The Alfardan Group hosted the 4th CSR Conference in Qatar at the St. Regis Doha. The event was organised by Dar Al Sharq and was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla Bin Saoud Al Thani, Qatar Central Bank Governor, on December 7 and 8, 2016. It focused on strategy development and business performance support in the framework of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Afardan Group served as a Strategic Partner for the conference, which also featured the launch of the 2016 edition of the CSR White Book, an annual publication that highlights leading CSR activities. “We are proud to serve as a Strategic Hospitality Partner for the conference. We are excited to provide a venue for such an important event that gathers key decision makers from the public and private sector in a platform that will help strengthen the efforts of companies in implementing programs that create a positive impact on society,” concluded Tareq Derbas, General Manager of St. Regis Doha.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) revealed the #BeMyGuest film starring Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan. Khan shows the soul, sights and sounds of the metropolis through experiencing different dimensions of Dubai amongst its people. Featuring a kaleidoscope of culinary, shopping, cultural and adventurous settings, the film’s high energy and fast paced tempo perfectly captures the vibe of the city, and Shah Rukh Khan’s dynamic relationship with it. It also brings alive the hospitable soul of the city through the megastar’s candid interactions, as he plays host to Dubai’s tourists and residents.  Khan said, “Dubai offers endless experiences that stay with you forever. Whatever you want to do – an adrenaline-fuelled adventure like skydiving or a desert safari or a delicious culinary experience of tantalizing flavors – and whether you’re travelling with family, friends or as a couple, this city truly offers a complete holiday experience. It’s been great fun working with Dubai Tourism and rediscovering this inspiring city in a whole new way. I can’t wait to be back and live the Dubai magic again.” As one of Dubai Tourism’s series of upcoming initiatives with Bollywood, it emphasises on nurturing the connection that Dubai has with India. Commenting on the collaboration, Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said “Shah Rukh Khan truly represents the beautiful relationship that Dubai and India share. Our continuous dialogue and strong history with India supports projects like these that celebrate and strengthen this union. In line with our vision of hosting 20 million visitors per year by 2020, our tourism efforts are increasing every year, with a major emphasis on the Indian market. We are excited to …

Abu Dhabi is set to host 15 of the world’s leading cruise line executives and representatives who join an impressive line-up of industry speakers for this year’s Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum, hosted by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi). The Cruise Forum, scheduled for December 13 and 14, 2016, at the Four Season Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, includes a number of dynamic talks focusing on current trends, topics and talking-points confronting the region. Delivered by an outstanding line-up of cruise industry leaders, each session promises to feature frank, lively and honest debate. 15 cruise line representations will join the discussions from: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises; MSC Cruises; Cruise & Maritime Voyages; Crystal Cruises; MSC Cruises; Carnival Australia; Thomson Cruises; TUI Cruises GmbH; Silversea Cruises; Carnival Corporation & plc; and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

AccorHotels has signed four new hotel management agreements with ARCO. The new developments in Egypt’s North Coast, slated to open by 2022, include the Fairmont Fuka Bay, Swissôtel Fuka Bay, Novotel Al Alamein City, and ibis Styles Al Alamein City. The addition of these hotel projects increases AccorHotels’ operational and development pipeline to 31 hotels in Egypt. Opening in 2019, Fairmont Fuka Bay will feature 250 rooms and 150 Fairmont branded residences. The 300-room and 200-branded residences of Swissôtel Fuka Bay, anticipated to open in 2022, will also represent one of the city’s first international hospitality brands. Set to debut in 2018, the 250-room Novotel Al Alamein City will overlook the Crystal Lagoons – one of the extraordinary features of the project measuring 7,000 square meters and suited towards a range of recreational activities, including swimming and water sports. ibis Styles Al Alamein City will offer 300 rooms and is adjacent to a water park and shopping centre. The city of Al Alamein is also in proximity to popular summer destinations located by the Mediterranean Sea, including an 80 minute drive to Alexandria.

Marriott Hotels announced the grand opening of the Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Downtown Abu Dhabi at a recent event. 315 spacious guest rooms and suites feature modern amenities and smart technologies throughout while the hotel’s extensive meeting space is tailored to today’s meeting requirements, bringing to life Marriott’s signature meetings concept, “Meetings Imagined”. David Lance, General Manager, Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi, comments: “Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi offers a completely novel and elevated hotel and extended stay apartment experience for today’s modern traveller. Last night was proof of how an enhanced journey can inspire imagination and we are looking forward to welcoming more and more guests to the property to experience its sophisticated spaces and experiences.” Supplemented by a prime location in the heart of the business district, unique dining options such as JW Steakhouse, Velocity and Kuzbara, and a range of wellness options including the Saray Spa & Health Club and a rooftop swimming pool, Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi is poised to become a local hub for business and leisure as well as a global MICE destination. The Marriott Executive Apartments Downtown Abu Dhabi appeals to both business travellers and families with 64 fully serviced one, two and three bedroom apartments offering the space, ambience and privacy of residential living together with a five-star hotel service and facilities, enabling a comfortable stay away from home.

Emirates launched the world’s shortest scheduled A380 service, flying a distance of 379 kilometres with a total travel time of 1 hour and 20 minutes from Dubai to Doha, and 1 hour 10 minutes on the return journey. Outbound flight EK 841 departs Dubai at 0745hrs, arriving in Doha at 0805hrs. The return flight, EK 842, departs Doha at 0950hrs, arriving in Dubai at 1200hrs. The timing of the A380 service means customers from Doha flying to popular destinations like New York, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Manchester, Dusseldorf, Milan, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam, can now enjoy a seamless A380 experience and also have a wider choice of “all A380” flight itineraries for their journeys. Emirates has steadily grown its presence in Doha and now operates with nine daily flights, making it the most served destination in the airline’s network. Demand between Dubai and Doha is strong, and in the last five years Emirates has carried over 3.7 million passengers between the two cities. The Emirates A380 serving Doha operates in a three-class configuration, with 429 generously pitched seats in Economy Class on the main deck, 76 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 14 First Class Private Suites on the upper deck. Passengers in all classes can enjoy Emirates’ exceptional hospitality as well as its multi-awarded Ice Digital Widescreen in-flight entertainment system with a choice of over 2,500 channels on-demand, including a wide selection of Arabic programming. The double-decker A380 is the world’s largest commercial aircraft in service, and has been tremendously popular with travellers across the globe with its spacious cabins and quiet journeys. Emirates is the largest operator of this aircraft and currently has 87 A380s in service and 55 …

Ramada Downtown Dubai, led by General Manager Shahzad Butt, celebrated its seventh year anniversary with a series of activities for its associates and loyal guests. The team gathered for a special cake-cutting ceremony and reception to mark the milestone. Addressing the associates during the celebration, Butt said: “Our people are our hotel’s greatest asset and I am grateful to work with such hardworking, skillful, and good-natured team. The hospitality and quality of service which they extend to our guests are reflections of their dedication to the job, thus, we continuously receive positive feedback. Together, we look forward to more fruitful years ahead, and we are confident that we’ll uphold our status as one of the top hotels in Dubai in spite of the growing competition.”

Qatar Airways will now accept UnionPay credit and debit cards through its website for ticket and other sales, expanding payment options for customers around the world. With more than 5.8 billion cards issued globally, UnionPay is an international bankcard network and is the preferred method of payment for the Chinese market. The option to pay with UnionPay cards provides Qatar Airways travellers with a high quality and secure payment service worldwide, and is accepted in 160 countries and regions. Qatar Airways customers can now conveniently book via the airline’s website in currencies including Chinese yuan, Great British pound, euro, US dollar, Australian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Japanese yen, South Korean won, Malaysian ringgit, New Zealand dollar, Singapore dollar and Thai baht using their UnionPay cards. The option to pay with UnionPay cards provides Qatar Airways travellers with a high quality and secure payment service worldwide. Customers across the globe can book Qatar Airways tickets using their UnionPay cards by selecting the UnionPay logo on the payment page. Customers will be re-directed to UPI’s website to fill out their payment credentials, with a successful completion of the payment resulting in a Qatar Airways’ confirmation page and booking reference number. Qatar Airways also recently launched Apple Pay; becoming the first Gulf carrier to offer the revolutionary ‘mobile wallet’ solution across the full list of countries where Apple Pay is available. Available on any iOS device, Apple Pay allows customers to conveniently and securely book their next journey on Qatar Airways with the tap or touch of a finger. Using passcode or finger-print technology, Apple Pay links directly to the subscribers’ nominated debit or credit cards, adding to yet another safe and secure …

IMG Worlds has launched its latest project IMG Worlds of Legends. With nine unique zones spread across over 2 million square feet, IMG Worlds of Legends will feature some of the most exciting and popular brands in the world, making it one of the biggest global licensing deals of its kind. Attractions will include characters from global brands, such as Nickelodeon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants , Ubisoft®- Assassin’s Creed, Raving Rabbids, Just Dance, Saban Brands – Saban’s Power Rangers, Pokémon, Mattel – Barbie® doll, Hot Wheels, Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends, Mega Bloks; The Animé Zone – Toei Animation: Dragon Ball Z and One Piece, TV TOKYO: Naruto, Cartoon Network (a partner in IMG Worlds of Adventure), We Bare Bears, Other hit and classic brands to be revealed;  IMG Worlds’ proprietary brands – Legends of Arabia, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure. IMG Worlds of Legends, situated adjacent to IMG Worlds of Adventure, will feature futuristic interactive rollercoasters, state-of-the-art rides, breath-taking water-based attractions, and spectacular live entertainment. With its temperature-controlled environment and retractable roof, guests are offered the choice of enjoying the thrilling rides safely protected from the desert heat in summer or basking in the sun on the sky-high coasters in winter as IMG Worlds of Legends is open 365 days a year, offering the best of both worlds. Owned and operated by IMG Worlds, IMG Worlds of Legends will offer a fully immersive experience, with each zone in the theme of a different imaginary world, complete with  104,000 square feet of food and beverage space and 102,000 square feet of retail space.

Rove City Centre, under Rove Hotels, a joint venture of Emaar Properties and Meraas Holding, opens following the successful launch of Rove Downtown Dubai, next to The Dubai Mall and the Dubai International Financial Centre. The 270-room highly design-influenced hotel, that will especially appeal to culturally inclined travellers as well as business guests, opens to spectacular views of Dubai’s original trade hub by Dubai Creek. It is set in a highly engaging location defined by the souks, historic houses and traditional dhows that underline Dubai’s cultural identity. Rove City Centre is thus a fitting tribute to the brand essence of Rove Hotels of ‘Exploring Without Borders.’ Having redefined the midscale hospitality experience in Dubai, Rove Hotels, a contemporary mid-scale lifestyle hotel brand developed by Emaar Hospitality Group, has opened its second property in Dubai in the heart of the city assuring an authentic, novel, and culturally stimulating hospitality experience. Seven Rove Hotels have been announced with another three more to open by 2020 taking the total number of Rove Hotels in Dubai to 10, adding a total of over 3,700 rooms, just in time to support Expo 2020 Dubai. With a distinctive design palette and a brand-new art showcase that draws inspiration from its surroundings yet being true to the Rove Hotels brand values, Rove City Centre has a distinctive location in Deira by the historic Dubai Creek, only 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport, and in walking distance of City Centre Deira and the Dubai Creek & Yacht Club. Featuring bustling souks to modern malls and serving as home to several governmental head offices, Deira is a vibrant hub of the city. The close proximity to the airport …