Lufthansa German Airlines, SWISS And bmi Move Under One Roof At The World Trade Centre

On the 18th floor of the Dubai’s iconic World Trade Center tower, situated on Sheikh Zayed Road, Lufthansa celebrated the opening of its new office premises. It was not only an evening of joy and celebration for Lufthansa itself, but also for bmi and SWISS, as they moved in with their parent company – bringing together the Lufthansa family under one roof.

At the inauguration ceremony, guests and staff spontaneously applauded as Mr. Joachim Steinbach, Lufthansa’s Vice President Sales & Services Southeast Europe, Africa, Middle East and Pakistan, Mr. Thierry Antinori, Member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board, and Max Hunt, General Manager Middle East and Africa for bmi, together with Martin Massüger, SWISS’s Director, Head of Sales Middle East, Africa, Pakistan & Iran, officially opened the new office.

Emphasizing the key benefits of the new office in his short address, Mr. Steinbach said: "Moving together under one roof allows for a more direct and more open communication between the management and staff of Lufthansa, SWISS and bmi. The new premises lay the foundation for a further enhanced customer service – a crucial factor for successful business.”

Lufthansa and SWISS took the alliance a step further by not only uniting their regional sales & marketing departments in the same office, but also merging their Dubai city offices. Thanks to its convenient location in the World Trade Center tower, SWISS and Lufthansa customers benefit from the superb accessibility of the new joint ticket office. With the recent opening of Lufthansa’s new check-in facilities in Terminal 1, travelers now also enjoy a further enhancement of the airline’s ground and customer services at Dubai International Airport.

Passengers travelling on Lufthansa and SWISS continue to enjoy a host of benefits resulting from the airlines’ close cooperation. These include more flight options to choose from, outbound via Frankfurt and inbound via Zurich or vice versa for example, better connections to more destinations worldwide, a shared frequent flyer program and enhanced international lounge access, to name a few.

For further information as well as bookings, please visit our website, www.lufthansa.com, or contact the Lufthansa city office or your travel agent.

Lufthansa Dubai City Office
Tel: 00971 4-373 9100
Fax: 00971 4-373 9155
www.lufthansa.com

SWISS Dubai City Office
Tel: 00971 4-381 6100
Fax: 00971 4-381 6171
www.swiss.com

bmi Dubai City Office
Tel: 00971 800 5822
Fax: 00971 4-393 0197

www.flybmi.com
 

SWISS Announces Special Fares From Dubai To Europe And Other Destinations This February

Swiss International Air Lines launched special fares starting from AED2,315 inclusive of taxes in Economy Class onboard its state-of-the-art Airbus A330-300 on services between Dubai and Zurich to Europe and the rest of the world. Travellers from Dubai get to experience the world-class products of the modern aircraft as well as excellent services on board.

For passengers looking to treat their loved ones before or after Valentine’s Day, can avail of the special fares for booking and sale until 28th February and valid for outbound travel latest by 30th June 2011.

SWISS is also offering from now till 27 March 2011, additional frequencies to both European and intercontinental destinations from Zurich. In Europe, these will include more daily flights to Stockholm, Valencia and Belgrade; and on the long-haul network Bangkok, Delhi and Mumbai will all enjoy new daily service. SWISS’s Geneva-based network will also be expanded with the addition of a new Madrid route and a third daily Barcelona flight.

Martin Massueger Director, Head of Sales Middle East, Africa, Pakistan and Iran for Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), said: “Our special fares on sale this February is another reason for travellers to experience the world-class products and services of SWISS on ground and on board. We have been steadfast in offering only the best experience to our customers and our recent awards attest to that – Business Traveller Awards has named SWISS ‘Best Airline for Europe’ for five consecutive years as well as the centrepiece of our new A330-300 with the ‘Best Business Class for North & South America’ distinction.”

The A330-300, deployed non-stop daily from Dubai to Zurich, offers an attractive new cabin in all three seating classes which features the innovative on-board seating technology featuring a pneumatic air cushion whose firmness or softness can be set to individual tastes. And a further highlight is sure to be the state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system in all three cabin classes.

True to its commitment in making travel a welcome experience, SWISS has made it easier for passengers to book, check flight status, check in on the go, access mobile boarding pass, among others, with SWISS Mobile Apps for Blackberry, iPhone and Windows Phone 7 devices. Travellers can now organise their entire trip with the SWISS Apps easily, quickly and reliably.

SWISS operates non-stop daily flights from Dubai to Zurich connecting passengers to over 70 destinations in 39 countries in its coming winter schedule.
 

SWISS Launches Application For BlackBerry Smartphones

The new SWISS app offers BlackBerry smartphone users access to all the airline’s mobile services. The app, developed especially for use on BlackBerry smartphones, provides swift, simple and secure access to SWISS’s timetables, the latest status information on arriving and departing flights and the option to purchase additional flight tickets. The application also integrates with other functions on a BlackBerry smartphone, including GPS capability, meaning the app can even be used to check the latest flight details at the nearest airport served by SWISS, based on the user’s current location.

The app’s webview function enables SWISS customers to check in from their mobile phone and select their seat. Their electronic boarding card is then sent to them as an email or text message. And to round off its full range of air travel services, the app acts as a trip advisor: details of SWISS’s baggage provisions, lounge facilities and inflight services can be called up at any time.

The new app is available to BlackBerry smartphone users free of charge in English, French, German or Italian and can be downloaded on BlackBerry App World™. For further information visit www.swiss.com/blackberry or BlackBerry App World.

“Now more than ever, our customers using Blackberry will find it more convenient to fly via SWISS. The new application simplifies their lives when reserving, checking in or finding out status of their SWISS flights. This new service is part of our resolve to offer our customers service right at their fingertips,” said Martin Massueger Director, Head of Sales Middle East, Africa, Pakistan and Iran for Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS).

SWISS operates daily flights from Muscat and non-stop daily flights from Dubai to Zurich connecting passengers to over 70 destinations in 39 countries in its winter schedule.
 

Movenpick Hotels Resorts Seals Colombo Management Contract Deal Marks Swiss Chains First Property in Sri Lanka and Further Strengthens its Asian Profile

DUBAI, UAE, December 13, 2010/PRNewswire/ — Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has secured a management agreement to operate the Movenpick Hotel Colombo, a 180-room property in Sri Lanka, which is expected to open by mid 2013.

The upscale property, located next to Liberty Plaza in the heart of the city, will occupy half an acre in the prime downtown district, surrounded by commercial businesses, high-end residences and prestigious restaurants.

The 19-floor hotel – being designed with sustainable build and operating requirements – will feature contemporary architecture and room sizes vary from 36sqm for standard rooms up to 70sqm for a suite.

Alongside one speciality restaurant will be an all-day dining venue, rooftop bar and nightclub, and guests will be able to unwind in the fitness centre, spa and pool and receive 24-hour room service, while executives will be able to avail of the Boardroom and Business Centre.

Andreas Mattmuller, Chief Operating Officer of Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, Middle East & Asia, said the company is very excited about opening in Colombo, which is in line with its development strategy to secure projects in key Asian markets.

"It’s a great opportunity to expand our presence in such an emerging travel destination," he said. "It dovetails perfectly with our commitment to international expansion and will strengthen our brand portfolio in Asia."

He added that Movenpick Hotels & Resorts look forward to working with owners SoftLogic Holdings in establishing and growing the business.

Ashok Pathirage, Chairman of SoftLogic Holdings, said: "We were keen to work with a globally recognised brand and Movenpick Hotels & Resorts meets our criteria perfectly. I am sure with their world-renowned levels of service and large client base, they will be a successful addition to the Colombo hospitality scene."

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, an upscale hotel management company with over 12,000 employees, is represented through over 90 hotels existing or under construction in 26 countries with a concentration on its core markets in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The international hotel group with roots in Switzerland is expanding and has a stated objective of increasing its hotel portfolio (existing and under construction) to 100 by the year end 2010. With two hotel types, business and conference hotels, as well as holiday resorts, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has clearly positioned itself in the upscale segment and stands for quality, reliability and care with a personal touch. The hotel group is owned by Movenpick Holding (66.7%) and the Kingdom Group (33.3%).

For further information:
Movenpick Hotels & Resorts
Laura Perez
Director of Communications – ME
Shatha Tower, Floor 39, Office 3903
P.O.Box 500590, Dubai , UAE
Phone +971-4-367-1927
Fax +971-4-367-2688
laura.perez@moevenpick.com
http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com

 

“UAE Marriage Fund Associates With The Country’s Oldest Perfumer Swiss Arabian Perfumes To Support A National Initiative”

UAE Marriage Fund was established in 1992, for the growth and preservation of the national population, and promotion of local heritage. The Fund is one of the initiatives of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, leader and founder of the UAE, and provides marriage grants and sponsors group weddings for UAE nationals.
UAE Marriage fund is aimed at increasing the awareness of religious, cultural and social family principles through awareness campaigns across the UAE and encourage marriages between UAE nationals. It helps the UAE Nationals in building and supporting coherent and stable families in the UAE and Provides finance and support for UAE nationals in their pre-marital phase.

“The UAE Marriage Fund is more than just financial sustenance arm, it is an initiative that educates and congregates our youth on cultural and religious values and the sanctity of marriage. The grants are the sole responsibility of the Fund, but support and participation from companies and individuals is always appreciated. I thank Swiss Arabian Perfumes for their elective support towards UAE Marriage Fund.” said a representative of the UAE Marriage Fund.

Swiss Arabian Perfumes is the country’s oldest and most trusted name in the traditional Ood and Perfumes category that is known for its alignment and association with social and cultural events across the UAE. SAPG has aligned with the UAE Marriage fund to support this national initiative as a long term association towards creating an awareness towards UAE’s culture and heritage.

“Swiss Arabian Perfumes has always supported UAE’s culture of festivity and celebration. It is an absolute pleasure to support the country’s national initiative towards religion and cultural responsibility. I thank the UAE Marriage Fund for allowing us to be a part of their noble initiative,” said Nabeel Adam Ali, Director, Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group.

The next wedding at UAE Marriage fund will be conducted at Khorfhan in September.
 

Swiss Arabian Perfumes Partner With Dubai Fashion Fiesta 2010 As Main Sponsor

Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group (SAPG) announced its association with Dubai Fashion Fiesta (DFF) 2010 through its flagship brand Swiss Arabian Perfumes as the event’s Main Sponsor.

DFF is one of the largest International Fashion events in Dubai and has a reputable existence in the UAE events & fashion industry. DFF 2010 is the fourth edition of the mega event, and will run for three exciting days starting July 22nd at the Dubai World Trade Center. Enviable collections from twenty four designers will be unveiled during the course of the event.

Swiss Arabian Perfumes is a trusted name in the traditional Ood and Perfumes and offers a wide range of premium and authentic Ood, Dehn el Ood, Arabic and a tastefully selected range of French fragrances. Swiss Arabian Perfumes is the region’s oldest brand name in the perfumes category.

Commenting on the association with DFF 2010, Nabeel Adam Ali, Director Marketing, SAPG said, “The association with a platform like DFF 2010 is an ideal opportunity to engage and interact with our consumers and communicate our brand values. We are also pleased to exclusively present three fashion shows including Amber Firoz, Amato Couture and the extremely talented group of emerging designers through Preston University Ajman,”
“We are exceptionally excited about our fragrance showcase on day three of the event and look forward to our audience’s feedback,” he added.

Swiss Arabian Perfumes will conduct three raffle draws during DFF 2010 and will also be exhibiting its celebrated range of fragrances.

The three day event will be held at Sheikh Rashid Hall C & D of the Dubai World Trade Centre from July 22nd to July 24th and will include 24 designers showcasing their collections at DFF 2010. As one of UAE’s leading manufacturers and perfumers of Arabic and French perfumes, SAPG will be part of DFF 2010 to strengthen its business penetration with the fashion, apparel and retail industries in the UAE.

DFF 2010 is a part of Dubai Summer Surprises 2010.
 

Luxury Swiss Watch Brand Makes First Foray In The Middle East With New Collection

Luxury Swiss watchmaker ROGER DUBUIS has announced the launch of new timepieces from the best selling EasyDiver collection at a glittering event held at Atlantis, Dubai recently.

Chief Executive Officer of Manufacture ROGER DUBUIS, Matthias Schuler, speaking at the launch attended by watch connoisseurs, prominent businessmen and VIPs said: “Today’s launch of our new watch collection is our first foray into a highly competitive market for luxury such as the Gulf. We are confident that our brand’s combination of watch making precision and bold design will find loyal trendsetters in this market.”

Mr Schuler added that with expansion plans across the Middle East in the pipeline such launches are part of a series of initiatives for ROGER DUBUIS towards making its mark in the Middle East’s connoisseur markets in Haute Horlogerie.

He added that ROGER DUBUIS represents the highest standards of watch-making excellence in international markets. Six new timepieces of the EasyDiver collection were presented at the event. Whether forcefully virile in black version or delightfully summery when clad in purple, ROGER DUBUIS pursues it’s avant-garde path combining trendy design with traditional Geneva-sealed movement.

ROGER DUBUIS has made great strides in the watchmaking industry in a very short span of time. True to this testament as a watch manufacturer, they vividly demonstrate powerful personality through their creations and manufacturing know-how.

ABOUT ROGER DUBUIS
ROGER DUBUIS was founded in 1995 and, since then, has been injecting its DNA with resolutely new and bold genetic codes. Positioned on the cusp of haute horlogerie and adhering to its exacting and exclusive criteria, the brand established its head office in 2001 in Meyrin / Geneva, where two buildings housing ultra-modern industrial equipment were constructed for the Manufacture. In scarcely eleven years, the Manufacture has created its 28 complicated, often highly complicated, movements. While their technical characteristics require the most traditional horological savoir-faire, the production and manufacturing rely on cutting-edge expertise.All ROGER DUBUIS movements bear the ‘Poinçon de Genève’ and, since 2003, have been equipped with the Manufacture’s own balance-spring, positioning the brand’s products at the very apex of prestige haute horlogerie in Switzerland.

Since 1996, ROGER DUBUIS creates watch collections each line has a powerful personality and a unique identity. An exuberant and original jewellery line was added to its portfolio in 2004. In search of a new lease of life, the ROGER DUBUIS Manufacture joined Richemont (one of the world’s leading luxury goods groups) in 2008, becoming the ninth watch manufactory to join this very exclusive group. This is an extraordinarily favourable union for the ‘enfant terrible’ of Geneva’s exclusive watchmakers as it will benefit from all the advantages that come from being a member of Richemont.