Road is 80 per cent ready. The project, which was envisioned by DAMAC Properties in collaboration with Paramount Hotels & Resorts, features one of Dubai’s highest infinity pools on the 64th level. Once complete, the infinity pool will offer hotel guests and residents a breath-taking panoramic view of Dubai’s Burj area from a height of 235 meters. Inspired by the glamour that is synonymous with Hollywood and the chic Californian lifestyle, the 64-story mixed-use development houses the ultra-luxurious, five-star Paramount Hotel and luxury residences. The residences, on the other hand, combine the comforts of home with superior amenities and service. The residences feature multiple bedrooms and spacious interiors with separate dining and living areas. Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice President, DAMAC Properties, said, “The 80 per cent completion of Paramount Tower Hotel and Residences with one of Dubai’s highest infinity pools overlooking Downtown Dubai is a testament to our commitment to bringing the most differentiated living experiences to the region. Our vision resonates with Dubai’s growing relevance as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.” DAMAC Properties’ strategy of creating mixed-use developments that attract investors, residents and tourists alike, is aligned with Dubai tourism’s strong performance and positive outlook. Located 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and in close vicinity to Downtown Dubai, Paramount Tower Hotel and Residences offers its residents the very best of the Dubai lifestyle.

Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai has appointed Hazem Aouad as Director of Sales and Marketing (DOSM). He will be leading the growth of the 396-key property with a steady focus on corporate business, strengthened leisure partnerships, and a strategic approach to meeting and events. Aouad, a Lebanese national has 20 years of hospitality experience and has worked with five-star luxury resorts to city properties across the Middle East. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Hotel & Tourism Management from the Notre Dame University in Lebanon and a Postgraduate Diploma at University Cesar Ritz, Brig, Switzerland. Ian Rydin, General Manager speaking on Aouad’s appointment “Aouad will spearhead the team in developing and implementing commercial business strategies through the building and maintaining key accounts, maximising revenue streams, and further capitalising the hotel’s presence as the closest premium five-star hotel near the Dubai Expo 2020 event site.”

Marriott International signed an agreement with Assila Investments to bring its Luxury Collection brand for the first time to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Situated in the heart of Jeddah, Assila Hotel is anticipated to join the Luxury Collection’s portfolio of more than 100 world-renowned hotels and resorts in 2020. “We are thrilled to have Marriott International manage the beautiful Assila Hotel, under the Luxury Collection brand,” said Bader Alissa, CEO, Assila Investments. “This only affirms Assila Hotel’s position as a premier luxury hotel in Jeddah.” “We are delighted to announce plans for the first Luxury Collection property in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Assila Investments,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.  “This deal signing supports our plans to further diversify our footprint in the Kingdom while enhancing our overall luxury portfolio in the region.”   Assila Hotel features 210 guestrooms, including a 590 sqm Royal Suite, and 94 apartments.  It comprises multiple food and beverage venues, including a Café Lounge and Argentinian and Mediterranean specialty restaurants.  The hotel also includes a 348 sqm ballroom and nine meeting rooms, as well as full-service recreational facilities such as a spa, fitness centre and squash courts.

This picturesque oasis is first of its kind in the UAE with a unique design inspired by traditional Emirati heritage. It is the ultimate desert experience nestled in Al Badayer desert’s burnt orange dunes, which are famously known to be ‘made for adventure’. Al Badayer is one of the most popular tourist areas in Sharjah and the UAE, favoured by dune bashers, camping enthusiasts and international tourists flying in to savour authentic Emirati experiences. In 2017, Shurooq began an ambitious AED130 million project to raise Sharjah’s profile as a destination for luxury ecotourism and its vast natural diversity through the ‘Sharjah Collection’. With Al Badayer Oasis now on the tourism market, all three of the Sharjah Collection’s high-end boutique destinations – the Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba, Al Faya Lodge close to the Fossil Rock area in Mleiha and Al Badayer Oasis in Al Badayer Desert – have met Shurooq’s projected two-year completion timeline. HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Shurooq, said, “Through this eco-oasis, Shurooq aims to advance responsible tourism practices and wildlife conservation in the UAE and Sharjah, and to support the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s (SCTDA) Sharjah Vision 2021, which is to attract 10 million tourists into the emirate”.  Simon Coombs, President & CEO of Shaza Hotels, stated, “We are delighted to expand our presence in the UAE with a unique property like Al Badayer Oasis, another successful project with Shurooq. We are thrilled for this partnership and look forward to delivering unparalleled experiences to Sharjah.”

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a Management Agreement with Al Rawabi Regional Company for Hotels Resorts and Tourism Ltd., to open InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh next year. The converted property will reside on 154,000 sqm of lush green oasis, offering a refuge of relaxation. The urban resort will feature 152 well-appointed rooms and 10 private chalets, offer an array of facilities including five dining options, a kids’ club and miniature golf. Guests focused on wellness and rejuvenation can take advantage of the outdoor and indoor pool, a gym, a tennis court and a spa. Additionally, the hotel will feature a business centre, seven meeting rooms and a banquet room to cater to the demands of the MiCE and corporate segments. Speaking on the announcement, Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG, said, “IHG has a strong foothold and reputation in the luxury segment through our flagship brand, InterContinental, which has enjoyed great success in Saudi Arabia over the last four decades. We look forward to continuing this legacy with the opening of InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh.” Waleed J Tawfik, CEO of Al Rawabi Regional Company for Hotels Resorts and Tourism Ltd., added, “We are delighted to sign this agreement with IHG, which is a trusted and pioneering name in the Saudi hospitality sector, given its long legacy. We believe that InterContinental is the ideal choice to cater to the needs of both business and leisure guests.”

Marriott International Inc. announced that it has signed an agreement to introduce the iconic St. Regis brand to Oman. Expected to open in 2022, the 271-room St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort is planned to rise on a prime beachfront plot within Oman’s lifestyle and leisure destination, Al Mouj Muscat. The project also includes plans for 170 branded residential units, which are expected to include a mix of apartments, penthouses and townhouses.  “The signing of St. Regis in Oman is a natural progression for the brand’s portfolio, as the brand continues to become one of the most recognised and sought-after luxury hotel brands in the region,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East & Africa for Marriott International. “We are thrilled to bring this significant project to Oman, especially to this strategic location in one of the most desired waterfront masterplans in the city of Muscat.” Plans for The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort envision a retreat for leisure travellers, with panoramic views over the Gulf of Oman to the front, and lush green landscapes of the Al Mouj Muscat golf course to the rear. Guests are expected to have access to an accomplished portfolio of leisure amenities in the Al Mouj Muscat community, including a planned 360-berth marina with attractive retail and dining options, as well as a clubhouse with watersport activities.

When it comes to modern meetings, the rulebook has been thrown out the window and delegates have changing expectations. Boardrooms can often be stifling environments, filled with a range of emotions, from boredom to tension and frustration, leaving the question, how can we break out of the ‘bored-room’ and get the most of our meetings? The answer is IHG’s Unique Meetings, a portfolio of one-of-a-kind event spaces and experiences designed specifically for those looking for non-traditional meetings that are conducive to productivity, creativity and collaboration. Unique Meetings offer more than just four walls and were introduced to cater to the changing expectations of event attendees, who are looking for memorable experiences and stand-out venues. Whether it’s a tropical beach or a Bedouin tent, IHG provides alternative settings for business gatherings and has a team of event planners to assist with organising meetings and conferences that take advantage of the surroundings and leave guests with a long-lasting impression.

UAE-headquartered hospitality company, TIME Hotels, has launched a new health and wellness initiative – ‘Healthy You. Healthy World’ – across all of its properties in line with its Tomorrow’s World Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.  As part of the initiative, TIME Hotels has expanded its offering of fitness and wellness activities, introduced a new health conscious menu and participated in a wide variety of activities to help promote healthy lifestyles for both employees and in-house guests.  At TIME Oak Hotel & Suites, an aqua fitness programme for female senior citizens has been introduced, taking place daily from 7 am to 9 am; while at TIME Ruby Hotel Apartments boxing classes are taking place twice a week for members and in-house guests; and at TIME Grand Plaza swimming lessons are available for both adults and children – taking place seven days a week between 8 am and 9 am. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels, said, “Every year TIME Hotels participates in a range of activities to raise awareness of several important regional and global initiatives while also taking the opportunity to support the health and wellness of both our employees and of course our guests. Everything we do is focused on having a positive impact and creating a legacy which generations will be able to learn from for many years to come.” Adding to this, Mugs & Munch, a pastry café and lobby lounge, has created a new healthy menu with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Awadalla shared, “Creating a menu which offers interesting and healthy food options, with a focus on fresh and local ingredients, is incredibly important to us as we continuously work to broaden our …

Guests visiting Arambrook between October 25 – 27, have the opportunity to attend the 4th Annual Art Franschhoek Festival, a showcase of a range of local artwork, ceramics and sculptures. A highlight of this year’s Art Franschhoek, and a first for the valley, is an exhibition entitled ‘Masterpieces from Franschhoek Private Collections’. Hosted by Ebony/Curated’s Bordeaux House Gallery, this is a unique once-off and exclusive display of exquisite artworks on loan from private owners for one weekend only. With the recent opening of two major international art museums in the city, it is not hard to believe that Cape Town has a long and rich art history with an eclectic offering of contemporary and traditional African Art. The luxury boutique hotel Arambrook is situated alongside the Liesbeck River, an ideal base for a cultural treasure hunt. Located within close proximity to the hotel, explorers will find Norval Art Foundation, a centre for art and cultural expression. The Norval Art Foundation sits adjacent to Table Mountain National Park and exhibits 20th and 21st century pieces from both local and international artists. Another recommended stop on the art trail is The Kalk Bay Modern. Situated above the famous Olympia Bakery with arguably the best view of Kalk Bay Harbour and False Bay, Kalk Bay Modern is dedicated to supporting an eclectic mix of emerging young South African talent, as well as established and well-known names. The gallery also holds one of the largest collections of contemporary San art from South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.  Alternatively, the Montebello Design Centre, located in Newlands, is one of Cape Town’s best kept secrets with twenty-five arts and craft studios and workshops, for you to explore. 

Hilton Worldwide in a management agreement with His Excellency Abdullah Al Neyadi announced the launch of Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Barsha, the second location for the mid-market brand in Dubai, following the success of the first Hampton by Hilton located in Al Qusais, near Dubai International Airport. His Excellency Abdullah Al Neyadi said, “The additional development will further diversify Dubai’s hospitality landscape in line with the Government of Dubai’s vision of increasing the number of affordable offerings for guests visiting the UAE closer to Expo 2020.” Rudi Jagersbacher, Area President, Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, said, “In line with Dubai’s vision of attracting 20 million tourists by 2020, we expect an increase in affluent middle-class tourists that look for true value in their hotel experiences without compromising on quality.” The bright and modern 153-room hotel is located in the Al Barsha district which is popular with business and leisure travellers given its ease of access to multiple commercial areas of Dubai such as Downtown Dubai, Internet City and the Jebel Ali Free Zone. The hotel also enjoys close proximity to Sharaf DG metro station which is only 350 metres away as well as major tourist attractions, including the Mall of the Emirates which is just one kilometre away from the hotel site.