Visit Qatar and the World Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) have signed an agreement to renew their diamond sponsorship. The agreement is part of Visit Qatar’s efforts to promote and support Qatar’s business events industry, which is of great importance within Qatar’s tourism sector. Under the agreement, Visit Qatar will promote Qatar as a destination for business events and allow partners to create more opportunities for collaboration across all of the Association’s events and activities throughout the year. Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi said, Head of Sector Marketing & Promotion Tourism at Qatar Tourism: “Visit Qatar and the World Association of the Exhibition Industry have a long-term strategic partnership with the common goal of promoting and developing the exhibitions, conferences and incentives industry. Qatar is an ideal destination for hosting business events, thanks to the construction of modern facilities, innovative public transport networks, easy travel policies, as well as its geographical location and world-class tourist destinations, providing business people with tourism experiences that meet all their expectations.” Michael Duck, QBA President for 2022/2023, said: “We are delighted to continue working with Visit Qatar as one of the World Association of Exhibition Industry Diamond Sponsors in the coming years. Supporting this Global Association programme allows additional products and services to be offered to our global membership holders and ultimately to further grow their events and exhibitions industry.” Qatar is a major home and destination for major global events, thanks to the country’s highest security standards, in addition to hosting 128 meeting and conference corners, spanning 70,000 square meters. Qatar is strategically located between east and west, with an award-winning national carrier and international airport. …

At a special press briefing by Sandeep Walia – COO Middle East of Marriott International shared the latest research on the two big markets UAE and Saudi Arabia with their latest focus on the key trends for the region. According to the research, 50% of the participants shared that they have used AI in one form or the other over their vacation. 70% said they will use it going forward. Walia reiterated, “AI will be a key focus for us too going forward.. 83% of UAE said they are ready to pay more to go to a hotel or destination that is sustainable. 78% of Saudi said the same. Sustainability is engraved today in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.” In terms of the market, Walia shared that “the Middle East, Egypt and Turkey we have 233 hotels open and about 130 projects in different phases that’s 50% plus growth. Exciting times in terms of growth in the region. Reflecting on the past year he shared, “2023 has been a great year of openings and signings for us – so we had 10 openings – they were very key strategic openings for us. One I want to certainly  call out is Saudi, so we have been announcing a lot of hotels over the last few years but last year was the turning point where all these openings we announced the projects getting into reality and opening. The first was St.Regis in Riyadh, which was the first one to enter the market. We opened the Aloft in Muscat which was the first to get into Oman. We opened the Marriott Executive Apartments in Kuwait and the list continues, so we had 10 …

Generation X, those people born between 1965 and 1980 – are leading the significant growth in outbound travel from the GCC countries, according to findings by New York headquartered Research Nester. The report highlights numerous reasons why this generation has a dominant share of the GCC’s outbound market, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets. The GCC outbound market is forecast to grow exponentially over the next five years, driven by Gen X travellers, according to recent research, says Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which takes place from 6-9 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Commenting on the report, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market said, “Within an age range of approximately 43 years to 58 years, many Gen Xers hold senior positions within companies and as such tend to travel overseas regularly on business trips. “In addition, with responsibility comes reward and therefore many have high earning potential and disposable income. Many successful entrepreneurs at this stage in their careers also have built significant wealth and can afford to travel frequently. “Many industry commentators are focused on Millennial and Gen Z travelers, but it is perfectly logical that Gen X would dominate the GCC outbound market value given the region’s demographics, particularly expatriate senior management.” Members of Gen X are also changing their lifestyles, with considerable numbers now looking for a more sustainable work life balance. This often means spending more leisure time with their families, including holidays and combining business with leisure, which is significantly growing the bleisure segment of travel. To illustrate these points, Gen X will be responsible for $11.1 billion, 41% of Saudi Arabia’s total outbound market value of $27 billion by 2028 …

IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2024 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi concluded with participation from 400 attendees and 45 exhibitors. Organized in collaboration with Miral, the creator of immersive experiences and destinations, and the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Summit hosted two days of insightful education sessions featuring 27 international experts. Industry leaders from globally renowned entities explored innovative strategies in destination development and management, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction to foster continued growth across the region’s attractions and theme parks industry. The Summit opened with a welcome keynote address by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. Additional speakers included Scott O’Neil, CEO, Merlin Entertainments; Ahmad Hussain, COO, Dubai Holding Entertainment; and Don Potts, President, Qiddiya Investment Company; with many more industry leaders from Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi – Al Qana, Atlantis Resorts, Majid Al Futtaim, Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), amongst others. A series of interactive sessions and workshops discussed trending topics like Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, sustainability, and innovative attractions. A selection of guided facility tours, or “EDUTours”, welcomed trade visitors to Yas Island’s world-class theme parks and attractions, enabling them to gain valuable insights into the operations and creative processes behind these leading attractions. Participants had the opportunity to visit the recently opened SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi; and Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The Summit also presented the inaugural edition of the IAAPA Ride Safety Report, specifically tailored for the Middle East region. During the Summit, IAAPA announced it will be expanding its presence in the region …

Located in Jabal Omar and a short walk from the Great Mosque of Makkah, the hotel offers world-class, luxurious amenities, including 1,121 keys of spacious and elegantly designed rooms, suites, and residences that provide a comfortable and peaceful sanctuary for guests. Jumeirah Group continues its regional and international expansion with the opening of its first hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah. The hotel has commenced operations as part of the second phase of the city’s flagship Jabal Omar project, designed by Fosters + Partners architects. Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah is designed to reinforce a sense of serenity through thoughtful service that allows guests to reconnect and reflect as they experience a deeply significant life event visiting the holy city of Makkah. Eight dining destinations, including Mediterranean restaurant Patras, and a lobby lounge serving specialty teas and baked goods, are currently open at the property. Soon, guests will have access to six more unique dining options at the East and West towers, featuring a signature regional Arabesque restaurant alongside Persian, Middle Eastern, South-east Asian, and Indo-Pakistani restaurants, and a café offering the finest teas and French baked goods. The property will also host three meeting rooms and event spaces accommodating between 10-70 people. Katerina Giannouka, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: “We are proud to have opened the first Jumeirah hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in such a significant location, in partnership with Jabal Omar Development Company. Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah will deliver the exceptional service that Jumeirah is known for, enabling an enhanced experience for all who are visiting Makkah.” Bringing its signature hospitality and service to the Kingdom, Jumeirah aims to …

Pullman unveiled its latest venture in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), with the rebranding of Marjan Island Resort & Spa to the premium Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island. This milestone occasion signifies the debut of the first Pullman Resort in the United Arab Emirates and marks a strategic partnership that further reinforces Accor’s commitment to the growth and development of RAK tourism and its hospitality sector. Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island opened its doors on 5th February, after a thoughtful refurbishment of its 300 rooms and suites that further aligns the guest experience with the Pullman brand. Additional upgrades are expected to continue throughout the year, with refreshed dining concepts set to launch in Q4 and a room renovation programme to follow in early 2025. Currently, the family-friendly resort houses five dining outlets offering a variety of cuisines, including traditional Arabic, flavorful Asian, authentic Lebanese, and Italian, among others. Upholding Pullman’s legacy as a modern brand for the new generation, the resort will emerge as a beacon of hospitality excellence in Ras Al Khaimah. With captivating, licensed Food & Beverage concepts that promise to revolutionise the dining scene, alongside state-of-the-art swimming pool and wellness amenities, and a variety of retail outlets, the property is set to establish itself as a stand-out stay option where style meets success. With seamless experiences that guests appreciate, as well as the flexible and professional service the brand is renowned for, the resort will cater to the cosmopolitan tastes of globetrotters, inviting weekenders, expatriates, and families from around the world. Commenting on the strategic venture, Paul Stevens, Chief Operating Officer for the Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at …

Rotana announced the appointment of Philip Barnes as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 March 2024. Commenting on the announcement, Selim El Zyr, Vice-Chairman of Rotana, said: “We are proud to welcome Philip Barnes as the new CEO of Rotana. With a rich history of leadership and a deep understanding of the global hospitality landscape, Barnes is poised to elevate our brand delivery and levels of excellence. We eagerly anticipate his innovative direction and vision that will shape Rotana’s next chapter and build on our growing pipeline across key markets.” Completing almost 25 years as part of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Barnes held several senior leadership positions worldwide, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Most recently, he held the role of Regional Vice President of Southern California (2020 – 2022). Previously, he also worked with leading hospitality brands such as Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Shangri La Hotels & Resorts among others. In the Middle East, Barnes was Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ Regional Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (2009 – 2011). In this role, he oversaw the operations for Fairmont Palm Dubai, Fairmont Bab al Bar Abu Dhabi, Fairmont Ajman, Fairmont Fujairah, and pre-opening Fairmont Abu Dhabi. Prior to this, he also held the position of Vice President of the Middle East (2007 – 2009) for the group, overseeing the developments and planned openings in South Africa, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. “I am privileged to join Rotana – a homegrown brand synonymous with providing guests with the highest service levels across the region. I look forward to working closely with the wider team …

In January 2024, Qatar recorded the reception of 702,800 visitors, marking the highest monthly level of visitor entries ever. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries took the lead in terms of the total number of visitors, accounting for 53% of the overall visitor count. These numbers coincide with the significant event at the beginning of the year, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™️. Qatar presents a diverse tourism scene that blends cultural heritage with modernity and development. The country offers visitors various experiences catering to all tastes, from cultural exploration to sports and adventure, as well as artistic exhibitions and educational conferences.

West F5 Investments LLC has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International to open the Marriott Marquis Dubai within the Jewel of the Creek complex in Dubai. Scheduled to open in March 2024, the premium hotel and serviced apartments are part of the first phase of the new iconic destination developed by Dubai Developments. The property, leased by West F5 Investments LLC, will be operated by Dubai-based independent hospitality management company, Aleph Hospitality. The signing ceremony held at Jewel of the Creek was graced by the attendance of His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Rashed Al Maktoum and attended by HE Eng Essa Al Maidoor, Director General of Dubai Developments; Khaled Shaker, Director of Investments and Strategic Projects of Dubai Developments; Naresh Kumar Bhawani, Chairman of West F5 Investments LLC; Prem Gopalani, Managing Director of West F5 Investments LLC; Sandeep Walia, Chief Operations Officer – Middle East at Marriott International; Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, and Neil George, Partner and Executive Director of Aleph Hospitality. Scheduled to open in March 2024, the new-build Marriott Marquis Dubai will comprise 590 keys consisting of 434 well-furnished hotel guest rooms and suites plus 156 serviced apartments featuring limitless views of Dubai Creek and the city skyline. The property is anticipated to feature extensive business and leisure facilities including six food and beverage outlets, conference and meeting facilities, a business centre, gym, spa facilities as well as swimming pools in each tower. In addition, the development will include a large retail area with a promenade on the Dubai Creek and a Marina with 85 berths. “We are delighted to open Marriott Marquis Dubai in collaboration with Marriott International and …

Dorchester Collection opens The Lana, Dubai, the first hotel in the Middle East. Offering 225 rooms and suites with eight dining concepts, The Lana is the tenth Dorchester Collection hotel and represents the next chapter in the brand’s unparalleled, global sensibility of service and quality. The first new opening for the group in more than a decade, the property sets a new benchmark for design and timeless care and enchantment in the city of Dubai. The Lana will also be home to the first Dior Spa in the UAE, set to open in April 2024. An architectural statement designed by Foster + Partners, the hotel represents the ultimate expression of trusted hospitality and elevated living, offering 225 rooms and suites and eight new dining concepts; including four that have been created with three of the world’s most celebrated chefs. The hotel’s sophisticated interiors have been designed and executed by the famed Parisian duo, Gilles & Boissier and incorporate a carefully curated section of more than 50 art pieces, commissioned by local and global artists. Commenting on the opening, Christopher Cowdray, president of Dorchester Collection, said, “As Dorchester Collection welcomes its first guests in the Middle East, we are entering a new era in our company history. The Lana is one of the year’s most anticipated hotel openings, and we are certain it will be celebrated for its remarkable design, superb location in one of the world’s most vibrant cities and a dining scene that will undoubtedly attract much local and international attention.” Conceptualised and managed on behalf of Dubai-based developers: OMNIYAT, The Lana is the first step in curating a new phase for the Downtown Dubai neighbourhood. Speaking about his …