Billionaire Mansion is Back with a Bang!

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Delicious cuisine & thrilling shows make Billionaire the place to be this summer. There’s more to a great night out than what meets the eye. Experience the unexpected at Dubai’s newly refurbished nightlife destination, Billionaire Mansion, where all the right ingredients come together for the ultimate night out. With an all new look and feel, and an unforgettable experience to offer, Billionaire Mansion is back for a season of captivating performances and delectable dining. Combining culinary riches and thrilling live entertainment shows, the unique luxury dining concept spoils guests with two delicious cuisines in a vibrant ambience. For a more intimate affair, Billionaire Mansion offers a unique private dining experience for groups of 20 or less, complete with a full bar, private bartender, and an exquisite menu of Chef’s signature platters; everything you need for a perfect night out. Be it a special celebration or just a fun night out, the private dining experience at Billionaire Mansion surely won’t disappoint. With a ‘no minimum spend’ policy on Wednesdays and Saturdays, guests can start their night early with an array of exceptional culinary creations prepared by a team of highly creative chefs, under the guidance of Chef Reif Othman and Chef Batuhan Piatti Zeynioglu. Spearheaded by award-wining Executive Chef Reif Othman, Billionaire Mansion’s internationally renowned, Sumosan offers contemporary Japanese dishes with a twist. Signatures include the finest sushi and sashimi delicacies, along with Tuna Tartar with creamy truffle sauce and Wagyu Beef Tataki with pickled onion and creamy truffle ponzu. Billionaire Grill, with Executive Chef Batuhan Piatti Zeynioglu, serves classic Italian flair in Billionaire style. Celebrating the simplicity, taste and freshness of ingredients, signatures include Lasagnetta “Billionaire”, Salt-crust Baked Wild Sea Bass and Wagyu Tomahawk. Enjoy panoramic views of the city whilst witnessing a plethora of brilliant entertainment shows, including acrobats, dancers and magicians. From never-seen-before tricks to outstanding performances by a team of highly-talented dancers, you will be in awe the entire evening. One thing is certain. You will never the same experience twice at Billionaire Mansion – the perfect spot to celebrate after the sun sets! Location: Billionaire Mansion & Sumosan Dubai, Taj Dubai, Burj Khalifa Blvd, Dubai For reservations: 04 510 3100 Opening Timings: Sunday – Saturday – 7 pm – 3 am (Closed : Monday) About Billionaire Mansion: Located in the Taj Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai BILLIONAIRE MANSION is a one-stop destination created by the Billionaire Life Group and the first of its kind in Dubai. Open from sunset till the early hours of the morning, the venue offers a unique dining concept with authentic Italian cuisine partnered with contemporary Japanese cuisine of the award-winning Restaurant Sumosan. Billionaire Mansion gives you a complete entertainment and culinary experience through its Restaurant, Private Dining Room, Lounge Bar, ‘’Diamond Kalian” Shisha Terrace, Nightclub and Karaoke Prive. Clients are swept through the various parts of the venue enveloped in special shows, lighting, colours, and extraordinary music. Borned in Porto Cervo in 1998, Billionaire is a unique hospitality group created by entrepreneur Flavio Briatore. The brand to date has become world famous and a favourite amongst the international jet set and celebrity A-List.

Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai and Its Three Restaurants Awarded TripAdvisor 2018 Certificate of Excellence

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Based on raving reviews, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai and three of its restaurants – Da Vinci’s, Cactus Jacks and Biggles Pub – have been awarded with TripAdvisor 2018 Certificate of Excellence. Certificate of Excellence recipients are determined by excellent ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor. Mr. Simon Moore, General Manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said, “The Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai and its restaurants made an outstanding reputation both locally and internationally, and we are truly grateful to our guests for appreciating our hard work. The superb reviews and feedback on TripAdvisor serve as a great motivation for all our team and help us to improve and maintain our high standards. Also, positive guest experiences go a long way in creating loyal customers which in turn generates better financial performance.” Biggles has been Dubai’s favourite British pub for over 20 years, known for its excellent food and live entertainment. This award winning British bar decorated in WWII aviation-themed memorabilia is not only an ideal venue for night entertainment but also a sports pub with 17 screens for ultimate viewing of your favourite sport. Equally successful is Da Vinci’s that opened in 1989 and was the 3rd Italian restaurant in Dubai. Since then, the outlet flourished quickly picking up numerous culinary awards, including ‘Dubai’s Favourite Italian Restaurant’. Cactus Jacks is one of the most popular Latino restaurants in Dubai serving Latino food and late night “fiestas” daily. The outlet is known for its famous frozen margaritas and mojitos; with delicious speciality fajitas, great offers and live entertainment. The outlet has been awarded as well as Best Mexican Restaurant last year. Established in 2000, TripAdvisor is now the world’s largest travel site and offers more than 630 million reviews and opinions covering approximately 7.5 million accommodations, airlines, experiences and restaurants. Now in its 8th year, the Certificate of Excellence celebrates and honours hospitality establishments that deliver consistently great service across the world. Approximately only 10% of total businesses on TripAdvisor receive this recognition. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. For hotel marketing contact: Sheryl Aquiatan Assistant Marketing Manager Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai Mob: 00971 56 506 0983 Tel: 00971 4 702 8888 sheryl.aquiatan@millenniumhotels.com For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and operates over 130 hotels worldwide. With almost 40,000 rooms and a portfolio of brands; including Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, Millennium Place, M Hotel, Copthorne, Kingsgate, Millennium Executive Apartments and Studio M, that serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class. Currently operating 35 hotels in the Middle East and Africa, the Group has an extensive expansion strategy in place, with 40 hotels in the pipeline. Each property in the region is unique, catering to the varying tastes and needs of the international business and leisure traveller but with a consistent promise to provide a first class service and a rewarding experience for guests. Millennium Hotels and Resorts is committed to differentiating itself by embracing the true spirit of diverse traditions, with a sincere respect to historical heritage and local culture. With the motto “More than Meets the Eye”, Millennium & Copthorne is committed to a customer-centric philosophy and complete guest satisfaction. For more information, please visit www.millenniumhotels.com  

Apple celebrates World Emoji Day

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More than 70 new emoji characters are coming to iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac later this year in a free software update. The new emoji designs, created based on approved characters in Unicode 11.0, include even more hair options to better represent people with red hair, gray hair and curly hair, a new emoji for bald people, and new smiley faces that bring more expression to Messages with a cold face, party face, pleading face and a face with hearts. Joining the growing list of animals represented on the emoji keyboard are beautifully designed characters for the kangaroo, peacock, parrot and lobster, with the addition of new food emoji for mango, lettuce, cupcake, moon cake and other popular items.
Many additional characters across sports, symbols and more, will launch later this year, including a new superhero emoji, a softball, nazar amulet and infinity symbol.
Thousands of emoji are currently available on iOS, watchOS and macOS, including emotive smiley faces, gender-neutral characters, various clothing options, food types, animals, mythical creatures and more.

Emirates receives IATA 753 compliance certification for baggage operations in its Dubai hub

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Emirates has been awarded IATA 753 compliance certification for its baggage operation in its home base of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The certification underlines the carrier’s capabilities to diligently track bags that flow through its Dubai hub for departing, arriving and connecting customers.

IATA Resolution 753 requires airlines to track bags at four specific points in the baggage journey to ensure that at any time the status of each bag is known, facilitating a more pro-active customer approach to managing baggage challenges. To achieve certification Emirates developed an integrated Baggage Management System (BMS) in-house called Wasla to provide full control of its worldwide baggage operations. Wasla receives baggage scanning information from across the airline’s network and provides Emirates’ airport teams with information on the status of each bag on board. In Dubai where Emirates processed 35 million bags last year, speed and efficiency is of the essence and the airline works closely with stakeholders to ensure processes and systems are integrated with the Baggage Handling System (BHS) that is provided by Dubai Airport. Resolution 753 compliance was achieved through close cooperation of all involved stakeholders, Emirates as the airline, dnata as the ground handler, and Dubai airport as the provider of the baggage handling system. Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer said: “We continue to focus on consistently delivering superior services on the ground, and in the air. As part of this endeavour, I am delighted that our baggage management and tracking systems are aligned with IATA’s requirements and that we are certified for end-to-end tracking at our hub (Dubai International Airport). The ability to track our customers’ baggage at any stage, means we can proactively notify them at key touch points during their journey, and enable our frontline staff to provide even better service. We have already introduced applications and processes that provide our customers with information regarding their delivery of bags using automation, making best use of available technology.” IATA Resolution 753 was developed to reduce mishandling and baggage fraud, increase customer satisfaction, and enhance the overall baggage management landscape at airports around the world. The resolution was issued in 2014 and made mandatory for all IATA airlines to be implemented by 1 June 2018 and Emirates received the compliance certification in advance of this deadline. “Having Emirates – one of the region’s largest operators – achieve Resolution 753 certification is a significant boost not only for the airline’s customers but also the region. We congratulate them on their achievement and for taking the industry one step closer to 100% bag tracking,” said Muhammad Al Bakri, IATA Regional Vice President, Africa and The Middle East. —-ends——-

About Emirates

Our Media centre contains all of our business updates, including the latest press releases and articles and our contact details. The Emirates story started in 1985 when we launched operations with just two aircraft. Today, we fly the world’s biggest fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, offering our customers the comforts of the latest and most efficient wide-body aircraft in the skies. We inspire travellers around the world with our growing network of destinations, industry leading inflight entertainment, regionally inspired cuisine and world-class service. Find out more.

New Etihad Airways WhatsApp service set to transform customer service communications

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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched a WhatsApp Business solution, allowing guests to communicate instantly with the airline via the popular messaging app.
The new service, which is the latest element of Etihad Airways’ digital strategy, will provide an enhanced offering to premium guests when they are at Abu Dhabi International Airport, allowing them to chat with the airline’s agents about their flights in a fast, personal, and efficient way. In addition to communicating with customer service agents, the WhatsApp Business solution will be expanded in the future to enable guests to receive important messages like flight reminders by opting into WhatsApp communications on the Etihad Airways booking confirmation page. Robin Kamark, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The new WhatsApp Business solution will provide Etihad Airways’ premium guests with immediate contact with the airline, using the very latest technology. “Air travellers around the world use WhatsApp in their daily lives and so it is an ideal channel for them to communicate with the airline and receive the latest information about their travel journey.” Etihad Airways offers several real-time channels for guests to contact the airline, including the @EtihadHelp and @EtihadPremium accounts on Twitter, and the airline’s Facebook page. During the initial trial phase, the Etihad Airways WhatsApp number will be exhibited in Premium check-in at Abu Dhabi Airport.

Central Hotels Announces Soft Opening of Royal Central Hotel The Palm

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Crowning a stellar year of rapid growth, Central Hotels has announced the soft opening of Royal Central a luxurious 5-star resort at The Palm. The stunning hotel features 207 elegantly-appointed rooms and suites, each beautifully curated to intuitively meet the needs of discerning travellers. One of the biggest attractions of the resort is its striking location on the East Crescent of Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah. A stone’s throw-away from the shores of the Arabian Gulf, guests have beachfront access to one of the best private beaches in the city while enjoying unhindered views of the world-famous architectural landmarks such as Atlantis The Palm and Burj Al Arab. Mr. Ahmad Al Abdulla, Chairman of Central Hotels, said, “We are very excited to announce the soft opening of the Royal Central Hotel The Palm. The hotel has been designed to make travel seamless and enjoyable with our unique ‘Stay Fresh’ concept. This opening demonstrates our confidence in the future growth of the Dubai tourism sector and we have no doubt that Royal Central will establish itself as a preferred choice among travellers.” Mr. Abdulla Al Abdulla, Vice President of Central Hotels, added, “Dubai is one of the top travel destinations in the world and we look forward to extending our hospitality to a new-generation of globetrotters. At Royal Central Hotel guests can surround themselves with a whole lot of fun in a funky, casual, comfortable and family-friendly atmosphere.” Whether you want to swim in the shimmering waters, soak up the sun or experience the magnificent sunrises or sunsets, Royal Central Hotel The Palm offers you the ultimate escape. In each of the beautiful rooms and suites, floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious balconies offer the most relaxing views. Mr Ammar Kanaan, Group General Manager of Central Hotels, said, “The spectacular Royal Central Hotel The Palm is your escape from the busy city life. It is the perfect gateway to exploring Palm Jumeirah’s stunning scenic beauty as well as other unique attractions of Dubai. Awaiting you at every corner of the resort are signature experiences designed to provide the relaxation at its finest. Focusing on truly meaningful elements, our facilities have been conceptualized to make the most jaded senses come alive in a cool and vibrant atmosphere.” Dining options at the Royal Central Hotel range from casual to fine dining restaurants including Choi, La Maison, and Ya Bahr by Dynamic Hospitality. Guests can also enjoy freshly baked pastries and signature speciality coffees as well as other refreshing drinks all day at the trendy new Baristas’ Corner. Opening for the first time in Dubai, Hush Beach Bar will offer guests an immersive experience with its unique location and exciting concept of food and beverages. An array of recreational facilities at the Royal Central ranging from water sports to an outdoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art gym and health spa, along with exciting dining options, allow guests to unwind and relax in a beautiful setting. The hotel also boasts stunning meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment to cater to corporate events and other occasions. Follow Us on @RoyalCentralAE #RoyalCentalAE #CentralHotels #StayFresh  About Central Hotels Central Hotels has very quickly established itself as a reputed hotel management group in the UAE with its flagship property First Central Hotel Suites located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road. Building up on this amazing success, the brand is now poised to expand its footprint targeting the UAE and Turkey as the primary markets for growth in addition to other lucrative destinations in the Middle East. The group has recently added to its portfolio spectacular new 5-star hotels such as Canal Central Business Bay and Royal Central The Palm followed by Central House Citywalk focused on millennials, Novotel The Palm, Diamond Central – Business Bay, and Island Central in Dubai, as well as Valley Central Bursa, and Valley Central Trabzon in Turkey. For Media Contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com   

Join the Music Fest Perugia at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

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Join the celebration of the ‘Music Fest Perugia’ at Da Vinci’s, the award-winning Italian restaurant at the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai on 26th and 27th July 2018. The event will showcase some great Italian food and drinks with amazing deals and equally superb music by the restaurant’s live band. Mr. Simon Moore, General Manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said, “We have always loved sharing the magic and flavours of Italy with our guests at Da Vinci’s that is why it is one of the most awarded  Italian restaurants in Dubai.  Music Fest Perugia is the largest classical music festival for young musicians held every summer in the beautiful city of Perugia. It is a very special time when loved ones come together to celebrate the triumph of light over dark. We are delighted to join in the celebrations and look forward to welcoming all.” Launched in 1989, Da Vinci’s is one of Dubai’s very first and finest Italian restaurants offering a wide choice of authentic home-style Italian fare. Winner of numerous prestigious culinary awards, the restaurant has long been a favourite for family and business entertainment. The outlet’s exquisite menu takes you on a culinary journey across Italy and features a variety of signature pizzas and pastas perfectly paired with an extensive selection of beverages.  Equally enticing is the ambience at the restaurant that combines simple elegance with classic Italian style and friendly service.
  • Get 30% discount on a’la carte menu
  • Choice of pizza or pasta with a bottle of beer for AED 59 per person
  • Terms and conditions apply
Time:              7:30pm to 11:30pm Date:              26th & 27th July 2018 Venue:           Da Vinci’s, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai For reservations call +971 4 702 8888 or email davinci.mahd@millenniumhotels.com For hotel marketing contact: Sheryl Aquiatan Assistant Marketing Manager Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai Mob: 00971 56 506 0983 Tel: 00971 4 702 8888 sheryl.aquiatan@millenniumhotels.com For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and operates over 130 hotels worldwide. With almost 40,000 rooms and a portfolio of brands; including The Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, Millennium Place, M Hotel, Copthorne, Agarwood, Kingsgate, Millennium Executive Apartments and Studio M, that serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class. Currently operating 32 hotels in the Middle East and Africa, the Group has an extensive expansion strategy in place, with 40 hotels in the pipeline. Each property in the region is unique, catering to the varying tastes and needs of the international business and leisure traveller but with a consistent promise to provide a first class service and a rewarding experience for guests. Millennium Hotels and Resorts is committed to differentiating itself by embracing the true spirit of diverse traditions, with a sincere respect to historical heritage and local culture. With the motto “More than Meets the Eye”, Millennium Hotels and Resorts is committed to a customer-centric philosophy and complete guest satisfaction. For more information, please visit www.millenniumhotels.com  

Baristas’ Corner Opens its First Specialty Coffee Shop in Dubai at Canal Central Hotel in Business Bay

Need a good coffee? Head to the newly-opened specialty coffee house Baristas’ Corner at Canal Central Hotel in Business Bay. Developed by Emirati entrepreneurs Mr. Abdulla Alabdulla, Partner and Co-Founder and Mr. Mohamed Hassan Alshamsi, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of the company, Baristas’ Corner offers a wide selection of refreshing and unique brews. Mr. Alabdulla said, “People want an experience when having a coffee and we found it hard to find one as we sipped our way around the city. Baristas’ Corner was born as the outcome of having to continuously chase a consistently exceptional cup of coffee that remained elusive. It has been developed as much for coffee connoisseurs as it is for coffee lovers.” With competition heating up, how would Baristas’ Corner fare in the market? Mr. Alshamsi stressed, “A coffee house is a social hub and has always been a mark of sophistication. This feeling and experience of being in a coffee house is so special and that is how Baristas’ Corner has been designed. Moreover, nowadays coffee shops have taken a new role as a working place for freelance workers and digital nomads, who may not have an office, that is pushing the demand further.” There are many distinctive and diverse flavors of coffees to explore on the Baristas’ Corner menu. Mr. Alabdulla elaborated, “The wide array of coffees at Baristas’ Corner are handpicked matching exceptional grade with perfect ratios and flavor compositions. The single origin beans and bespoke blends are selectively sourced from different corners of the globe’s sustainable farms, estates, and roasters including countries like Brazil, Columbia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and many more. Mr. Alshamsi, added, “Using these our talented and trained baristas follow precise brewing methods to deliver the ideal, fragrant cup. A must-try is Espresso-based: Fresco, a unique coffee drink with a refreshing mix of milk and mint. Equally superb is Manually Brewing Coffeewhere we produce a deliciously clean cup with full control on the brewing.” The design aesthetics at Baristas’ Corner strikes the right note by creating a welcoming and relaxing ambience for people seeking to escape the city’s frantic pace. Here, a tranquil place exists for coffee connoisseurs and caffeine addicts to celebrate the art of coffee and partake in a culture of sharing and discovery. Beyond coffee, Baristas’ Corner also serves select artisanal teas and fresh, delicious pastries. There are major expansion plans lined up to make the consummate cup at Baristas’ Corner accessible to those curious and familiar about coffee’s enriching experience. The second outlet will soon open at the Royal Central The Palm followed by future properties under Central Hotels as well as other brands. Follow Us on @CanalCentralAE @BaristasCornerOfficial #CanalCentalAE #CentralHotels #BaristasCorner  About Central Hotels Central Hotels has very quickly established itself as a reputed hotel management group in the UAE with its flagship property First Central Hotel Suites located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road. Building up on this amazing success, the brand is now poised to expand its footprint targeting the UAE and Turkey as the primary markets for growth in addition to other lucrative destinations in the Middle East. The group has recently added to its portfolio spectacular new 5-star hotels such as Canal Central Business Bay and Royal Central The Palm followed by Central House Citywalk focused on millennials, Novotel The Palm, Diamond Central – Business Bay, and Island Central in Dubai, as well as Valley Central Bursa, and Valley Central Trabzon in Turkey. For Media Contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR M: +971 50 6975146 | T: +971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com  

SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL TO OPEN 10 NEW HOTELS IN MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA BY 2019

DUBAI – Strengthening its presence in the region, Swiss-Belhotel International will be opening 10 hotels in key destinations across the GCC and Africa by 2019. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “We have 10 new openings lined up this year and the next in addition to a series of projects under development. These will not only add some fantastic hotels to our portfolio but will allow us to penetrate new destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Egypt while growing our presence in existing territories. In addition, it marks the debut of some of our brands that will be available in the region for the first time ranging from luxury 5-star to mid-market segments.” Gearing up for opening in the coming months under the Swiss-Belhotel International banner are:
  1. Grand Swiss-Belresort Seef, Bahrain
  2. Swiss-Belresidences Juffair, Bahrain
  3. Swiss-Belhotel Al Aziziyah Makkah, KSA
  4. Swiss-Belboutique Tahlia, Riyadh, KSA
  5. Swiss-Belhotel Riyadh, KSA
  6. Swiss-Belinn Airport Muscat, Oman
  7. Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq, Kuwait
  8. Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar, Kuwait
  9. Swiss-Belresort Battersea, North Coast, Egypt
  10. Swiss-Belhotel and Suites Asmarat, Cairo, Egypt
Tourism performance in the main cities across the Middle East is expected to remain strong with the fruition of major infrastructure projects such as airport expansions, increased global connectivity and growth of low-cost carriers, new leisure attractions, enhanced business facilities and a year-long calendar of regional and international events. Laurent stressed, “The hospitality landscape is developing at a rapid pace and we are keen to take advantage of this massive opportunity. Our aim is to position Swiss-Belhotel International as the best alternative to blue chip companies offering superior returns, unbeatable value and unforgettable experiences. One of the most important differentiators of Swiss-Belhotel International is our award-winning service. The essence of our brands revolves around the heritage of Swiss hospitality with the passion and service of Asia, and our hotels deliver on this promise. Therefore, Passion and Professionalism are the core of our brand culture. Our philosophy is to work hand-in-hand with our owners and business partners to maximize the financial returns and exceed the expectations of our guests, investors and associates.” According to industry sources the Middle East ranks:
  • 8thin the world in terms of travel and tourism’s direct contribution to GDP with USD85.0bn in 2017. It is expected to grow by 4.6% pa to USD133.1bn (3.3% of GDP) by 2027.
  • 9thin the world in terms of travel and tourism’s total contribution to employment. Generated 2,406,000 jobs in 2017. By 2027 it will rise to 2,986,000 jobs.
  • 5thin the world in terms of visitor exports. USD83.2bn in visitor exports in 2016. By 2027 it is forecast to reach USD148.3bn.
  • 4thin the world in terms of travel and tourism investment with USD49.6bn in 2016. It will rise to USD98.9bn in 2027.
  • The Middle East reported the strongest annual traffic growth of any region globally for the 6th year running in2017.
  • Looking ahead, 7.2 billion is the number of global air passengers predicted by 2035. TheMiddle East will see an extra 245 million passengers a year on routes to, from and within the region by 2035 that will continue to support demand for hotels.
Equally promising is Africa’s hospitality that sector remains resilient and is poised for further growth over the next five years. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) international tourist arrivals grew by a remarkable 8% in 2017 in Africa to reach a total of 62 million. Arrivals grew by 13% in North Africa, while Sub-Saharan Africa arrivals increased by 5%. This strong momentum is expected to continue in 2018. The hospitality industry contributed $165.6bn – or 7.8% – to Africa’s GDP in 2016 and this figure rose by 2.9% in 2017 as per figures released by World Travel & Tourism Council. Meanwhile, the number of planned hotel chain developments has doubled in Africa since 2009 from around 30,000 rooms in 144 hotels to 73,000 rooms in 417 hotels. For further information visit http://www.swiss-belhotel.com For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com About Swiss-Belhotel International Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 150* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania.  Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. www.swiss-belhotel.com *Numbers may fluctuate  

DISCOVER YESTERDAY, TODAY: EXPLORE AL SEEF HOTEL BY JUMEIRAH AND TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME INTO ENCHANTING ARABIA

Al Seef Hotel by Jumeirah opens this September, offering guests the opportunity to create their own tales of Arabian nights. Tucked away amidst the rooftops and courtyards of a souk located on the banks of Dubai Creek, the 200 room hotel is spread across 22 traditionally designed Arabian Bayt (homes), adorned with the wind towers famous throughout the region. With views down into the alleyways of the souk and out across the busy waterways of the Creek, Al Seef Hotel by Jumeirah is inspired by the culture, heritage and stories of old-world Arabia; and brings to life the warm traditions of Emirati hospitality, Alessandro Cabella, whose role as Area General Manager at Jumeirah Group includes Al Seef Hotel by Jumeirah said: “In days gone by, traders travelled across the deserts and seas of Arabia, bringing artefacts, delicacies and spices to the small collection of homes that stood on the shores of Dubai Creek. The villagers opened their doors, inviting travellers into their homes to share meals and stories of their journeys and to trade their goods. The village grew with houses of traders, the shops and alleyways of the souk; and was alive with the sights and sounds of merchants, fishermen and pearl divers – and so Dubai’s story began. Today, these homes have been replicated at Al Seef Hotel by Jumeirah, offering our guests the opportunity to glimpse into the past and create new stories of their own journeys.” The hotel is located in the second phase of Al Seef, a new district of restaurants, cafes, shops and plazas, situated on a two-kilometre promenade on the south bank of Dubai Creek. Al Seef is the newest destination by Meraas, the masterminds being some of Dubai’s most popular tourist destinations including The Beach and City Walk. At the opposite end of the promenade to the two recently opened hotels in Jumeirah’s Zabeel House collection, Al Seef Hotel by Jumeirah offers a distinctly different guest experience; one which places a strong emphasis on the city’s proud history. The area is still a bustling site of trade, with souks and aged dhows full of merchandise bound for India and Africa. A short stroll away are the museums, galleries and cafes of the popular Al Fahidi historical neighborhood; the architecture of which was the inspiration for the creation of Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah’s ‘resort of Arabia’ adjacent to Burj Al Arab. ‘Like Staying In Someone’s Home’ The 22 homes are located in small clusters of 2 to 3 buildings joined by a bridge that provides a walkway above the souk and sharing a common courtyard, encouraging socialising with other guests within the hotel. The design of the twin and  king-bed guest rooms draw deeply on the UAE’s culture, with authentically aged materials that mimic rustic facades; and interiors that reflect an age of pearl diving, trading and crafts. Look out for:
  • Middle Eastern woven fabrics, wooden beams, lamps, rustic ceilings with fans
  • Rough plastered walls inspired by traditional building techniques
  • Large windows with traditional wooden panels with views down onto the winding outdoor corridors of the ground floor souk and the waters of the creek
  • Antique light switches and replica old fashioned radios and carpets
  • Colour schemes inspired by the rich blue water, the soothing beige of the desert sands, and soft green tones of the country’s flora, interspersed with colourful flashes of reds, turquoises and yellows
  • Characteristic Barjeel (the iconic wind towers which were once used to ventilate homes before air conditioning)
  • Hand-made and organic amenities comprising fragrances and natural ingredients from the UAE such as exfoliating soap made from sand from each of the UAE’s seven emirates
Alessandro Cabella said: “Huge attention has been given to the design of the rooms and courtyards to ensure our guests are immersed in the spirit of the past and, for the time they stay with us, feel worlds away from the pace of modern life. By having the 200 rooms spread over 22 separated buildings, areas of personal peace are created, so it will feel like staying in someone’s home. Hidden amongst the rooftops of the souk, once our guests step inside the hotel, an immediate sense of calm will prevail. “With Al Seef Hotel by Jumeirah, we will create an unforgettable experience – combining the warmth of Arabian hospitality with a backdrop of local heritage and architecture. The property pays homage to the age-old days of the region, offering a relaxing choice for inquisitive, quality-conscious travellers who appreciate authenticity; and enjoy the experiences that uniquely designed spaces offer as an insight to local history.” The hotel will take bookings from the end of July and welcome guests from 1st September with an opening offer of 250 dirhams per room per night plus relevant taxes and municipality charges. It will be Jumeirah’s 12th hotel to open in Dubai and the 23rd in its global portfolio. Visit www.jumeirah.com/alseefhotel for more details and follow the hotel on social media:
  • Instagram @alseefjumeirah
  • Facebook /alseefjumeirah
  • Twitter @alseefjumeirah
-Ends- About Jumeirah Group: Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, operates and manages a world-class portfolio of 15 properties in the Middle East including the flagship Burj Al Arab, 5 properties in Europe and 2 in Asia with 18 properties currently under construction around the globe.