Category Archives: Hotels

UAE-headquartered hospitality company TIME Hotels has been awarded the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Dubai Chamber) CSR Label Award for the eighth year in succession. Launched in 2010 to reward corporate commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the CSR Label is awarded to companies based on performance scores across seven different criteria. These include human resources (training, development, welfare, Emiratisation), client relations, business development, procurement, environment, health and safety, innovation and community; with Dubai Chamber also measuring the resulting impact in four key areas, namely workplace, marketplace, community and the environment. According to the 2022 report from Dubai Chamber, TIME Hotels recorded an impressive overall score of 81.3%, which was 9.5% higher than the average market score achieved. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels, said: “Receiving this official label for the eighth year in a row highlights our consistent commitment to our employees, the environment and our broader social responsibility. “It also allows us to benchmark our own performance against those of other like-minded, forward-thinking companies in Dubai, for whom CSR forms an integral part of their overall corporate strategy and company values.” TIME Hotels’ recent CSR achievements include installing Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers at two of its Dubai properties, joining a Recycle, Reforest, Repeat initiative with the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and partnered with Dubai Economy & Tourism Department (DET), collecting over 1,500 kilos of wastepaper for recycling. TIME has participated in the Give and Gain Campaign during Ramadan and managed to donate over two metric tons of rice, which was sent to Emirates Red Crescent, as well as distributing free Iftar meals to taxi drivers.   Moreover, TIME has raised funds for the Children’s Cancer Hospital …

Stirling Hospitality Advisors (SHA), one of the leading boutique advisory institutions in the region, announces the completion of phase one of the mixed-use masterplan project in the mountainous area of Oman. The four-phase project launched in June 2022, with SHA spearheading the development across the tourism and hospitality sectors to optimise the destination’s economic potential and attract further investment.  The mixed-use project encompasses an overarching strategy to develop an attractive, profitable destination, appealing to domestic and international travellers. Working together with governmental agencies, local investment groups, internationally-renowned master planners, and infrastructure and sustainability advisors, SHA is now initiating the second phase of the project.  This includes the development of one of the ridges of the Hajar Mountains into a holistic tourist destination, highlighting Oman’s highest terrain and unique history and artisanry. The sectors SHA is currently covering includes looking at creating all types of accommodation; from wellness escapes and luxury hotels to more standardised 3- and 4-star offerings, as well as family-run B&Bs, which maximise the local community’s involvement. SHA is also looking into the potential development of niche products such as lifestyle boutique hotels, glamping solutions, container camps and farmhouses, catering to diverse customer needs and raising the destination’s competitive edge, enhancing overall tourism in the country. Stretched along the northern coast of Oman, from southwest of Muscat to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Hajar Mountains are a six-hour drive away from Dubai, making for the ideal getaway destination for travellers looking for an adventure in the wild terrains or a luxurious and relaxing weekend in the mountains. Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors said: “We are delighted to be working on Oman’s stunning Hajar Mountains …

AVIAREPS successfully relaunched its in-person AVIAREPS Middle East Travel Caravan after a 2-year hiatus following the Covid pandemic. Over 110 key travel industry professionals, media and travel influencers attended the Dubai leg of the event which was held on October 11th, 2022 at the Shangri-la Dubai Hotel. The travel roadshow saw key international travel brands and destinations gather under the one roof to meet with the UAE’s and Saudi Arabia’s key outbound travel agencies and meeting and conferencing professionals, to meet one to one to develop new travel packages, itineraries and events tailored for UAE and Saudi Arabia-based travellers. A total of 27 key international partners joined the 2022 edition of the AVIAREPS Caravan including Qatar Tourism Board, The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Malta Tourism Authority, The Royal Commission for AlUla, Visit California, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and a host of international hospitality brands, airlines and destination management companies. In addition to meeting leading travel agencies, partners also had the opportunity to meet with popular travel influencers from the region, as well as join an intimate panel discussion industry thought leaders, that included representatives from Emirates Holidays, ITL World and Al Rostamani Travel, where they were updated on the latest travel trends and consumer travel requirements from the region. Glenn Johnston, Vice President Middle East & Global Public Affairs, AVIAREPS commented: “As we head towards a post pandemic world outbound international travel from the Gulf Countries continues to demonstrate a remarkably strong and quick return compared to all other major travel regions around the globe. Within this context it is extremely important and timely to hold such an event. By bringing the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s travel professionals …

The countdown has begun to one of the most significant hospitality openings of the year, Address Beach Resort Bahrain – a jewel in the crown for Emaar, standing proudly on the spectacular shores of Marassi Al Bahrain. In just a matter of weeks, the property will be open to the public who will be able to enjoy luxury and relaxation in an idyllic setting, accompanied by an unrivalled mix of amenities. The 117-key hotel along with 154-key residence exudes luxury with its modern façade, complimented inside by crisp, cool, tones offering equal measures of sophistication and tranquillity. Guests will enjoy vast dining options across The Restaurant, The Lounge, and The Garden – each offering a different dining experience whether you are looking for the perfect romantic dinner, an impressive business lunch, or a chilled-out bite with a beverage.If that wasn’t enough, the property is a beautiful beachfront retreat, sitting on the glittering shores of Marassi Al Bahrain providing the Kingdom’s most incredible vistas. Market-leading amenities will including a world-class spa for the ultimate in self-care, a fully equipped gym, and breath-taking pool. The little ones are catered for with a Kids’ Club and splash pad. Address Beach Resort Bahrain will also provide the perfect venue for unforgettable events from weddings to functions, and business meetings and conferencing. This property will change the way people think about hospitality in the Kingdom, with exceptional accommodation, services, and standards to deliver guests a truly unforgettable experience.

Revier Dubai, a 4-star lifestyle hotel modeled as a meeting point for today’s gen-X while offering Swiss Hospitality in Business Bay, is all set to officially launch Alphorn’s Swiss Bliss Brunch every Saturday, starting from 15th October 2022, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at Alphorn Restaurant. On this occasion, the media were invited to celebrate the soft opening of the lively brunch to experience the rich Swiss cuisine first-hand, which amazed them with its delicate servings and high-quality recipes. Priced at AED 299 per person, the Saturday brunch buffet will offer guests a sumptuous buffet with a wide selection of international and Swiss cuisines and bottomless beverages. A house package is also available at AED 399, and a Premium package at AED 499. Diners can also unleash their taste buds across the enormous outdoor terrace of the Alphorn Restaurant. With many cooks in the kitchen, hungry weekenders will experience every Saturday the taste of Switzerland and enjoy not only tempting live- BBQ and cooking stations for high-end tasty meats, and seafood on every corner, but also the most epic Swiss cheese, salads, tarts, pizzas, Alpine macaroni, Rosti potatoes, risotto, in addition of the luxury and delicate treats, counting the Swiss creamiest chocolate. Live performances by house entertainers will also be present to create a joyful atmosphere for friends and families of all ages. Mickael Chevalier, General Manager at Revier Dubai, said: “I am very excited about the Saturday Brunch opening. It provides an urban escape to create harmony with Swiss nature. My passion is to spread the Swiss culture and tell the story to the world through presenting Revier’s authenticity, efficiency, and simplicity values to our guests, giving them the …

Malta, an emerging outbound destination for GCC travellers showcased their prowess when it came to luxury hotels and travel at the AVIAREPS Travel Caravan which consisted two stopovers to meet with their GCC clientele, one in the UAE and the other in KSA. Both events were successfully concluded. TBN spoke with Brian Bartolo, Director of Sales and Marketing Radisson Resort and Spa Malta Golden Sands, reiterated, “ We are showcasing one of Malta’s five star properties located on the north side of the island it is blessed with its location, primarily it sits besides Malta’s Golden Bay beach enjoying Malta’s wonderful sunsets and it is a place that one has to visit. We have five different types of luxury suites, our best selling suites are what called the sense tower suites which sits by the water’s edge and they have just being refurbished two years ago.” Grace El Khoury, Senior Business Development Manager Middle East, Intercontinental Malta, “We are trying to extend our market in the GCC, as you know Intercontinental is part of IHG and we want to explore the GCC market in Malta. The agents mainly inquired about our room inventory, as well as the surrounding areas as well as the meeting facilities for MICE business.” Malta’s delegation consisted of luxury five star properties, luxury DMC and MICE agents and of course the tourism board who brought in the team.

Marriott International, Inc. announced plans to debut the Fairfield by Marriott brand in Europe and the Middle East by 2025 in Middle East and late 2023 in Europe. Fairfield is the second largest brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands, with a global footprint of more than 1,230 open hotels. Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem, Saudi Arabia – Expected to open Q1 2025; located in the Al Naseem district and set to rise in five towers, the 2,600-guestroom Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem will be a fantastic property for those looking to visit cultural sites, such as Mina, Muzdalifa, Al Jamarat Bridge and Arafat. Makkah is known as the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed and is considered Islam’s holiest city. Situated in Makkah city centre, the hotel will provide a convenient base for those visiting on pilgrimage or business. Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Ibrahim Al Khalil Road, Saudi Arabia – Expected to open Q4 2025;  set to be the second Fairfield property in Makkah, the Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Ibrahim Al Khalil Road will look to offer guests a prime location just walking distance of the Grand Mosque. Every year, more than two million people visit Makkah for Hajj, the pilgrimage to Kaaba and with 1,376 expected guestrooms outlined in the design plans, the hotel will be the perfect destination for those visiting. From its innovative design to adapting each property to be locally relevant and its ability to cater to the needs for today’s traveller, Fairfield by Marriott is expected to see continued owner demand. Fairfield celebrates the beauty of simplicity with an effortless hotel experience focused on bringing value, productivity, and a great …

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched the inaugural Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report, a comprehensive study of the city’s gastronomy scene, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a much sought-after global destination for food tourism. The special report was unveiled at the first gastronomy industry briefing hosted by DET at the W Dubai  Mina Seyahi, and was attended by more than 100 restaurateurs, culinary specialists and key stakeholders from the food and beverage sector, to share seasonal highlights in relation to the ever-expanding gastronomy sector, and reveal industry insights from the city’s inaugural gastronomy report. The event was hosted as part of Dubai’s efforts to build upon the destination’s year-round programme of key foodie events, gourmet showcases and culinary platforms, to further strengthen the city’s dynamic ecosystem of around 13,000 restaurants and cafés. During the briefing, opportunities in the gastronomy sector and forthcoming calendar highlights were shared with partners to get their support to further enhance the city’s reputation as a year-round global gastronomy hub. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) revealed key findings from the newly commissioned annual industry report during the event, showcasing the gastronomy activities and initiatives which continue to be a driving force behind the steady growth in both domestic and international tourists, in line with the visionary leadership’s goal to make Dubai the world’s best city in the world to live in, work and visit.  This insightful research has reaffirmed Dubai’s standing as an international hub for gastronomy, and a beacon for visionary restaurateurs, chefs, discerning foodies, epicurean travellers and culinary aficionados. The inaugural ‘Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report’ highlights that Dubai’s vibrant and stimulating food scene is a direct reflection …

Mustafa Sultan Enterprises signed an agreement with Marriott International to debut the first Four Points by Sheraton in Oman, scheduled to open in early 2024. Operated by Valor Hospitality Partners, a third-party hotel management and development company, Four Points by Sheraton Muscat will offer a centralized location for both business and leisure travellers in Qurum. “It gives me great pleasure to announce our first franchise collaboration with Marriott International in the Middle East as we expand our full-service hotel management services in the region. We are honoured to have Mustafa Sultan Enterprises, a trusted and established owner, for our first property in Oman,” said Julien Bergue, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Valor Hospitality Middle East & CIS. “We are working closely with the ownership and Marriott International on the full renovation plan,” Bergue continued. Expected to feature 201 guest rooms, the hotel will also offer visitors ballroom and conference facilities, leisure and fitness amenities, and multiple food and beverage venues. Four Points by Sheraton Muscat is anticipated to reflect the brand’s promise of ‘travel reinvented’, providing everything that matters most to today’s travellers seeking balance on the road, including timeless style and comfort with genuine service. Shabeer Mustafa Sultan, Chairman of Mustafa Sultan Enterprises, said, “We are thrilled to work with Valor Hospitality Middle East and Marriott International to bring the Four Points by Sheraton brand to Oman.  This collaboration points to a full renovation and rebranding investment that supports our mission to create long-term value for the tourism, real estate and leisure sectors across Oman. It also supports the vision of Oman’s leaders, particularly in the upscale hotel segment.” Saahil Lalit, Vice President, Development – UAE and Oman, Marriott International …

Thynk announced its partnership with Saudi Arabia-based Dur Hospitality, a leading Saudi hospitality company recognized for its extensive record in managing, developing, and operating a broad portfolio of hotels and residential compounds across the Kingdom, at the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai. Developed by hoteliers for hoteliers and powered by Salesforce®, the world’s largest Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, Thynk.Cloud is designed to simplify and automate sales, operations, decision making, and data management for hotels of any size. The partnership will enable the sales organization at Dur Hospitality to further enhance the way they manage their B2B business relationships and maximize their sales productivity and efficiency. Pascal Petit, Co-founder & CEO at Thynk.Cloud, said: “We are excited to be working with Dur Hospitality, a company at the forefront of our industry when it comes to modern hospitality, agility and innovation. Together, our goal is to deliver a smart, modern system that not just streamlines processes and drives efficiency but enables hotel teams to deliver a unique guest experience, whether that’s in one of the Group’s branded hotels or in an independently managed property.” Commenting on the announcement, President of Hotel Operations at Dur Hospitality, Hassan Ahdab, said: “Our collaboration with Thynk provides an immense opportunity to interconnect our processes further and accelerate enhanced customer experiences. Thynk’s innovative digital ecosystem will drive personalization across our properties, amplifying our customer-centric approach and empowering our team members to make data-driven decisions in real-time while communicating with ”one voice”. Together, we will take customer-focused service to the next level”. “We have a shared vision to make hospitality an attractive and rewarding career for the next generation of hoteliers. We are committed to providing hotel …