Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties has announced the launch of Address Al Marjan Island, the company’s first hotel and residences project in Ras Al Khaimah. With panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, the hotel and residences is part of over 2 million square feet mixed-use developments by Emaar in Al Marjan Island. Address Al Marjan Island will be a resort-style development that draws on its exceptional natural location, directly by the Arabian Sea. The hotel will have 249 rooms, including suites, while Address Residences Al Marjan Island will comprise 234 high-end apartments. As part of Views, the largest of the four islands that make up Al Marjan Island, residents will be in close proximity to the ubran core of the master-planned community as well as the town centre. With direct access to over 600 metres of beachfront, residents and guests will have uninterrupted views of the sea in addition to a range of lifestyle amenities. Sheikh Khalid bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman, Al Marjan Island, said, “We are honoured to welcome Emaar and its prestigious Address hotel brand to Al Marjan Island, which will further strengthen the appeal of our master-planned development as a preferred hub for visitors and investors from around the world. Emaar’s proven strengths in mixed-use developments will add significant value to Al Marjan Island with the Address hotel to contribute to our emirate’s tourism sector.”

Fortifying its pre-eminent position in Abu Dhabi’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector – Rotana inaugurated the Pearl Rotana Hotel at Capital Centre. The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of  Mohammed Bin Juan Al Badie Al Dhaeri, Al Badie Group; Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman, Rotana, top executives from both companies and honourable guests. Pearl Rotana is a modern-designed hotel located in the hub of the city, across from Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), 20 minutes from the airport and in close proximity to all the main attractions. Al Dhaeri, said, “With its solid business growth and strong portfolio, Rotana has established its name as the bellwether of the region’s hospitality industry and it gives us immense pleasure to partner with the company. This partnership will benefit our shareholders and the local economy and strengthen our position in the domestic and international markets. We look forward to further collaboration with Rotana in the future to achieve our shared vision of contributing to the sustainable growth of the UAE while thriving in our business.”

Egypt, UAE and Turkey have seen the greatest growth in flight bookings from travellers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the last 12 months, according to analysis conducted by Travelport. Fastest-growing international destinations for KSA travellers booked through global distribution systems. This data is derived from Travelport’s interpretation of relevant MIDT data. It reflects bookings made in the KSA through GDS only. Additional booking will have been made directly with airlines, which may or may not also have a GDS presence. From April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, bookings made in the KSA through all global distribution systems (GDS) to Egypt increased by nearly 190,000, up 17% on the previous 12 months. Bookings to the UAE rose by over 70,000, up 13%, and to Turkey by just over 65,000, up 31%.  Global distribution systems (GDS) are vast hi-tech reservation networks that allow travel agents, travel management companies, and large corporations, among others, to search and book airline seats, hotel rooms, rental cars, and other travel-related items. Matthew Powell, Travelport’s Managing Director  for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, said, “Growth in flight bookings tends to be driven by increased airline capacity, rises in demand from leisure trave”llers, economic and political advances, which attract more interest in trade and investment, and major construction projects that require large international labour forces. The results we’re seeing here cut across all of these.”

Celebrating its 25th year, the Arabian Travel Market press conference has kicked off amidst a crowd of local and international media at the Address Boulevard Dubai . Simon Press, Director Reed Exhibitions for ATM and WTM stated that this year they expect over 40,000 visitors and 2,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries at the event. Issam Kaim, CEO, DTCM reiterated their efforts to attract more travellers to the destination by various programmes implemented with their partners and stakeholders to enable 20 million visitors by 2020 and beyond. The latest news shared from DTCM and Emirates was the plan to introduce a transit visa package to those who travel to different destinations via Dubai. Olivier Harnisch, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group shared the latest trends seen in the region and the introduction of a unique brand aimed at the millennials who would spend less time in the hotel room but more time on other activities of entertainment and leisure. This supports the overall vision of Dubai tourism to further go ahead with their 2020 strategy to attract the type of clientele they seek.

The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) will open its doors to the public on April 18, 2018 following highly anticipated international interest. PCFC Hotels, part of the Dubai government’s Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation, has reinvented the legendary vessel as the latest tourism destination, in a city renowned for its world-class attractions. The world-famous cruise liner, which has a history spanning five decades, is now docked permanently at Mina Rashid, where her dining, accommodation and entertainment attractions will be unveiled. In this first phase, she will be welcoming passengers on board to experience a selection of beautifully restored rooms and suites in the adjacent QE2 Heritage Exhibition. Hamza Mustafa, CEO, PCFC Hotels commented, “To finally open the QE2 is a dream come true for my team. It is one of Dubai’s most highly anticipated projects and we know that a lot of people are going to be very excited to see her for the first time, or to step back on board the vessel that created so many wonderful memories during her 40 years at sea. We are thankful to our Chairman, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem whose vision and determination to give her a second life has come to fruition.” The 13-deck hotel has been thoughtfully restored to her former glory – maintaining her most loved interior design features – including her period furniture, renowned paintings and famous memorabilia.

In line with its efforts to promote Sharjah’s tourism and hospitality offerings among Kazakh tourists, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) will lead a high-level delegation from the emirate of Sharjah at the Kazakhstan International Tourism and Travel Fair (KITF 2018). The event is scheduled to be held in the Kazakh city of Almaty from April 18 to 20 at the Almaty International Exhibition Centre. SCTDA’s participation will thus facilitate the achievement of Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, which aims to attract 10 million visitors to the emirate by 2021. HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, emphasised on the importance of the authority’s participation in the Kazakhstan International Tourism and Travel Fair, as it reflects the commitment of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to make the emirate the ideal family destination. He added that the participation coincides with the recent decision to exempt Kazakh tourists from pre-entry visa requirements to enter the UAE. Al Midfa commented, “SCTDA’s marketing plans are designed to meet the current and the future requirements of the emirate’s tourism and commercial sectors. Our participation in KITF 2018 highlights Sharjah’s unique tourist attractions that make it one of the best tourist destinations that cater to tourists seeking to explore heritage, science, culture and the arts.”

Travelport has announced a new long-term technology partnership via its distributor in Oman, with Eihab Travels. Eihab Travels will use Travelport’s industry leading point of sale solution, Travelport Smartpoint, to provide corporate as well as leisure travel services to major multinational corporations, prominent Middle East firms and individuals. Aided by Travelport’s support, the company’s consultants will benefit from intelligent, fast and accurate search of high quality content from over 400 airlines, 650,000 hotel properties and 35,000 car rental locations. With over 250 airlines signed up to use Travelport’s unique merchandising technology, the company is able to display, gain powerful information around, and sell branded fare families and ancillary products (such as paid seat assignments, baggage fees, priority boarding, etc.) from these airlines. Having recently become the first global distribution system (GDS) to be certified by IATA as a “Level 3” Aggregator under its New Distribution Capability (NDC) initiative, Travelport will soon further benefit the company by creating NDC connections with airlines as they become available.

Kempinski Hotels launches Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai on the West Crescent of Dubai’s exclusive Palm Jumeirah. The 100,000sqm beach resort pays homage to the palaces of 18th century Europe. With 389 rooms and suites, eight world-class restaurants and bars, 3,000 sqm Cinq Mondes Spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre and yoga studio, 500m private white sand beach and 80-seat private cinema, Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai provides a gateway into palatial living. “We look forward to welcoming our discerning guests to our palace by the sea in 2018, and bringing them on our journey,” says Sebastien Mariette, Managing Director, Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai. “We aim to offer a combination of timeless opulence and world-class luxury to guests visiting Dubai, guaranteed to create unforgettable memories. The UAE is a compelling country full of rich culture, diverse landscapes and unique attractions, making it a must-visit destination for tourists from around the world.” Offering eight categories in total, the hotel offers 389 guest rooms and suites – each furnished with bespoke pieces from traditional Italian craftsman. At 65 sqm, the deluxe rooms offer one of the most spacious level entry room categories on Palm Jumeirah, while mezzanine suites give guests the chance to add a unique element to their stay.

Tamarind Global has gone international by expanding its presence to Dubai, a huge source market for Indian weddings and events. The company already has a presence in Dubai for its tours vertical. It will now offer a bouquet of event and wedding services to support its domestic and international operations from the Dubai office. Weddings and events will be supported by destination selection, planning and budgeting, guest list and vendor management, hospitality, travel and logistics, décor, F&B, entertainment and fashion consultations for the bride and groom wear. Apart from this, MiCE events will also be supported. A team of two will start the base of operations at the Dubai office. Kunal Rai, Vice President – Events and Weddings, will head the Dubai vertical, “With the launch of our Dubai office, Tamarind now offers its services to a ‘global’ audience. We aim to lead the market by providing an all-inclusive bouquet of services to make each event unique, glamorous and memorable.” Elucidating on the reason for expanding to Dubai, he said, “With the progressive growth of the Middle East as a popular destination, Dubai is the best choice to set up a regional HQ. It will act as a start point that will drive maximum output to penetrate primarily the UAE and Middle East market.”

In an effort to boost the hospitality landscape of Sharjah, Arada signed a management agreement with Emaar Hospitality Group to launch three hotels in Sharjah. 150-room Address Aljada Sharjah, 175-key Vida Aljada Sharjah and 300-key Rove Aljada Sharjah are set to open doors to support emirate’s growing tourism sector. The three hotels under Emaar Hospitality Group’s premium lifestyle will be located in Aljada, a 24 million square foot integrated lifestyle destination, and a new leisure and entertainment hub for Sharjah. The agreement was signed by HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman, Arada; HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Vice Chairman, Arada and Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, in the presence of senior officials of the two companies. His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said, “Our flagship development, Aljada is a first-of-its-kind integrated lifestyle destination in Sharjah that will add tremendous value to the economy. Hospitality is one of the core aspects of the mega-development. Our agreement with Emaar will bring proven hospitality competencies to this spectacular development that will transform Sharjah’s economy.”