Zabeel House by Jumeirah, Al Seef opens this week

Pictured: Zabeel House by Jumeirah, Al Seef exterior. The second hotel in Jumeirah’s new ‘Upscale Casual’ collection offers a loft-style vibe on the south banks of Dubai Creek – and a rooftop pool with views across both old and new Dubai. Be one of the first to stay – for just AED 297++ per night

The second hotel in the Zabeel House by Jumeirah collection opens this week, bringing a loft-style vibe to the south banks of Dubai Creek, next door to the earlier opened Zabeel House MINI by Jumeirah.

Zabeel House by Jumeirah, Al Seef promises to be the stylish older sibling of its next door neighbour, while still delivering on the collection’s ‘Upscale Casual’ promise of sharp design and smart service, with an informal approach and a moderate price point.

With 200 rooms in 3 different sizes for solo travelers, couples or families; a welcoming vast lobby filled with a collection of contrasting art and design pieces and bookcases made for browsing; a destination restaurant that stretches out over the waters of Dubai Creek, and a rooftop bar and pool with views across both old and new Dubai, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, Al Seef provides a completely new experience in this part of the city.

Add ample creative spaces to work from as well as five meeting rooms for the corporates, and a design style that is perfectly groomed and stylishly accessorized with enough sophisticated quirks to keep snap-happy guests busy, and you have a hotel that is the perfect hangout for curious travelers with an intrepid spirit, whether they want to stay always on, or go off the grid.

F&B offerings include CHAPTERS described as far from your usual lobby bar, where guests will be encouraged to settle in for a while with one of the books pulled down from the surrounding bookcases. Through the lobby NYON will serve Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern bites throughout the day.

Two other bars and restaurants will compete to be known as the hottest new destination on this side of Dubai. SKAFOS, opening after the summer, will be an alfresco gastro restaurant reaching out over the waters of Dubai Creek, the ideal spot to watch the dhows and abras cruise past. Seven floors above, SOL SKY BAR sits on the brim of the rooftop pool with a cocktail menu to match the variety of panoramic views of the city, from the oldest wind towers of the Creek to the newest skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai.

 Things to watch out for:

•  Multitude translations of the word ‘Explore’, littered throughout the lobby
• The black and white photographs in NYON showcasing some of the world’s most iconic cities, with plenty of perspectives of Dubai included
• The bookcases in Chapters that will feature curated shelves from some of Dubai’s creative community
• The ginger shot that you’ll be offered on arrival, mixed with fresh saffron from the Spice Souk and pure honey from Yemen

With three room sizes (the Plush, the Popular and Suites) the hotel offers contemporary retreats made for rising above the city’s round-the-clock energy, mixing comfort with an edgy style.

Think king-size (or twin) B&B Italia mattresses in the Plush and Suite rooms or Simmons mattresses in the popular rooms, oversized oak dining or work tables, minimalist wardrobe spaces, hammocks for lounging on when reading, contemporary art on the walls and ceilings inspired by Dubai AND free-standing bathtubs for the ultimate soak – all complete with signature black SMEG mini bars, N’espresso machines and a SuitePad, perfect for ordering a late-night snack or making plans for tomorrow.

If you’re looking for zen throughout your stay, there is a well-equipped indoor gym, complete with sauna, steam room and two treatment rooms – or head out for a run on the 2 kilometre promenade that stretches from the hotel alongside the Creek.

Things to look out for: 

• The astronaut holding tightly on to the moon-shaped lamp
• The word-search above your bed – (clue – some of them glow in the dark to make it easier to solve)
• Organic liquid amenities by OSME, wrapped in certified eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging.

Zabeel House by Jumeirah, Al Seef stands at the entrance to Al Seef, a new district of 90 restaurants and 350 retail outlets, on the south banks of Dubai Creek. Created by Meraas, the company behind tourist friendly neighborhoods across the city such as Kite Beach, City Walk and The Walk at JBR, Al Seef has revitalized a two kilometre stretch of the Creek. It’s the perfect jumping-off point to explore the older parts of the city including the wind towers, galleries and cafes of Al Fahidi; the spice, textile and gold souks; and the old homes of Al Shindigha.

The hotel is also conveniently located for exploring other parts of the city, with Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall and the beaches of Jumeirah just 15 minutes away.

Visit www.zabeelhouse.com to be one of the first to stay at Zabeel House Al Seef; rates starting from AED 297++ per night.

FDC INTERIORS TO OPEN MAJOR PRODUCTION FACILITY IN DUBAI TO SERVE LUXURY HOSPITALITY

Pictured: Ground breaking ceremony for the new FDC Interiors production facility in Dubai, featuring FDC CEO Elie Assamad and His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World

FDC Interiors has served the Middle East’s luxury retail and hospitality industries for more than 40 years and recently announced a major new production facility in Dubai’s National Industries Park, launching later this year to manage unprecedented demand in the build up to Dubai Expo 2020.

Company CEO and interior designer Elie Assamad realised his vision to bring superior interior design to the Middle East with FDC Interiors, becoming one of the pioneers that brought the art of creating luxury boutiques into local high-volume production. In fact, FDC’s opening venture was the very first luxury retail project to be built locally in the GCC.

FDC attribute their background as designers as a major factor in setting them apart from other contractors. The company has invested since its beginnings in building its own production facilities to retain total control over the quality and execution schedule of its projects.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the major new FDC Interiors production facility in Dubai, opening in September, Assamad said: “We design and fit interiors for some of the most famous brands in the world. In prestigious hotels, smart boutiques, corporate offices and restaurants we’ve created the kind of interiors that have transformed spaces into living statements.

“To conform with increasing demand, FDC has expanded its operations throughout the GCC. We have started construction of our new venture in Dubai, a 22,000 sqm production facility in the National Industries Park.”

According to Assamad, the company selected this location due to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum to build a smart Dubai.

“This vision was a turning point for FDC to expand its investment here,” he added. “Dubai provides a safe and very advanced environment for investment.”

The company also referenced the UAE’s position as a major exporter in the region, a global commercial centre, and most importantly Dubai showcasing to the whole world the true meaning of luxury in the hospitality and retail sectors.

Assamad continued: “FDC’s current growth aims to accommodate the growing demand in the region and the world.

“Our new production facilities in Dubai are set with comprehensive solutions for the entire production process. This move is a strategic start conforming to the fourth industrial generation in production for hotels and luxury boutiques.

“The increase in the production outputs will reinforce our competitive advantage in the market and enable us to provide a variety of products with a high quality and great value. We are projecting a considerable increase in our annual turnover in the short run with our accumulative manufacturing experience, the expanded number of production facilities and our well-trained team.

“FDC will employ the latest digital and industrial technologies to reduce its cost of production and reduce the overall risk of investment. Especially when considering the event of EXPO 2020, which will be major driver for demand of our industrial sector.”

FDC will be showcasing the designs from their latest projects and speaking to the industry about their new production facility opening in September 2018 during the 19^th annual edition of The Hotel Show Dubai, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre that same month: 16-18^th September 2018.

Meet FDC Interiors at The Hotel Show, stand 6D251 and / or find out more about the company here: http://fdc-interiors.com/

ICONIC ADDRESS DOWNTOWN DUBAI REOPENS

The iconic Address Downtown – the flagship property of Emaar Hospitality Group – has re-opened its doors to guests after two-and-a-half years of significant renovations.

The luxury property now features new F&B concepts – Turkish restaurant The Galliard and American steakhouse STK – additional rooms and suites, The Spa at Address Downtown, and a brand-new interior design.

With 220 guest rooms and suites, several of them opening to spectacular views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, the hotel is said to reveal even more new features in the coming days.

Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, commented: “Address Downtown holds a very special place in the hearts of all discerning travellers and guests. Defined by its central location overlooking Burj Khalifa, the hotel has consistently secured the world’s leading tourism and hospitality awards.

“With the opening of Address Downtown, Emaar is bringing to life a crowning glory in its hotel assets. Working with world-leading designers and consultants, the all-new Address Downtown ushers in an exceptional lifestyle choice and set new standards in luxury hospitality. The hotel will continue to uphold its distinctive positioning of ‘where life happens’.”

Towering high at 302 metres and 63 levels, guests to the Address Downtown have uninterrupted views of The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. Its 220 rooms and suites  include 16 choices from a ‘Premier Fountain View Room’ to ‘Signature Spa Suite Fountain View’, all opening to spectacular views of the Dubai skyline. Guests can also opt for ‘Twin’ rooms that connect through a foyer.

‘The Restaurant’ concept – designed in the style of an avant-garde French apartment with inspired spaces from the Living Room to the Kitchen – is now open at the property.

Also open is the ‘Lounge’, a social oasis with spectacular views, serving a la carte meals to lighter fare and afternoon tea; and the all-time favourite ‘Katana’, which brings robatayaki-style cuisine to life, offering a uniquely delicious and expert blend of Japanese tradition and modern fare.

The ‘Cigar Lounge’ offers guests a range of cigars that is as extensive as it is exquisite, including sought-after limited editions from some of Cuba and South America’s finest cigar houses, while the ‘Club Lounge’, accessible exclusively to guests staying in the Club Suites and Rooms, offers international cuisine and complimentary beverages in a premium ambience all through the day.

Soon to open are ‘The Galliard’ bringing authentic Turkish flavours and inventive expressions of French and Spanish cuisine and ‘STK’, an ingenious interpretation of an American steakhouse in the form of a chic, contemporary lounge.

‘Neos’, the ultra-luxury lounge on Level 63, assuring guests a never-before ambience, and ‘Zeta’, an al fresco outlet at the lobby level offering California- and Asia-inspired cuisine and signature beverages, will also open shortly.

Meanwhile ‘The Spa at Address Downtown’ has nine treatment rooms, a hammam, steam rooms and relaxation areas, complemented by a state-of-the-art, 24-hour Fitness Centre offering personal training services. With an infinity pool cascading over five tiers with direct Burj Khalifa views and relaxation areas, The Spa at Address Downtown is the ultimate getaway for guests in the heart of the city.

The new interiors are said to bear the hallmarks of great public spaces throughout the world. The lobby offers the unexpected with fine architectural detailing and hand-crafted accessories. Each aspect of the hotel has been designed to lend distinctive individuality.

Pictured: The lobby 

For the guest rooms, the practical is elevated to the superlative to serve as personal oasis while curios of every type are assembled at the all-day dining spaces to delight guests. The vigor of the cityscape and pace of modern life is softened by the lounge’s enveloping environs, with soft light, and refined finishes.

Address Downtown stands out for its keen attention to service with airport VIP welcome on arrival, private limousine transfers, pre-check-in and in-room check-in options, in-room coffee machine and tea choices, luxurious toiletries, video on demand, a dedicated, knowledgeable concierge, 24-hour business lounge, 24-hour in-room dining, relaxation areas and more. Guests can also benefit from a dedicated Qix Club for children.

Emaar Hospitality Group also operates Address Boulevard, Address Dubai Mall, Palace Downtown, Vida Downtown and Manzil Downtown in Downtown Dubai. Find out more and book your stay online at: www.addresshotels.com

HILTON GARDEN INN ASKS DINERS TO SELECT ITS NEW MENU ITEMS

Hilton Garden Inn and the Food Network have launched a nationwide vote across the USA to determine new items to be featured on the hotel brand’s ‘on-trend’ dining menu.

A total of 11 specially created new items have been handcrafted to represent what’s trending in the world of F&B – the most popular of which will be added to the global hotel brand’s menu.

 

The campaign kicked off during a Food Network Facebook Live event starring celebrity chef Dan Churchill, host of ‘Genius Kitchen’s Feast with Friends’. Presenting live from the Hilton Garden Inn in New York, Chef Churchill revealed some of the tempting offerings vying for a place on the menu.

“I enjoyed making and sampling a few of the savory new menu items created by Hilton Garden Inn on Summer Squad Live,” said Churchill. “When you’re traveling, it’s nice to know you can wind down at your hotel with a refreshing beverage, an appetizing small plate, or a delicious sweet. I’ve picked my favorites and can’t wait to see what the voters choose.”

Later this summer, award-winning actress, director and author, Judy Greer, will join Chef Churchill to announce the winning menu items.

“Through the “Sophisticated Bites” program, we’re tapping fans, travelers and a savvy audience of foodies to help us continue to delight guests with delicious, fun and inventive menu items they will want to enjoy again and again,” said John Greenleaf, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. “We are committed to offering guests the simple things that matter, and what better way to give our guests what they want than to let them decide?”

Those who cast a vote at www.foodnetwork.com/sophisticatedbites will automatically be entered in the “Sophisticated Bites” Sweepstakes – with three Grand Prize winners chosen at random for a free, seven-night stay at any one of Hilton Garden Inn’s more than 775 global locations. Voting is open May 23, 2018 through June 4, 2018, and consumers may vote once each day. Please see the website to vote, and for official rules and regulations.

The selection of delectable dishes and cocktails on the ballot include:

Small Plates

• Deviled Egg Toast: Deviled egg spread, crushed hard-boiled egg, everything seasoning, dill and smoked paprika on toasted whole-grain artisan bread
• Sticky Finger Ribs: Low and slow baby back ribs, whiskey-soy barbecue sauce, crispy onion and scallions
• Chipotle BLT Flatbread: Chipotle red sauce, Applewood bacon, fresh tomato and zesty-ranch dressed romaine atop Hilton Garden Inn’s signature flatbread
• Korean BBQ Bao Tacos: Bulgogi beef ribeye, kimchi, cilantro, chili-garlic sauce in steamed bao buns

Handcrafted Cocktails *

• Minty Mule: Grey Goose Vodka, lime juice, mint leaves and ginger ale
• Colada Shiver: Cruzan Aged Light Rum, lime juice, piña colada mix, topped with club soda
• Cherry Blossom:  Hornitos Reposado Tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice and grenadine
• Bittersweet Rum & Coke: Cruzan Light Rum, lime juice, aromatic bitters and Mexican Coke

Sweets

• Mason Jar Chocolate Fudge Cake: Layers of rich chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce
• Berry Cobbler: Seasonal berries and cobbler crust topped with vanilla bean whipped cream
• Skillet Everything Cookie: Chocolate chunks, pretzels, toasted peanuts and butterscotch chips served with vanilla ice cream

The nationwide call for consumers to help select new menu items is part of Hilton Garden Inn’s ongoing commitment to cater to the evolving needs of today’s modern traveler. As part of a comprehensive brand refresh, which rolled out globally in 2017, Hilton Garden Inn focused heavily on dining updates as well as new hotel prototypes for each region of the world and brand culture enhancements. As the food and beverage leader in the upscale hotel category for more than a decade, Hilton Garden Inn is meeting guests’ changing dining preferences with healthier and more on-trend menu choices, premium varietal wines, national and local craft beers, handcrafted cocktails and small plates.

For more information about Hilton Garden Inn, visit www.hgi.com or news.hgi.com; and for details about Sophisticated Bites with Food Network, visit www.foodnetwork.com/sophisticatedbites.

SUSTAINABLE, LUXURY CAMP TO OPEN ON THE UAE’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN RAS AL KHAIMAH

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced that it will develop a comprehensive sustainable tourism master plan, based on a detailed UNWTO assessment of current performance and future opportunity, including a major sustainable luxury camp project on Jebel Jais.

The announcement follows RAKTDA’s official sponsorship of the UNWTO International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development in 2017 with the aim of promoting a more sustainable global tourism landscape.

Sustainable tourism growth has been a part of Ras Al Khaimah’s destination strategy since 2016 with the vision to be a sustainable and competitive tourism destination and leading contributor to the Ras Al Khaimah economy.  The new report will help RAKTDA take the next step by further integrating sustainability into its Destination 2021 strategy to guide the development of tourism over the next 12 years until 2030.

One of the major projects that will form part of the development roadmap will be a sustainable luxury camp on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain.  The luxury camp will offer spectacular mountain views and feature the latest technology to minimize energy use and conserve water.  A dedicated programme will also be used to minimize waste to protect the mountain range 2,000 metres above sea-level.  RAKTDA are currently in final negotiations with hotel operators and further announcements will follow.

The news was shared at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) and set out the key areas RAKTDA will focus on in its destination strategy update which will be released in Q4 2018.

Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: “Ras Al Khaimah is one of the region’s fastest growing tourism destination and whilst we embrace this growth it’s fundamentally important that we retain a position of destination sustainability.  We have made some great strides as part of our Destination 2019 strategy but as we plan for the future we want to take the next step and guide the development of tourism in the run up to 2030.  The UNWTO is helping us shape our sustainable master plan which will focus on environmental, socio-cultural and economic aspects to position Ras Al Khaimah as the first sustainable tourism destination in the UAE.  A destination that will be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come.”

Along with a number of initiatives focused on sustainability, RAKTDA has also focused on transforming its natural gifts into tourism assets. Over the last few years, RAKTDA launched three new eco-friendly adventure based projects on Jebel Jais – positioning it as the nature adventure hub of the Middle East, and complementing the offering of the neighbouring Emirates.

These include the Arabian Gulf’s first commercial Via Ferrata (iron path) which features hiking and zip-line challenges, the viewing deck park and Jebel Jais Flight: the world’s longest zip-line which launched in February 2018.  Through careful planning and consultation, these products have been realized to enhance natural assets, conscious of their environmental impact.

Similar projects are being planned across the emirate’s pristine coastline, natural mangroves and throughout historical sites including the pearl farming village Jazirat Al Hamra and the recently restored Mohammad Bin Salem Mosque.

Find out more: https://en.raktda.com/ 

CAN CUSTOM-DESIGNED SLEEPWEAR KEEP GUESTS COMING BACK TO YOUR HOTEL?

Talk About Hospitality speaks with Claudia Foecking, the founder of Hummingbird Australia – a unique brand seeking to revolutionise how high-end hospitality brands leave a lasting impression on their guests…

Talk About Hospitality: Tell us more about the concept for Hummingbird Australia?

 Claudia: I help high-end hotels to enhance their relationship with their most valued guests by creating custom sleepwear, which can take the form of pyjamas, kaftans or kimonos that resonate with the heritage of each hotel. We do so by understanding the hotels brand positioning and observing its standout features. Standout features could include the hotels artwork and interior design, or even local flora and fauna specific to its location. Our team consists of passionate and creative artists that custom design beautiful abstract print patterns. My role as founder is to work closely with the hotel and guide them through the decision making process in order to produce a print pattern and design that best represents the hotels heritage.

Pictured: The Hummingbird Australia design process – example

 Talk About Hospitality: How did you come up with the idea?

 Claudia: Oh, this is an interesting one! In my early twenties, while working and studying across Australia and China, I spent a lot of time developing different businesses. Prior to Hummingbird, I was working on two different ventures; the first, an hourly interior design service specifically targeting coffee shop owners in Melbourne and the second, a branded merchandising business for high-end financial planners. I most definitively enjoyed the creativity involved in the first venture, and learnt a lot about analysing the interiors of different venues and understanding the frustrations of coffee shop owners trying to bring their brand to life on a budget. The idea for my second venture emerged when I was working both within the financial planning industry as a support staff to advisors and externally, as a financial services recruiter. What I found was that a lot of financial planning firms were lacking quality branded merchandise that could enhance their brand image and make them standout amongst their competitors. The branded products I produced included golf balls, fridge magnets and leather diaries.

It was my trip to Tulum, Mexico however, that sparked my idea for what is now Hummingbird Australia. It all began on my last day in Tulum when I picked up a Spanish magazine and read about a Mexican designer who was collaborating with high-end hotels in Mexico to design resort merchandise that was in true alignment with their brand. I immediately resonated with the idea, as it was somewhat similar to the work I did in my second venture designing branded merchandise for financial planners. The idea of partnering with high-end hotels, however, had never crossed my mind until then and I was immediately attracted to it. I knew that if I didn’t go out and create something of value for high-end hotels, then this idea would not leave my mind. So, instead of going home to Germany over the Christmas break to spend time with my family, I headed up north to Byron Bay, to map out the idea for what would soon become Hummingbird Australia.

Talk About Hospitality: How do you envision that the company can make a real difference to the service provided by hotels and the relationships built with hotel guests?

 Claudia: By gifting their guests with signature sleepwear to wear both during their stay and to take home afterwards, hotels will have the opportunity to establish a more intimate relationship with their guests. Through this act of kindness, hotel guests will inevitably feel more connected and valued by the hotel as they feel special and taken care of.

The beauty about stocking custom sleepwear in your hotel room is that it’s a tangible item that creates cherished memories and that guests are allowed to take home. This makes the in-room experience for the guest so much better than bringing home branded toiletries, plus it gets the guest taking about hotel when being asked where they got it. This is also our secret recipe to help hotels minimise their turnover of stolen robes. It’s really a win-win for both the hotel operators and the guests.

We are helping hotels express their brand identity through an innovative medium and help them raise their social profile which allows the hotel to indirectly market themselves and influence future buyer decisions. Signature sleepwear gets the guest taking about the hotel in quite a joyous way – many become your volunteer social media marker by posting perfectly chosen pictures on their profile – tagging in your hotel. Now not only have you made your guests smile and scored a volunteer social media post, you are also on path of getting many eyeballs from potential guests. People rarely make snap yes or no decisions, rather they think ‘hmm, that looks like an interesting hotel to stay at’ or a ‘hey, maybe I should find out more about this’ in a gradual move to a buying decision which is what hotel operators should strive for, considering the competition in the hotel market is at all-time high.

I believe that many people are really prepared to pay extra for something special but if they don’t really see it the pressure comes onto the price of the rooms…so we are stepping in to alleviate the pressure and help hotels deliver on their promise of creating a great customer experience by caring for the guests and anticipating their needs. If you channel this into your brand it will add something that’s unique and special.

One must stand out in order to thrive in such a constantly growing market. Our aim is to really draw attention to the hotel by evoking a breeze of curiosity, obviously in quite an effortless way, by introducing signature sleepwear, instead of saying ‘hey you, come and stay with us and be offered breakfast for free.’

Talk About Hospitality: What are your key goals for the company in the next 1-5 years?

Claudia: Hummingbird Australia was created with the ambition of becoming the go-to for high-end hotels looking to build a more intimate relationship with their guests and build stronger brand awareness through custom art-infused sleepwear. In the next five years, we look to achieve this and bring a Five-Star Airline on board, helping them deliver on their promise to create an in-flight experience for business and first class passengers that is second to none.

Talk About Hospitality: You have expressed interest in coming to Dubai to take part in The Hotel Show. Why is The Hotel Show and its UAE location an area of interest for you when launching the company?

Claudia: The Hotel Show and its UAE location is specifically of interest to me as it is by far the regions largest and most prestigious hospitality event bringing together a selection of the world’s most elite players in the industry. The Hotel Show itself provides a 360 -degree view of the hotel market catering to every element of the guest experience – we really see ourselves as that additional element that helps your hotel brand stand out and create a special guest experience.

Dubai as a location is of interest as it is the epicentre of hospitality in the Middle East and its diverse and vibrant hospitality sector is among top global performers while being home to some of the top performing hotel brands. Dubai is going to remain a strong market hotel wise with its recent additions to tourism attractions such as Dubai Safari, IMG World and Bluewaters Island will ultimately help drive the growth of tourism and the need for accommodation overall.

On a personal note I visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi countless times when travelling back to Germany and truly enjoy seeing both cities advance so much year on year.

Find out more about Hummingbird Australia at: www.hummingbirdpjs.com, Instagram @hummingbirdpjs or contact Claudia on hello@hummingbirdpjs.com

THREE MAKKAH HOTELS TAKE TOP AWARDS AT SAUDI ARABIA’S INTER-HOTEL CULINARY COMPETITION

Recognised worldwide as one of the Holy Cities of Islam, Makkah is also finding a name for itself in the culinary world as three of its leading hotels have been awarded as the best hotel kitchens in Saudi Arabia.

Chefs from Anjum Hotel Makkah, Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah, and Le Méridien Towers Makkah were awarded bronze, silver and gold places respectively, at the Kingdom’s second annual ‘Inter-Hotel Culinary Competition – Mystery Box Challenge’.

The competition, which took place in Jeddah as part of the 2018 edition of The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia last month, witnessed its most competitive line-up to date – with eleven kitchens from some of the Kingdom’s leading hotels cooking up a storm in a bid to be crowned champion.

Pictured: Chefs cooking at the Inter-Hotel Culinary Competition – Mystery Box Challenge

Endorsed by WORLDCHEFS, the Saudi Arabian Chefs’ Association and Culinary Partner, Unilever Food Solutions, it is the only event of its kind in the Kingdom celebrating the excellent standards of its hotel restaurants.

Each participating team was given three hours to whip-up four courses using ‘Mystery Box’ ingredients only revealed to them once they stepped inside the kitchen, the final dishes presented to a panel of judges from WORLDCHEFS (The World Association of Chefs’ Societies).

The winning menu for Le Méridien Towers Makkah included a ‘Mixed Bean Salad’ for the starter, ‘Traditional Sweet Corn Soup’ for the soup, ‘Stuffed Chicken Breast with Peaches’ as the main course and an ‘Orange Crème Brulee with Caramelized Pineapple, Banana and Crispy Puff’ for dessert.

Upon winning the gold medal, Anas Mohammed Ayyub Ansari, Head Chef at Le Méridien Towers Makkah said: “This feeling is indescribable – all chefs dream to be crowned as Saudi Arabia’s top hotel kitchen and we are very proud to win the gold for our hotel, Le Méridien Towers Makkah.

“The judges commented that they appreciated how we kept our dishes modern in presentation, maintaining the authenticity of the dish yet the taste spoke volumes about how passionate we are about our food.”

Pictured: The Le Méridien Towers Makkah team are presented the gold trophy, medals and certificates from the WORLDCHEFS judges 

Chef Yasser Jad, Founder & President of the Saudi Arabian Chefs’ Association (SARCA) and Manager Food & Beverages at Saudi Airlines, chaired the jury, a line-up of expert local and international chefs.

Jad commented: “This year we raised the level of difficulty of the competition significantly by limiting the number of items in the ‘Mystery Box’, with chicken the only protein provided, for example.

“This ensured that teams had to be creative in order to give their own signature take on each dish. The winning team from Le Méridien Towers Makkah stood out with their chicken main stuffed with peaches, a unique, Mediterranean take on the dish. This team was very professional and managed to create flavorsome dishes with the limited ingredients available.

“Other chefs stuffed the chicken with dates which maintained an Arabic touch. All of the menus were very impressive and to a high standard. We look forward to returning to The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia next year with a more challenging competition format and new ingredients for the chefs to work with, in order to raise the bar even further.”

Pictured: The winning team take their awards back to their hotel in Makkah

The Inter-Hotel Culinary Competition will return for its third edition at The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia 2019, taking place across three days – 21-23^rd April 2019 – at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events.

Find out more at: www.thehotelshowsaudiarabia.com

EMIRATES HOLIDAYS TO OFFER TAILOR-MADE HEALTH AND WELLNESS HOLIDAYS IN DUBAI

Emirates Holidays is teaming up with world-class spas, wellness centres and health facilities in Dubai to offer tailor-made  holidays catered to health-conscious travellers.

Emirates Holidays, the tour-operating arm of Emirates Airline, and the Dubai Health Authority’s Health Tourism Council are collaborating to offer visitors a plethora of tailor-made health and wellness holidays in Dubai.

Pictured: Views of Dubai from the infinity pool at the Retreat Palm Dubai, M Gallery by Sofitel – the first wellness resort in the Middle East and one of the new destinations offered in tailor-made wellness holidays by Emirates Holidays 

Dubai is seeking to attract more than 500,000 medical tourists by 2020, and this move aims to tap into the growing demand for health and wellness tourism across the world, leveraging on Dubai’s established world-class infrastructure for the wellness market. Dubai has all the factors that make it a favourable wellness and tourism destination and the partnership will help provide a range of well-curated and bespoke travel packages.

Each wellness and health package includes return flights on Emirates; a three to four day stay at a hotel property renowned for its health and wellness facilities; a selection of spa and wellness treatments, including a health and wellness programme tailored to the client’s specific needs and daily meals.

As a start, Emirates Holidays is partnering two premier establishments to provide their health and wellness programmes – DNA Health at Madinat Jumeirah and Rayya Wellness Retreat at the Retreat Palm Dubai, M Gallery by Sofitel.

The health and wellness packages are being launched in association with Dubai Health Experience (DXH), a brand conceived by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to strengthen the medical facilities in Dubai and strengthen the position of Dubai on the world map of medical tourism.

Dr Layla Al Marzouqi, Director of Health Tourism Council at the DHA said, “Dubai is a favourable location for travellers, particularly from the neighbouring GCC countries. Dubai offers world-class hospitality and healthcare services and our objective is to provide health tourists with a unique experience, the highest medical service standards using state-of-the-art technology accompanied by highly specialized and educated staff. The wellness sector in the Emirate offers excellence in service for travellers seeking wellness services along with several tourism options. We also plan to co-develop preventive health check-up holiday packages of various kinds for individuals, families and children in the future in collaboration with leading hospital and clinics in Dubai.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, global wellness tourism revenues grew from US$494.1 billion in 2013 to US$563.2 billion in 2015 – or 14%. This growth rate is more than twice as fast as overall tourism expenditures (6.9%).

“We are excited to launch Health and Wellness Holidays to Dubai in partnership with the Dubai Health Authority. We see the health and wellness segment as a significant growth opportunity for Emirates Holidays and Dubai as a destination,” said Robin Parry, Vice President, Emirates Holidays.

“With the packages we’ve designed, our customers will enjoy travel on award-winning Emirates, see the best of Dubai’s sights and improve their health and wellbeing.

Emirates Holidays will focus on Kuwait and KSA as the initial markets for its wellness holidays with the intention to expand this to other markets over time.

Find out more: www.emiratesholidays.com

DUBAI’S HOTEL SHOW SHORTLISTED IN TWO CATEGORIES AT UK-BASED AEO EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2018

The Hotel Show Dubai – the largest and most comprehensive hospitality event in the Middle East – has just been shortlisted in two categories at the 2018 AEO Excellence Awards.

The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) award the best that the international events industry has to offer at the annual ceremony, showcasing “amazing” achievements over the past year in terms of individual events, venues, suppliers and contractors.

Long-standing The Hotel Show has been running in the UAE for almost two decades. Its 2017 edition is up for a potential win in both the AEO’s ‘Best Overseas Show’ and ‘Innovation Award’ categories this year.

Last year the event went through its most significant period of change to date, announcing a raft of exciting new features and sectors for its 18^th edition, as well as brand extensions in Saudi Arabia, Africa and the Philippines. Due to global growth plans, the entire portfolio revealed a new look and feel to provide a sleek, integrated look across all of its editions and reflect the increasing international importance of its portfolio and core event in Dubai, UAE.

The innovative new feature line up launched at the show included The Middle East Housekeepers League of Champions, the focus of the event’s shortlisted entry for the ‘Innovation Award’.

The first event of its kind in the world, the brand new competition saw hotel rooms set up back to back on The Hotel Show floor and trashed. Housekeeping teams from 26 hotels competed head-to-head to clean them in just seven minutes. The Hotel Show team identified a clear gap in the market for an event dedicated to the ‘unsung heroes’ of the hospitality industry, which is now providing a platform to demonstrate industry best practice, encourage on-going training and development and drive excellence.

Pamini Hemaprabha, representative from the UAE Professional Housekeepers Group, competition judge, executive housekeeper and master trainer commented on the success of the competition: “The Middle East Housekeepers League of Champions has raised the motivational bar much higher for the housekeeping division. This competition is very important because housekeepers spend less time socializing and coming out to networking opportunities. We live in a google age, and everything around us is changing so fast, so housekeepers need to come out of hotels and spend quality time with fellow housekeepers and suppliers to check out the competition and what is new in the market – it’s only doing good for their hotels and their division.”

Pictured: The Middle East Housekeepers League of Champions 2017 competition underway on-site at The Hotel Show Dubai 

Educational platform, The Middle East Hospitality Leadership Forum, featured debate and discussion with almost 50 GMs. The Middle East Hospitality Awards celebrated industry excellence with a top-level judging panel including Chef Gary Rhodes OBE. As the industry evolves, the awards featured new categories which for the first time covered its entirety including a new focus on leisure (pool and spa / sports and fitness).

Pictured: Gary Rhodes OBE accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Middle East Hospitality Awards 2017

Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, the 2017 feature line-up will now be replicated for all international editions of The Hotel Show.

Gary Williams, Event Director of The Hotel Show Dubai commented: “As the industry changes and grows, so must we. Through our new features that directly reflect the industry, the hoteliers and all departments within a hotel, we are confident that we are providing a stage that its people deserve and are proud to do business on. Our format for 2017 pulled down the hurdles that hoteliers find along the way – from career advancement to working with suppliers. We are a community, and The Hotel Show is our annual get-together.”

The upcoming AEO Excellence Awards will take place at Grosvenor House in London on the 15th June 2018 – check out Talk About Hospitality to find out the results.

Find out more about The Hotel Show Dubai at www.thehotelshow.com and see the full AEO Excellence Awards 2018 shortlist here

 

UNDER-THE-SEA HOTEL EXPERIENCE TO DEBUT AT CONRAD MALDIVES

‘Sea’ the Maldives from an entirely new perspective…

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has announced the submersion of what is believed to be the world’s first undersea residence, which will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The result of a significant $15 million USD investment will transform the Maldives experience for travelers who want to be truly immersed within the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean.

As the first international hotel brand to enter the Maldivian market 20 years ago and home to the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island continues to pioneer and innovate with the groundbreaking introduction of the undersea residence.

Aptly named THE MURAKA or coral in Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives, the undersea residence gives guests an intimate and immersive experience of one of the Earth’s most breathtaking marine environments. Muraka is designed to blend into its environment, giving guests’ unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean at every turn. With vibrant colors and a diverse array of marine life all around, Muraka’s residents will be able to sleep alongside the wonders of the abundant and colorful marine life that inhabit the sea.

“Driven by our inspiration to deliver innovative and transformative experiences to our global travelers, the world’s first undersea residence encourages guests to explore the Maldives from an entirely new perspective below the surface of the sea,” said Ahmed Saleem, a Director at Crown Company and chief architect and designer of the undersea residence.

“THE MURAKA marks our second venture in underwater architecture and technology, next to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which is celebrating its 13^th anniversary this month. Through our rich history of being a trailblazer in innovative luxury hospitality, we are proud to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge design, technology and architecture.”

The undersea residence is a two-level structure comprised of space above the sea level and an undersea suite designed for sleeping under the ocean’s surface. The undersea suite features a king size bedroom, living area, bathroom and spiral staircase that leads to the upper level living room. The undersea bedroom floor level sits five meters (16.4 feet) below sea level, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding marine environment.

Muraka’s upper level features a twin-size bedroom, bathroom, powder room, gym, butler’s quarters, private security quarters, integrated living room, kitchen, bar and dining, which features a deck that purposely faces the direction of the sunset for optimal viewing pleasure. On the opposite side of the villa sits the relaxation deck that faces the direction of sunrise and is complete with an infinity swimming pool. The upper level also contains an additional king size bedroom and bathroom, which boasts a masterfully appointed ocean-facing bathtub, ideal for soaking in views of the endless horizon. In total, Muraka can accommodate up to nine guests.

“Through our development of the world’s first undersea residence, we continue to shine a light on the Maldives as a luxury destination as well as a cultural and natural wonder for global travelers,” said Stefano Ruzza, General Manager at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “We are excited to present Muraka’s unique sleeping under the sea experience to our future guests, providing them with an extraordinary seascape of the Maldives from an entirely new perspective.”

Located in the Maldives’ best diving and snorkeling spots, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has created a space that invites and inspires with a distinctive design that flows harmoniously with the natural environment. The resort features purposefully designed villas and suites, 12 award-winning restaurants and bars, two spas and a selection of culturally inspired experiences set against the awe-inspiring Maldivian surroundings. With the introduction of the world’s first undersea residence, Conrad Maldives continues to evolve the diversity of experiences offered to guests.

For more information and for reservations, please visit www.conradmaldives.com