Category Archives: Hotels

The Radisson Collection Hotel in Riyadh – Nofa Resort Riyadh, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in an exclusive retreat, and is now publicly bookable exclusively through their website. As tourism in Saudi Arabia begins to transform in line with Vision 2030, residents of large cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are embracing it by touring unexplored destinations. While many would usually leave Saudi Arabia during the summer months, the international travel ban has halted all trips abroad, resulting in an increased demand locally. Nationals and expatriates are venturing out, using the opportunity to discover Saudi’s rich heritage and culture as well as its breath-taking scenic beauty. “The Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, is an iconic and exceptionally exclusive product which we previously operated as a private members-only resort. We have received numerous requests from individual guests wanting to experience the beauty of this Safari jewel in the Saudi desert and we are excited that the hotel is now publicly bookable and accessible to everyone.” said Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa “ The international travel ban in Saudi Arabia has also been a driving force for the local demand with many searching for a peaceful sanctuary to escape to, while feeling completely free and safeguarded from the contraction and spread of COVID-19.” he added.

RAK Leisure (RAKL) announces the launch of 1484 by Puro on October 1, 2020. The highly anticipated restaurant located atop the Jais Adventure Peak is named for its height of 1,484 metres above sea level and is the UAE’s highest restaurant offering. Located next to the Jais Adventure Centre, 1484 by Puro offers guests magnificent views of the peaks and valleys of the Hajarmountains alongside a refreshingly delectable menu. Ideally positioned on the mountain-facing façade of the Jais Adventure Peak, an entire side of the venue consists of ceiling to floor glass windows that open up to uninterrupted views of the serene landscape, framed by year-round sunny blue skies and breath-taking sunsets, where guests can marvel at the spectacle of warm evening hues and the far-reaching mountains beyond. The dining offering incorporates fresh locally sourced ingredients, expertly crafted into a series of dishes that promise to appeal to the diverse array of guests that make their way up to the Jais Adventure Peak. The restaurant is the latest venture by PURO, an independent dining concept with two existing restaurants at Al Marjan Island and at the Jais Viewing Deck Park. Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding shared, “Jebel Jais is one of the most popular landmarks in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, offering visitors a host of bucket-list adventures that guarantee memorable experiences. With the opening of 1484 by Puro at the Jebel Jais Welcome Center, visitors can now enjoy an all-encompassing experience at the standalone destination that is the Jais Adventure Peak, home to thrilling adventure attractions such as the Jebel Jais Flight, Jais Sky Maze, and the Jais Sky Tour.”

Sarood Hospitality will launch its annual ‘Make It A December to Remember’ campaign next week with a four-day festive preview to mark the 100-day countdown to Christmas. Running 16-19 September at Sarood Hospitality’s Dubai Hills Golf Club venues, The Duck Hook and Hillhouse Brasserie, the four-day ‘Make It A December to Remember’ preview will showcase a stocking of Christmas-themed promotions taking place across the operator’s leading food and beverage brands in December. On September 18, Hillhouse Brasserie, the chic all-day eatery, will open to brunch lovers and festive fanatics for a special ‘Christmas Countdown’ edition of its popular Brunch in The Hills. Guests will enjoy a traditional family-style Christmas feast served to their table alongside free-flowing seasonal beverages. Diners can get into the Christmas vibe with festive nibbles, including duck liver pâté with sourdough toast; The Duck Hook scotch egg with homemade piccalilli; turkey, chestnut & cranberry salad; prawn cocktail and more. Mains include classics such as wild mushroom risotto; roast turkey with stuffing & sausages wrapped in veal bacon; prime rib beef with gravy and sides of roast potatoes, parsnips, carrots, braised cabbage and brussels sprouts. Traditional desserts include Christmas pudding; sticky toffee pudding; chocolate fudge arctic roll and mince pies. Giving brunch-goers a chance to pace themselves between courses, the talented bartenders at Hillhouse Brasserie have also created a slew of Christmas-themed concoctions befitting the festive celebration. Highlights include Mulled Grape; Gingerbread Martini; Salted Caramel White Russian; Jingle Juice and more. And dress to impress as the most festive dressed guest will win a turkey takeaway for four. The festive brunch runs from 1pm – 4pm with live music courtesy of legendary crooner Ciaran Fox. Prices start at …

Abu Dhabi Tourism Investment Company (ADTIC) has announced a major hotel refurbishment project in Egypt. Aimed at providing a momentum to the tourism and hospitality industry, one of the country’s leading economic sectors, the initiative will be implemented throughout next year. Commenting on the project, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ADTIC said, “The hotel refurbishment initiative is aimed enabling Egypt to turn the current challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic into an opportunity to gear up for the future. Egypt’s tourism sector would pick up once international airlines resume normal services.” Abu Dhabi Tourism Investments’ Egypt portfolio includes three hotels in the four and five-star category, located in Cairo, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. It also has a 99.28% stake in Arab Misr Hotels that owns a five-star resort in the ancient “open museum” city of Luxor. “The strategic locations of the hotels, combined with their popularity and potential to generate significant revenues, make the investment meaningful,” said Haitham Farouk, Chief Executive Officer of ADTIC. “We expect many changes and we are preparing accordingly. The lean period is a golden opportunity to plan for the next step and focus on reopening. One barely gets such a scope in normal times. We look forward to reopening with brand-new look and recouping occupancy.” He indicated that post-pandemic the sector would witness heavier application of digital tools and cutting-edge technology that would enable it to keep pace with the developments taking place in the global tourism industry. “Such changes will lead to increased occupancy and revenue generation,” he added. Farouk expressed hope that that the major phases of refurbishment …

OMNIYAT are set to deliver One at Palm Jumeirah with over 91% of the work completed already; ready for audiences to immerse themselves in unrivalled living as of December 2020. Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT, comments, “As the world was hit by a global pandemic, we worked tirelessly to maintain safety measures, allowing us to continue with construction and stay true to our promise of delivering unrivalled beachfront living. We are focused on completing this magnificent project by the end of 2020.” Christopher Cowdray, CEO of Dorchester Collection comments, “As One at Palm Jumeirah is the first project in the region that Dorchester Collection is managing, my team and I are delighted to see it so close to completion. This is a landmark not only for Dubai but for the region and reinforces our close partnership with Omniyat, a company renowned for its architectural vision. With One at Palm Jumeirah almost complete, the demand for these exclusive residence units has increased markedly. One at Palm Jumeirah hit news headlines in 2017 and 2019 by securing the title for the first and second most expensive penthouses sold in Dubai for a record-breaking AED102 million in 2017 and AED74 million in 2019 (these titles are still held).” Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT comments, “Collectively, we have maintained momentum to reach this point to near completion, with increasing demand and attention of Dubai’s affluent individuals. We look forward to the handover of this amazing project to the Dubai Skyline, and of course to the lucky few who will call this exclusive community home.”

Radisson Hotel Group, despite the current climate, is on track to open two new hotels in Saudi Arabia, further strengthening their leading position within the region. Both hotel openings will debut the Group’s fast-growing midscale Park Inn by Radisson brand in Jeddah and Riyadh. As one of the fastest growing companies in the Kingdom, Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio in the region consists of over 45 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in operation and under development. The group has recently announced 15 new hotel signings across EMEA in Q2 2020, six of which fall within the Middle East and Africa region. The MENA region remains one of the key focus markets for Radisson Hotel Group’s global development strategy.Known as the brand that drives a ‘feel good’ atmosphere, Park Inn by Radisson Jeddah Madinah Road and Park Inn by Radisson Riyadh are fresh and energetic hotels offering good food and vibrant environments, connected through design, technology and social spaces. While Jeddah is known to attract travellers from across the globe due to its gateway to Makkah and canvas for public art, Riyadh is the largest city and capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, making both cities an ideal location for business and leisure travellers. “Our teams are working tirelessly to keep these hotel openings on track, despite the challenges the pandemic presents,” said Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa. “Radisson Hotel Group aims to supplement the Saudi market with modernised and exceptional hotel experiences across leisure, dining, fitness, wellness and sustainability. Our aim is to become the go-to hotelier for local guests and business travellers whilst empowering the Saudi working population simultaneously. As a strong advocate of …

The Governor of Tabuk, Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, inaugurated in the university city of the University of Tabuk the ‘Grand Millennium Tabuk’ Hotel of the Higher Education Fund, in the presence of the Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the University Higher Education Fund, Dr. Hamad Al Sheikh. The hotel is managed by Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, one of the fastest-growing hotel management companies in the region, and is conveniently located on the Duba Road close to Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Airport. Guests can sink into the nostalgic era by choosing from a sprawling list of 218 luxury rooms, suites and a Royal Suite spread across six lavish floors of the hotel, with the fascinating view of Tabuk City. Every room is designed keeping in mind the heritage of the Hejaz Railway station exploding from every inch especially the photographs and wall-art that reflect the trains of the bygone era. The hotel outlets include Al Maksoura (The cabin) All-day dining restaurant, Juzurna Arabesque restaurant, Al Multaqa (The gathering place) Lobby Café and Al Manzar Pool Lounge in addition to a grand ballroom for weddings and events with a total space of 1082 sqm with a total capacity up to 800 people, five meeting rooms with a total meeting space of 283 sqm equipped with state-of-the-art modern technology and a pre-function/welcome area with a total space of 536 sqm. The hotel also includes a large recreation area with outdoor and indoor swimming pools for adults and kids, designated gym and spa facilities for ladies and gents, two tennis courts, multipurpose court and kids’ play area.

The 16th edition of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), will take place in a brand new format over three days from 29 September – 01 October 2020 with an exciting programme filled with critical insights from industry leaders, and networking opportunities designed for the new world. AHIC will be ‘on the road’ for the three-day programme, broadcasting live from pop-up studios across hotels in Dubai with select audiences, shared simultaneously on a virtual platform with the AHIC online community worldwide. During the three days attendees will be able to create their personalised schedules, choosing the sessions and activities they would like to attend either virtually or on-site in Dubai. Commenting on the new format of AHIC, Jonathan Worsley – Chairman of Bench Events and Founder of AHIC, said, “We have had to start from scratch and imagine what bringing the hotel investment industry together looks like in September 2020. It’s a very different scenario to what we have done in the past as the industry has changed, our community’s needs have changed and the regulations governing events have changed. However, what remains constant and more pressing than ever, is the need for the industry to come together, connect, share information, challenges and solutions and be inspired. AHIC is an important opportunity for the industry to demonstrate its resilience and how it is evolving to bounce back stronger.”

Atlantis, The Palm announced that it will be offering international guests who stay five nights or more in resort free COVID-19 PCR tests for all international bookings until December 18, 2020. Additionally, the all-encompassing resort has partnered with one of the emirate’s leading hospitals in order to be able to conduct the tests in the resort. This means that guests can maximise their leisure time without the need to disrupt their vacation with a visit to a hospital or clinic. All passengers travelling back from Dubai to UK, Europe and other mandated destinations are now required to take a COVID-19 PCR test no more than 96 hours before departure and present the printed test result certificate at check-in. (Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are exempt from this test.) However, guests checking into Atlantis, The Palm can rest assured that the team at Atlantis will make all the necessary arrangements for a seamless and safe departure with each guest staying five nights or more receiving free testing from an authorised medical facility and test results returned within 24 hours. Speaking about this latest development, Timothy Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis Dubai said, “We are continuously evolving to meet the needs of our customers during this challenging time. Using our on-site medical centre, the new PCR tests will help to reduce any travel inconveniences and encourage more international guests to visit Dubai’s premier entertainment destination.” Kelly added, “We look forward to our guests relishing every moment of their time spent at Atlantis, The Palm as we strive to implement innovative ways to serve them in a socially responsible way. …

Seven Tides has appointed UAE-based Airolink as the main building contractor, to complete the construction of its Seven City JLT development in Jumeirah Lake Towers, in Dubai. The project is valued at over AED 1 billion and due for completion in Q2 2023, Seven City JLT with a total built up area of up to 3.5 million square feet and situated within Cluster Z in DMCC, opposite the Montgomery and Emirates’ golf courses and the Emirates Hills community. Commenting on the appointment, Abdulla Bin Sulayem, CEO, Seven Tides said, “Airolink is well established, has a solid reputation along with a wealth of experience across numerous sectors, which is ideal for this development. Work is well underway on site and we are already working with Airolink at our Seven Palm development on Palm Jumeirah, so this should be a smooth transition.” “We are offering excellent value at a competitive price point. In addition, we offer a very attractive easy payment option consisting of a 5% deposit, followed by payments equal to 6% of the cost price to be paid every subsequent quarter. We estimate that studios should yield 12% per annum,” said Bin Sulayem. Bin Sulayem added, “Seven City JLT is designed to provide everything a resident might possibly want, with various retail options, entertainment, food and beverage outlets, gym and a health club. However, when residents do venture outside, they’ll still be able to enjoy the urban vibe, with the excitement and fast-paced, hustle and bustle of city life, right on their doorstep.”