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Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it will establish its second hub in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, providing the Sharjah-based LCC with a platform from which to reach into the wider Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) market. This announcement follows the signing of a management agreement between Air Arabia and Regional Air Lines, the leading private carrier in Morocco.

Under the terms of the agreement, Air Arabia will assume management control of the Morocco-based carrier. Air Arabia will apply its successful business model to the management Regional Air Lines.

Together with Air Arabia, Ithmaar Bank, a Bahrain-based investment bank with global reach, will provide a significant capital injection for the Morocco-based carrier and join Air Arabia and Regional Air Lines as partners in the newly created company.

Adel Ali, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “Air Arabia is currently in the midst of a period of rapid expansion. This agreement provides us with the opportunity to reach into fast-growing markets in North Africa and across the Mediterranean into southern Europe. With a strong presence in the Egyptian cities of Alexandria, Luxor and Assiut, Air Arabia will now be able to expand significantly this coverage area across the EMEA region.”

Mohamed Hassan Ben Salah, Chairman, Regional Air Lines, said: “This agreement marks an important and natural next step in the evolution of Regional Air Lines, which was founded a decade ago to meet the needs of travelers within Morocco and in southern Europe. In partnership with Air Arabia and Ithmaar Bank, we will provide travelers in Morocco and across the EMEA region with far greater choice in selecting efficient and cost-effective travel solutions. Considering that Morocco expects to welcome an estimated 10 million tourists a year by 2010, this is an especially timely announcement. There is also a very large Moroccan diaspora, particularly in Europe, who will benefit when traveling between the Continent and the Kingdom.”

Khalid Abdulla-Janahi, Chairman of Ithmaar’s Board of Directors, said: “Given the financial strength and operational excellence of Air Arabia and the proven track record of Regional Air Lines, we see this agreement as an ideal way to strengthen both carriers. The seamless integration of the operations of the two airlines – along with the financial expertise provided by Ithmaar Bank – will lead to new synergies that will benefit all the partners.”

Ithmaar Bank is serving as the financial advisor and financier for the transaction.

About Air Arabia: Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a fleet of 10 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 37 destinations across Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent and Central Asia through its main hub in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Air Arabia is modeled after leading American and European low-cost airlines, and its business model is customised to accommodate local preferences. Its main focus is to make air travel more convenient through Internet bookings and offering the lowest fares in the market along with the highest levels of safety and service standards.

About Regional Air Lines: Regional Air Lines, launched in 1997, is the leading private airline in Morocco. With the objective of becoming the first airline to set up a regional network from its hub in Casablanca, the carrier has grown organically over the past decade to expand its coverage area to include nearly all major urban centres in the Kingdom and four destinations in the southern European nations of Spain and Portugal. The carrier operates a fleet of 10 aircraft and employs 230 staff of 15 different nationalities. About Ithmaar Bank: Ithmaar Bank B.S.C. is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain and listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange (‘ITHMR’). It has a total equity of $1.1bn and is a full investment bank with its direct business covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as South Asia, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Besides holding significant investments in the banking, financial services and real estate sectors in different markets, the main activities of the Bank include underwriting (equity and other financings), private equity (structuring, participation and portfolio management), Islamic financing, private banking, and advisory services covering project financing, investments, capital markets and mergers & acquisitions.

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A new luxury private island resort in the Seychelles is to be unveiled at WTM, the first of two properties to be managed by Jebel Ali International Hotels in the Indian Ocean.

Round Island Resort is set to be one of the more exclusive resorts in the Seychelles, featuring just ten secluded chalets, all with their own private pools and beach. The five acre island will also house the resorts Lifestyle Spa & Wellness Centre.

Round Island sits tranquilly in the middle of a designated National Marine Park and is situated roughly four miles east of Port Victoria and close to her neighbouring islands of Sainte Anne, Moyenne, Long and Cerf.

The resort itself is surrounded by beautiful beaches, rocky outcrops and alcoves, whilst its coastline is renowned for providing a venue for some of the finest swimming and snorkelling in the Indian Ocean.

Of the ten chalets, eight will have just one bedroom each whilst the other two with feature two bedrooms. The resort is being developed by Trinity Estate Limited, who will be using traditional Creole architecture in order to reflect the culture and heritage of the region.

Round Island Resort is scheduled to open in time for Christmas 2008 and will be available for sale on request from a number of carefully selected tour operators in the UK.

Find out more at WTM stand ME2000.

Jebel Ali International Hotels is the successful owner and/or operator of the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, a member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’, comprising the Jebel Ali Hotel and all-suite Palm Tree Court & Spa; the Hatta Fort Hotel, a member of ‘Relais & Chateaux’, nestled amidst the majestic Hajar mountains; the Oasis Beach Hotel on the famous Jumeirah Beach strip; the 180 luxury serviced hotel apartments of the Oasis Beach Tower; Bateaux Dubai, the unique dining cruise vessel on Dubai Creek; and the Jebel Ali International Shooting Club and Centre of Excellence. Each of these special entities offers superior and distinctive products and services while never losing sight of their Arabian heritage and hospitality.

Seychelles Berlitz Pocket Guide (Berlitz Pocket Guide)  ISBN: 9812467807 Stock status: Temporarily out of stock Published: Jan 2007 Format: Paperback This guide explores the Seychelles, a group of 115 islands which lie 1600km off the east coast of Africa. Focusing on the main island of Mahe, home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria, and its satellites Praslin and La Digue this guide also features Silhouette Island, Bird Island and Denis Island. The colour-coded sections help visitors navigate around the book quickly and fold-out front and back flap maps provide instant orientation. It contains a user-friendly A-Z travel tips directory plus practical advice and useful phrases for leisure and business travellers. The top ten attractions are highlighted as well as recommended restaurants and hotels for all budgets. Brief Description: Explores the Seychelles, a group of 115 islands which lie 1600km off the east coast of Africa. This guide focuses on the main island of Mahe, home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria, and its satellites Praslin and La Digue, the Silhouette Island, Bird Island and Denis Island. It also contains an A-Z travel tips directory.

Park Hyatt Zurich has launched the “Comfort in Suites” concept to ensure guests feel the luxury and ease of being in their own home by providing unique details to the ultimate luxury experience.

In addition to the standard luxurious interiors – comfortable king-size beds, extra-large marble bathrooms and state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen (B&O) flat-screen televisions systems – the 72 sq m Park Suites in Park Hyatt Zurich now offer Nespresso coffee stations, a wide selection of books, as well as residential décor and brand new B&O stereos, that invite guests to relax and enjoy their stay.

Park Hyatt Zurich will also offer guests its unique fragrance, created by the Parisian parfumeur Blaise Mautin, which is scheduled to be launched in January 2008.

“As a global financial hub, more and more Middle East visitors to Zurich are looking for a comfort element to their luxury hotel room. By incorporating the ‘Comfort in Suites’ concept, Hyatt aims to accommodate to each guest’s needs by providing them with an environment that recreate the luxury and comfort of their own home,” said Thiery Bertin, Area Director of Marketing – Middle East, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.

Park Hyatt Zurich invites you to experience real comfort in combination with attentive service and looks forward to welcoming Middle East travellers to Switzerland.

InterContinental Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement with Lateral Holdings to develop a US$50 million luxury resort on the idyllic island of Mauritius.

Scheduled to open late 2008, the 210 room InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort, will offer guests a prime beachfront location in the Bay of Balaclava, 20 minutes north of the country’s capital Port Louis. The development is the hotel brand’s first resort in the African region and is part of InterContinetal Hotels Group’s aggressive growth plan that will almost double the Middle East and Africa property portfolio over the next three years.

“We are thrilled to be developing InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balacava Fort, especially in a destination that is synonymous with the ultimate in luxury travel,” said John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer, IHG, Middle East & Africa. “Globally, InterContinental Resorts offer the best in upscale accommodation and the brand is the preferred choice for international travellers looking for a truly authentic destination experience.”

“The African region is one of the most exciting places in the world at the moment for the travel industry and IHG’s confidence in the market is reflected by the fact we plan to open six properties, across the continent in 2008 alone,” added Bamsey.

InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort will be located just 15 minutes drive from Grand Baie, the island’s most popular area. It will comprise 210 bright and spacious rooms, including 40 family guest rooms and 10 suites. In addition, the resort will include a Club InterContinental floor with Club Rooms and Lounge where guests can enjoy an exclusive retreat with privileges including breakfast and regular refreshments throughout the day.

All rooms have an attractive open-plan design and overlook the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean, allowing guests to take in the stunning scenery of the island’s pristine beaches. The ocean-facing rooms will feature a stone-bath, 42-inch wall-mounted plasma screens with interactive television and a private outdoor balcony or terrace area completing the accommodation’s superior feel.

InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort will offer travellers the opportunity to enjoy the distinct beauty of this volcanic island, which is famous for the extinct Dodo bird and its magnificent coral reefs. A two-tier infinity pool located next to the beach is a perfect accompaniment to the natural surroundings and the resort will boast the only lagoon on the island with a natural salt-water dip pool. Guests will be invited to explore the adjacent marine park through snorkeling or diving trips organised by the resort’s diving center, or sign up for one of the many water-sports on offer.

Situated on the roof-top, the resort’s spa and health club will offer panoramic views across the Indian Ocean. The spa will offer the ultimate in rejuvenation through steam and sauna rooms, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, relaxation areas and a boutique offering a range of wellness products.

The four fine-dining options set for the resort include a Mediterranean restaurant and two beachfront outlets offering up-market Indian and Chinese cuisine. The Indian restaurant will be the first of its kind on the island, blending authentic Indian cuisine with a contemporary design.

For high profile social and corporate events, the property will feature the largest banqueting and conference hall in a hotel in Mauritius, accommodating up to 1,000 people. The area includes four meeting rooms and a business centre equipped with modern equipment, and an eight-metre-high grand ballroom that has direct access to the pool, gardens stunning beach area..

Other resort highlights include a pool bar with live entertainment, two tennis courts, a kids’ club and retail shops.

InterContinental Resort Mauritius Balaclava Fort will give a growing number of visitors unrivalled access to the island, with tourist figures hitting an all time high of almost 800,000 in 2006*. The property is the latest in a long line of high profile development announcements for the InterContinental brand, including the opening of the 150th InterContinental Hotel at Dubai Festival City in November this year.

Mauritius Travel Map Key buildings and places of interest are pinpointed, as well as where to stay. Distance and climate charts enable travelers to plan their visits, while stunning photographs conjure up the special atmosphere. , Travel – Foreign ; Africa ; Maps & Road Atlases, Mauritius Travel Map

Dubai, November 2007: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is proudly celebrating its legacy as the first truly international luxury hotel brand in the world with the opening of its 150th hotel – InterContinental Dubai Festival City.

This milestone will be followed days later when the brand opens its first hotel in Vietnam – the 359-room InterContinental Hanoi Westlake.

Following three years of aggressive development activity and brand expansion, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts celebrated its soft launch on November 7th and is the first of three InterContinental Hotels Group properties to open at Festival City, with Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City and InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City to open in December 2007.

These magnificent properties have gone from concept to completion in just three years, becoming iconic landmarks on the city skyline. The project is the largest in the history of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), and three properties opening simultaneously within the same location is also a first for the group.

The 36 floor InterContinental Dubai Festival City managed by Dieter Franke has a total of 500 ultra stylish rooms, including 121 Suites, three Presidential Suites and one Royal Suite. The rooms consist of a series of interlocking zones for maximum flexibility and privacy and each contains a large bathroom with a wet zone and splash area. All have stunning views of either the historic Dubai Creek, the city skyline or the world-class shopping centre, the Festival Waterfront Centre. John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer, IHG, Middle East and Africa said, “InterContinental Hotels and Resorts has been in the region catering for sophisticated business and leisure travellers for over 40 years and the opening of our latest flagship property represents how we continue to lead in the upscale travel market. The launch of InterContinental Dubai Festival City marks an era of significant growth and development for the brand as we look to open 10 properties by the end of 2009, including InterContinental Kuwait and InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort.”

Area General Manager Tom Meyer, who oversees the entire project, said, “It is an absolute pleasure to be a part of such a monumental project at Dubai Festival City, especially as InterContinental Dubai Festival City is such a landmark property as the 150th hotel in the brand’s global portfolio. I have the pleasure to lead a super team and every measure has been taken to ensure we deliver the highest quality services and amenities in an excellent destination.”

The hotel offers sports and recreational facilities dedicated to fulfil the needs of any traveller, whether they desire a full work-out session, or simply to unwind and enjoy themselves. The leisure deck includes an outdoor 25 metre pool, children’s splash pool and three outdoor spa pools, and the state of the art gym sports the latest fitness equipment including the Kinesis ‘free weights’ range.

After opening in December, Spa InterContinental will feature 700 square metres of wellness facilities including eight treatment suites and two VIP couples spa suites. A variety of treatments will be available from experienced therapists, including holistic therapies infusing unique Arabic and Asian techniques.

Opening with the hotel are two splendid food and beverage outlets. ‘Anise’ is a world-food restaurant catering to a total sensory experience, integrating the diner into the kitchen. Cuisine from all over the world is prepared and served from live cooking stations around the restaurant, keeping diners on the edge of their seat with excitement.

The Vista lobby lounge and bar is a large and luxurious venue that curves the Creek, framing stunning views across the water, and also the striking silhouette of the towers and skyscrapers of ‘Sheikh Zayed Road’ in the centre of Dubai. Vista Lounge will be a place to sit and enjoy exquisite décor and the impeccable views, and to sample delicious and funky beverages at the bar which appears to be floating above the promenade at the edge of the infinity pool.

Once fully operational, the hotel will feature eight superb restaurants and eateries, including the much anticipated ‘Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire’. Set to be the sixth and sexiest restaurant in the three star Michelin chef’s repertoire, ‘Reflets’ will be an example of exceptional taste in every fashion. Contemporary and stylish furnishings will accompany modern French cuisine, encapsulating a culinary art of flavours.

Both InterContinental and Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City are internally connected to the Festival Waterfront Centre, the 550 retail outlets and 90 restaurants and cafés are just a minutes’ walk away. Two 18-hole championship golf courses are also close to hand, as is a scenic stroll along the waterfront promenade, connecting to the 100 berth Festival Marina.

The United Arab Emirates has been ranked as the 5th preferred country in the world in which to hold a conference in an independent report, The Country Brand Index, released at the World Travel Market in London. The UAE is the top Middle Eastern country in the index and has beaten major established conference destinations such as the UK, France, Japan and Canada in the league table

The dramatic increase in the conference industry in the UAE capital city of Abu Dhabi is cited as a major contributing factor to the UAE’s success. This increase is being spearheaded by the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Phase 1 of which opened in February 2007 with Phase 2 on course to open in autumn 2008.

Commenting on the success of the UAE in the index, ADNEC CEO, Simon Horgan said: “The conference and exhibition business is a barometer of a country’s economy. When markets are flourishing, conferences and exhibitions in that region flourish and in Abu Dhabi we have market growth on a rare scale. Abu Dhabi has created the world’s leading conference and exhibition facility because, as one the fastest growing cities in the world that’s what we needed to do. Naturally I’m delighted that what we’re doing in Abu Dhabi is helping to establish the UAE in the very top tier of conference destinations, above countries with long established conference and exhibition industries”

The report entitled “Country Brand Index” which has been complied by international brand consultancy FutureBrand determines the world’s most successful countries in terms of brand, across a range of criteria such as Authenticity, Environment, Safety and Value for Money.

Rina Plapler, Executive Director of FutureBrand said: “The UAE is emerging as a powerhouse country brand and its significant rise this year as a leader in conferences is quite dramatic. Abu Dhabi’s aggressive growth, attention to creating world-class facilities and related ancillary services is clearly impacting global travel perspectives.”

ADNEC recently announced that construction of Phase 2 of the exhibition centre was running ahead of schedule. When complete, ADNEC will be the largest exhibition and conference centre in the Middle East. ADNEC and the surrounding Capital Centre development is being developed under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

About ADNEC: The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) is a first class MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) venue in the Middle East. ADNEC is following an expansion strategy with the aim of catalyzing the MICE industry in the UAE capital, and is developing a brand new 148,000 square metre business and leisure district termed the Capital Centre. Situated close to the Airport, the AED 8 billion Centre will house the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, an iconic 35-storeyed Feature Tower, a micro-city consisting residential, commercial and hotel accommodation, a marina and waterfront leisure zone and an existing grandstand. The exhibition centre project is being undertaken in three phases, and is expected to complete by 2009.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain (Rough Guide Map S.)  ISBN: 1843533758 Published: Sep 2004 Format: Paperback Pages: 1 The Rough Guide Map Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain is the most detailed and comprehensive map to this intriguing destination. The scale of 1:470,000 allows for enough detail to include even the smallest dirt tracks and settlements whilst also being a manageable size for use in the car or whilst walking. Pinpointed on the map are places of interest, including archeological sites, oases, nature reserves, desert and dunes. Whether you’re heading off the beaten track or on a stopover in dubai this map is your essential companion.

Abu Dhabi, UAE; Al Jaber Group has announced its intention to buy two Airbus A380 and signed purchase agreement for two Airbus A318 Elites. Al Jaber is the first company in the UAE to purchase Airbus A318 Elites, which will be powered by CFM International CFM56-5B9/P engines.

Focused on executive jet services for the high-end market, Al Jaber is taking wings with an advanced fleet of aircraft and a professional workforce with global experience. The Airbus A318 Elite will be a sterling addition to the group’s prospects in positioning itself as a premier private aviation services provider in the region.

Mr Obeid Al Jaber, Chairman, Al Jaber Group, said: “Our intention to buy the Airbus A380 highlights the strong growth goals we have set for ourselves. We already see a growing need in the region for private aviation services for the high-end market including families and business delegations, for which the spacious Airbus A318 Elite is a perfect solution. The widely spaced cabin zones and ease of movement around the cabin provided by Airbus A318 Elite are unmatched by anything in its category.”

Mr. Mohamed Al Jaber, CEO of Al Jaber Group, added: “As the newest member of the Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) family, the Airbus A318 Elite assures new levels of spaciousness and comfort to VIP travellers – our primary clients. With partnerships with such accomplished organisations as Airbus, we are creating a new benchmark in private aviation services in the region.”

“It is always very satisfying to see customers such as the Al Jaber Group benefiting from the Airbus advantage that we deliver in corporate jets,” said Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers John Leahy, “and if the success of our many other customers is anything to go by, we will be playing our part in its successful growth for many years to come.”

The Airbus A318 Elite is offered in two versions seating either 14 or 18 passengers, with a common cabin created by specialist cabin-outfitter Lufthansa Technik. Its cabin features separate lounge areas with comfortable seating clustered around tables, as well as a private office that doubles as a private bedroom with ensuite bathroom.

The Airbus A318 Elite flies effortlessly from anywhere in the Middle East to Europe and North Africa, has the range to fly from London and Paris to New York, and is equally at home flying within continents such as North America and Asia.

Airbus launched the A318 Elite in autumn 2005, and delivered the first outfitted aircraft in May this year. The A318 Elite has proved an increasingly popular member of the Airbus ACJ Family, which recently passed the milestone of 100 sales.

Airbus corporate jet customers also enjoy an excellent operational reliability of better than 99.9 per cent, as well as all of the benefits that an all-modern aircraft design brings. They also benefit from the same comprehensive product support as airline customers, as well as extra services that recognise their special needs.

Al Jaber’s private aviation services will meet the demanding requirements of dignitaries, VIPs and top business executives through an array of personalised services. The key differentiators of Al Jaber Group are the modern fleet of aircraft it operates and the superb levels of service that will be guaranteed through world-class professionals.

About Al Jaber Group:

Al Jaber Group is a privately owned multi-faceted group of companies, whose success is based on controlled growth and diversification. The strength of the company’s performance is in its ability to utilize the varied divisions within the Group to support and complement each other.

Al Jaber Group constantly explores new markets, new products and technical innovations in order to maintain its high profile and market leadership. With a workforce in excess of 40,000, the Company is geared to meet the constantly changing demands of the market by investing in the latest engineering and information technology.

The company has four major divisions: General Contracting, Heavy Lifting & Logistics Services; Industries and Trading. For more details, visit: http://www.aljaber.com/

Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism market is expected to grow by about 20% annually over the next decade and hotels in Makkah and Madinah are forecasting strong occupancy rates this year, according to The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s fastest growing hotel companies, which plans to open three new properties in the holy cities by 2010.

“The Kingdom’s geographical, economic and social attributes have a lot to offer to tourists, particularly Muslim travellers who visit the country for Hajj,” said Mohamed Benamar, District Director Saudi Arabia of The Rezidor Hotel Group.

“Saudi Arabia is one of our major growth markets and religious tourism will be our main focus.”

And according to the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) which was formed to build and organise Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, the number of tourists who visit the country will double to 45.3 million by 2020 and the Kingdom will be required to provide an additional 50,000 hotel rooms and 74,000 furnished units within that timeframe.

“The domestic tourism market in the Kingdom is currently untapped and there is huge potential in this sector. According to a SCT report, Saudi nationals spend nearly US$14.5 billion on travel annually and the Kingdom also earns tourism revenues worth US $1.8 billion a year almost exclusively from religious tourism,” added Benamar.

The Rezidor Hotel Group will open its first class full service brand, Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts in Makkah by 2010 and its fresh and energetic mid-market Park Inn brand by 2009.

Al Diyafa Radisson Hotel will have 256 rooms, state-of-the-art facilities including a separate male and female spa, four restaurants, six meeting rooms and 1250 square metre ballroom for weddings and banquets.

The Al Diyafa Park Inn Makkah will be in the Al Zahir area approximately three kilometres from the Haram, with 221 rooms, a restaurant, a lobby lounge, a business centre, seven meetings rooms, two courtyards, a gym and 103 car parking spaces.

The Al Madinah Paradise Radisson SAS Resort will feature 212 luxurious guestrooms as well as 10 villas. Just seven kilometres from the Haram, the Al Madinah Paradise Resort will be surrounded by a beautifully landscaped hillside and open mountain views.  Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about the Holy Kaaba – the Hajj to Mecca.

A Tour Of Rungis, The World’s Largest Market And True Belly Of Paris

Context Paris organizes an expedition to Rungis, the world famous market of Paris, with chef Louisa Chu

Paris. — Situated on the outskirts of Paris, not far from Orly airport, the Rungis market is the largest of its kind in the world. Here is where Paris’ best meals begin; and for many critics the difference between a mediocre meal and something otherworldly starts with Rungis and a chef’s ability to secure the finest ingredients.

On December 26, Context Paris docent Louisa Chu will escort a group out to Rungis to tour the market. Trained at the Cordon-bleu and a former chef at Alain Ducasse’s Plaza Athenes, Chu has extensive experience navigating the miles of meat lockers, fish stalls, and fresh vegetables and fruit that arrive in Rungis every day.

“Rungis is mecca for anyone serious about food,” notes Context founder Paul Bennett. “It’s much more than just a market. It’s the center of the gastronomic world in Paris. And Louisa, with her hands-on experience in some of the finest restaurants in town, is just the person to take us there.”

In addition to giving a participants a history of the market since it was moved here from central Paris in the 1960s, Chu will narrate a walk through Rungis’ stalls, commenting on the ways chefs jockey for position here to secure the best materials, the global reach of the vendors and their wares, and how changes in French cuisine have been shaped by the scope and quality of what is, arguably, the most important market in the world.

Context’s event will start at 5 am on December 26 and last three hours. Transportation (and coffee) will be supplied. This visit to Rungis is part of Context’s “out of context” series of special lectures and events offered throughout the year in addition to its regular schedule of small-group walking seminars.

In addition to her experience in Parisian restaurants, Louisa Chu is a columnist for Gourmet magazine and frequently appears on PBS, the Travel Channel, and Discovery International. Founded by National Geographic writer Paul Bennett and designer Lani Bevacqua, Context is a network of English-speaking scholars and professionals—including art historians, writers, architects, and gastronomes—who organize and lead didactic walking seminars across five cities: Rome, Naples, Florence, Paris, and Venice. In May 2007, Travel + Leisure named Context one of the top European tour companies for its innovative approach to travel and the depth of its programs. To learn more about Context visit its website at: www.contexttravel.com

“Service” takes on a whole new meaning now Dubai’s newest deluxe five star hotel. The Monarch Dubai, has opened. In a city where hospitality standards are already very high, The Monarch Dubai will be delivering unrivalled personalised service through facilities, management and superior trained staff.

The Monarch Dubai is being showcased at World Travel Market by its owner-operators, Refad Hotels & Resorts.

Located at the premier location of One Sheikh Zayed Road, The Monarch Dubai is positioning itself as a luxury hotel with a difference aimed at business and leisure travellers.

General Manager Henning Fries says The Monarch Dubai will differentiate itself from other hotels in the city by providing dedicated personal service consistent with its underlying philosophy of being a hospitality industry leader.

“With a staff:guest ratio of 3.5:1, higher than many leading European hotels, we are more than ready to exceed our guests’ expectations,” he said.

“For example, the superb fine cuisine available in each of our eight restaurants and lounges can become a private banquet served in their suite by their own private butler who is on call 24/7. Personal trainers are on hand in the lavishly appointed gymnasiums to provide wellness assessments and individual fitness plans, while exquisite massages unique to The Monarch Dubai in the Middle East are on offer from the world-leading Mandara Spa.”

The 33-storey hotel has 236 rooms, suites and serviced residences, with some of city’s most luxurious accommodation provided by The Palace Suite, Sky Suite, two Presidential Suites; eight restaurants and lounges, full conference facilities and select retail outlets.

Mr Fries says an inimitable experience awaits those staying in The Palace Suite. Located on the 32nd and 33rd floors, the 1130m2 Palace Suite features two Majlis, dining room, private movie theatre and library, three en-suite bedrooms and an extensive outdoor area with private terrace, pool, steam room and sauna.

The view from the suite overlooks the length of Sheik Zayed Road and truly makes the guest feel on ‘top of the world’. The freedom of walking out onto the outdoor terrace, along with the inside-outside pool, provides an oasis for relaxation nestled in the middle of the busy Dubai business world, Mr Fries says.

The entire 31st floor comprises only the two Presidential Suites. Ranging from 220 to 227m2, each suite has two en-suite bedrooms; a king-size master and a twin guest room; separate sitting and dining areas, a kitchenette and a small cloakroom on entry.

In keeping with the décor throughout the hotel, the suites provide a stylish interior with an Arabic touch, suitable for entertaining, as well as relaxing. Once again the view is also a highlight and the lofty feeling blends well with the aspirations of many who would enjoy such sophisticated design.

Situated on the 29th and 30th floors the 258m2 Sky Suite is suspended between the hotel and office tower. The lower level has a sitting room, separate dining room and kitchenette. A staircase takes guests up to a king-size bedroom, en-suite marble bathroom and galleried landing which overlooks the sitting room below. Every detail, from the dual access robe cupboard from room to bath; through to the chandeliers – a work of art on their own – clearly illustrate the style The Monarch Dubai has introduced to the region’s accommodation offerings.

There are 53 studio, one, two and three bedroom serviced residences offering access to all of the hotel facilities, including serviced offices. “Each of these enjoys the pampering fit-out of a hotel suite, but with the practicalities required for longer term stays”, says Mr Fries. “The furnishings have been chosen to enable apartment guests to simply move in and feel at home, yet also acknowledge the level of taste that encourages both entertaining and comfort.”

The dedicated Conference and Events floor has 13 meeting rooms and two boardrooms, an open-plan business centre, business offices and conference butlers offering the very best in personal service.

Each room is named after a world famous diamond, the precious gem establishing once again the quality of service expected in each. Meeting organisers are able to choose from select rooms enhanced by the view from the front of the building, or more muted rooms suited for concentrated training. The Nur Al Ain meeting room overlooks the foyer and can be open to encourage the sights and sounds during a cocktail evening, or closed off by discreet windows giving complete soundproofing, but still offering the outlook to the palm trees and people below.

Accessible by a winding marble staircase, the hotel’s Grand Ballroom covers more than 1000m2 and accommodates 500 guests for a formal dinner and up to 800 for a stand-up reception. The chandeliers feature subtle colours and highlights lending an ambience usually missing in larger venues.

The Monarch Dubai’s layout provides a totally separate entrance-way to the ballroom, so guests attending a private function are not required to walk through the whole foyer to access the venue. This, coupled with the hotel’s own multi-storey car park, offers privacy to both event organisers and hotel guests alike.

The hotel has eight restaurants and lounges, featuring European, Indian and Japanese cuisine with pride of place going to The Empire as The Monarch Dubai’s signature restaurant. Its prize-winning chef has promised to create new dishes fitting the image, sophistication and choice of The Monarch Dubai’s guests, while at the same time being able to concoct anything the guest might desire.

For working out or winding down, the hotel’s Quantum Health Club and world-renowned Mandara Spa provide a variety of recreational and relaxing options. The Quantum Health Club features an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and a gymnasium with a range of specialist fitness equipment.

About Refad Hotels & Resorts

Refad Hotels & Resorts is a wholly owned subsidiary of Efad Holding, a major Kuwait conglomerate. Refad Hotels & Resorts’ head office, located in the State of Kuwait, provides hotel management, development, ownership investment as well as financing worldwide for a variety of innovative hospitality products. Refad Hotels and Resorts own and operate a range of hospitality solutions across the region as well as overseas. It has five international properties in operation and a further six under construction. As an emerging international hospitality group, the company plans to acquire 30 new properties over the next five years. Refad’s unifying aim is the provision of exceptional hospitality services to corporate individuals and groups, ensuring that the Refad brands are recognized globally as being synonymous with absolute excellence.

For further information: http://www.refad.com/