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Attention is turning to the different rail projects throughout the Gulf in the wake of the successful launch of Dubai Metro. There is a possibility of a Pan-Gulf network linking the major cities in the region. Dubai Metro is the most important passenger rail services but it is one of many rail systems that will connect GCC countries and the whole region. It took four years to launch Dubai Metro at a cost of…
Dubai Hotels are getting ready for the Eid holidays by offering special packages after the number of holiday makers declined between 20 and 25 per cent during Ramadan. Dubai is attempting to bring holiday makers back with the best hotel room bargains combined with discounts on food, beverages, and complimentary offers for children. Dusit Thani Dubai’s Eid Festival package, valid between September 20 and…
International Air Charter (IAC) has bolstered its fleet to meet the expected surge in demand during Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. IAC is one of the world’s biggest independent private jet charter brokers and consultants. The company hit their growth target this season and expects a 50 per cent increase in the number of clients. IAC Middle East Partner Elie Abdo said “While IAC has been hitting…
Dubai based luxury hospitality company Jumeirah Group will manage the Jumeirah Marrakech Golf & Polo Resort. Jumeirah Group recently signed an agreement with SGTM Immobilier to manage the new luxury resort, which is located seven kilometers south of Marrakech at the side of the Atlas Mountains. SGTM Immobilier is a subsidiary of Societe Generale des Travaux du Maroc (SGTM). Executive Chairman for Jumeirah…
Cash strapped yacht owners are keeping the second hand boat market busy as they look to recover some of their investment. Many who bought their yachts during better economic times are now trying to free up cash by selling their boats. Rashid, who owns a property company in Dubai, purchased a new 50 foot luxury yacht over two years ago for Dh10 million (US$2.72m). At the time Rashid had the funds to maintain…
SAS Scandinavian Airline will use Dubai as a regional hub in order to expand in the Middle East and South Asia. The carrier is the combined multinational airline of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The newly appointed manager for the UAE said “Dubai is a good and increasing market and the region is becoming more and more important for us.” SAS is coordinating with Dnata travel booking service to meet demand…
The slowdown in the construction industry has provided an unexpected bonus for the Louvre and Guggenheim museum projects in Abu Dhabi. The Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) launched both these projects last year at a cost of Dh5 billion (US$1.36 billion). Because of less demand in this sector, costs are expected to be 30 per cent less than last year, and contractors, which were once difficult to…
Tourism official and operators in Oman expect the number of tourists visiting Oman will increase 11 per cent to 2 million this year, because Gulf residents are looking for less expensive holidays in the region. Ministry of Tourism head of development Khalid Al Ghassan said “The global crisis has forced Gulf nationals to travel closer from home and Oman is hugely benefiting from it.” Al Ghassan said about…
The International Air Transport Association revised their global financial forecast downwards, but said the region’s carriers would lose $500 million, compared to the previous estimate of $1.5 billion. Although the crisis for aviation sector globally is increasing the outlook for Middle Eastern airlines is improving. IATA said “Airlines continue to gain long-haul market share with expanded capacity and hub…
Emirate Airlines, based in Dubai, announced their first codeshare agreement with Virgin Blue Group’s new international airline V Australia on the trans-Tasman route beginning 25 October. The agreement will provide connections to V Australia guests when travelling between New Zealand and the USA. Passengers using Emirates to travel on the Trans-Tasman sector can conveniently connect to and from V…
The newly opened Elaf Jeddah Hotel, located in the Red Sea Mall complex, held its first event on Sunday – an Iftar party for media. The hotel is Elaf Travel, Tourism, & Hotel’s 11th property. The Elaf group is part of SEDCO. They have eight other hotels in Makkah and two in Madinah. The company’s General Manager for Business development, Ehab A. Eid said they plan to add an additional 2,400 rooms within…
Riyadh municipality has announced new activities for this years Eid celebration, which will probably start on Sunday. A spokesman of the High Commission for Development of Riyadh said “The 2009 edition of Eid celebrations will begin with prayers and will highlight the festivity through a range of events and activities, featuring fireworks, concerts, shows, local plays, poetry sessions, and woman’s…
The Millennium & Copthorne Hotels signed their first hotel in Yemen, the Millennium Gold Mohur Beach Resort Aden, and a five star hotel fronting the Gulf of Arabia. CEO and President of Millennium & Copthorne Middle East Holdings Limited – Mr. Ali Hamad Lakhraim Ezaabi signed the agreement at the Grand Millenium Dubai with Dr. Abdullah Ahmad Al Kathri - Chairman of Al Kathiri Investment Group and the owner of…
Hotel occupancy rates in Dubai could be boosted by transit passengers if they are encouraged to pause their travels for a break in Dubai. Managing Director of Premier Inn said that while Dubai Airport is bucking the trend with big increases in passenger traffic, the challenge is “to encourage more people who transit through Dubai to spend a few days in the city.” Darroch Crawford said hotels must work with…
Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates (MoE) occupancy rates reached 92 per cent for July 2009 and the first fifteen days of August 2009 This is a 4 per cent increase over the same period last year. The hotels general manager said “Special offers and activities during Dubai Summer Surprises at the hotel and adjoining Sky Dubai and Mall of the Emirate” contributed to the very healthy occupancy rate. Holger…
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) will promote tourism in Abu Dhabi in the Leisure Moscow Exhibition, which runs from 22 September through 24 September. The exhibition is an opportunity for the ADTA to increase its profile in the Russian market. A dedicated pavilion will showcase hotels and new properties on Yas Island, which is hosting the Etihad Airways Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. ADTA…
The latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index shows that the average price of hotel rooms around the world declined 17 per cent during the first six months of 2009 due to price falls on every continent. Room rates in June 2009 were over one sixth lower than they were a year earlier and only one per cent higher than in January 2004, the year the Hotel Price Index started. Dubai became a more desirable place to…
Participation in international conferences and exhibitions in Dubai will increase between 10 and 15 per cent this year compared to 2008. Major exhibitions like the Dubai Airshow 2009, Media and Marketing Show, and the Big Five will have more exhibition space to accommodate higher demand this year. However, the international property investment and development exhibition Cityscape will probably see a 25 to…
