Dubai Trade Launches New Website To Meet Increasing Supply Chain Demand For e-Services

Dubai Trade, the innovative online service provider of Dubai World, has successfully launched a new version of its portal, www.dubaitrade.ae, offering a host of new features, tools and services designed to support its growing family of users.

The new-look website is rich in content and information that ranges from Information about policies, procedures, laws and regulations governing the trade and logistics processes in Dubai and the UAE, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) covering all e-Services, A Download Centre providing a comprehensive library of User/Service Manuals covering the whole spectrum of e-Services, Reference information about all government and semi-government entities related to the Trade and Logistics industry, in addition to analysis reports of the Business Environment in the UAE and more.

The portal is designed to provide ease of access to Dubai Trade’s expanding range of e-Services, especially those related to conducting trade through DP World, Economic Zones World, Dubai Customs and Dubai Multi CommoditiesCentre. Customers can now smoothly register to use the e-Services of these entities under the “Service Centre”.

Other major new additions are a Training Calendar which provides customers with a simple Online Booking system to easily enrol in the training sessions and a handy Tool Box that opens up customer options with value-added services such as Cargo Insurance, UAE marine traffic, built-in Search Engine and e-Store that allows you to apply for the Certified Trade & Logistics Professional Program (CTLP) online.

CTLP is the region’s first comprehensive vocational training programme that aims to create professionals who are knowledgeable in trade policies and supply chain processes within the UAE and internationally.

Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Group CEO, Dubai World and Chairman of Dubai Trade, said:
“Enabling e-commerce is a strategic developmental goal for Dubai Trade, in line with the needs of Dubai’s economic growth. The e-marketplace established by Dubai Trade has already introduced measurable efficiencies in the way trade flows through Dubai. We believe the new portal will bring added transparency, speed and convenience for companies engaged in the import and export business.”

Dubai Trade offers its customers 758 services, 12 per cent more than in 2009, tailored to meet the needs of its 66,775 registered users from the supply chain sector. They include importers, exporters, freight forwarders, clearing agents and hauliers.

Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director, Dubai Trade, said:
“It has been our commitment to make trade easier, faster and increasingly cost effective for all our stakeholders. We believe the innovations introduced by us in the new portal will add even greater efficiencies to the supply chain community and take Dubai’s trade performance to newer heights. We invite all our customers to visit the new portal and experience the ease with which trade can be conducted and gain from the time and labour saved.”

During 2010 Dubai Trade experienced a sharp 25.7 per cent rise in the number of e-transactions carried out through its portal, registering 11.4 million transactions, compared to 2009.
 

Demand For Fabricated Aluminium In Qatar To Be Worth USD 436 Million By 2015

Property development in Qatar is expected to witness tremendous growth following the country winning the bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. New projects are expected to be developed in the hospitality, infrastructure, and sports sectors over the next decade to prepare Qatar for the prestigious event, which will draw tens of thousands of new visitors and strengthen the country’s position a destination for leisure and business tourism. This construction boom is forecast to add billions of dollars worth of real estate and infrastructure projects in Qatar, and will in turn drive a much stronger demand than previously foreseen for aluminium products.

According to a recent five-year forecast by Ventures Middle East, Qatar’s construction sector which contributes 7.2 per cent to the economy (2009) – is expected to grow at a compound average growth rate (CAGR) of 12 per cent from USD 7 billion in 2010 to USD 12 billion in 2015. Total building construction spend in Qatar is estimated to reach USD 53 billion excluding projects on hold. The country’s construction projects in fact constitute 13 per cent of the total projects in the GCC region in terms of value.

The construction boom in Qatar has also boosted the country’s aluminium sector, with demand for fabricated aluminium products in the construction industry expected to increase at a CAGR of 12 per cent from USD 252 million in 2010 to USD 436 million in 2015. Demand by volume is expected to increase from 1.4 million m2 (and 68,000 linear metre for kitchens) in 2010 to 2.4 million m2 (and 117,969 linear metre) in 2015.

In recent years, the use of aluminium for curtain wall systems and cladding for new and modern property developments has become more widespread, thus fuelling demand for aluminium in the construction sector. Many of the announced construction projects in Qatar are high rise buildings that implement a modern architecture where curtain walls and cladding are highly used.

Qatar’s rise in the global aluminium industry as both a consumer and producer of aluminium products is marked by the construction of Qatalum, one of the world’s largest aluminium smelter plants at the cost of USD 5.6-billion, which underlines the government’s strong move towards diversification of the manufacturing sector away from gas and oil, and increasing its GDP share beyond the eight per cent recorded in 2009. Qatalum, which is an equal joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro Aluminium of Norway, is expected to start producing prime aluminium in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The business opportunities arising in the aluminium market in the Qatar will be discussed at the 2nd edition of ALUMINIUM Dubai, the local version of Reed Exhibitions’ global series of aluminium events which also covers India, China and Germany. The leading aluminium trade show for the Middle East will be held from May 9 to 11, 2011 at Sheikh Saeed Halls 2 and 3 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“The construction boom combined with major developments in the aluminium production sector, offer Qatar exceptional synergy in the aluminium industry as an emerging player which will further boost the highly dynamic market in the GCC and beyond. We look forward to industry players sharing their thoughts on Qatar with our guests at the upcoming edition of ALUMINIUM Dubai,” said Tarek Ali, Show Manager, ALUMINIUM Dubai, Reed Exhibitions.

ALUMINIUM Dubai 2011 seeks to support the growth of the aluminium sector by providing a conducive networking platform for manufacturers, suppliers and buyers from the GCC. This year’s event also aims to build on the success of the show’s 2010 edition, which gathered 165 exhibitors from 23 countries and over 3,000 visitors from 61 countries. For this year’s event, a total of 150 companies have already confirmed participation, with several more exhibitors from all over the world are expected to follow.
 

du Announces Half Price Offer For Video On Demand Customers

In the spirit of the season, du has introduced a special offer available on its award-winning du TV service. With the ‘Half Price Offer’, selected top movies from du’s rich Video on Demand (VoD) catalogue are now available at 50 per cent or less of the listed price. This special rate will be available to du TV subscribers until 25 January 2010.

“To wish our customers a Happy New Year and thank them for their business, we are inviting them to celebrate the season with the ‘Half Price Offer’. du’s Video on Demand is tremendously successful with our customers and is the region’s first and only true VoD service,” commented Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Office, du.

Half Price Offer is available to both existing and new du TV customers. Among the exciting movies on offer are ‘A Christmas Carol HD’, ‘Toy Story 3 HD’ and ‘Invictus’.

du has won several international awards for its du TV service, including the Digital Studio Award for ‘Content Delivery Service of the Year’ and the Global Telecom Business Award for ‘Metropolitan Infrastructure Innovation’.

 

du Video On Demand Customers To Be The First To Watch 3D Movies

Beginning 25 December, du’s Video on Demand service will have a new addition – “StreetDance 3D”, the U.K.’s top grossing dance movie – a 3D first for the Middle East. This new offering – which falls on the first anniversary of the launch of du’s innovative VoD service in December 2009 – is a result of a deal du has completed with the UK’s multi-screen content aggregator On Demand Group, a subsidiary of SeaChange International (Nasdaq: SEAC).

“3D movie is a great new addition to our bouquet of offerings and depending on positive customer feedback we will introduce more such exciting titles. We are the first to introduce this to our customers and we hope they will enjoy this new technology, which enables them to watch movies in this advanced new format,” said Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du.

“Clearly the global video industry is excited about the potential for 3D and our many content clients are among them,” said Tony Kelly, CEO of On Demand Group. “In this very short period since du’s Video on Demand launch – not less than a year – our work with this customer clearly demonstrates the drive to service innovation and thorough attention On Demand Group brings to Video on Demand and pay-television operators. This 3D first sets du apart from the competitors yet again.”

du’s Video on Demand service, launched in 2009, has become the fastest-growing and most successful Video on Demand service in the Middle East, and is managed in partnership with the London-based On Demand Group, the leading content aggregator for Video on Demand and three-screen video. In addition to sourcing and processing 3D content, On Demand Group will fully support the movie debut and drive its uptake through a range of on-screen promotions and in-market promotional services.

Premiering 25th December: StreetDance 3D
“StreetDance 3D” follows a street dance crew in Inner City London, forced to work with a group of ballet dancers in return for the use of rehearsal space. The two groups bond while they train together for the U.K. Championships. Starring Charlotte Rampling and Nichola Burley, the movie features exclusive performances from Diversity, Flawless and George Sampson. Directed by Max Giwa and Dania Pasquini, the film was released in RealD 3D, XpanD 3D, and Dolby 3D.

du’s video on Demand service
Video on Demand allows customers to browse through a catalogue of movies including Arabic cinema, Hollywood smash-hit blockbusters, Bollywood movies and some of the most beloved classic movies ever to grace the silver screen, simply through the du TV remote control, under the categories – ’New additions’, ’Top Titles’, ’Special Offers’ and ’All Time Classics’, subscribers will easily be able to find exactly which movie they are looking for, and even watch a trailer of that movie before purchasing it for viewing at their leisure. New movie titles will be added to the catalogue each month, with thousands of titles to be made available to du VoD subscribers.

Key features:
– Availability of favourite movie from a broad selection of Arabic, Hollywood and Bollywood movies, at the click of a button
– Unlimited viewing in the 48-hour rental period
– Full control of viewing experience by pausing, rewinding and fast-forwarding action like a DVD
– One monthly bill for services and subscriptions
 

Demand For Masters Programs Rises In UAE; Quality Management , International Business Are Among Desired Degrees: UOWD

The demand for masters programs in the UAE has grown dramatically over the years, according to the findings of the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), which recently held postgraduate information evenings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The region’s changing job landscape has put Quality Management and International Business among the more desired master’s degrees in the region.

As the UAE and the entire region aspire for global quality standards, there are increasing job opportunities for young men and women to work in quality departments to drive organizations towards excellence. UAE nationals particularly see an important role for quality management, beside human resources management.

“Since its origin as ’Total Quality Management’ in the late 1960s, Quality Management has become a central part of every organisation. UOWD was a ’first mover’ in this area through our Master of Quality Management (MQM) degree, which was developed with the strong support of the Dubai Quality Group,” said Professor Rob Whelan, President of UOWD.

“UOWD is the only university in the region that offers this degree program, educating participants in all aspects of quality management – focusing on international standards (ISO 9000) and the documentation, implementation and maintenance of quality systems in the context of overall organisational performance and therefore the enhancement of business competitiveness,” Whelan added.

“The UAE’s 2030 Strategic Plan and the efforts of the Middle East Quality Association (MEQA) indicate that quality management will become a core value of every organisation,” said Dr. Abdel Moneim Ahmed, Director of Master of Quality Management, UOWD. “More recently, the launch of the Sheikh Khalifa Quality Award has further enhanced the importance of quality management. Organisations like MEQA will ensure that the Middle East region will evolve its own quality parameters dictated by local business needs.”

Noora Al Mazrouee, an Emarati woman currently working with an international bank in Dubai, has just completed her first semester in MQM at UOWD, and feels the postgraduate masters degree will help her to land a job in the quality department of any government organisation.

“As part of the UAE government’s strategy, every government company will be required to have a quality department,” says Noora. “It makes sense to get this degree from a prestigious international university. I am confident this will boost my market value.”

Noor Abulhoul, another Emirati student of MQM, says the degree has a focus on a field that promises immense scope. “The whole country is focused on achieving excellence in every field,” says Noor. “Our leaders, especially Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, are putting great emphasis on quality management. Learning quality management from an international perspective will enable me to apply global best practices at workplace.”

The Master in International Business (MIB) is another program that is gaining popularity, and a growing number of students are opting to study it in the multicultural environment of the UAE.

“As a UAE University with a strong connection to a leading Australian University, UOWD has a natural advantage in offering the highest quality Masters in International Business. UOWD’s MIB connects students to a ready-made international network and our students can elect to complete part of their MIB as intensive study with one of our international partner organisations,” says Prof. Rob Whelan.

Saikrishna Raghukumar, an Indian student who has come to Dubai to do his master in International Business, says: “I wanted to study international business in a multicultural environment. I foresee great opportunities to hone my sales and marketing skills, and get an international exposure through this program.”

UOWD highlighted a total of nine masters programs at the information evenings, including the Master of Science in Logistics and the Master of Applied Finance and Banking.
 

Travel Catering Services Event  ITCA Dubai To Address Demand From Industry

The only dedicated travel catering services exhibition for the MENA region and one of the largest events of its kind in the world, The International Travel Catering Exhibition (ITCA Dubai), which opens on Sunday 31 October, brings to market new product launches designed specifically for the in-flight, cruise and rail travel sector and serves as a central meeting point for this niche global industry, hosting companies from across the Middle East, Africa, and Indian Subcontinent.

The Middle East is an exception to global trends and regional carriers were helped in 2010 by an increased share of the long haul market, with a boost of 17% in premium travel on 2009 according to IATA, the airline industry watchdog.

ITCA Dubai takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 31 October to 2 November 2010. Now in its fifth year, ITCA Dubai is organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and held in partnership with the International Travel Catering Association. The ITCA Gala Dinner is held alongside the event and will feature the PAX International Readership Awards, tickets will be available to purchase at the event.

Speaking on behalf of Dubai World Trade Centre, Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO said: “Dubai is the ideal location for this global industry to meet- it is the recognised business hub for the growth market of the Middle East with significant investment in regional airports and infrastructure for tourism and business.”

Trade visitors will have the unique opportunity during the three-day event to meet an international showcase of exhibitors from countries including Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UK as well as the UAE.

Key exhibitors at the event will include Brand Stand, who will showcase their award winning snack product Oloves. These 100% healthy, natural deli-style olives are free from preservatives, and are the perfect grab-n-go snack for the travel catering industry. Awards won by Oloves include the Mercury Award at ITCA Barcelona. Organic Meltdown Chocolate is another creation from Brand Stand; this fair-trade, organic chocolate reflects the nature of the product with a tree saved for every bar sold!

Best Partner produce Stollen snack packs and muesli-rice in addition to fully baked, freshly frozen sandwiches and wraps for in-flight consumption, will also be present at the event, and boast Halal certified food prepared by renowned chefs.

Skysupply, who are a leading supplier of high quality comfort items such as amenity kits, blankets, pyjamas and slippers will showcase at the event and supply to some of the world’s most recognised airlines including Lufthansa and Thai Airways. Their bespoke product design means they cater for economy traveller to business and first-class requirements. Speaking of Skysupply’s participation at ITCA Dubai 2010, Wolfgang Bücherl, Managing Director for Sales and Marketing said “The Middle East is a growing market, and as the hub between Europe and Asia holds a lot of potential for our business. We are delighted to be a part of ITCA Dubai this year, and look forward to meeting with our industry partners.”

Long Prosper is an ISO certified manufacturer of headphones and will display products ranging from noise cancellation and surround sound headphones to those suitable for the economy class traveller. Nordyun will be unveiling the much anticipated Quantum trolley- the lightest and most innovative certified product example in the world- at the event. New non-skid material for tray mats from Flight Service Products will be showcased at the show, and will prove to be a welcome addition to the industry.

Combined with the co-located events Sweets & Snacks Middle East, Sweet & SnackTec Middle East and The Speciality Food Festival, all four dedicated food industry events will run alongside each other providing visitors and exhibitors alike with the perfect trading, networking and cross-selling environment.

For more details on ITCA Dubai, please visit www.itcadubai.com. The ITCA Dubai Exhibition is for Trade and Business Professionals only, and access is free throughout the event. The show is proudly supported by Emirates Airlines as official carrier.
 

UAE Needs Energy Supply Growth Of 71% To Match Demand By 2019

According to research company Business Monitor International (BMI) in its second quarter 2010 power report for Middle East and Africa (MEA) primary energy demand (PED) in the UAE will increase by more than 71% by 2019. But that demand will only be met if the country’s utility providers generate annual energy growth of 5.4% over the next nine years.

The country’s power consumption is expected to increase from an estimated 68 Terra Watt hours (TWh) last year to nearly 95 TWh by the end of 2019, whereas UAE electricity generation, which was over 76 TWh in 2008 must grow by 5.4% per annum to maintain a broadly balanced market. However, regional and international sustainability experts have warned that the clock maybe ticking on traditional power generation.

Anita Mathews, Exhibition Director at Power Generation and Water Middle East, which takes place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 17-19 October 2010, commented: "Something has to give. Increased demand can be met through existing resources in the UAE, but there will be a negative impact on the environment, with increased carbon emissions. Sustainable power projects must be implemented to ensure clean renewable energy past 2020 and beyond."

Although BMI estimates that thermal power generation in 2009 accounted for 93% of the total electricity supplied throughout the region, experts agree that a varied but balanced energy policy is the best way to a sustainable future, combining traditional thermal power generation with hydroelectricity, nuclear power, solar power and wind power. However for the moment, gas is the dominant fuel for the UAE, accounting for an estimated 70% of primary energy demand (PED), last year followed by oil at 30%.

These issues will be debated at length at this year’s Power & Water Leaders Forum 2010, which is being held in conjunction with Power Generation and Water Middle East, where Scott Minos, Senior Policy & Communications Specialist, US Department of Energy, will discuss how the Obama Administration is taking a different energy path to that of George W. Bush, and what the GCC can learn from its efficiency models.

"Within the current scope of technology and environmental issues such as rising carbon emissions there is possibly no such thing as true energy independence, but nations can take steps to manage energy more productively. In the first instance this means managing demand, supply and footprint," said Minos.

Elsewhere on the programme, Darrin Rovere, President of Jordan-based Sustainability Excellence will outline why sustainable working practices are key to the future of power supply for the Middle East. During his presentation, Rovere will also discuss sustainability as a management framework to tackle the transformative challenges facing the industry.

In its ’Responsible competitiveness in the Arab world 2009’ report, Sustainability Excellence, highlights ongoing green projects across a number of industry sectors, including Abu Dhabi’s eco city Masdar and Algeria developing a unique hybrid solar and natural gas plant with plans to export to Europe.

"These sustainable initiatives show that the region is making steady and tangible progress," added Mathews.

Power Generation and Water Middle East provide companies operating in these sectors a unique opportunity to showcase their products and services and benefit from the massive investment programmes currently underway.

The event has established itself as the meeting place for industry professionals wishing to network with, and source suppliers from, local and international companies offering solutions to the power, water and wastewater industries. Areas covered include; energy supply, transmission and distribution; innovation and new technologies,  water  & waste water and desalination.

For more information log on to http://www.powerandwaterme.com

Emaar Properties Convertible Notes Placing Receives Overwhelming Investor Demand Globally

Emaar Properties PJSC (“Emaar” or “the Company”) announced the placement and final terms of its offering of US$450 million of Convertible Notes due 2015 (the “Notes”) with a potential maximum size of US$500 million if the over-allotment option is exercised. The Notes are expected to be issued by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Pyrus Limited (“Pyrus”) and will be guaranteed by the Company.

The offering was heavily over-subscribed, with total demand generated in excess of US$ 3 billion based on c.250 orders from investors globally. The base size of the offering was fully subscribed within an hour of launch and the order book was closed within three hours of launch. The issue was upsized from its initial US$375 million base size due to strong investor demand.

The success of this offering is a clear endorsement by investors worldwide of Emaar’s strategy and financial discipline. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to refinance short term liabilities and for general corporate purposes. The successful completion of this offering will allow Emaar to reduce its reliance on short term funding and to diversify its sources of funding.

Mr Mohamed Alabbar, the Chairman of Emaar, said: “We are delighted by the overwhelming interest that this offering has generated from investors across the world. The strength of demand from high quality investors is a clear and unequivocal endorsement of Emaar’s strategic initiatives, our emphasis on strengthening our core competencies and our efforts to further strengthen our financial fundamentals. The successful outcome of this offering of convertible bonds, despite the challenges faced by global financial markets, is an important step in Emaar‘s continued focus on its growth strategy through revenue diversification. ”

This communication is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or any other jurisdiction where to do so would be unlawful. Neither Pyrus nor Emaar has registered, and does not intend to register, securities in any of these jurisdictions and does not intend to conduct a public offering of securities in any of these jurisdictions. In particular, no securities of Pyrus or Emaar have been nor will be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable State securities laws.

J.P. Morgan, The Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Chartered Bank are acting as joint bookrunners for the offering.

This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom; (ii) persons within the United Kingdom who are investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order"); and (iii) persons within the United Kingdom who are high net worth entities and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) above together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this communication or any of its contents.

The joint bookrunners are acting on behalf of the Company and Pyrus and no one else in connection with the Notes and will not be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to clients of the joint bookrunners or for providing advice in relation to the securities.

For further information please contact:
Tita Gonzalez
Emaar Properties
Tel: +971 4 367 3856
mgonzalez@emaar.ae

About Emaar:

Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer with a significant presence in key markets worldwide. Besides building residential and commercial properties, the company also has proven competencies in shopping malls & retail, hospitality & leisure, healthcare and financial services sectors. Emaar inaugurated Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and free-standing structure, and has opened The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping centre. In Saudi Arabia, Emaar is developing King Abdullah Economic City, the region’s largest private sector-led project in Saudi Arabia, featuring a Sea Port, Central Business District, Industrial Zone, Educational Zone, Residential Communities and Resort District. Emaar has joined hands with Giorgio Armani to strengthen its presence in hospitality. For more information, visit www.emaar.com.

 

Dubai Hotels See Increase In Room Demand During First Half Of Dubai Summer Surprises

Hotels and hotel apartments are seeing an increased demand for rooms with the onset of summer. Industry sources say demand has risen by 15 per cent across budget, mid-range, and premium hotels with the ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises contributing to an influx of tourists from the GCC. Another notable factor this year, they indicate, has been an increase in domestic tourism with residents of other emirates taking advantage of hotel and tailor-made holiday packages.

Presently, Dubai has 352 hotels and 188 hotel apartments with 61,182 rooms and furnished flats. Out of these, 52 are five-star hotels and 59 are four-star hotels.

Daniel Hajjar, General Manager of Layia Hospitality, said, “Every year, Dubai Summer Surprises enables Dubai to stand out among other interesting destinations to visit during the summer. Its impact this year was felt from the start of July as schools in the GCC closed by the end of June and the FIFA World Cup delayed travel plans for many. Despite these factors, occupancy rates of our serviced and furnished apartments touched 85 per cent while the Layia Oak Hotel & Suites saw occupancy rates of around 70 per cent. We are confident to trade in the high 80’s from now till the start of the Holy month of Ramadan.”

Martin Kolb, General Manager of Ramada Downtown, said, “DSS has had a notable impact in the occupancy this summer with rates touching 75 per cent. This figure represents an increase of 25% compared to the months prior to DSS. It should also be noted that the location of Ramada Downtown at the Burj Khalifa area has played a significant role in attracting guests.”

Moin sarhaan, GM of Tamani Marina, said, “The demand for rooms has been very visible since the start of DSS with an increase of 10 to 15 per cent compared to other periods. A notable factor was the high number of guests from other emirates. The FIFA World Cup did have a negative impact on occupancy rates but we expect the remaining part of DSS to be much better.”

He also said that the first four weeks of DSS recorded an occupancy rate of 75% but the demand had increased and that occupancy would reach 80 and 90 per cent based on current bookings. One of the reasons for increased tourists from GCC, he added, was ‘Kids go Free’ promotion launched by Emirates airline.

Habib Khan, General Manager of Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa, said, “The packages that we offered had a very positive impact on occupancy rates as it touched 75 per cent. This represents a 15 per cent increase since the start of DSS.” He also said that the majority of the hotel guests were from Europe, especially from the UK, who came to enjoy the numerous attractions across Dubai.

Midhat Barsoom, General Manager of Capitol Hotel, said, “A majority of hotel guests are from other emirates and this is a welcome factor for domestic tourism. We have seen large groups of guests, especially families that take advantage of combined offers and packages. We expect a positive outcome during the rest of the summer as schools have closed and this in turn will encourage families to travel.”
 

Dubai Properties Group Sees Surge In Demand Following Leasing Campaign

Dubai Properties Group (DPG), a member of Dubai Holding, today announced a significant increase in demand for its built-to-lease communities throughout Dubai as UAE residents opt for quality and location at excellent value for money.

The increased demand is the direct result of DPG’s comprehensive six-week-long campaign to promote its built-to-lease communities across Dubai. DPG has received thousands of calls each week driving hundreds of visits to the community’s site offices daily. The comprehensive campaign was rolled out earlier this month across various marketing channels including the radio, print, digital, online and outdoor platforms.

The increased demand for DPG’s communities confirms the success of its leasing strategy. With a diverse portfolio in prime locations and flexible pricing that meets the market conditions, DPG has successfully consolidated its status as one of the region’s leading real estate companies that develops, creates and manages residential and commercial communities and destinations in Dubai.

Khalid Al Malik, Group Chief Executive Officer, DPG, said: “The demand for apartment and villas in our communities reflects the new market requirement for quality and affordability. DPG’s diverse real estate offering is focused on delivering sustainable communities that offer an enhanced lifestyle in diverse neighbourhoods and in every price range. The leasing campaign has been instrumental in featuring the breadth of our portfolio and has drawn thousands of new residents to our communities.”

The leasing campaign features eight of DPG’s diverse communities located across Dubai including the uniquely-themed beachfront development – Jumeirah Beach Residence, the Mediterranean-themed desert oasis in the heart of DUBAILAND – Layan, and Shorooq – a popular residential community in Mirdif.

Cordoba, a family-focused community in an ideal location in Dubai Knowledge Village, and Al Khail Gate, affordable apartments conveniently located off Al Khail Road, are also featured along with commercial projects including Office Park 1 & 2. The premium skilled staff accommodation, Nuzul, rounds out the portfolio.

For leasing inquiries, please contact 800 DPG.