LATEST ARTICLES

voco® Jeddah Gate Opens as a New Landmark in Jeddah

 voco Hotels, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium portfolio, has announced the opening of voco® Jeddah Gate. Situated in one of the most sought-after lifestyle destinations, voco® Jeddah Gate is just 25 minutes drive from King Abdulaziz International Airport and close to the main railroad connecting Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah to Jeddah, making it an ideal base for business, leisure and religious tourists.

Featuring 706 contemporary guestrooms, blending modern comfort with premium amenities and the warmth of the voco™ brand, voco Jeddah Gate occupies a central location in the Fayhaa District just minutes from the iconic Jeddah Corniche. Designed for discerning travellers, each room offers sleek interiors, ergonomic furnishings, and cosy bedding, complemented by high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TV technology. Every detail, from the soothing decor to the intuitive layout, has been considered to enhance guest stays, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience at voco Jeddah Gate.

Ahmed Mahfouz, General Manager of voco Jeddah Gate, said: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of voco Jeddah Gate, the first voco™ hotel in Jeddah and a significant milestone for the brand in this vibrant city. This property is more than just a hotel; it’s a welcoming space where guests can experience the distinctive blend of natural charm, premium comfort, and warm hospitality that voco™ is known for. With a prime location near the Jeddah Corniche, close to the city’s business and cultural landmarks, and we look forward to welcoming guests from around the world for a stay that is both convenient and enriching. Our team works around the clock to create a dynamic, enjoyable and easy-going environment for guests to work, rest and stay and it is very exciting to see it come to life.”

At the heart of voco Jeddah Gate is an extraordinary collection of event spaces designed to inspire and impress. With one of the largest capacities in the city, the hotel offers 17 modular meeting rooms and a grand ballroom for up to 700 guests, perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. Each space blends sophisticated style with seamless functionality, ensuring that every event – whether a wedding, corporate affair, or banquet – feels effortless yet extraordinary.

The hotel’s elevated hospitality proposition also includes six diverse dining venues, from the rich flavors of Arabic, Turkish, and Moroccan cuisines at Mayara all-day-dining restaurant to the relaxed Ora Lobby Lounge and Azura Pool Café. For a well-deserved ‘me-time’ voco Jeddah Gate’s health club offers a range of facilities designed to help you unwind and rejuvenate including a 20-meter outdoor swimming pool, an exclusive indoor pool for women, a massage and beauty salon, and a kids club. These marvellous facilities offer ample reasons for guests to choose voco® Jeddah Gate as the perfect destination for business, relaxation, and memorable family getaways.

Business travellers will appreciate the proximity to key institutions like King Abdulaziz University and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, as well as various business hubs and amenities within easy reach. Leisure guests can explore nearby shopping malls, cultural sites, and the celebrated Corniche, ensuring a well-rounded visit to the heart of this dynamic city.

Key Features of voco® Jeddah Gate:

  • 706 elegantly appointed guest rooms for both business and leisure stays
  • A variety of dining experiences to satisfy all culinary preferences
  • Versatile event spaces, including a grand ballroom and meeting rooms
  • A premium health club dedicated to relaxation and wellness
  • Convenient access to key business and cultural landmarks in Jeddah

To learn more about voco hotels or to book a stay at voco Jeddah Gate visit the hotel’s website here, or download the IHG One Rewards mobile app.

VOCO® JEDDAH GATE

Al Fayha District, Ahmad Muhammad Ali St.

Jeddah 22241 – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Email: voco.jeddahgate@ihg.com

Email: voco.jeddahgate@jeddahgate.com

Tel: 00966 12 579 1000

www.ihg.com/voco/hotels/us/en/jeddah/jedvc/hoteldetail

Host Unforgettable Private Festive Events Aboard the Iconic Queen Elizabeth 2

Looking for a truly unique venue to host your festive gathering? Step aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2, where a rich legacy meets the season’s magic. This isn’t just a place to celebrate – it’s a chance to bring friends, family, and colleagues together in a venue like no other and create memories in a setting that’s steeped in history.

Imagine hosting your festive party on the decks of this legendary ship, where every corner has a story to tell. The QE2 combines timeless maritime charm with modern-day comfort, making it the perfect stage for festive celebrations that your guests won’t forget.

With fully customisable options, you can shape every detail of your event including choice of menus, enchanting décor, and thoughtful touches designed just for you. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, an office reunion, or a sparkling gala, QE2’s team is ready to bring your vision to life in a space that’s as warm and welcoming as it is iconic.

FESTIVE PRIVATE EVENTS AT THE QE2

Transform your festive celebrations into unforgettable moments with a bespoke private event aboard the majestic Queen Elizabeth 2. Let us craft an extraordinary celebration for your loved ones as you revel in the unique charm and magical surroundings of the legendary QE2, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Starting price: AED 299 per person

*Enjoy 15% Early Bird discount. | Offer valid until 30th november 2024!

For more details, please contact our events team on

Events.qe2@accor.com

All our prices are in AED inclusive of 5% vat, 7% municipality fee and 10% service charge.

Terms & conditions apply.

Discover the Queen Elizabeth 2: A Legendary Ocean Liner Anchored in History

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Once the crown jewel of British maritime travel, the majestic Queen Elizabeth 2 is now permanently docked at Mina Rashid, Dubai, inviting guests to step aboard and rediscover the charm and sophistication of a bygone era.

Imagine a time when travel was an elegant affair, an adventure not just to reach a destination but to savor every moment along the way. For nearly 40 years, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (was a revered ocean liner that carried more than 2.5 million passengers, including royalty, Hollywood icons, and seekers of adventure across oceans.

“Walking through the halls of the QE2 is like stepping into a storybook,” shares Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of Queen Elizabeth 2. “It’s legacy is unparalleled, covering over 6.5 million nautical miles and carrying some of the world’s most distinguished passengers. Every cabin, every suite, every corner resonates with tales of grand voyages and unforgettable moments. We’ve preserved her original features, offering guests a truly unique experience that connects the past with the present.”

The QE2 now serves as a heritage floating hotel, where guests can wander through charming staterooms, enjoy the city’s oldest British pub, and dine on menus that celebrate the ship’s storied legacy. Guided Heritage Tours reveal the ship’s secrets, allowing visitors to relive a time when crossing the ocean was itself a journey of wonder and discovery. She’s more than a hotel; she’s a living legacy, a gateway to an era of glamour and adventure. Each visit is a chance to relive the QE2’s incredible story – a story that calls to those with a heart for adventure.

Come aboard the QE2 and let her stories awaken the romantic traveller within. To book your stay or tour, visit https://www.qe2.com

Ajman Bank Announces Reopening of Khalifa Branch in Ajman Following Complete Redesign

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Ajman Bank has announced the reopening of its Khalifa branch in Ajman, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experience through innovative banking environments. After being temporarily closed for a year due to a fire in the building, Ajman Bank took the opportunity to redesign the branch, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility that aligns with the bank’s modern, technology-driven standards across all its branches.

The revamped Khalifa branch is strategically positioned to serve the community and businesses in Ajman, offering a comprehensive range of banking services with cutting-edge technology that promises a seamless, convenient banking experience. The branch’s redesign reflects Ajman Bank’s forward-thinking ethos and dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its customers with efficiency and accessibility.

Commenting on the reopening, Mr. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, said, “We are delighted to welcome our customers back to our Khalifa branch, now enhanced with a modern, technology-savvy look that redefines the banking experience. Ajman Bank remains committed to providing our clients with top-tier financial solutions in an environment that reflects our dedication to innovation and customer convenience. The Khalifa branch is a testament to our commitment to serve Ajman’s residents and business community with the highest standards of service.”

The Ajman Bank Khalifa branch is now fully operational and equipped with advanced systems and services to support the diverse financial needs of its customers. The branch’s sleek, modern design ensures that clients have access to Ajman Bank’s wide range of banking solutions in a setting that combines modern design with ease of use, underpinned by a dedicated team of professionals.

The Ajman Bank Khalifa branch is open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm daily, Monday to Saturday, with Friday timings from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Sustainable Art by Fernando Costa Celebrates Queen Elizabeth 2’s Legacy with Reclaimed Ship Materials

A celebration of art, heritage, and sustainability unfolded on the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 this weekend as the floating landmark hosted the opening preview of the highly anticipated art exhibition, ‘Echoes from the Past’. Led by General Manager Ferghal Purcell, the event brought together art enthusiasts, history buffs, and sustainability advocates for an evening of captivating artistry and homage to the storied legacy of the QE2.

The highlight of the evening was the extraordinary work of internationally acclaimed French artist Fernando Costa, who delivered a powerful tribute to the QE2’s heritage. Fernando, known for his unique talent of transforming discarded materials into breathtaking art, crafted three masterpieces from repurposed items from the QE2’s sailing days. Using old spoons, pots, pans, and various kitchen utensils, Costa breathed new life into these objects, turning them into magnificient compositions that embody resilience, transformation, and sustainability. Each piece tells a story of the QE2’s journey, adding a layer of depth and nostalgia to this iconic vessel’s heritage.

Opening the exhibtion, Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of Queen Elizabeth 2, said, “We are immensely proud to host this unique exhibition by artist Fernando Costa who once worked at the Queen Elizabeth 2. Now a world-famous artist, Fernando has been elevating sustainable art to new heights. His ability to breathe life into discarded items – transforming the humble pieces from QE2’s sailing days into powerful works of art – is nothing short of heroic. Through his masterpieces, Fernando has immortalised the QE2’s legacy in a way that is both deeply moving and profoundly impactful. His creations are not only a tribute to the ship but a global message about the beauty and potential of sustainable artistry. We are also grateful to the talented artists from the Dubai International Art Centre, whose works have added depth and diversity to this unforgettable exhibition.”

With a personal connection to the QE2 as a former steward on the ship, Costa’s return to this historic setting as an artist was both emotional and symbolic. His journey has come full circle, and his artwork – created specifically for the Queen Elizabeth 2 – will feature in a documentary on French television, capturing the artist’s personal tribute to the ship that once shaped his life.

In addition to Fernando Costa’s pieces, the exhibition showcased stunning contributions from talented artists of the Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC). Through a blend of styles, colors, and mediums, each artist contributed to an immersive experience, collectively creating a narrative that bridges the past and the present. This fusion of local and international talent lent a truly unique character to the exhibition, offering guests a multi-dimensional view of the QE2’s legacy.

Guests were treated to a memorable evening within the elegant Queen’s Grill Lounge, where curated mocktails and the backdrop of the ship’s historic ambiance enriched the experience. The event was a testament to the ship’s lasting impact and its ability to inspire across generations, setting the stage for a new era of appreciation for maritime heritage and sustainable artistry.

Ajman Bank Partners with AAOIFI to Certify the Workforce in Shari’ah Standards

Ajman Bank, a leading Islamic financial institution in the United Arab Emirates, has partnered with the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) to strengthen its Shari’ah compliance by enrolling its employees in the Certificate of Proficiency in AAOIFI Shari’ah Standards (CPSS) program. The formal signing of this strategic capacity-building initiative was held during the 19th AAOIFI-IsDB Islamic Banking and Finance Conference on November 3-4, 2024, in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Through this collaboration, Ajman Bank employees, will engage in the CPSS certification program via AAOIFI’s advanced e-learning portal, culminating in a professional qualification that emphasizes the technical and practical application of Shari’ah standards. This move reflects Ajman Bank’s commitment to upholding the highest Shari’ah compliance standards across its operations and services.

Mr. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, commented on the significance of this partnership, stating, “At Ajman Bank, we understand the critical importance of adhering to the rigorous AAOIFI standards. Since the Central Bank of the UAE adopted these standards in 2018, they have become the benchmark for best practices in Islamic finance. By enrolling our employees in the CPSS program, we aim to empower our team to interpret and implement these standards effectively, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in Shari’ah compliance. Moreover, we are setting a new standard by mandating the CPSS qualification for current and future employees.”

In response, Mr. Omar Mustafa Ansari, Secretary General of AAOIFI, expressed his appreciation for Ajman Bank’s proactive stance, stating, “We are delighted to support Ajman Bank’s efforts to strengthen Shari’ah compliance by enrolling its workforce in our CPSS program. This initiative is designed to equip Islamic finance professionals with the necessary skills to interpret and apply AAOIFI Shari’ah Standards in real-world scenarios. By advancing technical knowledge and practical competencies within the Islamic finance sector, our shared mission is to enhance compliance standards and contribute to the industry’s overall growth.”

As part of the CPSS program, Ajman Bank employees will gain access to a wide range of resources, including comprehensive study materials, mock exams, practice questions, e-learning videos, and live Q&A sessions with AAOIFI experts. The program offers flexibility, allowing staff to study at their own pace and providing a pathway to the final qualification.

AAOIFI’s offerings extend beyond the CPSS program, with certifications such as the Certified Islamic Professional Accountant (CIPA), Certified Shari’ah Auditor (CSA), Certified Shari’ah Expert (CSE), and Certificate of Proficiency in Financial Accounting Standards (CPFAS). These credentials are available in English, Arabic, and Russian, and are backed by the guidance of the AAOIFI Education Board (AEB), which includes prominent educators, professionals, and scholars worldwide.

This partnership between Ajman Bank and AAOIFI reinforces Ajman Bank’s commitment to Shari’ah compliance excellence and underscores the importance of continuous professional development in Islamic finance.