Now Open: The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre Takes its Place in Luxury Group

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — After much anticipation and years of preparation, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) officially opens its doors today. The 341-room hotel, with 124 executive residences, is the second Ritz-Carlton in Dubai and the sixth property in the region for the luxury hotel company.

Lothar Quarz, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC was joined by hotel owners and senior leaders from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. for a private official ribbon cutting ceremony. "This day marks the beginning of an exciting new journey," states Quarz. "I am truly proud of our ladies and gentlemen who have worked hard to put the final details into place. It is their work ethic, commitment to providing the best service, and relentless determination that will elevate our guests’ experiences and set us apart from our competition."

Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. said, "The company philosophy is to design hotels that are casually elegant, with the occasional classical influence as appropriate. This hotel is a stunning example of that strategic direction." Humler added "Being able to expand our presence in Dubai and be part of a region of substantial growth is a tremendous opportunity. Of course, we were quick to welcome the chance to provide an outstanding meeting venue for the international companies that already have a presence in this complex."

As the only hotel to be directly linked to the complex of buildings in Dubai International Financial Centre, the social hub will be at No. 5, the hotel bar located in the prime welcoming position at the end of this pathway. A dramatic 30 meter (100 feet) wine wall that is home to 3000 bottles of the finest varietals in the world is a focal point for gourmands and wine connoisseurs. Other dining selections include Blue Rain, the signature Thai fine-dining restaurant; Can Can, a French all-day dining brasserie and the Center Cut steakhouse, providing multiple settings for the enjoyment of the cuisine made famous by The Ritz-Carlton chefs. The Lobby Lounge & Terrace offers a casual elegance for the enjoyment of afternoon tea. Each restaurant boasts an expansive outdoor terrace.

A unique design facet of The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC showcases a 10-storey outdoor waterfall cascading down the building directly into the courtyard facing the lobby. A total of eight striking water features are situated throughout the hotel, which are not only aesthetically and aurally pleasing, but lend themselves to the feng shui belief that the constant flow of water signifies wealth and prosperity.

Recreational amenities include a fully equipped health club and luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering 13 treatment rooms.

Guests who wish to be among the first to stay or hold their event at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre may telephone +9714 372 2555 or click www.ritzcarlton.com/dubaiifc.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 73 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings which include Toronto and Hong Kong, the tallest hotel in the world. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai Recognized In Hewitt’s “Best Employers In The Middle East” 2009 Study

In recognition of its ongoing best practices as an exemplary employer in the region, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai claimed a spot in the top 10 “Best Employers of the Middle East” list by Hewitt Associates. The 138-room resort nailed the prestigious title for having consistently ranked the highest across all categories in the study.

Organised by Hewitt Associates in conjunction with Dubai Knowledge Village, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, the Tamkeen Labour Fund in Bahrain and the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, the Middle East study honoured a total of 12 outstanding companies. Since last October 2008, the study polled over 150,000 employees from 250 companies across the GCC and Levant region. The three survey components each participating company completed included a CEO questionnaire, the People Practices Inventory and an Employee Opinion Survey. For The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, Hewitt auditors met with 15 employees and completed a “heart-of-house” tour of the hotel.

Delighted with the award, General Manager Andrew Nasskau said, “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at the resort that we are presented with this wonderful accolade especially during these challenging times. To have distinguished ourselves as the best makes me extremely proud that our Ladies and Gentlemen have selected us as the employer of choice.”

In this year’s inaugural survey, the four major areas unique to the best employers were: the creation of a positive work environment through People/HR policies and practices, the fulfillment of employees’ career aspirations, provision of future career opportunities to all employees and the delivery of the company’s employee brand promise.

“The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai actively pursues training, development and recognition throughout the year.” added Director of Human Resources Corinna Saffhill. “From daily “line-ups” to monthly and quarterly training, the resort ensures that the ladies and gentlemen’s critical skills are maintained and new skills are continuously developed.”

Other companies in the top 10 list include Deloitte & Touche Middle East, First Gulf Bank, Jones Lang LaSalle Middle East & North Africa, Proctor & Gamble – East Beirut Office, Marriott International-UAE, BankMuscat, SAOG Fine Hygenic Paper, Microsoft Gulf and Alghanim Industries.

Twice recognized by Conde Nast Traveller for having the best service in the Middle East, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai is located along the famed Jumeirah beach, with its 138 seafront rooms and suites having a view of the Persian Gulf. Services and facilities include restaurants and a lounge serving Italian, Arabic, seafood and international favourites; an extensive recreational facility includes a spa and fitness centre, and a beautifully landscaped garden with two swimming pools.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. currently operates 72 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates; Dove Mountain, Arizona; and Lake Tahoe, California. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com.

Best Beach Resorts

• Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
Jumeirah Beach. An excellent choice for families, the stylish Hilton features one of Dubai’s most enticing beach clubs, spas, and selections of kids’ activities. The city’s trendiest restaurant, Bice, is located here. (Phone: 4/399- 1111; www.hilton.com)

• Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach. Once you check in you’ll want to stay put, as this outstanding resort features Jumeirah’s most extensive beach club, health club, and kids’ club, as well as an unbeatable selection of restaurants, bars, and cafes. (Phone: 4/348- 0000; www.jumeirahbeachhotel.com)

• Le Méridien Mina Seyahi
Jumeirah Beach. Kids and adults alike will love this sprawling beach resort, which offers fun-filled water- and land sports, sparkling pools, landscaped gardens, and a casual selection of restaurants and bars. (Phone: 4/ 399-3333; www.lemeridien.com/ minaseyahi)

• One&Only Royal Mirage
Jumeirah Beach. This exquisite resort extends along 1km (3⁄4 mile) of beautiful beachfront and sits amid 60 acres of flowering gardens and fountain-filled waterways. If you’re looking for an ultra-refined beach vacation, stay at the Royal Mirage. (Phone: 4/ 399-9999; www.oneandonlyroyalmirage.com)

• Ritz-Carlton
Jumeirah Beach. The elegant Ritz-Carlton enjoys a privileged view of the Arabian Gulf and features luxurious guest rooms that blend classic European and Arabic design. Service is outstanding. (Phone: 4/399-4000; www.ritzcarlton.com)