As part of its strategy to further boost growth in the tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MiCE) sectors of Bahrain, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) continues to participate in events and initiatives including global conferences, congresses and exhibitions that showcase infrastructure development with an aim to promote Bahrain as the tourism and MiCE destination of choice. The BTEA’s Director of Exhibitions and Conferences Marketing and Promotion, Fawzi Tulefat, represented the BTEA in one of UFI’s major annual events, UFI Middle East/Africa Conference 2019, which was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on April 8 and 9,   2019 under the theme of ‘Embracing Change and Looking Forward to the Future’. Annually, the UFI Middle East and Africa Conference is attended by over 70 member and non-member trade fair exhibition organizers, exhibition centres, associations and service providers related to the exhibition industry. During the conference, Tulefat, a panelist on Venue / Organizers – Panel Discussion during the first day of the conference, actively discussed the new developments in Bahrain’s MiCE industry and highlighted the achievements of BTEA including updates on the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre which is expected to be completed in early 2021.  The tourism attractions of Bahrain and the new Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre will take center stage from May 21 to 23, 2019 at the Bahrain Pavilion at the IMEX 2019, which will be held at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany.  The BTEA will be joined by seven co-exhibitors from the business tourism and hospitality industry in Bahrain. The IMEX 2019 is an annual global MiCE industry event bringing together over 14,500 participants including 3,500 exhibitors from over 160 countries from around …

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) signed franchise agreements for two hotels, Staybridge Suites Dubai Financial Centre and Staybridge Suites Dubai Internet City, with the Dubai-based real estate development firm, SRG Holding. The agreements will see the conversion of two SRG-owned developments to IHG’s extended-stay brand Staybridge Suites. The two franchised assets will be operated by SRG Hospitality, the group’s hotel management arm with opening dates set for January 2020. The hotels are strategically located along Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai’s main commercial artery with convenient access to the Dubai Metro system and the city’s major business and leisure attractions. Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa at IHG, commented on the signing, “The extended-stay sector performs extremely well in Dubai and the Middle East, and we are pleased to be partnering with one of the leading family-owned companies in Dubai, SRG Holding. The Staybridge Suites brand is successful due to its combination of home-like convenience and comfort. We are excited to be expanding our extended-stay offering in Dubai and look forward to building a successful relationship with SRG Holding as we cater to the varied needs of travellers visiting the city.” Fahad AlRafi, CEO at SRG Holding, said of the partnership, “We are delighted to partner with a globally renowned hospitality company such as IHG for Staybridge Suites Dubai Financial Centre and Staybridge Suites Dubai Internet City. This fantastic brand will give us the opportunity to deliver a service style that is little more relaxed than traditional serviced apartments in the city.”

Fraser Suites Muscat officially opened this month with their commitment to offer high-quality luxury experiences which are designed to embrace the needs of the modern traveller and saw media attendees given an exclusive tour of each of the unique facilities at Fraser Suites Muscat. The facility hosts 120 luxury serviced apartments and complete rooftop pool and spa amenities. The apartments comprise of studios and various bedroom configurations equipped with renowned brands such as L’Occitane and Nespresso, together with all-around city views. Boasting modern décor throughout the facility alongside a touch of Omani hospitality, Fraser Suites Muscat has several features that make this a one of a kind of property in the Sultanate. Apart from hosting a rooftop swimming pool with a poolside juice counter and boutique-shopping arcade, Fraser Suites Muscat also accommodates a 24/7 fitness room with the latest gym facilities, a lavish spa with four treatment rooms, and large indoor and outdoor children play areas. The Fraser Suites Muscat Ballroom has a capacity for more than 800 people and is perfect for planning a wedding, the launch of a special product, a general business meeting, or any major occasion. The 1500 sqm of space can be used as the main hall or partitioned into four separate conference rooms as required. Vincent Le Gorrec, General Manager of Fraser Suites Muscat said, “We are keen to reach out to countries in the Middle East, which have the potential for several cultural tourism prospects, including Saudi Arabia, Oman and UAE. Coupled with a unique range of facilities and amenities and situated close to several lifestyle options, Fraser Suites Muscat is an ideal choice for corporate travellers, vacationers, and even families, looking for …

Dubai Tourism has announced a new GCC-wide partnership with Gulf Reps, one of the region’s leading travel consultancy agencies, as part of its ongoing drive to attract more visitors from across the Gulf to holiday in the emirate. The partnership will give Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) access to Gulf Reps’ extensive network of travel industry professionals and media, as it targets increased tourist numbers from The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Under the agreement, Gulf Reps will operate a representative office within the GCC with a specific focus on developing relationships with the region’s tourism market, leading travel trade publications and travel companies with the purpose of promoting Dubai as the preferred destination of choice for visitors from neighbouring GCC countries. Overnight visitors from the GCC made up 18 per cent of all tourists to Dubai in 2018, highlighting the region’s position as one of the most important source markets for Dubai. The collaboration with Gulf Reps will allow Dubai Tourism to maximise its exposure to, and relationship with, important industry and trade partners across the GCC, giving the city even greater visibility in strategic media outlets and travel industry publications as well as digital media. As Dubai Tourism’s official representative in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, Gulf Reps will help showcase Dubai’s diverse attractions, numerous festivals, year-round entertainment offerings and landmark attractions to holidaymakers. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said, “Dubai continues to rank among the most popular destinations for holidaymakers from across the GCC. Our partnership with Gulf Reps is part of our ongoing strategy to attract even …

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and in the presence of HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) 2019 opened yesterday. The 9th edition of the world’s biggest platform for foreign direct investment (FDI) will run until April 10 in Dubai under the theme ‘Mapping the Future of FDI: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalisation’. The event also witnessed the presence of four presidents, one Deputy president and 40 ministers including H.E. Evo Morales, President, Plurinational State of Bolivia; H.E Muhammadu Buhari, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E Rustam Minnikhanov, President of Tatarstan, Russian Federation; H.E. Ramzan Kadyrov, Head of Chechen Republic, Russian Federation and H.E. Huchiev Muslim, Deputy Chairman of Chechen Republic, Russian Federation. In his opening speech, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Cabinet Member and Minister of Infrastructure Development said, “We are delighted to welcome all of you to the opening ceremony of the ninth edition of the Annual Investment Meeting. The forum, organized by the Ministry of Economy, has become a prominent event on the regional and international arenas as one of the largest investment gatherings in the world. We are honored by the wide global participation in this year’s edition, which includes delegations from more than 140 countries from around the world, who have gathered here to jointly explore the latest trends in foreign direct investment.” “At the national level, the UAE continues to rank first in the region in terms of FDI inflows, which in 2018 amounted to USD 10.4 billion according to …

The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the world’s largest serviced residence owner-operator, continues to roll out its expansion portfolio in Saudi Arabia by announcing a new signing that will join its growing portfolio — Citadines Al Aziziyah Al Khobar. The property is set to open in late 2021 and will be Ascott’s seventh residence in the kingdom, and its third in the city of Al Khobar. The 92-unit residence is currently under construction on King Khalid Road in the popular Al Aziziyah district to the south of the city. The location benefits from convenient transport links: King Khalid Road itself is the city’s main arterial highway, while the nearby King Fahd Causeway links Saudi Arabia with Bahrain. Dammam railway station is a short drive away and connects the Eastern Province to the Saudi capital, Riyadh. When operational, Citadines Al Aziziyah Al Khobar will feature 36 studio apartments, 25 one-bedroom apartments and 30 two-bedroom apartments, as well as a 157 sq.m. penthouse. Facilities will include a residents’ lounge, swimming pool and gym, and a three-storey adjacent car park for visitors’ use. Guests will also be within easy reach of the neighbourhood’s public beaches, restaurants, shops and recreational facilities, including Half Moon Bay and Al Khobar Corniche. “We are very pleased to announce details of our latest serviced residence in Saudi Arabia in partnership with Nebras Tourism Company,” said Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Regional GM for Middle East, Africa and Turkey. “In the four years since we launched our first property in KSA we’ve established a market-leading presence with an expanding portfolio of international-standard properties in key destinations.” Al Saggaf, General Manager of Nebras Tourism Company, said, “We are delighted to partner with the Ascott …

This summer, Etihad Airways will introduce the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its scheduled services from Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg, effective August 1, Lagos, effective August 2, and Milan, effective  September 1, replacing the Airbus A330s currently operating the routes. All three destinations will feature Etihad Airways’ next-generation Business and Economy cabins, configured with 299 seats — 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats. Etihad Airways extensive global network to and from Abu Dhabi will see more 787 Dreamliners introduced on key destinations as the airline takes delivery of more of the type. Boeing 787 schedule to Johannesburg, effective August 1, 2019 will leave Abu Dhabi at 10:05 and reach Johannesburg by 16:30 daily and return from Johannesburg at 20:05 to Abu Dhabi at 06:00 daily (Next day arrival). For Lagos, effective August 2, 2019 from Abu Dhabi at 02:35 to Lagos and 07:10 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Return from Lagos at 08:30 to Abu Dhabi at 19:10 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. To Milan, effective September 1, 2019 from Abu Dhabi at 02:20 to Milan at 06:50 daily and return from Milan at 10:40 to  Abu Dhabi at 18:55 daily.

Leading Sharjah government entities are leveraging their presence at the ninth Annual Investment Meeting (AIM 2019) to showcase the emirate’s diverse sectors and competitive advantages on offer to foreign investors seeking opportunities for expansion. Showcasing Sharjah’s strategic location, investment-friendly business landscape, transparency and flexibility of procedures, which adds to the UAE’s profile among top investment destinations globally, participating entities have revealed that they are working towards boosting these qualities by launching smart technologies, which will drive growth in all sectors, particularity boosting the role of technology and the innovation sector. Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) and Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), are among the participating entities in the Sharjah stand along with the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah). HE Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, said AIM represents a great opportunity for the Chamber to reach out to key investors in the world and establish new partnerships with them. “We make the best use of our relationships with several overseas markets to support foreign trade, attract foreign investment and highlight the competitive advantages Sharjah is equipped to offer at various levels,” he said. HE Sultan bin Haddah Al Suwaidi, Chairman of SEDD, said, “The Annual Investment Forum 2019 is a valuable opportunity for the department to introduce investors to our latest services and facilities, especially those that can be accessed from anywhere around the world on our smart application.”

The new 133-key Hilton Garden Inn Al Jubail has opened in Saudi Arabia’s commercial centre in Jubail, Dammam. It joins three existing Hilton Garden Inn properties in Saudi Arabia. Helmed by Dewan Architects + Engineers as the lead consultant and designer of the project, the hotel building serves as a contemporary hospitality haven in the heart of Al Jubail, the industrial hub of Saudi Arabia. The hotel’s modern form is a new visual anchor for this emerging city. Set on the Jubail Corniche near the Jubail Commercial Port, the property is conveniently located between King Fahd Airport in Dammam and the Royal Commission of Jubail and its industrial city. “The completion of Hilton Garden Inn Al Jubail marks a key moment in this district’s transformation,” says Dewan Architects +Engineers Executive Director, Ammar Al Assam. “The hotel’s contemporary architectural expression reflects the spirit of its surroundings – a growing and constantly evolving city.” In line with Dewan Architects + Engineers’ “go green” initiatives, Hilton Hotels recently announced it is teaming up with Clean the World, an organisation that collects used soaps from hotels, melts them down, sanitises them, and creates brand new bars of soap for people in need. The eight-storey hotel, located on King Faisal Street East, offers 133 spacious guest rooms; a contemporary lobby overlooking the Arabian Gulf; modern meeting rooms (Najla and Dalal); the Panorama (Ladies) lounge; a stunning rooftop swimming pool with views over the Gulf; separate his and her gyms; and high-speed internet access. Guests can enjoy fine dining, themed buffets and weekend brunches at The Garden Grille restaurant, while the Garden Café offers snacks and beverages.

The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), an institution established by Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), has announced the launch of its Spring Tourism Camp programme, offering a unique introduction to the courses available at the college across its five core disciplines; Tourism, Retail, Culinary, Arts, Events and Hospitality. The camp will combine learning with entertainment to introduce Dubai as a world-class tourism and cultural destination, giving students an opportunity to experience first-hand the emirate’s diverse destination offerings. Blending classroom activities and hands-on learning with fun and educational outings including site visits to some of the city’s well-known tourist attractions, the camp will give participants an insight into the courses offered at DCT. Each day of the five-day programme will feature lessons and activities dedicated to each of the courses offered, giving them a preview into what they could learn as a DCT student. Commenting on the launch, Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of DCT, said, “Dubai College of Tourism is committed to empowering young talent, and our Spring Tourism Camp will offer students an innovative edutainment experience as they start to consider their future career options. Providing students, and parents, with an affordable and productive way of spending their upcoming school holidays, the camp’s programme of activities is designed to increase awareness of DCT, offering students a taste of the different courses available at the college.  The camp, which is open for both Emiratis and expatriate students, will also help enlighten on the possibility of a vocational education and career opportunities in Dubai’s tourism industry, specifically through the courses offered at DCT that are tailored to meet the needs of future employers.”