Tag Archives: COVID-19 pandemic

The Empire State Building (ESB) celebrated Eid al-Fitr on May 24, 2020, with a tower lighting in green – a colour that symbolises peace and purity in Islam – along with ESB’s signature “Heartbeat of New York” effect. This special tribute commemorated the end of the holy month of Ramadan, embodying the enduring spirit and joyous festivities taking place around the globe, and raising awareness about the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Eid-al-Fitr, or “the Festival of Fast-Breaking,” marks the conclusion of a month-long spiritual renewal for the global Muslim community. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world traditionally observe a strict fast from sunrise until sunset, participate in prayer, and gather together as friends and family to break their fast and share in acts of kindness. This year gratitude and appreciation are more important than ever as Muslims worldwide have experienced a Ramadan amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The heartbeat signature effect for Eid al-Fitr was meant not just to celebrate the holiday, but to also recognise Muslims in their shared global battle against the illness; and to extend wishes for health, peace, and connectivity during these unprecedented times. Additionally, the Empire State Building sparkled on the hour in yellow, blue, silver, red, white, and green in honour of first responders. A five-minute moment of darkness was observed in honour of those everywhere, who have lost their lives in the pandemic as well as those who grieve for them.  

Guy Hutchinson, President and CEO of Rotana, has issued a statement outlining his hopes for the future of the hospitality industry in the wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Hutchinson praised the region’s governments, frontline healthcare professionals and other key workers for their decisive response to the global crisis, and urged the public to adhere to social distancing guidelines during the holy month of Ramadan. “Although we will miss our traditional gatherings, this is a sacrifice we must all be prepared to accept for the greater good. By uniting behind this shared sense of purpose, we are coming together as a community in new and profound ways,” commented Hutchinson. He went on to share details of Rotana’s efforts to support guests, staff and communities across the region, which include the adoption of stringent hygiene protocols and extending the use of Rotana properties to governments to assist in their efforts to combat the spread of the virus. The statement ended on an optimistic note, as Hutchinson shared his vision for the industry in a post-crisis landscape, “The hospitality sector will surely recover. Whether our new reality will be the same as before remains to be seen. Speaking as a passionate hotelier, I would like to think there will be some differences. I believe the dark hours we have faced will lead to a heightened appreciation for the joy of travel, making us realise just how privileged we are to serve our guests through this incredible industry. Together, we will reach those brighter days ahead.”