Jetsettersblog

Ramada Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Malta-based CHI Hotels and Resorts (formerly Corinthia Hotels International) announced the signing of a 10-year technical and hotel management agreement with the United Arab Emirates’ leading investment house, Mainland Investment LLC of Abu Dhabi, a wholly owned subsidiary of The National Investor (TNI). The agreement foresees the renovation, extension and operation of the current 120-room Mafraq Hotel in Abu Dhabi, to be re-launched as the 250-room Ramada Abu Dhabi Mafraq hotel in early 2010.

Designed in the Arabic style, the existing Mafraq hotel, with 120 rooms and suites, is located in the heart of a fast developing area in Mafraq, Abu Dhabi. The site is situated on the shoulder of a hill and commands a prominent position with sweeping views to the northeast.

Work on renovating the existing rooms and construction of a further 130 rooms will commence in 2008 and is expected to finish by early 2010. When completed, the hotel will feature 250 superior rooms and suites, a multi-function conference area and business centre, an all-day diner and two speciality restaurants, an English style pub, an extensive fitness area containing separate male and female gymnasiums, saunas and steam rooms, two squash courts, tennis court, a pool area within landscaped gardens and a choice of boutiques.

“ This new property fits perfectly in our current and long term expansion plans for this region” said CHI Hotels and Resorts chief executive officer and managing director Tony Potter “Our joint venture with the Wyndham Hotel Group for the operation of the well established Wyndham and Ramada brands in Europe, Middle East and Africa, together with the upscale Corinthia brand, is proving to be the perfect catalyst for our management company to expand its operation in both established and new destinations. In the last year alone, the JV has enabled us to increase our portfolio by no less than six prime properties in destinations such as Algiers, Dubai, Egypt, England, Morocco and Romania.” Concluded Mr Potter.

The Ramada Abu Dhabi Mafraq hotel is located about ten minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and near the main Dubai-Saudi highway. It is one of the closest hotels to the airport and is well positioned for Dubai (33 km) and the roads to the Western Emirates. It is also within easy reach of the main golf courses and the racing track in Abu Dhabi, while the city centre is about thirty minutes away.

Abu Dhabi is the capital and second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after Dubai. It lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. One of the world’s largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi is actively diversifying its economy through investments in financial services and tourism. In Abu Dhabi, luxury and style are infused with traditional values of hospitality and respect. Perfect weather, tranquil beaches, lush oases, a vibrant city life, and a mixture of culture and traditions come together to create a one-of-a-kind destination. Whether it’s a visit to the emirate’s old souks, sipping a fragrant Arabic coffee, riding the dunes on an exhilarating desert safari, or simply diving into a dazzling blue sea - Abu Dhabi is the ideal location for both the business and leisure traveller.

Gate Gourmet in the Middle East

Gate Gourmet, the world’s largest independent airline catering and logistics provider and a member of gategroup, has formed a joint venture with the Western Group of the United Arab Emirates to develop business in the Middle East.

The new company will be called Gate Gourmet Middle East. The joint venture, along with co-investor Sultan International Group, will focus on opportunities for strategic investments and flight kitchen development in the Gulf region. Offices will be established in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

“The Middle East is experiencing spectacular growth in aviation and we are excited to plant the Gate Gourmet flag in the region,” said Guy Dubois, president and CEO designate of Gategroup. “Other Gategroup companies, such as deSter, eGate Solutions, Harmony, Performa and Elan already are doing business in the Gulf, and we look forward to new opportunities for Gate Gourmet, our core company,” he said.

Dubois noted that Gate Gourmet has successfully built relationships with Middle Eastern carriers, such as Qatar, Etihad, Emirates, Gulf Air and Royal Jet, in other parts of the world and is pleased to bring its expertise into their home territory. “Our reputation for best-in-class performance in airline catering and related aviation services, combined with the regional business expertise of Western Group and Sultan International Holding, will give the venture a solid foundation in which to participate in that booming market,” he added.

UAE visas more expensive for many

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Entering the UAE will become more costly for many travelers beginning August 1. The government has introduced 16 new categories of visas together with new processing fees.

The new system will provide authorities with more detailed information on the purpose of each visitor for entering the country. Among the new visa categories include study visa, medical visa for those obtaining treatment, “exhibition and conference” visa and visa for guests of the government.

The revamped entry procedures were introduced “to keep up with the fast paced development of the country,” said Lieutenant General Mohammad Salem Al Khaili, director-general of Federal Naturalization and Residency Department (NRD).

Tourists who book hotels or holidays through a registered tour operator are required to pay 100 dirham (US$27) for a tourist visa, which can be issued through the hotel or agency. The company must be able to provide a full itinerary for the traveler.

The visa requirements, which also stipulate that an individual must have health insurance valid for the period of his stay, will apply to all nationalities.

Those visiting to attend conferences or exhibitions can obtain a 30-day visa for this purpose at 100 dirham (US$27). Applicants will pay a refundable deposit of 1,000 dirham (US$272) to ensure they leave on time.

A 30-day visa to visit the UAE will cost 500 dirham (US$136) and travelers who want to stay for an extended period must obtain a visa valid for 90 days which costs 1,000 dirham (US$272). Also, a health insurance policy is mandatory for visitors and a deposit of 1,000 dirham (US$272) will be collected by the department before issuing visas.

When the new visa rules were introduced to the public on Sunday, it was said that the new visa fees would apply to all foreigners. However, in a statement on the following day, the government confirmed that not all foreigners will have to pay. “Nationalities that currently are not required to apply for a visa will not have to pay under the new system,” said Mohammed al Khaili. This applies mostly to visitors from Western Europe and North America.

The new fee system will be imposed on visitors coming from Asian countries. UAE residents with visiting family members would need to apply in advance to sponsor their visas. Friends of residents must enter the country as tourists and are not allowed to stay with friends.

A multiple-entry visa will cost 2,000 dirham (US$544) and is valid for six months, but a person can stay in the country only for 14 days at a stretch.

Student visas will cost 1,000 dirham (US$272). To obtain it, a person must be registered in one of the universities in the UAE and must obtain health insurance. Additionally a refundable deposit of 1,000 dirham (US$272) must be paid.

Lastly, visitors the UAE for medical treatment must chose the visa for “Medical Treatment,” which costs 1,000 dirham (US$272) for a 90-day duration. This visa option can be renewed for 500 dirham (USS136).

Oman’s Lavish New 5-Star Destination

Boutique Hotels & Resorts International® - the global alliance of genuine boutique gems - has awarded Diamond Collection™ membership to Oman’s lavish new 5-star destination, Al Nahda Resort & Spa in Barka.

Boutique’s newest member in the Middle East, and the region’s only Diamond award recipient, enjoys a magical location set in 30 acres of lush botanical gardens. The resort offers 109 lavishly designed rooms and villas, set uniquely among an oasis of over 1,500 mango trees.

“Being awarded Boutique’s Diamond Collection membership provides Al Nahda Resort & Spa with the status of excellence and the promise of a genuine boutique lodging experience for our discerning guests”, said Julian Ayers, general manager for the resort.

Elie Saheb, managing director, Middle East & Africa for Boutique Hotels & Resorts International® added, “Boutique is delighted to award the Diamond Collection status to this truly unique resort. Membership and this award proclaim Al Nahda to be exactly what it is, one of the world’s finest resorts, and a true boutique gem. This resort is an experience. Whatever a guest’s fancy may be, he or she will relax and rejuvenate, indulge and explore, and bask in tranquility at Al-Nahda Resort and Spa.”

World-class, yet brimming with charm and warmth, Al Nahda Resort offers four tempting restaurants, strategically located in the middle of the resort. A complete range of resort activities are available, and the rooms and villas are dotted around the extensive grounds, offering luxurious accommodation and seclusion, with every amenity.

The main attraction of the resort is its expansive spa with 22 individual treatment huts offering a vast array of treatments. A unique highlight is the novel steam tunnel which meanders through an artificial hill next to the large outdoor swimming pool water slide.

“Most guests come for the spa” remarked Ayers, who hails from the East Coast of England and enjoyed an outstanding hospitality career in Asia and the Caribbean before coming to Al Nahda. “People come to detox or lose weight and end up learning skills that allow them to maintain a healthy lifestyle or to kick-start their fitness regime. Staying here is a holiday you can take home with you”.

Abu Dhabi Presents Picasso Masterpieces

Mohammed Bin Zayed Lends Patronage To Unique 14-Week Picasso Abu Dhabi, Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris Exhibition

The UAE’s first public exhibition of the works of Pablo Picasso opened at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Spanning all periods and styles throughout the career of this 20th century artist, this will run from 27th May – 4th September 2008 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Open 10am-10pm everyday with Tuesdays 10am-4pm reserved for women only, the retrospective Picasso Abu Dhabi: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris, featuring 186 paintings, sculptures and works on paper, will run in Gallery One of Emirates Palace and is a major stride forward in Abu Dhabi’s mounting status as an international cultural hub.

The exhibition is drawn exclusively from the singularly most important holdings of the Musée National Picasso, Paris, which came directly from the artist’s studios. A total of 183 works will be shown including paintings, sculptures and works on paper—beginning with Picasso’s Blue Period Self-Portrait of 1901 and concluding with Portrait of the Young Painter (1972), made only months before his death.An exhibition feature exclusive to Abu Dhabi will be the inclusion of 40 drawings, prints and illuminated manuscripts that reveal, for the first time, Picasso’s development of a calligraphic poetry on the border between text and image.

These 40 works are reminiscent of the Arab cultural influences that Picasso absorbed during his youth in Malaga.Picasso Abu Dhabi, Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris is an international touring exhibition which will visit nine nations, with Abu Dhabi being the second venue after the debut at the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid, and is the only Middle Eastern venue on the tour and the largest Picasso exhibition ever held outside of a museum.

The exhibition is being presented in Abu Dhabi by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the Emirate’s leading cultural and tourism asset developer, and Mubadala, a wholly-owned investment and business development company of the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Oman World-Class Competitive Sailing

Oman Sail proves a force to be reckoned with, on its first day of world-class competitive sailing

Oman’s enters the world of competitive sailing and wins the second race on the first day of the iShares Cup sailing series in Lugano. The Oman Sail team goes on to finish 4th overall in the first iShares Cup series, and ahead of the pre-race favourites.

Abdullah Al-Busaidi and Ahmed Al-Maamari were the first of the Omani team to take part in the competition in Lugano, Switzerland along with some of the best professional sailors in the world, including a double Olympic gold medalist and the winning skipper of last year’s America Cup.

“Crossing the finishing line ahead of the fleet and seeing the world’s best sailing teams behind us was unforgettable” Ahmed Al-Maamari said.

“It is a real privilege to represent Oman and compete against such an impressive line-up of sailors. We only just missed out on third place overall and have shown the rest of the field that Oman is a team to be reckoned with” Ahmed Al-Maamari continued.

Abdullah Al-Busaidi said of the conditions:

“We started with no wind, then too much with torrential rain, thunder and lightning. To watch the world favourites capsize in front of us brought home the skill required in sailing and that the Oman Sail Team are just at the start of a long journey. I can’t wait for the next challenge!”

The eight members of the Oman Sail Team have now departed on a 10 day hard sail around the British Isles; this will see them battling the elements both in the Irish and the North Sea off the rugged coast of Scotland.

Her Excellency Dr Rajiha bint Abdul Amir bin Ali, Minister of Tourism said:

“I am delighted by the progress our Oman Sail Team are already making, and our early success reflects positively on the quality of our professional support”.

Her Excellency the Minister of Tourism continued:

“Oman’s performance and pictures of our boat were included in print, television and on-line sports channels across Europe and Australasia, while the official event web site recorded over 10,000 ‘hits’ in four days. This exposure is boosting Oman’s profile in our largest European tourism markets - UK, Germany and France”.

Her Excellency the Minister then went on to say:

“The value of this international exposure is enormous, especially as the event appeals to the high yielding segments we are targeting in our marketing work. We are now looking to promote Oman as a quality yachting and cruise destination in its own right”

“We can all look forward to the third iShares Cup Regatta at Skandia Cowes Week, 2-4 August.”

Visit Oman’s new website: www.omantourism.gov.om

Boating Industry Cruises Ahead In Dubai

Boating is a booming industry in Dubai with forecasts predicting up to fifty thousand boats to be moored within the emirate over the next five years. Much of this growth has been fuelled by the creation of the world’s first purpose built maritime centre, Dubai Maritime City, which will boast a variety of facilities that will assist both the private and commercial marine industry in the emirate. And with this plethora of new marine and boating developments, Dubai’s marine industry is set to grow by a massive ten per cent, ably supported by the emirate’s newly implemented infrastructure.

Dubai’s Maritime City will deliver a highly specialised environment to facilitate the integration of major maritime players from around the world, positioning Dubai as the global hub for the industry. The City will comprise six districts: Harbour offices, Harbour residences, a Maritime Centre, Academic Quarter, Marina District and the Industrial Quarter. By offering world-class infrastructure, services, regulations and excellent unrestricted open sea access, Dubai is on track to become one of the world’s leading centres for maritime commerce.

Complementing the pace of growth in the commercial sector is the acceleration in the leisure boat industry. Exhibitors at the recent Dubai International Boat Show commented that the Middle East will swiftly overtake Europe in terms of per capita boat ownership. Over 400 boats were displayed at the show demonstrating the strength of the leisure market in the region. The Marina Berth Project, part of Dubai Maritime City, will be the main supply, service and refit centre for leisure boats and yachts in the region and will provide first class facilities to accommodate the soaring number of boats.

In addition, Dubai’s cruise tourism experienced a dramatic increase in 2007. The emirate’s cruise terminal received 120,205 tourists in 2007, well above its projected figure of 105,000. In addition to the existing 3,300 m² Dubai Cruise Terminal, work is to start within a year on a second cruise terminal to handle the forecasted doubling of ship-borne arrivals in 2010. The emirate is expecting a surge in cruise tourists with 200,000 during the 2008-09 season, and 350,000 the following winter.

Dubai benefits from its advantageous position on both the Gulf and Creek, which, coupled with its year-round sunshine makes it an appealing prospect for the leisure boating and yachting markets. And with the summer opening of one of the largest waterfront developments in the region, the Yacht Club Marina within Dubai Marina, the demand for world-class berthing is clearly stronger than ever before. This alongside the ambitious island developments on Dubai’s coast including The Palm trilogy, The World and The Universe will position the emirate as the leading global yachting destination of the future.

Recent marina and waterfront developments have also helped to bolster interest, demonstrated by the surge of attendees to the annual Dubai International Boat Show (footfall stood at a record 25,000 in 2008) making it one of the most prominent events of its kind in the region, and one of the fastest growing leisure marine industry exhibitions in the world.

Another of Dubai’s impressive and pioneering developments is taking place at the world’s largest man-made marina, Dubai Marina. Comprising an area of almost 5 million m² and featuring the 40 residential and hotel towers of Jumeirah Beach Residence, which are to be found amongst the 200 high-rise buildings and soaring skyscrapers dotted along 11km of stunning boardwalk.

On the western shores of Dubai, the Waterfront development will transform 1.4 billion square feet of empty desert and sea into an international community for an estimated 1.5 million people – on completion the development will be twice the size of Hong Kong island and will provide more that 70km of coastline, including the development of the 16.5km Arabian Canal and the 8km Palm Cove Canal.

The warm waters and gentle on-shore wind make conditions in the Arabian Gulf perfect for leisure sailing, and alongside the yachts and powerboats that fill Dubai’s marinas are traditional dhows and rowing boats now also used for what is known as ‘heritage racing’. Emirates International Open Regatta took place at Dubai International Marine Club in March this year.

And with the growth of the boating industry, the powerboat scene continues to thrill watersports fans, Dubai boasts one of the best racing squads in the world, Victory Team, who hold six Class One and four Class Two world titles. Dubai also plays host to the annual Class 1 World Powerboat Championships, which take place in December when the emirate welcomes the world’s fastest boats to its shores.

Ian Scott, Director of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing comments on the prosperity of the boating industry: “Dubai is committed to positioning itself as the region’s central maritime hub, as well as a global industry leader. And it is well on the way to achieving this with the advent of Dubai Maritime City which is making use of pioneering technology, coupled with adherence to the highest levels of environmental standards and unrivalled quality control. Through the extensive development projects underway in the emirate, Dubai will not only be able to provide world class maritime facilities for its residents, but through an increased berthing capacity and the delivery of excellent services, it will ensure that demand in the marine sector continues to soar.”

Consumer trends point towards an enormous growth in the maritime market in Dubai, particularly in the leisure sector and the emirate is now ideally placed to meet and drive the industry both on a regional and international scale.

For further information about Dubai, contact Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing on +44 (0) 20 7839 0580, email: dtcm_uk@dubaitourism.ae or visit www.dubaitourism.ae

Emirates Daily Flights To Durban

Following the successful start of operations in Cape Town, Emirates Airline will advance its presence in South Africa with the introduction of daily flights to Durban, effective 1st December 2008.

The new service – Emirates’ third direct connection between Dubai and South Africa – underscores its commitment to the South African market, and comes close on the heels of the launch of its third-daily service to Johannesburg in 2007 and daily service to Cape Town in 2008.

Emirates operates 14 daily flights from the UK to Dubai, where passengers can then take convenient onward connections to South Africa. Services depart from London Heathrow (five times daily), London Gatwick (thrice daily), Birmingham and Manchester (twice daily), plus Newcastle and Glasgow (once daily).

Durban, Emirates 16th passenger destination in Africa, will accelerate the Dubai-based airline’s weekly capacity into the continent to 93 flights; and take its frequencies to South Africa to 35 flights per week.

Emirates will serve Durban with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft offering 27 Business Class and 251 Economy Class seats. Onboard passengers will enjoy multi-course meals with ethnic dishes prepared by master chefs; attentive service from the airline’s multi-lingual cabin crew; personal entertainment systems; and quieter and more restful cabins equipped with wider seats.

Crew Wanted For 600 BC Sailing Expedition

Phoenicia Fact Sheet The search is on for keen sailors to take part in an ambitious expedition which aims to recreate the first circumnavigation of Africa believed to have been completed by Phoenician mariners almost 3,000 years ago.

The Phoenician Ship Expedition will set sail this summer from the ancient Syrian port of Arwad, which is where the 70 ft replica vessel is being built.

Led by Philip Beale who successfully headed the Borobudur expedition in 2003-04 sailing a replica 8th century Indonesian trading vessel from Indonesia to West Africa, this latest venture is more ambitious and will see the ship cover 17,000 miles over 12 months before she arrives in London.

“You don’t have to be Ellen MacArthur to take part in this project, although she’d be most welcome. We’re looking for people who have a sense of adventure and curiosity to be part of a small team in what will inevitably be challenging circumstances. We want a multination crew and obviously not everyone can take so long away from work and family commitments so we’d welcome applications from people who could come for part of the voyage” said Beale.

The Phoenicia team are in need of specialist skills such as medical, culinary, IT and photographic expertise as well as experienced and novice sailors. Applications forms are available to down load from the projects website www.phoenicia.org.uk

Grosvenor House culinary and spa experience

Dubai, UAE - Grosvenor House sparkled at the annual MENA awards 2008 taking home three accolades. The Retreat won the gold award for Best Spa, whilst Indego won the gold award for Best Fine Dining. Grosvenor House was additionally awarded silver for the Best 5 Star Business/ Corporate Hotel category.

“Dubai is renowned for excellence in service and at Grosvenor House, we constantly strive to push the boundaries even further and contribute to the city’s reputation as a destination that offers unparalleled experiences,” commented Pam Wilby general manager of Grosvenor House and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa. “The MENA awards are a testament to our associates ongoing dedication and commitment and we are thrilled to be recognised year after year for our efforts.”

Votes for the MENA awards are cast from across the travel and trade agencies within the region making the MENA awards the leading professionals’ choice awards. This year over 100,000 global travel professionals votes were casts from industry insiders highlighting the MENA awards a measure of industry excellence.

“The MENA awards are a great opportunity for industry insiders to get together and celebrate achievements from the past year,” added Wilby. “Not only do the awards provide the perfect platform for Dubai and the Middle East to demonstrate their achievements to a global audience, but it also the perfect opportunity for local and regional industry practitioners to be inspired to step up the competition, ensuring we are kept on toes to deliver excellence at all times.”

The MENA awards annually recognize and reward leading industry practitioners encouraging higher standards and stimulating healthy competition within the region. Following a now established tradition, the awards marked the closure of the Arabian Travel Market with a glittering gala dinner at Dubai’s Al Bustan Rotana, and were attended by 600 top industry leaders from across the world.