Downtown
Meliá Hotels International reveals 2017 MEA pipeline
Meliá Hotels International (MHI) has revealed its upcoming pipeline for the next 12 months, including 18 scheduled openings plus MHI’s first state-of-the-art sustainable hotel, Meliá Serengeti Lodge. Founded in 1956, MHI has grown from one hotel in Mallorca to an international company boasting more than 375 properties in 42 countries worldwide. Meliá Cartagena de Indias,
COVER STORY: Park Life
The UAE has witnessed an epic transformation since it was formed 45 years ago. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which were once sleepy fishing villages, inhabited by Bedouins, pearl divers and traders, have rapidly evolved into global economic powerhouses, home to some of the world’s busiest airports and attracting a growing number of international tourists.
Middle East hotels see performance slump
According to the latest report from STR, hotels in the Middle East reported negative results in October 2016, while hotels in Africa posted mixed results in the three key performance metrics. Compared with October 2015, the Middle East reported a 4.4% decrease in occupancy to 64%, a 9% drop in average daily rates (ADR) to
Serviced Apartment Summit MEA returns for second edition
The Serviced Apartment Summit MEA will return for a second year and is set to take place at The Fairmont Hotel, Palm, Dubai on October 30 and 31. The two-day conference will cover a variety of industry topics and sectors including: serviced apartments, branded residences, aparthotels, extended stay hotels, corporate housing and short-term rentals. The inaugural
UAE to account for 20% of new hotel development in 2017
More than 300 new hotels housing almost 85,000 guest rooms are set to open across the Middle East and Africa next year, latest industry figures have revealed. The Middle East and Africa Hotel Construction Overview report by TOPHOTELPROJECTS has reported that the region will welcome 316 new builds in 2017, between them opening the doors
Abu Dhabi first international location for Cinnabon’s new brand identity
Cinnabon has introduced its new branding for the first time outside of the US in Abu Dhabi Marina Mall, one of 40 outlets in the UAE. The rebrand includes an updated logo, new staff uniforms, a newly designed dining area with contemporary furniture, and an additional product line. Marwan Kandeel, multi-brand manager of Cravia Group,
Dubai to introduce smart food labels
Dubai Municipality has signed a contract with Swiss company, SICPA, for a smart inspection and traceability solution for food commodities and halal products. SICPA’s smart track and trace technology, SICPATRACE, guarantees the authenticity of goods and their conformity to certain certification and accreditation. The smart labels used for tracking functions can be applied to a
Middle East hotel pipeline grows by 18.8%
According to STR’s July 2016 Pipeline Report there are 155,899 rooms in 552 projects under contract in the Middle East and 56,227 rooms in 295 projects under contract in Africa. Figures revealed that the under contract total in the Middle East represented an 18.8% increase in rooms under contract compared with July 2015, specifically in
Zafran Indian Bistro reopens at Dubai’s Mirdif City Centre
Contemporary North West Indian, Zafran Indian Bistro has reopened at City Centre Mirdif, Dubai following a three-month refurbishment. The restaurant, established by Foodmark – the F&B division of Landmark Group – has been overhauled to reflect a new brand avatar, with a lighter, fresher menu and more casual interiors. New culinary and operations manager Gaurav
Fümé Pier 7 launches breakfast menu
Fümé Pier 7 has introduced a breakfast menu, following its successful launch of its breakfast offer at the brand’s Downtown Dubai location. The menu includes eggs, waffles, freshly squeezed juices and more and will be served from 9am -12pm daily. The menu includes North African dish, ‘Shakshouka’, with poached eggs, smoked eggplant salad, labneh and
