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.

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

 

INTER-HOTEL CULINARY COMPETITION RETURNS TO SAUDI ARABIA THIS WEEK

The ‘Inter-Hotel Culinary Competition – Mystery Box Challenge’ is returning to Saudi Arabia this week with a bigger line up of hotels and resorts for its 2018 edition, battling it out to be recognised as the country’s finest hotel kitchen.

After its highly successful debut in 2017 which saw Jeddah’s Mövenpick Resort Al Nawras cook up a storm to be crowned champion, the competition will now remain a central annual feature of The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia and run across its three days – 10-12^th April 2018 – at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events.

Some of the finest hotels from across the Kingdom are set to take part this year including: Hotel Pullman Zamzam Makkah, InterContinental Jeddah, Le Méridien Towers Makkah, Hotel Mercure Jeddah Al Hamra, and Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah.

Endorsed by WORLDCHEFS, the Saudi Arabian Chefs’ Association and Culinary Partner, Unilever Food Solutions, the competition is the only of its kind in the Kingdom and its organisers’ have raised the bar this year to provide an even more challenging experience for competing F&B teams.

“In 2018 we will continue with the ‘Mystery Box’ concept, but in order to increase the degree of difficulty for the chefs we are reducing the available cooking time and adding in some more tricky ingredients – with a focus on healthy eating,” said Chef Yasser Jad – Founder and President of the Saudi Arabian Chefs’ Association (SARCA) and Food and Beverage Manager at Saudi Airlines – who will chair the panel of judges, a line-up of international chefs based outside the hotel environment, to ensure impartial judging.

Each of the teams will be given 2-3 hours to whip-up four courses using ‘Mystery Box’ ingredients only revealed to them once they have stepped inside the kitchen.

Pictured: some of the dishes prepared by the hotel chefs at the Inter-hotel Culinary Competition 2017

Jad added: “To cook an impressive, tasty four-course meal from unfamiliar ingredients is a challenging feat for any chef.

“This competition is so important for chefs in the Kingdom today. There is a wealth of new hotel and restaurant concepts opening with so many international dining options on the agenda. Hotel chefs need to be prepared to handle a wider range of new ingredients to cater to the tastes of both domestic and global travelers.

“More people are traveling across Saudi than ever before. A Japanese guest, for example, staying at a local, traditional Arabic hotel might ask for something with more of an oriental flavor that’s not on the menu. Today’s chefs need to be versatile to cater to the needs of international palettes. More unusual takes on the items in the Mystery Box and a real focus on flavor – which makes up the largest part of the scoring at 50% – is what will set the winning team apart from the rest of the competition.”

The judges will sample each dish created, before crowning the winners based on the WORLDCHEFS-approved judging criteria namely: fixed time (0-5 points), preparations and processing of raw materials and hygiene (0-10 points), correct professional preparation (0-25 points), organization and innovative presentation (0-10 points), and taste (0-50 points).

Pictured: some of the participating hotel chefs present their food to the expert judges at WORLDCHEFS during the Inter-Hotel Culinary Competition 2017

Speaking about the Mystery Box concept – made famous by various international food television programmes – Jad added: “Cooking TV shows such as ‘Master Chef Arabia’ and ‘Top Chef’ – which I have personally participated in as jury judge – undoubtedly encourage amateur and professional chefs of all ages and classes not to fear the audience and to be themselves given the challenges they face so as to develop their skills. This will also help them develop the necessary personality traits to become one of the respected, world-class chefs in the future.”

The Inter-Hotel Culinary Competition – Mystery Box Challenge will take place throughout The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia, 10-12^th April 2018 at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events, with a series of heats each day until the winner is revealed on the final day of the event (12^th April 2018).

Now entering its 6^th year, the Saudi Arabian edition of Dubai-based The Hotel Show unites thousands of hotel and restaurant professionals for three days of business and networking each year.

For more information on The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia 2018 and how to register to attend for free, please visit: www.thehotelshowsaudiarabia.com

Pictured: last year’s winners of the debut Inter-Hotel Culinary Competition – Mystery Box Challenge from the Mövenpick Resort Al Nawras Jeddah with the expert judging panel from WORLDCHEFS, and representatives from The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia and sponsors RAK Porcelain 

‘EVERYTHING GOLF’ LEADS THE WAY AS DUBAI LEISURE SHOW TEES UP RAFT OF NEW FEATURES FOR 2018

The Leisure Show Dubai team has revealed that based on feedback from its 1000s of visitors, it will be showcasing three brand new live features at its 6^th edition, 16-18 September 2018 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

At the region’s premier exhibition for the leisure, sports and resorts industry, these carefully curated live features are bringing innovative new takes on some of the Middle East’s biggest, thriving industries including pool and spa, and sports and fitness.

Here’s a sneak-peek at The Leisure Show’s exciting new feature line up for 2018…

EVERYTHING GOLF

Everything Golf is designed for the owners and operators of golf facilities to experience the latest technological advances and most innovative products, equipment and services required for the design, development, and day to day running of golf courses.

 

OUTDOOR DESIGN DAY

A series of conferences, workshops and presentations will provide valuable insight in to the region’s impressive outdoor design industry, its latest innovations and challenges. Designers, landscape architects, urban planners will come together to do business with the landscaping and outdoor community, giving the opportunity to highlight the latest trends in the outdoor design space.

In addition to this educational programme, shortlisted projects for the ‘Best Outdoor Design Competition’ will also be on display at Outdoor Design Day and the winner will be announced at the Middle East Hospitality Awards 2018.

 

POOL & SPA CONFERENCE

The final brand-new feature for The Leisure Show Dubai 2018, the Pool & Spa Conference will host a series of workshops and keynotes on the latest technology that is shaping the pool and spa industry at this time of unprecedented growth and development in the region.

If you specialise in swimming pool construction, water treatments, accessories, equipment and supplies, the Pool & Spa Conference is a must attend event – free for all visitors to The Leisure Show.

THE OUTDOOR FURNITURE SHOWCASE

The Outdoor Furniture Showcase is back for 2018 to shine a light on the ever changing world of outdoor designer furniture. The showcase area will attract a targeted audience of buyers looking for the latest designs in outdoor furniture and furnishings for their hotel, resort, and residential properties.

THE FIT HUB

Hosted by experts from government bodies and private sector establishments, The Fit Hub returns for 2018 bringing together a series of seminars, professional development workshops and live fitness programmes critical to the ongoing success of the sports and fitness industry, and will be free to attend for all the visitors to The Leisure Show.

Why attend? Stay ahead of the curve and up-to-date with the rapidly changing future of fitness; discover live demos and seminars, tailored to meet the knowledge requirements of gym owners, managers, fitness instructors, and personal trainers; and get direct access to managers, operators, developers and important decision makers from across the region.

Click here to watch a live fitness demonstration by Les Mills at The Leisure Show Dubai 2017

 

Find out more: www.theleisureshow.com

THE HOTEL SHOW DUBAI SET TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS IN 2018

Dubai continues to lead the way for hospitality development in the Middle East as its most active city for hotel and restaurant construction, synonymous with world-leading design, service standards, and innovation.

The Hotel Show Dubai has been moving with the trends in the region’s hospitality industry for almost two decades and its 19th edition, taking place from 16-18th September 2018 at the Dubai World Trade Centre – is set to push the boundaries even further.

Like the world-first features that launched at the event in 2017, its 2018 line-up is set to reach new heights, just like the world’s tallest hotel which recently opened in its native Dubai…

The Middle East Housekeepers League of Champions 2018

The first event of its kind in the world launched at The Hotel Show last year, and is returning to Dubai after widespread acclaim that’s led to editions in the likes of South Africa.  Housekeeping staff are arguably the most vital component of any successful hotel. At The Middle East Housekeepers League of Champions, it is their time to shine. At The Hotel Show Dubai 2018 the event will once again pit teams from the UAE’s biggest hotels head-to-head as they race to remedy ransacked rooms against the clock. Fairmont Dubai was crowned champion last year, let’s see who will be taking the title this September…

The Middle East Hospitality Leadership Forum 2018

Will also return to the event with a brand-new line up of expert speakers. The key industry forum will feature well over 50 senior hoteliers, restaurateurs, developers and other key market players engaged in live and unscripted debate on the key strategic opportunities and challenges shaping the regional sector at this time of accelerated expansion and change.

Middle East Hospitality Awards 2018

The Middle East Hospitality Awards will once again take place at one of the top hotels in Dubai, the venue to be announced at The Hotel Show Dubai 2018 launch party (details coming soon!). The evening celebrates outstanding achievements, innovations and excellence across the region’s top hotels, resorts and restaurants over the past 12 months and is set to be attended once again by hundreds of senior industry professionals.

INNOVATION ALERT: Watch this space…
Brand-new features are yet to be announced for 2018 – set to bring innovative takes on the key functions of any hotel and/or restaurant that the industry will not want to miss…

Relive the highlights from The Hotel Show Dubai 2017 
The new show highlights video showcases all of the best of the 18th edition of the region’s leading hospitality event – take a look… 

Find out more: www.thehotelshow.com 

 

EAHM Food Festival returns to Dubai in February 2018

From dance classes to DJ sets, international cuisine to live cooking demonstrations – the EAHM Food Festival is returning for 2018!

Hosted by the talented students at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM) – part of Jumeirah Group – the event will take place over three days next month: 15-17^th February 2018.

Last year’s event, a first of its kind for an educational institution in the region, saw more than 2,000 attendees sampling different food concepts from student stands with outside vendors offering specialty coffees, fresh juices, burger and wrap food truck as well as popcorn and candy machines.

Organised by the academy’s students under the supervision of their food and beverage lecturers, this is the chance to try out some exciting cuisine from the international talent that represent the future of the hospitality industry here in the Middle East and beyond!

The students and F&B team at EAHM are currently working hard to prepare for the event which brings together local businesses, societies and organisations in Dubai, offering a mix of delicious food and activities throughout its three days.

The festival is open to the public and will take place at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management campus opposite the Burj Al Arab.

Activities on offer include live cooking demonstrations from well-known Chefs in the region, themed stalls, raffles, cookery competitions and children’s activities including a petting zoo, face painting, bouncy castle and games area to keep the young ones entertained.

Vendors will sell delicious goodies, mocktails and there will be various workshops as well as fitness classes from Talise Fitness. During the event the student body will showcase their talent with DJ sets, live performances on stage, singing, dance acts as well as flare shows and the prestigious Monin student mocktail competition.

The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM) is a world class institution which specialises in offering business management degrees both at undergraduate as well as post-graduate level with a focus on hospitality.

It is located at the heart of Dubai overseeing the scenic beauty of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. EAHM is at the forefront of imparting hospitality and tourism related education and ranks highly among all the hospitality schools globally.

In 2017 it was reported that EAHM is ranked amongst the top 10 hospitality schools in the world, alongside the likes of Cornell University in New York City, USA (School of Hotel Administration) and Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) in Switzerland.

The academy’s food and beverage division provides students first-hand knowledge of the industry standards in service, food preparation and management skills. The purpose of organising the Food Festival is to enhance the students’ learning experience, increase engagement with the community and utilize their existing knowledge, experience and creativity.

Don’t miss the amazing cuisine, activities and other surprises on offer at the EAHM Food Festival 2018.

Entrance to the event is free, and it will be open during the following times: Thursday 15^th February from 5pm – 10pm; Friday and Saturday 16-17^th February from 2pm – 10pm. Find out more

Dubai’s leading dessert delivery is providing healthy, vegan alternatives to combat your sugar cravings this January

Cake doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure if it comes packed full of healthy ingredients, is dairy and refined-sugar free, as well as allergy-conscious.

If you’re looking to kick start 2018 with a healthy outlook, Dubai’s first dessert delivery business – SugarMoo – is offering a range of sweet, but healthy treats which should help ease the transition from the festive season to January blues…

Its ‘HealthyMoo’ range offers healthier alternatives to cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats using organic ingredients from chia seeds to soy to avocado. And if you are trying ‘Veganuary’, they have just launched a timely new Vegan Menu.

With the fast-paced Dubai lifestyle making it one of the most popular cities for online delivery, the SugarMoo team have tapped in to a niche market with the unique option to order a wide range of unique or even customized desserts which are freshly baked and can be delivered straight to your door in 90 minutes or less.

SugarMoo founder Raki Phillips commented: “Nowadays, people are looking for new experiences, different from the norm or what they are used to, things that are out of the box – not the traditional.

“We call ourselves the ‘anti-cupcake establishment’ because people have got so used to having cupcakes wherever they go. As an alternative, we invented our ‘Cupookie’ which is a cookie cup you can fill with whatever you want from Nutella to popcorn – a mix of the traditional with a hybrid variation. We are even keeping our customer’s on the edge of their seats waiting to hear about our Cupookie of the Month where we release a seasonal Cupookie every month.

“In honor of Veganuary, we have launched a ‘Vegan Strawberry Smoothie Cupookie’, just like a smoothie in a bowl but we have chucked that bowl out and replaced it with a chocolate vegan Cupookie base!

“You won’t find your usual every day cake at SugarMoo. Our ‘Healthy Moo’ line includes everything from allergy free cakes to no sugar – we sweeten the desserts with honey instead. None of our desserts have any preservatives so everything we use is natural, and we get to cater to the wider community.”

According to Phillips, the most popular SugarMoo dessert for the Dubai community remains its staple Red Velvet cake with a unique cream cheese chocolate frosting in between layers of crushed Oreos, which has won various awards.

Phillips added: “We play around with a lot of ingredients such as cereals, we bring together hybrids of different desserts, or variations of East meets West. I feel that we have been most innovative in our healthy lines, however. Instead of using sweets we have ‘chocolate mud pud mousse’ made out of avocado, for example, which is absolutely delicious but yeah, it’s good for you.”

“In our Vegan line, we have also created a chocolate chickpea mousse which we are calling a chocolate hummos!”

Online delivery service ‘Just Eat’ is calling veganism the top consumer trend going in to 2018 with people from all over the world becoming more aware of healthy and ethical lifestyle choices.

With ‘going vegan’ dominating the media and the restaurant industry with options becoming more and more frequent, it is surely only a matter of time until HealthyMoo’s ‘Vegan Cake’ starts to rival SugarMoo’s ‘Red Velvet Oreo Cake’ in the popularity stakes…

Here is the latest line of cakes, cookies and other treats in the HealthyMoo and its brand-new Vegan Dessert range for 2018:

Vegan Cake
SugarMoo says: “This is our crazy cake enlarged for parties and topped with berries. No EGGS, No DAIRY, No BUTTER. You won’t believe how tasty it is! For those with allergies, no worries! We got you covered! With Cake!” Find out more

Vegan Peanut Butter Brownie
SugarMoo says: “A chocolatey, peanut butter brownie that’s fudgy and gooey with caramel!” Find out more

Skinny Black Forest
SugarMoo says: “Layers of chocolate cake made with a natural sweetener, vegetarian cream and black berries.” Find out more

Avocado Choco Mud Jar
SugarMoo says: “Layers of healthy chocolate mousse made with fresh Avocado with chunks of our vegan crazy cake packed into a dessert jar and drizzled with a touch of natural honey.”  Find out more

Oatmeal Goodness Cookies
SugarMoo says: “These are healthy by all means. They are a blend of dry cherries, honey and cinnamon. Delivered in a pack of three to enjoy one by one!”  Find out more

Coconut Chia Pudding in a jar
SugarMoo says: “These deliciously healthy chia puddings are made from fresh ingredients and are refined sugar free. We use raw vanilla beans instead of the processed vanilla. We top with fresh fruits, granola and a drizzle of honey. Healthy never tasted so good!”
Find out more

Vegan Brownie Mess in a jar
SugarMoo says: “Chunks of our most loved crazy cake in between layers of the yummiest vegan chocolate mousse you’ve ever tasted, you would never know there was chickpeas in it! Drizzled with a generous amount of coconut caramel sauce.”  Find out more: Find out more

Other vegan desserts in the new range include: Coco Truffles, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Lotus Vegan Brownies.

See the full range of SugarMoo products and read more about its customization and other options at: www.sugarmoo.com

FROM THE WORLD’S TALLEST HOTEL TO THE FIRST WITH A RAINFOREST: NEW HOTELS AND RESORTS TO EXPERIENCE IN THE UAE IN 2018

NOW OPEN (as of Q4 2017)

Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai

Dubai’s Business Bay is quickly becoming a top destination for hotels and the place to stay in the city with easy access to all of its key locations. Strengthening Marriott International’s portfolio of luxury lifestyle hotels (think of its other impressive recent openings La Ville Hotel CITY WALK Dubai, and the Lapita Hotel at Dubai Parks and Resorts – both from its Autograph Collection), Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai opened late last year.

The first Renaissance Hotel in the UAE is famed for its unique design features led by interior firm WA International. As described by Marriott: “…the hotel’s design sets the stage to inspire a sense of spontaneous discovery at every turn: from the dynamic art installation of Dubai’s cityscape that takes center-stage upon arrival, to the cheeky photography in each guestroom, complemented by a Pablo Picasso’s famed camel sketch reimagined into a 3D iron rod sculpture – both playful jests to reframe your stay.”

Alongside its epic design features, amazing views of Downtown Dubai and the Water Canal, and amenities including an indoor infinity pool and outdoor pool and new Six Senses Spa (coming soon), the hotel boasts some of Dubai’s most exciting new culinary outlets – no mean feat. This includes the first UAE restaurant from renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto and brand new concepts ‘Bleu Blanc’ (reflecting a Southern French farmhouse) and ‘BASTA!’ (a contemporary interpretation of Roman trattoria), from Chef David Myers. New debut ‘BHAR’ (the Arabic word for spice) will offer Middle Eastern cuisine, whilst ‘Grounded’ will serve as the hotels premiere coffee shop with international beans and unique brewing methods on offer.

Pictured: BHAR Sunset Terrace, Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai
Find out more from Marriott.com

Bulgari Resort & Residences Dubai

The Bulgari Resort & Residences Dubai opened in December 2017 on Dubai’s new ‘treasure island’ – Jumeirah Bay. Shaped like a sea-horse, the impressive island is connected to Downtown Dubai via a 300m bridge. Now Dubai’s most expensive hotel, the Bulgari Resort Dubai is the world’s fifth Bulgari Hotels and Resorts property and it’s first in the Middle East (existing locations include Bali, London, Milan, and Beijing).

Despite its central location, close to some of Dubai’s biggest landmarks including the world’s tallest building, the beachfront property (designed by renowned Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners) is spread across only four floors with 101 rooms and suites, as well as 20 Bulgari villas with pool, garden and sea-view, providing guests with a more personalized stay. As described by Bulgari: “…with a Mediterranean village feel, the complex features the Resort, six residential buildings with 173 sea facing apartments, 15 private mansions, and Bulgari’s first-ever Marina and Yacht Club.”

The brand new resort offers a wide range of amenities, including gourmet Italian cuisine at ‘Il Ristorante – Niko Romito’, ‘Il Café’ which is open all day, ‘Il Bar’ and the ‘La Spiaggia’ Beach Club with private beach. Its unique mosaic-design outdoor swimming pool is complemented by a 1,700 square-metre Spa with an indoor pool, hammam, fitness centre and beauty salon.

Pictured: Bulgari Resort & Residences exterior
Find out more from Bulgari.com

InterContinental Fujairah Resort

Located on the sands of Fujairah’s stunning Aqah Beach, this five-star InterContinental is the brands first resort in the Middle East, definitely worth the trip from Dubai. Offering a spectacular change of scenery beneath the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains, the resort features 44 rooms and 38 suites with expansive balconies and uninterrupted views across the Arabian Sea. It also features impressive amenities including O Spa by L’Occitane, an outdoor infinity pool, and two gourmet dining options.

The hotel recommends an ideal day at the resort and exploring Fujairah which sounds too good to miss:

Morning: For a rejuvenating start to your day, we recommend a morning jog on the beach. Early morning, you’ll pass by the local fishermen getting their catch of the day. After your exercise, revel in the abundant choice of our international buffet at Nama Restaurant for your breakfast, after which you can set sail with our Captain, who will take you on a voyage from our private beach. An incredible experience and a great vantage point to view the resort! The skipper will set off to show you Snoopy Island, a rocky marine outcrop about 100 meters offshore from Al Aqah Beach. You will have the opportunity to embark on one of the most famous activities in the area: Scuba diving or snorkeling, exploring the vibrant underwater life in the area.

Afternoon: After lunch, we highly recommend exploring the city of Fujairah, where you can visit historical sites such as the Fujairah Museum – our personal favorite! The museum houses a great collection of artifacts dating from the early Bronze Age. Spend your time wandering around the historical part of the city and conclude your afternoon by visiting the iconic Fujairah Fort. Built in 1670, it is considered the oldest fort in the United Arab Emirates.

Evening: As the sun begins to set, head down to one of Fujairah’s major landmarks, the iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It is a beautiful structure and a must-see right after sunset! We personally love the lighting features that illuminate this majestic mosque. On your way back to the resort, stop by Al Bidyah Mosque, the oldest extant mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Once you reach the resort, meet me and the team with a final touch of magic to end your day! Join us to enjoy al fresco dining at Drift beach bar and grill with delectable cocktails and succulent dishes to delight your palate, all with the most amazing ocean views!

Pictured: Intercontinental Resort Fujairah 
Find out more from IHG.com

STILL TO COME (Q1-4 2018)

W Dubai – The Palm

Opening in June 2018, a second W Hotel will launch in Dubai, located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah shoreline. With its sleek design synonymous with the W brand, the new property will feature 350 guest rooms and 58 suites with a sea view including ‘the largest suite in Dubai’ (the E-WOW Suite), six restaurants and bars, a private beach with a range of water sports on offer from windsurfing to canoeing, a state-of-the-art gym and spa, and the W’s famous Pets are Welcome or ‘PAW’ programme.

Pictured: W Dubai – The Palm exterior rendering
Find out more from W Hotels

Mandarin Oriental Dubai, Jumeirah Beach

Opening in the final quarter of 2018, the resort’s 200 luxurious rooms and suites will include 12 spacious and exclusive over-the-water villas, accessible via a private bridge. Each villa will have its own infinity pool and a private swim platform, allowing for direct access to the Arabian Gulf. The hotel itself also centers around a variety of infinity pools leading down towards the beachfront. Design elements will be influenced by local culture and the Group’s oriental heritage. The resort will feature nine dynamic restaurants and bars including a signature pier-top restaurant with dedicated docking facilities, allowing for access by private yacht guests. An all-inclusive Spa will offer Mandarin Oriental’s award winning signature programmes as well as specially developed treatments inspired by local traditions and customs. Further facilities include a vitality pool, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, heat and water therapies, and an extensive fitness centre.  In addition, a dedicated Beach Club will provide a range of water sports activities.

Pictured: Mandarin Oriental Dubai, Jumeirah Beach
Find out more from Mandarin Oriental

The world’s first hotel featuring a RAINFOREST: Rosemont Hotel and Residences

Set to become the world’s first hotel with a RAINFOREST – construction on the two-tour Rosemont Hotel in Dubai’s Barsha Heights is set to be completed in April 2018. Designed by ZAS Architects, the 450-room hotel will be operated by Hilton Worldwide under its Curio brand. A man-made jungle, artificial beach and stunning ‘sky pool’ will feature on a five-storey podium, which connects the two towers. The hotel will also offer guests three restaurants, a lobby café and two bars, a fully equipped gym, an outdoor pool and a spa. One of the most exciting spots alongside the man-made jungle looks set to be the outdoor infinity pool, which extends to the edge of the building with views along Sheikh Zayed Road down to the Burj al Arab and the Burj Khalifa.

Pictured: Rosemont Hotel and Residences Dubai
Find out more about the project from ZAS Architects Dubai.

The Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah

Described by developers as a “…scenic waterfront community, showcasing both Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty and rich heritage”, Anantara’s first resort in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah will be situated in a secluded and picturesque area with a private beach. Overlooking a mangrove-lined eco-reserve, the surrounding area is to be kept unspoiled and feature a discovery and eco learning centre. The first Maldives-inspired overwater villas of their kind in the Emirate will provide the ultimate in relaxation and luxury, whilst the health club on-site will promote an active leisure lifestyle, inviting travellers to stay in shape with energetic gym sessions such as aerobics and racket sports. World-class Anantara Spa journeys will incorporate indigenous wellness traditions whilst culinary experiences will celebrate the flavours of Asia.

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Pictured: The Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah
Find out more from Anantara.com

The WORLD’S TALLEST hotel: The GEVORA Hotel

At a whopping 356 meters high, with 75 floors, Time Out Dubai has reported that the Gevora Hotel will open later this year. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road in the Trade Centre area, the gigantic new hotel will boast 528 guest rooms and launch four new restaurants to the city. When it opens it will beat the current record holder for the tallest hotel in the world – JW Marriott Marquis Dubai – which is located on the opposite side of the same road, but further up in the Business Bay area of Dubai. To put its stature in perspective, Time Out compared the Gevora Hotel to be three times taller than Big Ben, 56 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower, and around equal to the length of three football pitches. They also reported that bedroom sizes would also be set at a not so modest 46 square meters, with the largest two-bedroom suite measuring a massive 85 square meters.

Pictured: The Gevora Hotel exterior and pool views
Find out more from The Gevora Hotel Facebook page

2018 FORECAST AS BUSY YEAR FOR UAE HOTEL OPENINGS WITH 83 NEW PROJECTS SET TO LAUNCH

As the region’s largest and longest-standing hospitality event draws to a close for 2017, forecasters have revealed that 2018 is expected be hugely eventful for the UAE’s hospitality industry – with no less than 83 new hotels set to open.

The latest Middle East and Africa Hotel Construction report by TOPHOTELPROJECTS –  commissioned by The Hotel Show Dubai 2017, the 18^th edition of which concludes today (20^th September 2017) at the Dubai World Trade Centre – has identified the UAE as being the busiest country for hotel construction in the Middle East and Africa.

The region currently has more than 200 hotel projects in the pipeline, with Dubai (164 projects), Abu Dhabi (25 projects) and Ras al Khaimah (12 projects) seen as the busiest areas for hotel construction in the UAE. Of these properties, 83 will open next year.

Some of the most anticipated hotel openings include Dubai’s Rosemont Hotel and Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton (730 rooms) and Fairmont Abu Dhabi Marina Hotel & Residences (812 rooms).

“The spotlight is firmly on the hospitality industry in this region, particularly the UAE,” commented Gary Williams, Event Director of The Hotel Show, part of the dmg events hospitality portfolio which also includes The Leisure Show and the Middle East Hospitality Awards – which have all run in Dubai this week to massive success.

“We have welcomed more regional and international guests to our events this week than ever before in our 18-year history serving this market, some of which have massive expansion plans for the region, covering hundreds of hotels.

“Some of the business deals orchestrated at our shows this week have been unprecedented, and this just goes to illustrate once more how continually forward-thinking and how constantly growing the hospitality market is in this part of the world. With experts revealing that hotel openings are going to galvanise the market from 2018, we are set to provide the industry with an even larger showcase of the best products and insights.”

Event organisers have today revealed the dates for next year’s The Hotel Show Dubai and The Leisure Show Dubai. Both will take place 16-18^th September 2018.

In making that announcement, the event organisers also unveiled how both shows will be brought to life with more live features than ever before.

Following on from the huge success of its debut running in 2017, The Middle East Housekeepers League of Champions will once again pit the region’s exceptional pool of background staff against one another in The Hotel Show’s timed contest to clean-up ransacked guest rooms, which attracted an incredible 28 different teams for its inaugural hosting.

The Middle East Hospitality Leadership Forum – which itself drew capacity crowds to every discussion at this year’s show – will return too, maintaining the same quality caliber of speakers which included Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM).

At The Leisure Show, new features will include The Landscaping Competition, The Outdoor Furniture Showcase and Everything Golf – the latter geared at providing all the equipment vital to developing and maintaining the region’s unparalleled golf offering.

The ever-popular Fit Hub will bring live gym sessions back to the Dubai World Trade Centre once more, while the Pool and Spa Conference will gather leading professionals to dissect both the challenges and opportunities facing one of the Middle East’s fastest growing industries.

To find out more about the 2018 editions of The Hotel Show and The Leisure Show, please access: www.thehotelshow.com and www.theleisureshow.com