Dubai Silicon Oasis Signs Mou With Dubai Department Of Tourism And Commerce Marketing

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) today announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to provide best of class services and support for companies aspiring to develop hospitality ventures within the DSO.

According to this agreement, DTCM will take the responsibility for licensing and categorizing hotels according to DTCM regulations. It will also ensure the implementation of all other procedures related to tourism events activities.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Chief Executive Officer of DSOA, and Mr. Khalid A. bin Sulayem, Director-General of DTCM, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Chief Executive Officer of DSOA, said: “Since the establishment of Dubai Silicon Oasis we have endeavored to develop the technology park into a fully integrated community that offers enabling services and facilities to all our customers. Consequently, we have been engaged with several governmental departments and signed various agreements and contracts that will serve to achieve the ambitious objectives for our business partners.

“Through this partnership, DTCM will be responsible for licensing companies aspiring to develop hospitality ventures at DSO. In addition, it will also oversee tourism related events and activities that will complement the overall deliverables of the technology hub.”

Khaled A. bin Sulayem, DTCM Director General said: “This agreement falls in line within the framework of cooperation and strategic partnership between the DTCM and public and private sector organizations to enhance the tourism industry standards and services. This will go a long way in enlarging the scope of tourism industry and help regulate the hospitality sector to better the tourism product offering of Dubai.”

“Companies that are interested in hospitality business will benefit from the DTCM’s expertise and efforts to promote and market Dubai across the word. This partnership between DSO and DTCM will help create better synergies for better tourism standards and regulations for the hospitality sector,” he said.

DSO is a free zone technology park for semiconductor, microelectronics and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and North Africa region. DSOA is the regulatory body for DSO, the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries.

The Address Hotels + Resorts strengthens sales presence in key feeder markets

The Address Hotels + Resorts, the five star premium hotel brand owned and operated by Emaar Hospitality Group, has strengthened its sales presence in key feeder markets in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The company has appointed Nijhawan Group as its official sales representative office in India and Mr Wael Naba, a hospitality sales and marketing professional in Saudi Arabia.The exclusive representations are aimed at strengthening the marketing initiatives of The Address Hotels + Resorts, which already operates two prestigious properties in Dubai, The Address Downtown Burj Dubai, the flagship hotel of the brand, and The Palace – The Old Town.
 
Mr Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Hotels & Resorts, said: “The Address Hotels + Resorts has consolidated its reputation as an award-winning premier hotel brand. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and the Indian Subcontinent are among our strongest feeder markets apart from Europe and Southeast Asia. Through our exclusive marketing partnerships in Saudi Arabia and India, we are further strengthening our customer outreach.”
 
He added: “Dubai’s tourism profile represents a high proportion of visitors from the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia, and India. The marketing partnerships will help to reach out to these key markets and enable potential guests to evaluate the differentials offered by our brand. Both the Nijhawan Group and Mr Wael Naba have years of expertise in the hospitality sector and will further establish our brand in India and Saudi Arabia, respectively.”
 
Marketing activities to be undertaken by the new representatives include tradeshow management, roadshows and promotions. Sales and marketing initiatives will be drawn out and implemented to ensure achievement of revenue goals by tapping into relevant market segments within the countries.
 
With 34 years of experience in India, Nijhawan Group is a leader in the travel sector and boasts more than ten offices in different regions of the country including Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Mumbai and Punjab among other important cities. The Group will focus on designing sales and marketing strategies to keep positioning The Address Hotels + Resorts as a luxury destination for business and leisure travellers within India.
 
The Address Downtown Burj Dubai – in close proximity to The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination - offers 196 guestrooms including 25 suites, and 626 serviced residences. The Palace – The Old Town, with 242 luxurious guestrooms including 81 suites, is an upmarket five star property managed by The Address Hotels + Resorts, also located in Downtown Burj Dubai.
 
Two additional hotels are scheduled to open later this year as part of the expansion plans of The Address Hotels + Resorts. The Address Dubai Mall is nearing completion and will offer 245 signature rooms, 450 serviced apartments and modern lifestyle amenities. The Address Dubai Marina, with 200 guestrooms and 442 serviced residences, is part of the Dubai Marina Mall complex, located centrally in the one of the most sought-after waterfront projects in the region.

Najem: A Star On The Rise

Gulf Housing Solutions has announced the launch of Najem, which will provide the hospitality industry with innovative, premier quality employee housing solutions. Translated as „a star on the rise‟, Najem was introduced by GHS, the leading specialist and independent provider of housing concepts to meet the demand for quality employee accommodation across the GCC and UAE.

Set to raise the standard of employee accommodation for the hospitality sector and beyond, Najem will use a number of distinct construction methods, including a dynamic new construction method of uniquely designed, modular units that not only include the latest technology but are an extremely fast, flexible and innovative method of creating premium and customised employee housing complexes.

“Through the introduction of Najem, Gulf Housing Solutions will raise the benchmark for staff accommodation throughout the GCC and UAE,” said Juan Fernando Valdivieso, President and CEO of Gulf Housing Solutions. “Through its international standing within the industry, Gulf Housing Solutions will meet the demands of premium, cost effective and innovative employee housing throughout the Gulf region, whilst exceeding owners and governments requirements for international accommodation standards

Valdivieso added that Najem is more than a unique housing concept but also a much-needed innovative and practical way forward of providing and managing quality employee accommodation: “Where hotel management is concerned, we offer a comprehensive turn-key solution. Najem will facilitate the process of setting up and managing employee accommodation on behalf of hotel management, enabling them to focus on their core business, namely average daily and occupancy rates as well as guest satisfaction”

Najem’s modular offering, includes units which are maintained and operated according to international best practices and standards of quality, safety and health, are easily transported, cost effective and extremely durable.

They can be customised to meet individual client requirements and modular units, available in single or double occupancy, come fully fitted with amenities that include private bathrooms and kitchenettes.

In conjunction with the launch of Najem and to reinforce Global Housing Solutions‟ dedication and support of the hotel industry, the company has recognised the region‟s best hotels by sponsoring the Best Hotel Staff Accommodation Award, part of the 2009 Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) Development Awards. The prestigious Best Hotel Staff Accommodation Award was presented by GHS to the Hyatt Hotel, Dubai in recognition of their excellent staff housing complex, Sahari Village.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City Hailed As Best Four-Star Hotel In Middle East By Business Travellers Awards 2009

As industry leaders at the recent Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and Arabian Travel Market pegged the four-star segment as one to watch, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City scooped the Business Traveller Awards 2009 for the best four-star hotel in the Middle East. The annual award ceremony was held during the region’s annual travel week (in Dubai, May 4 2009).

Pasquale Baiguera, the hotel’s General Manager said that the award is voted by independent readers of Business Traveller magazine and signals a genuine appreciate for the property which is located within Dubai’s first commercial, city-based free zone within the catchment of Dubai Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Village. He said that more than 55,000 professionals are estimated to be working within the three-prong business area, which is a stones-throw from the emirate’s new residential areas of Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah.

“This award signals a strong commitment by the public to Radisson Blu, DMC, and points to their acknowledgement that we provide one of the best business lifestyle experiences among the region’s hospitality sector. We feel very proud.

“We accept this recognition on behalf of the team, the star performers and many of them working with passion behind the scenes,” he added.

Baiguera said that the Business Traveller Middle East Awards continue to be the benchmark for excellence in the region’s travel and hospitality industry, including best airlines, airports, hotels, golf courses and car rental companies.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City is located in the heart of the emirate’s regional technology and communications hub and offers 246 rooms, including five suites, designed in a contemporary style. The hotel offers several food & beverage outlets - including the award-winning Italian restaurant, Certo, and Chef’s House, 12 meeting rooms and Senso Wellness Centre with five themed massage rooms and two outdoor pools.

Seven Tides Unwavering About Hotel Developments In Dubai

Independent United Arab Emirates holding company Seven Tides and associated companies is to showcase four new luxury hospitality developments all due to open between the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 in Dubai – two of which are on the iconic Palm Jumeirah – at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which takes place on 5-8 May 2009 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.Michael Scully, Managing Director Hospitality for Seven Tides said: “These five-star developments are multi-use and have been designed for sophisticated lifestyles, whether it‘s business or leisure. However we will create a fun environment and it is that combination that underpins our unique proposition. They also mark the arrival of a new name in the hospitality sector - Seven Tides which remains committed to its development plans despite the global economic climate.”Scully said that Seven Tides and associated companie was confident in the long-term future of the hospitality industry not only in the UAE, but throughout the region and beyond. “As well as the four developments we are showcasing at ATM – Royal Amwaj and Oceana on Palm Jumeirah, Ibn Battuta Gate and Movenpick Deira – we are planning future hotel developments in Dubai as well as continuing with our drive to acquire hotels worldwide.”Established in 2004, Seven Tides, which also ownsDukes Hotel in London, has partnered with prestigious international hospitality brands including Anantara, Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts and Campbell Gray Hotels as its growth continues.Two of the four new developments Seven Tides is opening in late 2009 - early 2010 are on the Palm Jumeirah. The Mövenpick-managed Royal Amwaj (amwaj means wave in Arabic) luxury resort and spa on the Palm crescent is Seven Tides’ flagship property and will feature 293 hotel rooms and more than 400 condominium apartments.The Royal Amwaj will offer a variety of culinary delights including South American, Thai, seafood and Asian cuisine. The resort will also feature two natural lagoons, a large swimming pool, tennis courts, Asian spa, water sports club as well as business and banquet facilities.Oceana, meanwhile, will be a beachfront hotel centrally located on Palm Jumeirah’s trunk. This private residential community will offer beach access and panoramic views to its in-house guests. “For those who want to escape from it all, Oceana will provide an ideal retreat for its residents, with an impressive array of amenities and services,” Scully said.In terms of a corporate flagship property, Ibn Battuta Gate features an iconic entrance arch which is larger than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Located next to Ibn Battuta Mall, the property will be managed by Mövenpick, offering a combination of offices, apartments and a five-star hotel and spa.“Ibn Battuta Gate aims to capture the best of living and working in New Dubai with a unique combination of modern offices, serviced apartments and five-star hotel offering a lifestyle that balances city and retreat, business and pleasure,” Scully said.”All four developments, in addition to the stylish Dukes Hotels in St James, London, managed by Campbell Gray Hotels and recently awarded five-star classification, will be showcased at the ATM.“ATM is the perfect platform to relaunch these properties. With so many international and regional tour operators and travel specialists in attendance we can ensure that Seven Tides developments are put on their radar screens now,” added Scully.
 

Grand Midwest Group Of Hotel Apartments Expands Portfolio, Launches New Five-Star Deluxe Property In Dubai

The Ireland based hospitality-focused business entity, Grand Midwest Group; today announced expanding its footprints in Dubai by launching its third property in the emirate, a brand new five-star deluxe property within Media City, reinforcing the growth potential of the regional hospitality and tourism sector despite the current economic climate.
Commenting on the launch of the new 46-storied upscale, full-service hotel apartment property, Grand Midwest Tower, promoters of the property said that their expansion plans were on track and more projects were in the pipeline in Dubai.

“The hospitality sector in Dubai and the region may not be immune to the current global economic slowdown, but we do see a strong potential for growth in the medium to long-term. The opening of Grand Midwest Tower signifies our confidence in Dubai and the hospitality and tourism sector of the region which has a wealth of unlocked potential, particularly since Dubai is centrally located in the vicinity of emerging markets with strong potential for business growth,” said Mr.. Muhmmad Zafar Shah Khan, Group Chairman, Grand Midwest Group.Grand Midwest is ideally located within the new commercial and residential district of Dubai flanking Sheikh Zayed Road next to Internet City and Knowledge village. The property is located in Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM) overlooking the Palm Island and has easy access to Dubai Marina, Emmar Business Park, Mall of Emirates, Emirates Golf Club, Greens, Springs etc.The property offers 225 fully furnished hotel apartments in varying sizes including 45 studio apartments, 150 one-bedroom apartments and 30 two-bedroom apartments. Grand Midwest Tower also offers an extensive choice of conference and meeting facilities, two restaurants, a coffee shop, business centre, five board rooms, and two spacious banqueting halls and other state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.“Our primary focus for Grand Midwest Towers will be business travelers, Dubai being the region’s most business-friendly location housing a significant number of global corporations. Being a hub of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) sector, Dubai attracts a significant number of global business travelers and we are confident that Grand Midwest will be an attractive choice for them,” Mr. Zafar said.
Commenting on the vision of Grand Midwest Group, he added, “It is our vision to emerge as a world-class provider of international hospitality services, offering a consistent level of comfort to both corporate and leisure travelers.”He further underlined the hotel group’s commitment to high service standards. “We are happy to welcome international guests to experience the property which prides itself on aiming to provide five-star level of services. As hoteliers, we stand committed to supporting the vision of the government in promoting Dubai as a world leader in tourism and hospitality.”
The hotel apartment offers a welcoming ambience for international guests as the staff are all highly trained and experienced to offer guests an enjoyable and comfortable stay.
Grand Midwest Tower offers contemporary décor and modern amenities with rooms elegantly furnished with a fully equipped kitchen and home entertainment system. Other essential amenities at Grand Midwest Tower include satellite television, DVD players, CD players, high-speed Internet access, direct-dial phones that give one the comfort of a home. Other amenities include Business centre, Conference Rooms, 24-hour room service, safe deposit box in each apartment, LCD Televisions, fully equipped gym, two swimming pools, Satellite /Cable Television, English and Arabic Television channels, housekeeping, laundry service etc. In addition, the Hotel Apartments has a well designed and inviting Food Court, an international restaurant with open kitchens serving Asian, European and Arabic Food.
 

Middle East Expected To Outgrow Other Global Tourist Destinations On Course To Achieving 68.5 Million Arrivals By 2020

The Address Hotels + Resorts, the 5 star premium hotel brand owned by Emaar Hospitality Group, has recently partnered with Al Basel Consultancy to promote The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai and The Palace, The Old Town hotels across the region through Al Basel’s extensive regional network of hotel clients, including members of royal families and VIPs.

Aiming to leverage the long-term potential of the Middle East hospitality industry, which is expected to record robust growth rates and reach an estimated 68.5 million arrivals by 2020, Al Basel has revealed that it has devised an up-selling strategy for its joint sales campaign in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar targeting VIPs and royalties.

Al Basel Consultancy, a leading business consultancy firm and a member of the Al Basel Group, is highlighting its growth in line with World Tourism Organisation’s (WTO) “Tourism 2020 Vision” which estimates international travel to the Middle East to grow at a significantly faster rate than other competing global destinations, opening a host of possibilities and opportunities for the region’s hospitality and tourism operators. From around 46.4 million in 2007, WTO estimates arrivals in different Middle Eastern destinations to reach 68.5 million by 2020, representing a growth rate of 7.1 per cent over the period 1995-2019.

Marc Dardenne, CEO of Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Hotels & Resorts said: “Emaar Hospitality Group is setting new trends in the hospitality sector and our partnership with Al Basel Consultancy will drive our growth-goals of expanding our reach to high-profile guests from around the world, by offering them an unparalleled hospitality experience. Al Basel Consultancy’s large network of contacts, particularly in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, will help us reach out to both new and emerging markets in the region. Al Basel has a distinguished track record and extensive knowledge of the region’s booming hospitality sector, which are critical factors in achieving the goals of our joint marketing initiative."

Basel Al Kasem, CEO, Al Basel Consultancy said: "The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai and The Palace – The Old Town are two premium hotels that have strong potential to become favourite destinations of the region’s high-end customers. Al Basel Consultancy has devised a marketing strategy that will help The Address Hotels + Resorts strengthen its client base in the region and boost market exposure of these premium hotels through our wide network of contacts, particularly among VIPs and members of royal families in the GCC."

Emaar Hospitality Group owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality and leisure projects and assets worth USD 1 billion (AED 3.67 billion). The Group’s portfolio includes several hotels, serviced residences, golf resorts, a polo and equestrian club, recreation clubs and the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Marinas.

Al Basel Consultancy has a number of business interests in various sectors in the UAE and in the greater GCC region. The company boasts a highly competent team of professionals led by the company’s CEO Basel Al Kasem, recognised as one of the region’s leading figures in real estate consultancy, who has comprehensive knowledge of the regional market and hands-on experience with elite projects such as the iconic Burj Al Arab.