Category Archives: Hotels

Majid Al Futtaim celebrated the opening of Aloft City Centre Deira, Dubai, at an event attended by VIPs, media and influencers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The opening of the event took place in the presence of Alain Bejjani, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim – Holding, and Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. Operated by Marriott International, Aloft City Centre Deira is the first hotel in the region to offer movie-themed suites, alongside a VOX Cinemas’ outdoor screen and the Aloft brand’s signature programming. The urban hotel is a lifestyle destination catering to both leisure and business travellers. Aloft City Centre Deira delivers a fresh approach from the traditional hotel landscape with its emphasis on a lively, in-hotel social scene, modern design, innovative music programming and thoughtful technology incorporated to enhance the guest experience. Jalil Mekouar, Chief Executive Officer – Hotels, Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, said, “I’m delighted to announce the official opening of Aloft City Centre Deira, our 13th hotel in the region, to the public. Majid Al Futtaim strives to create and deliver compelling experiences through our unique destinations, and together with Marriott International, we have launched a concept that is an integrated lifestyle development aimed at establishing a new benchmark for experiential travel in Dubai’s hospitality sector, offering more authentic and personalised experiences within one destination.”

Falconcity Hotels and Resorts has announced the signing of an agreement with Oakwood Worldwide to operate the hotel and serviced apartments in the SAM Polaris and SAM Vega Pyramids. The signing was announced at the Cityscape Global exhibition in Dubai. The project is Oakwood Worldwide’s first undertaking in the UAE, which reflects Falconcity of Wonders (FCW’s) potential to attract leading players in the global hospitality industry to the UAE. The transaction was advised by Moon Hotel Management and Beaufort Global. The pyramid SAM Vega and the pyramid SAM Polaris form two out of three pyramids in the Pyramids Park and a part of the iconic Wonders of the World project within the magnificent Falconcity of Wonders and feature 1,500 and 290 units respectively. Both pyramids will have branded and furnished hotel and serviced apartments with associated leisure, F&B and retails offerings. Height of SAM Polaris is 94 metres with a total of 1,527 parking slots, while the 57 metres tall SAM Vega offers 490 parking slots. HE Salem Almoosa, Chairman and General Manager, Falconcity of Wonders LLC, said, “Our latest cooperation with Oakwood Worldwide to operate the hotel and serviced apartments in the SAM Polaris and SAM Vega Pyramids forms part of our continuing efforts to sustain global interest in Dubai’s real estate landscape. It also reflects the confidence of international hospitality players in Falconcity of Wonders’ potential to become a major landmark in Dubai and the region as a whole, presenting an extraordinary investment opportunity for investors looking to own remarkable properties in one of the world’s most popular real estate destinations.”

Rixos Hotels is set to open the first all-inclusive, all-exclusive resort in Abu Dhabi on October 15. Situated on the white sands of Saadiyat Island, the 378-key resort comprises 366 rooms and suites, plus 12 three and four-bedroom villas, each boasting either shared or private pools, direct access to the beach and the dedicated services of a butler. Conveniently located less than 30 minutes away from all of Abu Dhabi’s most thrilling attractions, guests can indulge in the feeling of hiding away in an exclusive island enclave while having close proximity to city highlights, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Rixos Saadiyat Island has a total of ten restaurants and bars delivering flavours from across the globe, all of which are included as part of the all-inclusive, all-exclusive experience. Culinary offerings include authentic Turkish cuisine at Turquoise, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant, haute seafood dining and exquisite coastal views at Mermaid and comforting Italian classics at L’Olivo. Guests can also head to the far east for Teppanyaki and sushi at Japanese restaurant Aja, step back in time to true Rixos heritage with the tastes of Oriental Turkish cuisine at Orient or eat-on-the-go from one of many food carts dotted around the resort. A series of beach bars, tea and shisha lounges and the club house – an exclusive restaurant reserved for villa guests – complete the offering.

Following a period of extensive enhancements, Al Bustan Palace has reopened in Muscat. The Ritz-Carlton property includes redesigned rooms and suites, refreshed Ritz Kids experiences and new culinary options. A symbol of Omani culture and hospitality, the palace hotel offers new and inspiring experiences that bridge heritage with state-of-the-art technology and modern design. Commenting on the reopening of the hotel, HE Maitha bint Saif Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, said, “Oman continues to welcome record number of international visitors, thanks to our commitment to offering world-class experiences for the modern global traveller that honour and celebrate our beautiful natural surroundings, rich culture and history. The renovation of Al Bustan Palace supports this vision and we are confident that the hotel will continue to contribute to the Sultanate’s thriving tourism industry.” Royal Estates’ Royal Court Affairs in Oman carried out the design of most of the refurbishment works, while renowned luxury integrated design firm WATG and affiliated design studio Wimberly Interiors provided the other architecture and interior renovation under the supervision of the Royal Estates.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and in partnership with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), Louvre Abu Dhabi hosts ‘Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia’, the second international exhibition in the museum’s new cultural season. The exhibition will explore the rich history of the Arabian Peninsula through archaeological and cultural artefacts, including a selection of rare pieces from the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the most renowned Saudi exhibitions on a global scale, introducing Arabia’s cultural and historical heritage to over five million visitors worldwide. The exhibition has presented 14 acclaimed editions throughout Europe, the USA and Asia, sharing the story of this unique region with audiences around the world. “The United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have always been connected by a common heritage and history,” says H E Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi. “This year’s edition of the exhibition will be a reflection of the rich, shared cultural heritage and deep-rooted history between the two nations,” he said. ‘Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia’ explores five chapters in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, spanning early prehistoric settlements; maritime exploration; caravan trading routes that linked the region with Asia, Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean; routes of holy pilgrimage emerging in the 7th century CE; and the social and economic developments between the 14th and 16th centuries that set the stage for the modern day region.

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) has added three new indoor experiential venues to its rich variety of offerings. TEPfactor Dubai, 3D Blacklight Minigolf and Countdown Challenge–each providing a uniquely themed experience–have opened their doors at the JBR Bahar plaza level. TEPfactor Dubai is a brand-new adventure experience housing 21 challenges that test the players’ diverse skills. Racing against the clock, the contenders tackle mind-bending puzzles, balancing acts and team challenges to complete each of the four categories. Teams of two to six participants work together, utilising one another’s strengths to take on the arena across three degrees of difficulty – bronze, silver and gold, with the goal of reaching the final chest. Set in the nooks and crannies of a hidden cave, the adrenaline-packed adventure offers the ultimate bonding experience for families, friends and corporate teams. 3D Blacklight Minigolf, the world’s biggest 3D black light panorama, features a brightly coloured glow-in-the-dark 18-hole course. Hand-painted by some of the world’s best 3D artists, the themed venue transports players of all ages to three different worlds. The innovative indoor location is the perfect spot for adults, families and sports fans. Puzzle lovers and escape room enthusiasts will love the Countdown Challenge that offers a variety of escape gaming experiences for teams of two to 10 people with a time limit of one hour. Each escape room presents its own intriguing storyline, challenging the players’ intelligence, wit, creativity and, at times, patience.

Ghaya Grand Hotel has won the Arabian Travel Awards 2018 for the Luxury Serviced Apartment Hotels category at a glittering ceremony held at the JW Marriott Hotel, Deira on September 20, 2018. The award was received by Ossama Kachkouche, Director of Sales and Marketing. “We are extremely honoured to be recognised at the recent Arabian Travel Awards. It was a special feeling when all of our hardwork was acknowledged, it’s a seal of approval that we are on a right track and we should continue to maintain and improve our hospitality services.” Kachkouche said. Arabian Travel Awards is a platform for the Middle East to recognise people behind the success of the travel & hospitality industry to make them believe they are achievers. Planned as an exclusive one-of-its-kind event, this award ceremony is held annually. With many people putting their trust in the travel & hospitality industry, Arabian Travel Awards aims to host a world-class recognition for the best in the industry. Based on a unique system of jury, judgment and voting, these awards are fair and unbiased.

The number of guests staying in Abu Dhabi hotels during August rose by 10.5 per cent compared to the same month in 2017, reveal the latest figures released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). August’s results show that the Department’s targets of improving upon 2017’s record-breaking numbers of guest arrivals, when close to five million people stayed in the emirate, are firmly on track. Overall, 477,606 visitors enjoyed stays at one of Abu Dhabi’s 162 hotels and hotel apartments during August 2018, an increase of more than 45,000 over August 2017. For the first eight months of the year, the figures show Abu Dhabi has recorded more than 3.31 million guests, a 5.8 per cent boost in the total number of hotel guests to the emirate compared to the last year. The Chinese market recorded a strong improvement during this month, up by almost 9 per cent compared to August 2017, and on a year-to-date basis, China is still Abu Dhabi’s number one source market – up about 13 per cent in total compared to 2017. Indian hotels also recorded 22 per cent growth during this month with the arrival of Indian guests. Saudi guests increased for a third consecutive month during August, recording a growth of about 24 per cent compared to August 2017. The US market also performed well, with the number of American guests increasing by almost 35 per cent. For the year-to-date, American hotel guests were up by almost 26 per cent compared to 2017. The UK posted 3.6 per cent increase for the month, but despite this, for the year-to-date, visitors from the UK are up by 8 …

Golden Sands Hotel Apartments is looking forward to an increased share of travellers from Russia after a successful roadshow in St Petersburg and Moscow. The team of Golden Sands Hotel Apartments joined the 2018 Dubai Tourism Russia Roadshow held from September 3 to 6, where they received great interest from travel agents and tour operators who were interested to learn about the services offered by mid-scale and budget hotels, including hotel-serviced apartments. “The Russian market is an emerging market for Golden Sands Hotel Apartments. The trip to two major cities in Russia opened a huge opportunity for the property. We received a huge number of enquiries and interests from the travellers from Russia who are looking for more affordable deals and value-based option. Dubai has traditionally been a popular tourist destination among Russians and majority prefers the beachfront properties when staying in Dubai but we saw a new segment of visitors who are willing to stay in city hotels that offer shuttle buses to take them to the beach and other popular attractions in the city,” the team said. Visitor numbers from Russia visiting Dubai have continued to rise, delivering 405,000 visitors for the first half of 2018, a growth of 74 per cent over the same period in 2017, according to figures released by DTCM. Mohammed Khoori, General Manager, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, said, “We hope to get a share of the market, especially the Russian travellers. Based on the feedback received from our participation in the Russia roadshow, we look forward to reaping the results of our hard work this coming tourism season.”

Jumeirah Group has announced the launch of Jumeirah Nanjing on September 10. Under the direction of Jumeirah CEO, José Silva, the group is in a phase of accelerated expansion and this new Jumeirah-branded property in China represents an important deliverable in achieving the brand’s global growth ambitions. Located on the banks of the city’s Yangzte river, the hotel is situated on the 39-67th floors North Tower within the prestigious International Youth Cultural Centre (IYCC) of the Hexi New District. The striking and iconic architecture was created by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid, whose design took inspiration from a graceful sailing ship, capturing Nanjing’s blend of traditional and cosmopolitan style. Jumeirah Nanjing, which offers 212 rooms and 49 suites as well as range of exceptional dining experiences, is set to inspire and delight both local and international guests. José Silva, Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah Group, said, “Jumeirah Nanjing is a stunning addition to our portfolio and we are exceedingly proud to be selected as guardians of such a significant property. The International Youth Cultural Centre is an architectural masterpiece and its iconic stature is truly impressive. Jumeirah Nanjing is a remarkable destination which will boost tourism to the city.” With this strategic addition, Jumeirah will expand its luxury portfolio, which currently extends to 22 luxurious hotels and resorts around the world. The Jumeirah Group will be opening additional properties in the Asia-Pacific region, including in China and Bali.