Category Archives: Hotels

The Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) launches Middle East Restaurant Association (MERA); keeping in mind the major challenges faced by the local F&B industry during this unprecedented global crisis. MERA, a non-profit organisation, will act as a hub that connects, promotes and supports its members, while helping to frame the agenda for the UAE’s restaurant industry. Now more than ever, the Middle East’s F&B community needs to come together and support each other through these challenging times, and MERA will be a vital source of help, advice and information that concerned business-owners and members of the industry can come to for assistance and guidance. The association aims to look after everyone in the industry, at all levels, not just owners and management. MERA’s founders are currently in the final stages of registering the non-profit incorporated organisation (NPIO) as a legal entity. Nevertheless, the needs of the industry come first and the MERA team is eager to provide an inclusive support system for the wider F&B community. With that in mind, the association will host its first-ever ‘MERA powered by GRIF’ online Zoom session on April 1 at 10am (UAE time).

STR a leading global data benchmarking and analytics provider, shared preliminary data for Dubai’s hotel performance worsening, as concern around the COVID-19 pandemic broadens. Dubai hotel occupancy fell 9.4 per cent to 77.1 per cent in February, ADR decreased 14.4 per cent to 567.63 Emirati dirhams ($154.56) and RevPAR declined 22.5 per cent to 437.41 dirhams ($119.10). STR analysts noted that Dubai’s occupancy, ADR and RevPAR decreased for 37 consecutive days (February 1 through March 8) in year-over-year comparisons. The steepest declines occurred in the most recent of those days. Of note, the market was already experiencing some declines in the metrics during the last two weeks of January, and the more significant decreases started on January 26.While Dubai has seen negative performance comparisons like most other major cities around the globe, STR analysts highlight the market’s ability to sell six of every 10 rooms on average during the first week of March. STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts – Middle East & Africa pledged to provide all its rooms and facilities to support the nation overcoming the difficulties during the current situation. Ali HamadLakhraim Al Zaabi, President Millennium Hotels & Resorts – Middle East & Africa, announced on his official social media channel to make all the resources at Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA available for the benefit of the UAE. Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA currently operates 45 hotels with almost 15,000 keys in addition to 32 hotels in the pipeline across the region. From a single property in Abu Dhabi, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Middle East & Africa has expanded into various neighbouring destinations and is now recognised as one of the fastest-growing regional hotel management companies in the Middle East & Africa according to October 2019 report issued by STR. Along the way, the company has cultivated partnerships with reputable and respected owners.

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) implemented an emirate-wide awareness campaign designed to support local hotel establishments in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The move falls in line with the nation’s continuing efforts to raise the level of precautionary and preventive measures against COVID-19, in response to recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). The SCTDA also confirmed that a series of inspections will be conducted across hotel establishments in the emirate to ensure compliance and adherence to set standards and methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The inspections will ensure that hygiene measures, disinfection and sterilisation are all completed in a correct manner. Hotels are also being advised on documentation of their sterilisation measures. H.E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said, “We are dedicated to making the most pertinent decisions that ensure continuity and minimum disruption, while also minimising the risk of disease transmission in the UAE. The UAE remains in the lead when it comes to  harnessing its energies and capabilities to face this global crisis with full efficiency, in line with the sense of responsibility rooted in the vision of our wise leadership, which calls on strengthening international and humanitarian solidarity to maintain security and stability.” The SCTDA’s Tourism Standards Department is in charge of following up on the disinfection and sterilisation process in hotel establishments in Sharjah, thus ensuring that the precautionary measures are carefully observed and the level of health awareness is raised in order to preserve the safety of all. The Authority has also started to circulate awareness brochures online to all hotel establishments and the authority’s employees. These brochures include key information on how to avoid spreading the virus, …

Rotana announced the opening of DAMAC Towers Arjaan by Rotana in early April. Located on King Fahd Road, the twin-tower architectural landmark offers a total of 448 luxurious rooms, suites and penthouses. The hotel features state-of-the-art amenities such as meeting and events facilities, a wellness and fitness centre, separate temperature-controlled swimming pools for men and women, and a well-equipped gymnasium, among others. Guy Hutchinson, President and CEO of Rotana, said, “This exciting new property marks the Saudi debut of the Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana brand, further enhancing our diverse portfolio in the Kingdom and bringing elegant city living to the heart of Riyadh. Offering the finest in extended-stay, we have no doubt that this hotel will become a preference for travellers looking for a luxurious home-away-from-home experience.” “Despite the current global situation, we remain optimistic about the Kingdom’s tourism performance and the region as a whole. Governments in various countries are focusing strongly on economic diversification, and with tourism playing a central role in these efforts we look forward to a bright future for the hospitality industry,” added Hutchinson.

Accor Middle East & Africa launches partnership with ‘She is Arab’, the first dedicated global speakers’ platform for Arab women designed to elevate female leadership development and to drive women’s economic empowerment and advancement in the workplace. As part of the partnership, a series of dialogues and discussions will roll out throughout the year in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the UAE, including panels, roundtables, fireside chats, in addition to training and coaching sessions focused on leadership skills, public speaking, personal branding and media interaction. These events will tackle topics including the changing nature of leadership, navigating through workplace culture, achieving work life balance, and advocating workplace policies to ensure equal opportunities for women. Sami Nasser, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa said, “The region today accounts for almost 30 per cent of the Group’s global RiiSE network of close to 30,000 employees from 4,900-plus hotels in 111 countries. Male and female talent from Accor’s hotels in Saudi Arabia and Egypt dominate RiiSE membership in the region. We are thrilled to join hands with ‘She Is Arab’, further cementing our commitment to continuous narrative around gender equality, with the aim of achieving actionable outcomes.” Speaking on the partnership, Noha Hefny, Co-founder, She is Arab said, “We consider this collaboration a testament to Accor’s commitment to social responsibility and its strong support for women-led startups. With the growing momentum and strength of the She is Arab network; we believe our synergies and common values reinforce our shared commitment to women empowerment and gender parity in the MENA region.”

In line with the launch of a new direct route by EgyptAir connecting London to Sharm El Sheikh, Rixos Hotels Egypt announced an exclusive holiday package available at Rixos Premium Seagate and Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, for residents from the UK. The first flight from London Gatwick Airport is scheduled to take off on the April 4, 2020 and will operate weekly, every Saturday. Erkan Yildirim, Managing Director of Rixos Hotels Egypt, commented, “This is a beneficial step for the tourism and business markets between the two countries as the direct route would connect the resort city with other parts of the UK as well as the world. It will connect London and the Sinai Peninsula. This new route from EgyptAir is a perfect opportunity to further increase the high occupancy rates of Rixos Premium Seagate and Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, popular destinations of choice for families seeking ultra-all-inclusive staycations. Yildirim concluded,“ EgyptAir chose Sharm El Sheikh as it is known for its tourism and as one of the business centres of the northeast part of Egypt and it is a strategic location with-in close proximity to the main cities of Egypt, in addition to offering the best of the Red Sea coast. It will have a significant effect on tourism in the Sharm El Sheikh region, providing international businesspersons with the opportunity to visit the Sinai peninsula. “

Premier Inn Barsha Heights will be the ninth UAE property for the UK-based brand, to open in 2021. The hotel will be a partnership between Premier Inn and MBT Hotel Management & Hospitality, it will be MBT’s first ever expansion into the hotel industry. The mid-market hotel brand prides itself on its British hospitality, high quality product and good night guaranteed promise, all whilst remaining a budget-friendly option for travellers from around the globe. The new hotel will contain 219 rooms covering 14,450 sqm and will feature a licensed bar, restaurant, pool, gym and a Costa Coffee, the perfect addition in the bustling neighbourhood for residents and tourists alike. Adam Nicholls, Managing Director for Premier Inn Middle East said, “Barsha Heights is a perfect location, nestled between the Marina and Downtown Dubai, a thriving hub of businesses, residents and nightlife.” Niveen Ibrahim, Executive Director MBT Hotel Management and Hospitality, commented, “You can’t go wrong when you choose the experienced and right partners to work with and that’s exactly what we have with Premier Inn.” Hasan Hamadeh, Director of Operations AGCEW said, “This is AGCEW’s 3rd Premier Inn project in Dubai and we aim to deliver above expectations as we have done in the past. This is our first project with MBT and JT+Partners and we hope they will continue to be our customers for future endeavours.” Joe Tabet, Managing Director, JT & Partners said, “Our mission is to design a better world for people to live and work in, a world with exceptional, high-quality, iconic, environmental and socially sustainable developments that will overcome the challenges of the constantly developing global high technology advancement of the future.”

Rotana has signed a management agreement to operate Palmeraie Resorts in Marrakech, under its new name, Palmeraie Rotana Resort. Located in the heart of the famous palm oasis in Marrakech, the resort is a stone’s throw away from major landmarks and top attractions in the city, making it the ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike. Founded in 1993 on a sprawling 230-hectare site, Palmeraie Rotana Resort consists of the 315-room five-star Hôtel du Golf Rotana, the Golf Club Rotana with 11 exclusive suites and the 314-key Palmeraie Palace, for which a full refurbishment is currently being planned. Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO, Rotana, said, “At Rotana, we continue to pursue market expansion and sustainable growth by extending our brand presence to new geographies. With this exceptional opportunity in Morocco, we have reached a new milestone in our journey to transform the region’s hospitality industry”. Hutchinson added, “The complex has a long history and has established a strong reputation in the destination which we will ensure continues to grow. We will immediately deliver upgrades for the Hôtel du Golf Rotana, the Golf Club Rotana and other key components within the development. Our absolute focus however will be on improving the quality of operations, enhancing the product offerings and delivering a level of performance across the complex that will continue to enhance the fine reputation of this outstanding resort.”

Al Faya Retreat and the Al Badayer Retreat situated in the Al Badayer desert, which are part of the ‘Sharjah Collection’ – the luxury hospitality brand of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), managed by ‘Mysk by Shaza’, were visited by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. During the tour, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah gained detailed insights into the world-class facilities which are being offered by both retreats, and their distinctive features which position them as one of the major eco-friendly and heritage hospitality property in the UAE. During his visit at Al Faya Retreat, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi was introduced to all the modern and cultural elements infused into the one-of-its-kind luxury destination. Originally built in the 1960s as two stone buildings, one of which was a medical centre and the second a store near one of the oldest and most important fuelling stations in Sharjah and the UAE for local commuters, Al Faya Retreat was restored using elements that reflect the general nature of the desert environment. Its floor-to-ceiling windows allow visitors to enjoy stargazing at night. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah also visited the Al Badayer Retreat, a first-of-its-kind picturesque desert retreat in the UAE that offers luxury hospitality services in the heart of the tranquil Al Badayer desert in Sharjah, where he was introduced to the retreat and its full range of world-class services. The design of Al Badayer Retreat is inspired by the UAE heritage, and allows visitors access to a unique tourism experience in the heart of the desert in the central region of Sharjah central …