Al Habtoor Group (AHG) announced that it is in the final stages of completing the preparations to open its office in Cairo, Egypt. The Cairene headquarters, located in the Heliopolis suburb, are planned to be launched by the end of 2020 and will act as a liaison office between AHG’s Emirati and international operations, and Egypt. One of its primary tasks will also be to find local opportunities befitting the Group’s diversified portfolio. Khalaf Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman of AHG, said, “Despite the world economic situation, Egypt is an important market to be in, with tremendous possibilities due to the reforms implemented by the Egyptian Government, and the infrastructural expansions taking place. I have been exploring the opportunities in Egypt for some time, and I am keen on being present there. We are in the process of studying a few prospects at present, which we will announce in due course.” AHG has a presence in the United States, Austria, Hungary, the United Kingdom and Lebanon. Egypt will become the sixth destination for the Group to operate in, outside the UAE. AHG, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020, has interests in the hospitality, automotive, real estate, and education sectors.
Read More »Al Habtoor Group to expand European operations with regional office in Hungary
Al Habtoor Group (AHG) is set to open a regional office in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, to service its existing European operations and scout for new investment opportunities. The group, with its wide-ranging interests in the hospitality, real estate, automotive, education and vehicle leasing sectors, plans to expand its enterprise reach in new European markets. AHG’s existing portfolio in Europe includes luxury hotels in London, Budapest and Vienna — Hilton London Wembley; InterContinental Budapest; The Ritz-Carlton Budapest; and Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna — as well commercial and office properties Dorottya Udvar and Rumbach Centre in Budapest. The group has long considered the European market a sound investment destination, for its ease of doing business, risk-to-reward ratios and the vibrant economies of its various countries. In the past, AHG’s Founding Chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has praised the Hungarian and Austrian governments, crediting them with understanding the importance of foreign direct investment, provision of tax benefits and other incentives to both domestic and international investors. Along with its existing properties and operations in the UK and US, AHG now sees huge potential in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), thanks to its emerging economies, educated and skilled workforces, competitive costs, rapidly upgrading infrastructure, increasing consumer spending and lower inflation rates and corporate taxes. Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman, AHG said, “We have been very successful with our hotels and commercial properties here — which are prime and heritage assets — and look forward to upscaling our operations with other investments in the future. The less-explored markets in Europe are now gaining momentum, offering a competitive edge, an attractive investment climate and higher yield possibilities for foreign players.”
Read More »Marriott will no longer manage Habtoor City properties
Marriott International and Al Habtoor Group, have agreed that Marriott International will no longer manage or otherwise be associated with The St Regis Dubai, W Dubai Habtoor City and The Westin Dubai Al Habtoor City, with effect from July 31, 2018. These hotels will no longer be part of the St Regis, W Hotels and Westin Hotels global brand portfolios. This is a mutual decision reached amicably between the parties. After July 31, 2018, the management of these hotels will be transferred to the owning company. The parties are working closely together to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for associates, clients and partners. “Al Habtoor Group continues to be an important partner of Marriott International. We value the relationship and thank them for their partnership, wishing them all the very best in their future endeavors,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. The UAE continues to be a key growth market for us and our momentum of growth in this market demonstrates the trust owners have in our compelling brands and their interest to tap into Marriott International’s distribution, network and globally recognised loyalty programme. As a company we continue to explore and discuss opportunities that are in line with our overall growth strategy.”
Read More »First St. Regis Polo resort opens in Dubai
St. Regis Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. Owned by the Al Habtoor Group, the resort is feted as the first St. Regis property of its kind, promising exhilarating polo experiences combined with the brand’s iconic personalized service across 136 rooms and suites, 25 St. Regis branded villas and six culinary venues. The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is set around four lush polo fields, approximately 25 minutes from Dubai’s Downtown area. The association between St. Regis and polo emerged at the turn of the 20th century, as both polo and The St. Regis New York were essential to New York’s vibrant summer social scene. Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman, Al Habtoor Group, said: “The Al Habtoor Group creates luxury lifestyle destinations in Dubai. We are committed to growing with the UAE and promoting it as a tourism destination. The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is a unique destination that will attract equestrian enthusiasts locally, regionally and internationally.” “Today we are proud to debut the first St. Regis polo resort in the brand’s history with the opening of The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, featuring the bespoke service delivery for which the St. Regis brand is known,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President And Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “This opening not only strengthens our collaboration with the Al Habtoor Group, but it also reinforces our leadership position in the United Arab Emirates and brand’s commitment to the ‘sport of kings’.”
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