Dubai’s First Five-Star Hotel Acquires Green Globe Status

The Radisson Blu, Dubai Deira Creek, has been awarded the internationally renowned Green Globe Certification (GGC), following a recent AED1.25 million investment in sustainability.

The hotel which originally opened in 1975 was officially recognised for its environmentally friendly practices, after consulting Dubai-based sustainability experts Farnek Avireal to meet the exacting standards.

Rezidor which was handed the management contract for the 276 bedroom property in 2006, has gradually brought its green policies in line with its own Responsible Business Programme, paving the way for the first Radisson Blu branded hotel in the UAE to be accredited with Green Globe certification.

“We had already completed a number of sustainability initiatives, such as energy and resource saving, the use of biodegradable chemicals and recycling initiatives, but achieving Green Globe status will now have a positive effect on every aspect of the hotel operation,” said Chief Engineer Arthur Rodrigues.

“The Green Globe Certification Audit is based on a number of environmental factors, in all we had 250 points to address. Some of the inefficient old and high-power consuming air-conditioning equipment was replaced, coupled with the energy saving wheel, which cools hot air drawn from outside, before passing it through the hotel chillers. It is always more challenging for an older property to attain such rigorous standards, but considering that, it is so much more rewarding to be recognised for our achievements,” added Rodrigues.

Green Globe certification is the premier worldwide sustainability stamp for the tourism industry and more than 800 businesses in 50 countries have so far met the 248 exacting standards. Farnek Avireal currently has the exclusive rights to utilise the Green Globe brand, covering tourism properties within 20 different countries throughout the Middle East.

Through Farnek Avireal’s web-based Hotel Optimiser technology, GGC programme participants can calculate their CO2 emissions including the financial cost, which enables them to track their performance of energy and water consumption as well as non-recyclable waste production.

“The Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek is a great example to prove you don’t have to be a new hotel to be environmentally friendly. Independent surveys have revealed that hotel guests are becoming more environmentally conscious and prefer to stay in sustainable hotels. So embracing sustainability makes good business sense,” said Markus Oberlin, general manager of Farnek Avireal.

The Radisson Blu had a number of unusual issues to overcome, not least of all its dinner cruise boat, the Al Mansour Dhow, stationed on Dubai Creek, and its outside catering vehicles, which had to be taken into consideration. However, the hotel’s management is confident that their investment will payback with significantly lower operating costs as well as lower carbon emissions.

“Hotels have a corporate responsibility to the environment and all of its stakeholders. We invested a lot of time and money into this initiative but now we are reaping the rewards financially, socially and environmentally,” added Rodrigues.

The Green Globe brand and programme, has primarily been used in the travel and tourism industry but is now being expanded to include a growing number of environmentally responsible businesses in a variety of market sectors. The GGC stamp of approval is an ideal symbol for the world’s increasing awareness of environmental responsibility and response to global climate change.

For more information about applying for Green Globe International certification log on to www.farnek.com
 

University Of Dubai Team Wins The Prestigious DIFC Globe For Its Report On DP World!

The University of Dubai (UD), a prestigious academic institution established by Dubai Chamber, once again proved its mettle when its team of five students was awarded the prestigious DIFC Globe for their outstanding equity research report and presentation on DP World at the final event of the Global Investment Research Challenge.

The panel of judges evaluated the participating teams from the university, and other well known academic institutions in Dubai, on the basis of their investment case, presentation skills and ability to answer multiple challenging questions from the panel. The UD team was awarded first place based on their overall performance in the competition.

Dr M. Omar Hefni, President of the university, stated: “Once again our students have proved the credentials of our institution and have added a feather to its cap. I take this opportunity to congratulate the award-winning team and wish them every success in the future. Other students will surely draw inspiration from their success which shows that hard work and dedication truly pays. This award once again underlines our commitment to impart top level education to our students and prepare them for the corporate world.”

The award-winning team of students was from the Finance and Banking Department of the College of Business Administration at UD and they were participating for the first time in the Global Investment Research Challenge. The participating students were: Ahmad R. Esmaeel, Deema Nabil Hassan, Najat Kassem Lezziek, Samer Ali and Souheila Issam. A faculty representative from the university, Dr. Reza Chowdhury, and an external mentor, Prabhakar K. (CFA, FSA and CISA), partner and CEO of Moricon International, provided the necessary guidance to the team to carry out their research. The UD team presented and defended its report to a panel of independent judges at the Emirates Towers, Dubai.

The winning team, while expressing their delight, also said they felt deeply honored to have won such a prestigious award in recognition of their entrepreneurial abilities. They thanked the university for trusting their abilities and giving them the opportunity to participate in such a competition. They extended their congratulations to all UD students, saying they should feel proud to be part of such an esteemed institute which encourages top quality research that can have worldwide impact. They hoped that the award would go a long way towards inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and achieve equal entrepreneurial success.

The distinguished panel of judges included Deon Vernooy, Senior Executive Officer at Emirates Investment Services Limited, Ashok Talukdar, Assistant Advisor for Treasury in the Evaluation & Follow-up Department at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Redwan Ahmed, Industrial Analyst at EFG Hermes and Yacoub H. Nuseibeh, President of CFA Emirates.

This initiative, organized by CFA Emirates, was first set up in 2002 by the New York Society of Security Analysts (NYSSA) – a member society of the CFA Institute – in order to promote best practices in research among the next generation of financial analysts and to provide students with an insight into the investment industry.
 

Emirates Launches Unbeatable Family Friendly Holiday Offer in Time for Dubai Summer Surprises

Coinciding with their participation in Dubai Summer Surprises as a key sponsor for the twelfth edition of the summer extravaganza this year, Emirates has recently launched the ‘Kids Go Free’ promotion offering families from across the globe an incredible saving when they visit Dubai with Emirates. The promotion will run up to 20th September, 2009. The promotion, which has been developed to further attract international visitors to Dubai across DSS, will see one child under the age of 16 years fly free and up to a maximum of two children stay, eat and play in Dubai for free when travelling with two paying adults; once again proving that Dubai is the ultimate family friendly holiday destination.
 
Collaborating with some of the emirate’s most impressive attractions this one-of-a-kind offer will provide families with the opportunity to take an exciting break, in a unique destination, without breaking the bank.
 
“Dubai Summer Surprises is an important event in Dubai’s calendar. Each year the festival attracts thousands of international visitors into Dubai to shop, explore and be entertained in the emirate. This year, Emirates has launched an innovative and competitive promotion called Kids Go Free, that we believe will further push travel to Dubai, said Ahmed Khoory, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran Emirates.
 
“The Kids Go Free offer allows families from across the globe to take a well deserved break, in an exciting destination, without the financial strain an international holiday can bring. Knowing that their child will travel, stay, eat and play for free takes a huge degree of financial pressure off the family budget. We hope that this enticing offer from Emirates will enable more families to experience Dubai Summer Surprises and have their annual holiday in this exciting destination.”
 
The Kids Go Free promotion is applicable for passengers travelling with Emirates to Dubai from select destinations around the world and includes Meet and Assist at Dubai International Airport.
 
A total of 33 hotels in Dubai are participating in the promotion with a hotel to suit every family’s budget and preference, from a six star luxury hotel to serviced apartments. In addition to free flights, accommodation and meals children will also have free entry to a wide range of Dubai’s most interesting children’s attractions, ensuring an action packed family vacation. Some of these exciting and complimentary activities include;
 
• Wild Wadi Water Park, including a medium meal
• The Lost Chambers at Atlantis The Palm Dubai
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in Dubai Mall
• Dubai Ice Rink in Dubai Mall
• Sega Republic Indoor Theme Park in Dubai Mall (opening June 2009)
• Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates
• Bowling at Magic Planet in the Mall of the Emirates
• Round of golf and access to the driving range at The Montgomerie Dubai
 
The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest, will also provide each family with some incredible discounts to be utilised within the mall, helping families save even more money and make good use of the recently announced increase to Emirates’ free baggage allowance.
 
For further details and full terms and conditions please contact your local Emirates office.

Anticipation Builds As 20,000 Register For Dubai World Championship

Tickets for the inaugural Dubai World Championship has seen interest from all corners of the globe with eager golf fans quickly snapping up more than 20,000 tickets within the first two weeks of becoming available.

Leisurecorp, a division of Nakheel Leisure and partners with The European Tour in creating The Race to Dubai, announced general admittance tickets for one of sport’s most anticipated events would be free earlier this month and has since received thousands of registrations via the tournament’s official website.

Golf legend Greg Norman, the designer of the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates which will host the Dubai World Championship from November 19-22, launched free tickets during a trip to make his finishing touches to the showpiece course which will see the top 60 players in The Race to Dubai competing for golf’s ultimate prize.
Hamza Mustafa, Managing Director of Nakheel Leisure, said:
“We have been absolutely delighted with the initial response to tickets becoming available and in the first few weeks we have seen people register from as far afield as Australia and the United States which is wonderful news for the tournament – and Dubai.

“There has been positive feedback from all corners of the golf world following our decision to offer tickets for free, with tens of thousands of people having already signed up to attend. The Dubai World Championship is going to be one of the leading events on the world’s sports calendar.”

Following the positive early response for tickets, fans are encouraged to register now at www.dubaiworldchampionship.com, the tournament’s official website which is also keeping track of the latest standings in The Race to Dubai, a season-long competition which features 51 golf tournaments in 28 destinations around the world.

The website also includes details and sales information on the two hospitality packages that are available, both of which include first-class facilities overlooking the 18th green, and one offering the unique experience of being among the first to play the Earth course following the Dubai World Championship.

Hamza Mustafa added:
“We have also seen strong interest in corporate hospitality sales and we encourage golf fans and those who want to provide something special for their clients and business partners to purchase now to ensure they experience sporting history right here in Dubai in the finest style.”

For more information on free tickets and hospitality ticket sales please visit www.dubaiworldchampionship.com

World’s Biggest Free Nights Offer Launched By The World’s Biggest Hotel Company

Almost 5 million free nights at over 4,000 hotels around the globe are up for grabs, as IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world’s largest hotel company, launches its biggest free nights offer, ever.Guests can earn a free night by registering at www.getafreenight.com and staying two nights at any Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites or Candlewood Suites around the world between 4 May and 3 July 2009.Andy Cosslett, IHG’s Chief Executive, said: “As the world’s largest hotel company we’re able to give guests more choice and more flexibility. Our guests can choose from over 4,000 hotels in 100 countries, across seven brands, including the biggest of them all - Holiday Inn. Now, with our Biggest Free Nights offer more guests can enjoy a stay in any of our hotels around the world.”How the promotion works:
• Register for the promotion at www.getafreenight.com
• Stay any two nights between 4 May and 3 July 2009 (the two nights do not have to be consecutive or at the same brand of hotel)
• Get one free night to use between 3 July and 26 December 2009
• Use your free nights at one of over 4,000 hotels around the world (e.g. stay at one of our hotels in one country and get a free night at one of our hotels in another country)
• Earn up to four free nights (e.g. stay eight nights, get four free)For more information about this offer and full terms and conditions visit: www.getafreenight.com.
 

When One Team Has Room For All Players

For every person who sees challenge as an obstacle, there is another person who views it as an opportunity. I would like you to include yourself in the second category. Currently, everyone is talking about the negative trend, the continued challenges in the real estate market and feeble chances of a meaningful recovery this year. Here, I suggest it is time we focus on the strengths and opportunities on offer in order to emerge from this crisis with a solid future.

The UAE’s astute leadership and corporate players have always characterized the dexterity and vision to face challenges - and even though those challenges are now painful and new for us, this is the time to show our strength. It is time for us to instill optimism and work towards steering the UAE through the effect of global economic crisis. This is not a single person’s effort or the responsibility of the Government -- it’s for all of us to share and unite for a common mission. The word teamwork has possibly never been more poignant than it is now. We all contribute towards our country’s outlook and shaping our nation’s future. Irrespective of our cultures, nationalities, beliefs and businesses, if we work as one team with one vision we are bound to come out stronger.

The people of UAE have all that it needs to emerge stronger than before. Our tale of success has been a wonder to everyone around the globe. It has set a model for developing countries to follow. Our success is shown in the creation of Dubai as a flourishing business hub. Now is the time for us to again set an example to the world to follow.

The UAE long-term outlook is very positive and it offers a range of opportunities to investors, business and customers. The region is well positioned to emerge with an even stronger, transparent, regulated and sustainable real estate industry and the current adjustments being witnessed in the sector indicate that the industry is actually becoming healthier, which further spells opportunity in the long run.

Logically the significance of the UAE as a lucrative market will continue to increase in the long run due to its ability to offer an extremely appealing lifestyle and excellent business opportunities. It brings together two extremely attractive elements -- the comforts of the Western world with the serenity of Arabia. The UAE will continue to remain one of the world’s best destinations for tourism, business, residential, investment and commercial purposes.

The long term potential of Dubai, coupled with the UAE’s relative financial strength, will provide a solid platform for continued infrastructure spending.


We have been constantly building up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities to lead the country further ahead. Adding to the advantages, we have earned a reputation as one of the world’s most attractive and rapidly developing leisure destinations. Subsequently, this region serves as a platform for diversity of cultures and nationalities.

Apart from learning from our past accomplishments and realising our current opportunities, we also need to consider what considerable initiatives have already been taken to alleviate the effect of crisis. The government has made concerted efforts to underpin the financial sector with liquidity, by replacing rental cap, by a rent freeze etc. Also, several other options are being considered to increase the level of mortgage finance available in the market.

While these moves have helped tackle the current conditions, further concrete measures to stabilize the market would help re-establish confidence, remove the sense of panic and pump the economy with necessary resources. Navigating our route through this market recession will help us learn and develop working methods to operate efficiently and will hopefully provide us with an early warning system in the future.

I actually believe it is true to say that we will not really be able to pinpoint the time when a recovery begins - all I know is that by the time we see the ‘signs’, the process will have probably begun as much as six months earlier. So instead of playing the waiting game, let’s keep focused on the here and now and understand that we all have a part to play on this team.