Starwood Hotels Resorts Offers Members Of Its Award-Winning Loyalty Programme, SPG, Special Offers And Awards In Celebration Of Ramadan

Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG), the world renowned and award winning loyalty programme from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, will be celebrating the Holy Month of Ramadan with its members across a number of properties across the Middle East and in Egypt.

During Ramadan, SPG members will receive a 20 per cent discount on Iftars at 30 participating Starwood hotels in the UAE, KSA, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan. SPG members will also have the chance to win up to 10 prizes including a seven-night stay or weekend stays at one of Starwood’s 200 luxurious resorts. Iftar guests at participating hotels will also have the opportunity to sign up on the spot as an SPG member allowing them to benefit immediately from the discount and enter the raffle draw.

“We are proud to celebrate the heritage of Ramadan with our SPG members by offering an array of celebrations and dining experiences to enjoy,” said Steven Taylor, Vice President Marketing, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Our SPG members are some of our most valued and loyal customers and we are always looking at ways we can add meaningful benefits and awards to their travel experiences. The Holy Month of Ramadan is an extremely special time and this offer gives them the perfect opportunity to enjoy quality time with families and friends.”

Along with its Ramadan promotion, SPG also recently announced its “SPG Kids Pass,” through which kids 12-and-under can enjoy food and drink on an all-inclusive basis throughout their stay at nearly 150 Starwood resorts.

SPG: Starwood’s Award Winning Loyalty Programme
Launched in 1999, SPG is known today as the industry’s leading loyalty programme, offering travellers the opportunity to earn and redeem points in over 1,000 hotels in more than 100 countries. SPG is designed as the simplest, most flexible and rewarding programme in the industry.

With some of the world’s best known, best loved and most luxurious hotel brands to choose from including St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft and Element, SPG gives members more of what they deserve, for less.

Key Features of SPG include:
• Three membership levels – Preferred Guest, Gold Preferred and Platinum Preferred. Each membership level offers greater benefits.
• Members can redeem Starpoints for a host of extraordinary rewards, including free nights, airline tickets and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
• Members earn Starpoints for every purchase of eligible items at participating properties.
• With a no blackouts policy, members can redeem points where they want and when they want.
• Members can use Starpoints for hotel services immediately.
• Starpoints never expire as long as members remain active.

For enrollment and more information on Starwood Preferred Guest please visit www.spg.com or call one of the following numbers listed below:
• For those residing in the UAE please call 800 0441 3234 (Toll free number)
• For those residing in KSA please call 800 844 1349 (Toll free number)
• For those residing in Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar & Jordan please call + 353-21-4511056 (Non-Toll free number)
• For those residing in Bahrain, please call 800 00038 (Toll free number)
 

Starwood Hotels Resorts To Open New Sheraton Hotel In Dubai

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) has signed an agreement with Abdulsalam Alrafi Group LLC to open a new Sheraton hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Scheduled to open beginning of 2014, the hotel will be part of a three-tower mixed-use project located in the heart of Dubai’s commercial district. The new Sheraton Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Hotel is part of the Sheraton brand’s global strategic expansion plan that includes adding more than 60 new hotels and over 20,000 rooms to the Sheraton portfolio over the next three years.

“We are delighted to be working with the Abdulsalam Alrafi Group as we open our newest Sheraton hotel in Dubai, a destination that continues to see growing demand from both business and leisure travellers”, said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & the Middle East. “Starwood is established as the sector leader in the Middle East and we are dedicated to continued growth and expansion in the region. This market continues to be integral to our overall development strategy.”

Mr. Abdulsalam Alrafi expressed his pleasure and content for signing the management agreement with Starwood and said: “We look forward to a very fruitful association with Starwood and we are confident that, through this partnership, the Sheraton Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road shall be one of the leading destinations in the U.A.E. and Gulf Area.”

The new Sheraton Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Hotel will comprise 660 rooms including 480 guest rooms and 180 serviced apartments. The hotel will also feature extensive dining, conference and leisure facilities as well as signature Sheraton amenities including the all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® bed, designed to meet AAA’s Five Diamond Award® criteria, a Sheraton Club Lounge and the Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft communications hub where guests can socialise or make connections on-line

The hotel will face the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre, a prime business location that also offers convenient access to the Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Beach and the Dubai Marina. Dubai is a key trading, tourism and financial centre and has experienced extraordinary growth in the past two decades. In 2010, it received more than eight million international visitors, an increase of 9.4 per cent over the previous year.

Sheraton recently announced that it has invested more than $100 million into upgrading 120 Club Lounges around the world. The enhancement to Sheraton Club Lounges – one of the most popular Sheraton signature amenities – is the final chapter of the brand’s recent $6 billion revitalization effort.

Starwood today operates 15 hotels in Dubai, including three Sheraton hotels. The company continues to strengthen its long established position in the Middle East as one of the leading luxury hotel operators in the region with a portfolio of approximately 50 existing hotels and a growth index of nearly 50%. By 2015, the Middle East will become the second region, after North America, to operate all nine of Starwood’s world-class brands – St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft and Element – further reinforcing the company’s commitment to the region.

About Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Sheraton helps guests make connections at more than 400 hotels in 70 countries around the world and recently completed a $6 billion global revitalization and is now in the midst of a $5 billion global expansion over the next three years. Sheraton is owned by and is the largest and most global brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1025 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

About Abdulsalam Alrafi Group LLC

AbdulSalam Alrafi Group, LLC was originally formed as a privately held company in 1959. The company primarily was involved in local trading of manufactured goods, however in 1970 it expanded into real estate development and property management. The company has grown into one of the largest and most successful property developers in UAE with a portfolio of over 30 properties. Its’ portfolio consists of multi-family residential apartment towers, industrial warehouse space, and office space. The company has continued to be a family managed business; the current Chairman Mr. AbdulSalam Alrafi has brought his son, Mohammed Al Rafi into the business as managing director of the Group.
 

Starwood Hotels And Resorts Invites Starwood Preferred Guest Members To Enjoy Great Weeks And Grand Weekends

Starwood Hotels and Resorts (NYSE: HOT) is ringing in the new year with a special offer to make travel for its Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG) members extra rewarding. Through the SPG Great Weeks, Grand Weekends promotion, members can earn double Starpoints® every night of the week, plus a weekend bonus of an extra 500 Starpoints for every Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday night during their stay — with no limits on earnings.

Members can earn these extra rewards January 3 through April 15, 2011 at over 930 participating hotels and resorts worldwide across all nine Starwood brands, including Sheraton, Westin, W, and St Regis.

“SPG’s Great Weeks, Grand Weekends promotion enables us to kick off 2011 with a robust offer, awarding unlimited bonus points for stays at our incredible properties around the world,” said Chris Holdren, Senior Vice President of Starwood Preferred Guest. “Starpoints offers are incredibly popular with our members and this promotion is our way of rewarding our loyal SPG base and welcoming new members to the program.”

SPG members can register for Great Weeks, Grand Weekends at http://www.spg.com/eamegreatweeks from January 3 through March 31, 2011. Travelers who are not yet SPG members can join the award-winning loyalty program and register for the promotion as well. Membership is free and Starpoints are awarded beginning with the first eligible stay.

SPG strives to create consumer-facing promotions that reward their existing membership while also attracting new travelers to the program. In addition to Great Weeks, Grand Weekends, recent successful promotions include Every Night Counts, which rewarded members with double or triple Starpoints the more nights they stayed; SPG Free Weekends, wherein guests could earn one free weekend night for every three stays at participating properties; and SPG More Nights = More Rewards, which allowed guests to earn more rewards the longer they stayed at a Starwood property.

About Starwood Preferred Guest
The SPG program’s breakthrough policy of No Blackout Dates at the world’s most sought after collection of hotels, reinvented the hospitality loyalty program when it launched in 1999. By creating a program centered on its members, SPG has developed the most passionate and knowledgeable membership base in the hotel loyalty space. Through its use of new technologies and innovative channels such as SPG.com, SPG.com/stayconnected, SPG.com/flights and others, SPG continues to innovate and lead the industry. By offering No Blackouts on standard rooms at over 1,000 hotels and resorts in nearly 100 countries, No Blackouts on hundreds of airlines, and once in a lifetime experiences available through SPG Moments at spg.com/moments, the program has proven to be a big draw for the world’s most frequent travelers, and a significant competitive advantage for Starwood. For more information about Starwood Preferred Guest please visit SPG.com or call (877) – STARWOOD.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1025 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.

Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
 

The Address Hotels + Resorts Showcases The Finest Choices For Wedding Planning At The Third Annual Wedding Fair Hosted By The Address Dubai Mall

The Address Dubai Mall, the five star premium hotel adjoining The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, is hosting the annual The Address Hotels + Resorts Wedding Fair, that offers the entire array of wedding planning options under one roof.

This two-day high-end fair, to be held on April 22 and 23, 2011, will feature the full portfolio of wedding related services from the city’s best. Helping to make the wedding day a special and phenomenal one, the fair will display complete solutions – from grand stage decoration to choice of elegant venues, food and beverage options, designer wedding gowns, accessories, cards and a lot more.

Mr. Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “The annual Wedding Fair has now become a much-awaited event for its unique one-window approach, whereby all the requirements for a memorable wedding day can be planned and arranged. This year, the fair is larger with a wider choice including spectacular venues, F&B options and event management support offered by The Address properties.”

To be held at the spacious Diamond Ballroom of the hotel, the third Wedding Fair will showcase stunning venue options available at the five prestigious properties of The Address Hotels + Resorts in Dubai that include; The Address Downtown Dubai, The Address Dubai Mall, The Address Dubai Marina, The Address Montgomerie Dubai and The Palace – The Old Town. In addition to this, the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Dubai Polo & Equestrian, under Emaar Hospitality Group, will showcase their venue options.

The Ballroom will have a spectacular set-up with live music performances on the piano and harp. Leading stylists, make-up artists, fashion designers and accessory providers will take part in the fair, in addition to professional wedding photographers, videographers, and sound & light system providers. Emirates Holidays will also highlight special honeymoon destinations around the world. Visitors have the opportunity to make informed decisions through discussions with consultants and can plan their entire itinerary and every single detail for a wedding.

The Address Hotels + Resorts is owned and managed by Emaar Hospitality Group and has five hotels in its Dubai portfolio – The Address Downtown Dubai, The Address Dubai Mall, The Address Dubai Marina, The Address Montgomerie Dubai and The Palace – The Old Town.

 

Cupid Takes aim at Moevenpick Hotels Resorts all Month Long

DUBAI, UAE, January 17, 2011/PRNewswire/ – Couples can Enjoy a Heart-Pumping Offer During Month of Romance

Treat your loved one to a Valentine’s to remember by taking up the ’Month of Romance’ offer at all Moevenpick Hotels & Resort properties in the Middle East and Asia during February.

Couples can enjoy 50% off on their second night, unwrap a romantic welcome gift and treat themselves to an in room breakfast for two, as well as 4.00pm late check-out, between February 1-28.

Toufic Tamim, Vice President Sales & Marketing for Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts, Middle East, said: "In this day and age, it can be difficult for couples to be free on Valentine’s Day – particularly as it falls early in the week this year – and so the Month of Romance offer takes the stress out of the day itself, and means couples can treat themselves whenever it best suits their schedules."

Guests can choose from a range of alluring city and resort hotels in both regions, be it a relaxing sun-kissed break in Dubai or Phuket, or a romantic getaway with a cultural twist in Jordan or Hanoi.

The breadth of Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts portfolio means residents in the Middle East can choose from a wide range of hotels in Beirut, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE and Yemen while properties in Asia include exciting destinations such as Vietnam and Thailand.

For further information, visit: http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com

Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts, an upscale hotel management company with over 12,000 employees, is represented in 28 countries with over 90 hotels existing or under construction. Focussing on expansion in its core markets of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, the international hotel group specialises in business and conference hotels, as well as holiday resorts. Of Swiss origin, Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts positions itself in the upscale segment and stands for quality, reliability and care with a personal touch. The hotel group is owned by Moevenpick Holding (66.7%) and the Kingdom Group (33.3%).

Dubais Five-Star Hotels Wasting $27 Million Annually

Five-star hotels in Dubai are wasting around $27 million in utility bills by ignoring carbon management initiatives and examining ways to reduce their electricity and water bills, a figure that is set to rise with increased Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) tariffs for 2011.

Many hoteliers have woken up to the fact that today’s hotel guests are more environmentally aware than ever before and increasingly demanding hotels accommodate best environmental practice. By complying with initiatives such as the Green Globe Certification, hotels not only reduce their carbon emissions and save water, according to a survey conducted by UAE-based sustainability specialist consultant, Farnek Avireal, they can also cut their utility costs by around 20%.

“The research has indicated that the annual utility costs for the 67 five-star hotels in Dubai are around $134 million. If each hotel averaged 200 rooms, reduced energy consumption could save around $5.50 per room-night, per hotel, or $27 million collectively, not to mention 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions that would be saved,” said Frederique Maurell, Exhibition Director, The Hotel Show.

“In total there are approximately 67,369 hotel rooms and hotel apartments in Dubai, imagine the dramatic effect if all of Dubai’s hotels signed-up to reduce their carbon emissions,” said Maurell.

Adding further weight to the business case, according to a study by Travel Weekly, 50% of prospective hotel guests said they were prepared to pay 10% more to stay in sustainable hotels, while 66% expressed serious doubts about environmental claims posted on hotel websites.

“The environmental dimension is part of the strategic vision of the best run organisations, and the hotel sector is no different,” said Maurell. “The environment is now a business issue and because of increasingly demand, sustainable hotels need to differentiate themselves from the ‘unenlightened’.”

That paradigm shift is now being reflected by the growing number of exhibitors offering environmental solutions at The Hotel Show 2011 which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 17-19 May.

Therefore, to underscore The Hotel Show’s commitment to sustainability, the show’s floor plan clearly highlights a ‘Green Track’ which maps out any exhibiting companies presenting solutions, design or products which answer the sustainable need of the hospitality industry. There will also be references to these exhibitors in the pre and post show collateral material as well as on our website.

Furthermore with the support of the Dubai Government’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing a number of topics at the Seven Star Conference which runs in parallel with the Hotel Show will be dedicated to sustainability, such as waste management and energy-saving products and initiatives.

LG Electronics which is exhibiting at The Hotel Show is fine example. Now in its third year of its “Greenonomics” programme, a partnership with the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation is investing US$18 million into green businesses between now and 2020.

A raft of other companies, are also participating such as Canadian company NewGen which will be in attendance with a promise: using its laundry system can be up to ten times more eco-friendly than using on-premises facilities. UK-based Williams Refrigeration will be offering its Greenlogic approach to choosing energy-efficient, waste-reducing products that save energy, time and money.

In addition, new ranges of LED-based lighting technology that can reduce energy costs by as much as two thirds of previous systems, as well as sustainable proposals from ABB KNX and Andreu World will be showcased.
 

The Address Hotels + Resorts Win Accolades at World Travel Awards 2011

The Address Hotels + Resorts has won five key honours at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2011 highlighting the credentials of Dubai’s leading hotel operator in luxury leisure and business hospitality as well as in the fast-growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

The Address Hotels + Resorts flagship properties in Dubai won awards for the ‘UAE’s Leading Business Hotel,’ ‘Dubai’s Leading Meeting & Conference Hotel,’ ‘Middle East’s Leading Golf Course,’ Middle East’s Leading City Resort,’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Shopping Destination Hotel.’

Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Hotels & Resorts, said: “The World Travel Awards reiterate the standing of The Address properties in Dubai as industry-defining by setting new benchmarks in excellence. The recognitions that span the roster of the hospitality sector – from leisure and business to MICE – highlight the appeal of the hotels to a large cross-section of discerning guests, in tune with the growth of Dubai’s tourism and business profile.”

The winner of ‘UAE’s Leading Business Hotel,’ The Address Downtown Dubai was also honoured as ‘Dubai’s Leading City Hotel’ at the 2010 World Travel Awards. This year’s award recognised the stylish and modern meeting and event facilities in the hotel, located centrally in Downtown Dubai, described as ‘The Centre of Now.’ The hotel which offers a 24-hour business lounge, concierge service and complimentary wireless Internet access specially for business travellers.

The Address Dubai Marina, located in the heart of Dubai Marina in close proximity to the business nerve-centres of Dubai, clinched the honour as ‘Dubai’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel’ for the second consecutive year. The hotel’s 900 sq m spacious Constellation Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows benefits from extensive natural light is the largest in the vicinity, and can accommodate up to 1,000 guests in reception style.

Also repeating the winning streak was The Address Montgomerie Dubai, the first retreat in The Address portfolio, which was voted the ‘Middle East’s Leading Golf Course’ for the second consecutive year. Its 18 hole, par 72 Championship course featuring unique characteristics such as a hand-shaped bunker on hole 17, a mammoth 656 yard 18th hole, as well as 81 bunkers and 14 lakes is a clear favourite among golfing professionals and enthusiasts.

The Palace – The Old Town, Downtown Dubai, notched a scale up its last year’s title of ‘Dubai’s Leading City Resort’ to be crowned as the ‘Middle East’s Leading City Resort’ this year. An iconic hotel with an elegant Arabesque architecture, the hotel overlooks Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain. It has 242 spacious and luxurious guest rooms and 81 suites with a captivating Middle Eastern theme.

The ‘Middle East’s Leading Shopping Destination Hotel’ was won by The Address Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, the hotel linked to The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. One of the USPs of the hotel is the service of an exclusive personal fashion advisor who advises guests on fashion trends and assists in shopping by leveraging the hotel’s direct link with The Dubai Mall.

 

The Address Hotels + Resorts offer diverse on-site food and beverage options, premier health and wellness facilities and are located in close proximity to iconic attractions. For more details, log on to: www.theaddress.com.

UAE Hotels Target ATM To Boost Revpar In 2011

Arabian Travel Market, the leading travel exhibition in the Middle East, has seen strong demand for exhibition space ahead of this year’s event, particularly from companies within the UAE.

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi experienced ongoing growth in visitor numbers over 2010, with this set to continue throughout 2011 and beyond. According to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, the number of hotel guests in Dubai reached just under six million (6% growth) between January and September 2010. Similarly, a report from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority states that visitors to the UAE capital increased by 18% last year.

Tourism to the UAE has been boosted by a number of initiatives, including international sporting events such as the Abu Dhabi Formula 1, as well as a plethora of other sporting events and concerts, attracting international headline acts. In addition perennial favourites such as the Dubai World Cup, Dubai Rugby Sevens, DSF and DSS continue to be more popular than ever.

“Even though dozens of new hotels have continued to come online over recent times, the ability of the market to absorb this increased supply, with limited effect on occupancy levels and only minor down ward trends in room rates, speaks volumes for the coordinated government strategy, at local and federal levels,” said Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Exhibitor bookings from the MENA region for Arabian Travel Market 2011 which takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 2-5 May, are already very healthy, with over three months still left in the marketing cycle.

Many nations have already exceeded the amount of space taken last year – with Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar up by 11.8%, 7.5%, 3.8% and 3.6% respectively. Organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions is optimistic of a 5-8% overall increase by the time the four-day show opens.

In light of such developments, Walsh said the increased interest in attending Arabian Travel Market comes as little surprise.

“Regionally, billions of dollars are being invested in tourism infrastructure – Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are all aggressively expanding their fleets and flying to new destinations, diversifying their economies at a time when oil prices seem destined to settle comfortably above $100 per barrel,” added Walsh.

The Middle East reported year-on-year increases in all three key hotel occupancy performance measurements in October 2010, according to industry consultants STR Global. Occupancy was up 0.5% to 67.2%, the average daily room rate rose 0.8% to US$162.54, and revenue per available room (RevPar) went up 1.3% US$109.20.

Furthermore, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s 2020 tourism vision forecasts that the Middle East region, which currently receives 36 million visitors a year, will attract 69 million tourists by 2020, an average growth rate of 6.7%. That bullish forecast was made prior to Qatar’s successful 2022 FIFA World Cup bid, which is expected to draw many more visitors to the entire region.

In addition, Walsh referred to the extremely positive exhibitor response its pre-event workshops had received. “We are seeing intense interest from exhibitors at our workshops, which we are holding in Dubai today (Thursday 10 February) in the lead up to the event,” Walsh said. “People are keen to learn the best ways to maximise the huge potential of Arabian Travel Market for their business, from pre-show planning and online marketing through to onsite visibility and more.”

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and approaching its eighteenth year, the show has grown to become the largest showcase of its kind in the region and one of the biggest in the world. Last year 2,236 exhibitors covering over 20,000 square metres, attracted more than 22,000 attendees.
 

DIFC DTCM Sign Agreement To Facilitate Licensing For Hotels In The Centre

The DIFC, the UAE-based financial and business centre and gateway between the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region (MEASA) and the world, and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the strategic cooperation between the two entities. The MoU aims to encourage institutional integration to provide efficiency and better service for hotel establishments within the DIFC.

The MoU was signed by, Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the DIFC Authority, and H.E. Khalid Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Director General of DTCM.

Abdullah Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the DIFC, said: “The MoU will strengthen our relationship with DTCM and will facilitate licensing for hotels based in DIFC which is necessary to exercise their activities.”

Mr Al Awar added, “The DIFC, as the global financial and business hub of the region, is committed to providing its centre-based hotel establishments with the highest standards of services and offerings to facilitate in doing business in the centre. Signing this MoU will position the facilities as an attractive destination for a diverse client stream seeking the ‘best in class’ service and business environment.”

On the same note, H.E. Khalid A. Bin Sulayem, Director General of DTCM, emphasized the importance of this agreement and pointed that it complements the framework of continuous cooperation between DTCM and other departments, institutions and authorities, for the benefit of the Emirate.

He added that with DTCM being responsible for licensing, classification and supervision of hotel establishments within Dubai International Financial Centre, it will ensure the provision of high quality services to the guests in these facilities. This, he explained, helps maintain Dubai’s international reputation as a distinctive tourist destination that provides world-class services and facilities for tourists from all over the world. Bin Sulayem stressed that such cooperation agreements enhance the status of the UAE and Dubai in particular as a unique economic and tourism hub.

DTCM and DIFC are joined by common goal in offering the finest quality of service to the dynamic business tourism sector which has proven to be paramount and have positively driven employment and income levels in the region.

In addition, this MoU will allow DTCM to supervise the performance of hotels in DIFC through periodic inspections to ensure adherence to highest international standards.
 

Moevenpick Hotels Resorts Opens Fourth Property in UAE

DUBAI, UAE, January 24, 2011/PRNewswire/ –New Hotel in ’Old Dubai’ Deira Gets First International Five Star Hotel in a Decade

The upscale hotel management company, Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts opened its fourth hotel in the United Arab Emirates this month, the Moevenpick Hotel Deira, bringing its portfolio to a total of 69 properties in key international destinations.

The 216-room hotel – Deira’s first international five-star property for more than ten years, is situated in the commercial district on the north side of Dubai Creek.

The hotel is less than three minutes’ walk from a Metro station and fifteen minutes by car from Dubai International Airport, whilst offering easy access to many of Dubai’s traditional landmarks such the Spice and Gold Souqs, as well as six golf courses all less than 25 minutes away.

Michael Nugent, the hotel’s general manager said the property is filling a demand for affordable upscale accommodation in Deira from business executives, as well as destination travellers and inquisitive shoppers.

"While Dubai has been on a building boom, Deira’s five-star hospitality sector has been somewhat stagnant and we mean to bring in new energy," he said.

Nugent noted that the hotel is designed as a ’new-era heritage property in the city offering the latest in efficiency and comfort’. The hotel incorporates an executive floor as well as 25 suites.

For private events, the hotel is thoughtfully equipped with seven dedicated rooms for corporate meetings and social functions for up to 90 guests – all with natural daylight.

Meanwhile, instant Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel’s public areas, backed up by around-the-clock support from the Business Services team.

The Moevenpick Hotel Deira offers three dining options. Jigsaw features a la carte and a buffet selection ’with a difference’. Wok In’s intention is to represent the spirit of the Far East with interactive cooking taking place ’centre stage’ in the contemporary Asian restaurant. Wok In Bar has its sights set on being a sought-after local rendezvous and features live entertainment.

Fitness is not forgotten and the hotel has a rooftop pool and a well-equipped gym. Guests also enjoy access to the private beach and facilities at the Oceana Beach Club on The Palm Jumeirah, less than 25 minutes away by complimentary hotel shuttle.

The Moevenpick Hotel Deira is one of four projects in Dubai from Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts and real estate developer, Seven Tides, alongside the 396-room Ibn Battuta Gate.

Sarah Fernandez,
Communications Manager,
Sarah.fernandez@moevenpick.com,
+971-554003189