Meet Me September - October 2018

THE LEADING PUBLICATION FOR MIDDLE EAST MEE TING, INCENTIVE & EVENT PLANNERS

S E P T / O C T 2 0 1 8 — W W W . M E E T M I D D L E E A S T. C O M

THE LEADING PUBLICATION FOR MIDDLE EAST MEE TING, INCENTIVE & EVENT PLANNERS LICENSED BY INTERNATIONAL MEDIA PRODUCTION ZONE

CAPITAL GAINS

ABU DHABI'S BILLION DOLLAR BOOST SET TO CEMENT ITS STATUS AS A LEADING BUSINESS DESTINATION

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Innovative spaces. Inspired experiences.

Comprising two iconic towers, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is the world’s tallest full-service 5-star hotel, centrally located beside the Dubai Water Canal and offering a spectrum of facilities and services for a seamless meeting experience.

The hotel features: 1,608 luxurious guest rooms and suites, 8,000 sqm of spectacular indoor and outdoor event space, 2 cutting-edge audiovisual equipped ballrooms and 32 modern multi-use meeting rooms. Guests can also discover over 15 award-winning restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as enjoy the Saray Spa featuring traditional Hammams, a Dead Sea floatation pool and a Health Club.

JW Marriott® Marquis® Hotel Dubai jwmarriott.com/DXBJW Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE | T +971.4.414.2000 | jwmarquis.dubai@marriott.com

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WELCOME PUBLISHING Publisher Rob Nicholas EDITORIAL Group Editor Jacqueline Castelluccia Editor Adrian Back Contributors Peter King, Philip Eidsvold, Alexander John STUDIO Art Director Maria Al Daoudi Designer Tony Santiago Photographer Adham Sneeh ADVERTISING Senior Relationship Manager Kirat Sabharwal Relationship Manager Rose D’Souza Marketing & Sales Support Carol Milan, Nicole Feng Distribution & Sales Support Mary Grace

With the announcement of a new US$13.6 billion (AED50 billion) plan to stimulate the economy of Abu Dhabi, there are exciting times ahead for the capital. Intended to accelerate the city’s growth over the course of the next three years, the vast investment is set to have a far reaching effect. Our cover story on page 46 features an intriguing interview with Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, who provides an insight into how the funds will be used to overhaul the leisure and business offering across the emirate.

Continuing with our focus on the capital, turn to page 42 for highlights of this year’s Meet China forum, which further cemented its place as one of the most important B2B matchmaking events on the UAE calendar. Connecting top Chinese tourism buyers with a plethora of regional suppliers at Yas Conference Centre, Yas Island Abu Dhabi, lasting partnerships were formed over the course of three busy days.

Also in this issue, on page 52, we assess the impact the General Data Protection Regulation is having on the events industry. While on page 64 we discover how Egypt plans to entice more business visitors by improving its infrastructure, hospitality offerings and promoting the country’s numerous cultural attractions.

We hope you enjoy the issue.

Adrian Back Editor

npimedia FZ LLC PO. Box 500573, Executive Heights (Damac Building), Barsha Heights, Dubai, UAE t: +971 4 4243600 f: +971 4 4327505 e: meet@npimedia.com w: meetmiddleeast.com Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this publication, npimedia cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies contained within it. All information contained in this publication is under copyright to npimedia and cannot be reproduced or transmitted in any form, without first obtaining written permission from the publisher.

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CONTENTS THE LEADING PUBLICATION FOR MIDDLE EAST MEE TING, INCENTIVE & EVENT PLANNERS

S E P T / O C T 2 0 1 8 — W W W . M E E T M I D D L E E A S T. C O M

SEPT/ OCT 2018

AGENDA 8 Meraas launches tourism project in Hatta Dubai-based developer to transform the exclave into a leading cultural destination

THE LEADING PUBLICATION FOR MIDDLE EAST MEE TING, INCENTIVE & EVENT PLANNERS

10 More space for events in the capital The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is undergoing an expansion 11 Marriott International expands in Saudi Arabia A trio of properties, ideal for corporate guests, are set to open throughout Jeddah

LICENSED BY INTERNATIONAL MEDIA PRODUCTION ZONE

CAPITAL GAINS

ABU DHABI'S BILLION DOLLAR BOOST SET TO CEMENT ITS STATUS AS A LEADING BUSINESS DESTINATION

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12 Co-working brand sets up flagship site in Dubai Our Space offers everything from virtual memberships to fully serviced offices 14 UAE to host major aviation conference Investors and developers from across the globe will take part in the summit 16

New hotel hopes to capitalise on Expo 2020 The Occidental IMPZ Dubai Conference and Events Centre is set to become a popular option for business travellers

18 Diary date Meetings industry professionals will head to Dubai World Trade Centre for the annual ICCA congress 20 International view Industry happenings and leading events around the world 22 Substantial spaces An array of glamorous ballrooms and huge auditoriums that are sure to impress

COMMENT 28 Event venues must listen to their customers Peter King, AIPC Board of Directors member, discusses how to stay ahead of the competition 30

Procurement’s rising role in incentive travel Phillip Eidsvold, SITE Foundation President-Elect, looks at the challenges of working with corporate acquisitions

32 The changing landscape of medical meetings Alexander John, IAPCO board member, on the impact of new laws and regulations

MY PITCH 34 An unforgettable experience Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre remains one of the most attractive properties in the emirate for event planners

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SHOW PREVIEW Inspiring the events world ibtm World has an exciting schedule of programmes and a host of new initiatives

SHOW REVIEW 42 Lasting relationships The annual Meet China forum attracted more buyers than ever before COVER STORY 46 Investing in the future

Abu Dhabi has grand plans to position itself as one of the world’s leading destinations for business travellers FEATURES 52 Building trust

Could the introduction of strict new data protection laws help to improve the events industry?

56 Fuelled by ambition

A host of initiatives are in place to help Dubai reach its lofty tourism targets

VENUE PROFILE 60 A look at what is on offer at the stylish new Aloft City Centre Deira, Dubai DESTINATION REPORT 64 With transport links improving, a host

of hotels opening and a new capital city under construction, Egypt is prepared for a major influx of leisure and business visitors

MEET THE GM 72 Jean-Francois Laurent, General Manager, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort /5

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AGENDA NEWS / TRENDS / INSIGHT / DIARY DATE / COMMENT

MY SPACE

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront This impressive waterfront property in Business Bay is ideal for a wide range of gatherings thanks to its 10 versatile meeting rooms, spacious ballroom and dedicated on-site events team. Each meeting venue comes equipped with highend audio-visual technology and provides easy access to the on-site business centre. For larger events, the ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests, while planners wanting to deliver the wow factor can make use of the expansive outdoor terrace that overlooks Dubai Water Canal and Burj Khalifa. radissonblu.com /7

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Agenda _ News

Meraas launches diversified tourism projects in Hatta New development aims to position the area as the leading nature and culture destination within Dubai Dubai-based holding company Meraas has announced a series of projects aimed at boosting the tourism sector in Hatta and advancing the social and economic development of the area.

Positioning Hatta as an eco-tourism destination, the first phase is scheduled to open later this year. This will include an idyllic mountain lodge that will be ideal for incentive trips thanks to its 20 rooms offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

There will also be a giant ‘Hatta’ sign located at an elevation of around 450 metres in the Hajar Mountains that will serve as the gateway to exploring the area. An adventure centre and an interactive tourism

information hub will also open, reinforcing the links between visitors, tour guides and the local residents.

Additionally, visitors to the area will have the chance to camp at a first-of-its-kind trailer hotel on the banks of the charming Hatta dam.

Meanwhile, the second phase of the project comprises a variety of additional hospitality and retail facilities that are set to create further touch points between local and international tourists and the rich Emirati culture.

All of the projects are based on strategic plans managed by Meraas, with both design and construction adhering to the highest global sustainability standards. Building materials were selected to complement and enhance the natural environment without compromising the geological integrity of the area.

Abdulla Al Habbai, Group Chairman at Meraas, said: “Hatta is known for its beautiful scenery – mountains, lakes, wadis, farms, dams and fresh air, and the development of eco-tourism demonstrates our commitment to implementing economic opportunities for young people, local businesses and entrepreneurs in Hatta.”

A new address for business guests in Abu Dhabi Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort will open its doors on November 11, bringing a sense of understated luxury to the shores of Abu Dhabi.

The beachfront resort occupies a prime location on Saadiyat Island, within close proximity to cultural attractions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, whilst also being just 10 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi.

Ideal for business guests and corporate retreats, the property has 600 square metres of meeting space that can be divided into five separate areas or combined together for larger gatherings of up to 350 seated delegates.

“This resort is like no other, located footsteps from one of the most beautiful protected beaches in the Arabian Gulf,” said Linda Griffin, General Manager, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort.

“Guests can embrace sunrise yoga, find a secluded spot to watch the sunset, or relax in one of three infinity swimming pools that merge into the sand dunes.

This will be island life at its best.”

The property’s 293 rooms include eight villas with private pools, 64 suites and six panoramic suites, with guests able to enjoy expansive sea views or extended patios that overlook the unspoilt beaches.

There is also a spa centred around a grand Moroccan Hamman that features 14 treatment rooms, a steam room and hydrotherapy pools.

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Mindful Meetings With Exclusive Access For All The Team The St. Regis Abu Dhabi offers an inspiring atmosphere for meetings and conferences alike. Boasting spacious boardrooms, impeccable catering, anticipatory service, intuitive technology completes the flawless experience.

Savour an exquisite lunch at the finest address in Abu Dhabi in the heart of the city at the iconic Nation Towers on the Corniche overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, home of Nation Riviera Beach Club.

2 Coffee Breaks & Buffet Lunch from AED 240* 3 Coffee Breaks & Buffet Lunch from AED 260* For Meetings booked until 30th October delegates now receive one of the following benefits: • Complimentary Beach Club & Fitness Center access for meeting attendees on the day • Complimentary Beverage at St. Regis Bar after the meeting To book please email Tanja.simolke@stregis.com or call +971 (0) 2 6944721 *All rates are subject to availability at time of request and are inclusive of 10% service charge, 3.5% tourism fee, 2% municipality fee, 5% VAT

©2018 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates t. +971 2 694 4444 stregisabudhabi.com

Stay exquisite at more than 40 St. Regis hotels and resorts worldwide. @stregishotels

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Agenda _ News

ADNEC reveal plans to develop exhibition hall Expansion project is in response to the growing demand for global conferences and corporate events in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has revealed plans to develop its Hall 4, one of the spaces currently being offered for conferences and similar events.

The move is aimed at addressing the growing demand for the capital’s awardwinning venue, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, as a host for regional and global conferences and corporate events.

Strategically located adjacent to the multi-purpose Atrium, Hall 4 will be divided into three fully equipped event spaces, each capable of hosting 1,000 delegates.

Work on the project is expected to be completed this year, in time for 2019, when the centre will host numerous congresses that will boost Abu Dhabi’s position on the global map as a hub for regional and international conferences and events.

“The newly developed meeting rooms, with their strategic locations will enable our conference clients to configure all aspects of their events in a logical and convenient manner,” said Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Acting Chief Commercial Officer of ADNEC.

“The new rooms are adjacent to the existing conference suites, the Innovation Lab and the recently refurbished 76 Restaurant, making them ideal for expansion.

“This new development is in direct response to increasing feedback from clients who are now recognising the importance of Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice in the Middle East. ADNEC has always strived to exceed customer expectations, and this new offering is a testament to what the company stands for.”

Next year will see a series of highprofile congresses held at the venue, including the World Energy Congress, the World Road Congress, the World Congress of Endourology and The FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The 8th Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the Congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology Asia will also be held at the exhibition centre in 2019.

Oman's tourism offering receives significant boost A joint venture between Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) and Majid Al Futtaim will see the development of a mixed-use community that will serve as the new centre for Muscat.

Named Madinat Al Irfan, it is the sultanate’s largest urban development project covering 4.5 million square metres and is expected to cost US$13 billion (AED47 billion) over the course of the next 20 years.

Upon completion in three key stages, Madinat Al Irfan will feature more than 11,000 residential units, 100,000 square metres of retail space, 700,000 square metres of office space, and a number of cultural and lifestyle offerings.

This multi-purpose district will be located near to the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), a world-class venue for international conferences and trade shows.

“When you look at what is being achieved here, I truly believe this is the most exciting urban development in the Gulf region today,” said Peter Walichnowski, CEO of OMRAN. As well as an attractive proposition for residents, the new development is set to boost the tourism offering and will be located just five minutes from the newly opened Muscat International Airport.

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Marriott International strengthens its portfolio within Saudi Arabia The Delta Hotels by Marriott Jeddah Al Salam will feature a grand ballroom ideal for large conferences Marriott International’s footprint in Saudi Arabia is set to expand after the company signed a deal with the Al Murjan Group to open three new properties in Jeddah.

The project will include the Middle East’s first Delta Hotel by Marriott along with a Marriott Executive Apartments and a Four Points by Sheraton. This trio of properties is the start of an ambitious project from

Marriott International to double the number of properties it has within the kingdom.

“We are delighted to work with the Al Murjan Group on three exciting new projects in Saudi Arabia,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International.

“In doing so, we will be expanding our brand portfolio in the region with the debut

of Delta Hotels by Marriott while at the same time further strengthening the presence of our existing brands.

“We remain committed to supporting the growth of the hospitality sector in the kingdom with the addition of properties, training programmes and jobs with the purpose of enhancing the country’s mission to build a thriving economy.”

The Delta Hotels by Marriott Jeddah Al Salam will feature four meeting rooms and an impressive 3,000 square metre grand ballroom with pre-function space well suited for large events and conferences. The 175-room hotel will also have two dining outlets and a range of recreational facilities.

Meanwhile, Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah, Corniche Obhur, will include 306 rooms, two food and beverage outlets, a fitness centre and a sizeable boardroom for those wishing to conduct meetings at the property.

Finally, the Marriott Executive Apartments Jeddah, Al Salam will operate 100 stylish apartments with fully equipped kitchens along with a dining outlet, fitness centre and a swimming pool.

Dubai successful in attracting more business events Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau, has reported strong results for the first six months of 2018, with 125 successful bids to host conferences, meetings and incentive programmes within the emirate over the coming years.

This represents a 29 percent increase from the same period last year and is set to attract more than 65,000 delegates from around the world, resulting in an expected economic impact of US$136 million (AED500 million).

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, believes these results help further cement the emirate’s position as a leading global business events destination.

He said: “Dubai’s success in attracting an increasing number of business events is testament to the city’s ability, across the public and private sectors, to come together to position it on a global stage.

“DBE has worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the city is able to optimise its bidding opportunities, highlighting not only the tourism and events infrastructure, but also the knowledge exchange possibilities in Dubai.”

DBE also increased its efforts to highlight the city’s offering to international audiences, atttending in excess of 70 trade events where it showcased Dubai’s dynamic venues to more than 9,000 international MICE industry professionals.

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Agenda _ News

Dubai Association Centre sees significant growth in registrations

Co-working brand opens flagship site in Dubai The first Our Space in the emirate offers everything from virtual memberships and hot desks to fully serviced offices Global co-working brand Our Space has opened its first venue in Dubai, pioneering a new approach to productivity and well-being. Occupying 22,500 square feet and located on the second floor of the Lamborghini building on Sheikh Zayed Road, the workspace has been designed to boost creativity.

Featuring a combination of smart technology and striking interiors, the facility has more than 400 workspaces, a range of hot desks and private desks, 24/7 access, private video conferencing pods and an on-site massage therapist.

Kevan Halliwell, CEO of Our Space, explained: “Dubai is a major entrepreneurial hub and the business-friendly infrastructure complements the growth of the Our Space brand. We also believe that Our Space offers something completely unique for the city’s growing number of entrepreneurs in terms of both environment and efficiency.

“We have flexible membership options, ranging from virtual memberships to hot desks and fully serviced offices, and not only do our members get a fantastic working environment to support their wellbeing, they also get a hassle-free way to set-up their ventures quickly and easily while they focus on the key task of generating their own business.”

Rates start at just US$95 (AED350) per month for a virtual membership which allows people to host their company with a real mailing address, while the hot desk package starts from US$150 (AED550) a month depending on the numbers of days access is needed.

Our Space also offers the services of its in-house events team, has an on-site finedining venue, crèche facilities, a women’s only workspace, zen room and games room.

Dubai Association Centre recorded a 38 percent growth in associations thanks to 16 new registrations coming during the first half of the year.

Established in 2014 as a joint initiative between the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, the centre now has a total of 58 licensed associations.

This substantial increase comes on the back of the inaugural Dubai Association Conference, which took place in December last year. The event offered a vital platform for networking and knowledge sharing, in an effort to bring together association executives, government representatives, university faculties and students.

The expanding presence of associations in Dubai demonstrates the high calibre of business leaders and industry experts who reside in the city.

There is also an increasing interest from local trade professionals who wish to become part of international associations, or form local ones, and play a part in the overall progression of the industry.

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Agenda _ News

ICCA stimulates meetings sector with new strategic approach Forums have led to the engagement of Middle East countries increasing by more than 80 percent

The International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) Middle East office has organised 16 forums as part of a fresh strategy that it believes will promote industry engagement within the region.

The forums, which include educational events and networking opportunities, are being held in seven countries and have so far secured the participation of 1,358 meetings industry stakeholders from across the Middle East. This new format has been introduced in partnership with local convention bureaus and tourism boards, who will

host the events. Each conference will also include a day dedicated to the direct interaction of local associations and policy makers.

“ICCA’s strong growth in the Middle East has been made possible thanks to our members’ constant and enthusiastic participation in ICCA activities in the region,” saidSenthil Gopinath, ICCA Regional Director.

“Using our platform to enhance industry engagement has enabled ICCA members to increase both their meetings industry knowledge and business development opportunities.”

The ICCA Middle East office launched the first forum last year in Oman, with more than 40 associations in attendance. The new format was also implemented in Saudi Arabia when an Association Day at the Saudi Meetings Industry Conference attracted in excess of 240 local associations.

Going ahead events will be held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman and Bahrain, while the Middle East International Meetings Forum will be held in Jordan. In addition, the 57th ICCA Congress will take place in Dubai from November 11 to 14.

Dubai to host major aviation conference More than 500 investors from the aviation industry will arrive in the UAE in January when the first Global Investment in Aviation Summit (GIAS) takes place in Dubai.

The three-day conference will be attended by 200 aviation officials, 300 investors and high-profile delegates from 40 countries. It also comes at a time when UAE authorities are investing US$23.16 billion (AED85 billion) in airport development and expansion projects.

These include US$8 billion (AED30 billion) in developing Al Maktoum International Airport, the US$7.6 billion (AED28 billion) expansion of Dubai International Airport and the US$6.8 billion (AED25 billion) redevelopment and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport.

“This summit is very close to the UAE’s heart, as we have much to be proud of as a nation, from our humble aviation beginnings to now one of the biggest passenger hubs in the world,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. “It is also testament to how much we have achieved and our commitment to be a global pioneer in this field.”

GIAS will take place from January 27 to 29, 2019 and will offer a reliable environment to build partnerships and bonds between investors and developers.

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Expo Centre Sharjah reaping the benefits after adopting fresh strategy Numerous international exhibitions will take place at the impressive facility over the next four months The fourth quarter of this year will be a busy one for Expo Centre Sharjah with a number of international events set to take place at the venue, including the 45th edition of the biannual MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show.

Securing the event, which will feature more than 500 exhibitors and brands from 25 different countries, was a major coup for

the exhibition centre. It also comes after the facility’s management implemented a new approach designed to attract high profile events to the emirate.

“The centre is keen to update and diversify its agenda of activities, and establish strategic partnerships with various international bodies that are leaders in the field of organising exhibitions,” Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, explained.

“We are also working to develop the centre’s performance and services to enhance and solidify its leading status in the global exhibition and conference industry, which comes as part of the framework of our new strategic plan for 2018 right through to 2022.”

Expo Centre Sharjah will host five global economic exhibitions and two cultural conferences before the end of the year, including the Consumer Electronics Fashion exhibition and the International Photography Festival Xposure.

InterContinental Hotels Group reveals unique event spaces British hospitality brand InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the launch of Unique Meetings, a portfolio of one-of-a-kind event spaces ideal for those seeking non-traditional meeting venues.

The initiative is being rolled out across 43 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn hotels situated in the Middle East, India and Africa.

“We are continually looking to innovate and improve the services that we offer and, having listened to the specific needs of our customers, we have introduced Unique Meetings,” said Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG. “Meeting planners are increasingly looking to engage their attendees on multiple levels, and that extends to the venue. A

non-traditional venue has many benefits including driving interest, improving creativity, and boosting attendee engagement.

“Through our experientially-oriented approach, we aim to create differentiation and offer unconventional event spaces that create memorable experiences.”

Unique Meetings has been introduced to cater to the changing expectations of event attendees, with IHG able to provide alternative settings for business gatherings. There will also be a team of planners to assist with organising meetings and conferences that take advantage of the surroundings.

Gauvin added: “Whether it’s a tropical beach or a garden picnic looking across the creek to bustling Downtown Dubai, these are just a few of the many distinctive meetings offerings that IHG has across its hotels.”

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Agenda _ News

First Occidental hotel by Barcel to open in the UAE

DubaiÕs tourism appeal continues to flourish

The property hopes to attract visitors arriving in Dubai for Expo 2020 Spanish hospitality company Barceló Hotel Group are launching a third property in the UAE, but a first from its Occidental brand, which will cater largely to business travellers.

The Occidental IMPZ Dubai Conference and Events Centre will be located close to the Expo 2020 Dubai site, making it an ideal base for exhibitors. The 239-room property will also feature five meeting rooms, each equipped with cutting-edge technology, an expansive ballroom and a conference area.

Scheduled to open at the end of September, the property will feature six F&B outlets, two swimming pools and a large fitness centre. Beauty and spa services will also be available for those looking to relax in their downtime or prepare for an event.

“We continue to grow in the UAE and we are adapting our strategy to suit the unique needs of local residents as well as international business and leisure travellers,” said Goulam Amarsy, CEO, Barceló Gulf.

“There is a strong demand for Barceló in the Middle East and a desire for the distinctive design, prime locations and allround top quality service that we are known for worldwide.”

The new property is in line with the Spanish group’s plans to develop its brand presence in the Middle East and increase its footprint in the region in the next five years.

As well as the opening of the Occidental IMPZ Dubai Conference and Events Centre, another Dubai hotel, Barceló Al Jadaf, is scheduled for completion in June 2019.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has revealed that the emirate is on course to eclipse last year’s 15.79 million visitors after it welcomed a record 8.1 million tourists during the first six months of 2018.

Top source markets continued to witness stable year-on-year performances in the first half the year, with India, Saudi Arabia and the UK retaining their top three positions, while China moved into fourth place with 453,000 visitors.

India again delivered the highest number of international guests, crossing the one million mark over a six-month period, up by three percent compared to the same period in 2017.

“The first six months of 2018 have both generated and sustained a steady performance, supporting strong growth across our global feeder markets,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism. Attracting 8.10 million visitors during the first half of 2018 stands us in good stead as we accelerate momentum towards our visionary aspiration of becoming the most visited city in the world.”

Dubai Tourism also revealed that the emirate’s tourism sector reached a value of US$29.6 billion (AED109 billion) at the end of last year and that the hotel room inventory stood at 111,317 at the end of June, 2018.

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R as Al Khaimah to host AITO 2018 conference Tour operators from around the world will visit the emirate to assess the global travel industry

The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) will be heading to Ras Al Khaimiah for its annual conference, taking place from November 22 to 25.

AITO delegates will arrive in Dubai before transferring to their accommodation in the centre of Ras Al Khaimah, choosing either to reside in the five-star Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa or the recently remodelled Hilton Garden Inn, where the conference will take place.

Discussing the reason for hosting the conference in the emirate, AITO chairman, Derek Moore, said: “For 2018 we debated

whether the conference should be held somewhere iconic or unknown. Instead, we chose to offer a tale of the unexpected.

“Just a 45 minute drive from Dubai International Airport lies the unexpected surprise that is Ras Al Khaimah. Like many Gulf states it features year-long sunshine, inviting white-sand beaches and spectacular desert landscapes.

“However, in contrast to the fast pace and bright lights of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the emirate offers a more laid-back vibe, fewer high-rise developments, the highest mountains in the UAE, and a variety of

exciting activities, along with a history and culture spanning 7,000 years.”

The AITO annual conference is aimed at business owners and senior managers, whether they are running a travel agency or a tour operation, as well as affiliate business partners and tourist offices.

Featuring a mix of inspiring speakers and breakout events, the business sessions will last a day and half and aim to provide a thought provoking look at the industry.

Meanwhile, a host of evening events will be held at several local venues that deliver an insight into the emirate.

DINING FOCUS Sample culinary creations from some of the world’s leading chefs at these stylish venues across the GCC

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi A firm favourite in the capital, this beautifully decorated restaurant from renowned British chef Marco Pierre White is everything a steakhouse should be. Think old-fashioned elegance, impeccable service and prime cuts of meat.

Contact: +971 2 6543238 / fairmont.com

Al Mahara Nathan Outlaw Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai Known for his mastery of seafood, the expertise of critically acclaimed chef Nathan Outlaw is on show across every dish in this picturesque restaurant. To truly appreciate his skill a must-try is the lightly pickled oysters with jalapeno, gherkins and coriander.

Contact: +971 4 3017600 / jumeirah.com

Cut by Wolfgang Puck Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Bahrain A chef with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Wolfgang Puck’s modern American steakhouse combines prime cuts of meat with stunning views of Manama. The true stand-out dish on the varied menu is the filet mignon, which is 100 percent pure Black Angus beef that has been aged for 28 days.

Contact: +973 1 7115000 / fourseasons.com

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DIARY DATE 57TH ICCA CONGRESS NOVEMBER 11 TO 14, 2018

DINE Mina Brasserie The latest offering from acclaimed chef Michael Mina has attracted plenty of attention since opening in the Four Seasons DIFC earlier this year.

The leafy outdoor terrace is perfect for the cooler months while the fresh seasonal menu boasts stand out dishes such as ahi tuna tartare and woodfired lamb chops.

Contact: +971 4 5060100

STAY Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai Just 10 minutes from Dubai World Trade Centre, this stylish and elegant property has a variety of room types, all of which offer stunning views of either Burj Khalifa or Dubai Water Canal. The hotel also features six event rooms and dining outlets from renowned chefs David Myers and Masaharu Morimoto.

Contact: +971 4 5125555

PLAY City Walk

Meetings industry professionals from all around the world will gather in the emirate to discuss key challenges and opportunities within the events sector at the 57th edition of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) annual congress. Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre, the three-day event will offer a combination of education, knowledge-sharing and business exchange opportunities for all attendees. Visit: eiseverywhere.com

This lifestyle destination has plenty to keep you busy, from high-end shops and upscale restaurants to a stylish cinema and several wellness centres.

There is even an indoor tropical rainforest, with The Green Planet home to more than 3,000 exotic plants and animals.

Visit: citywalk.ae

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SPOTLIGHT IBS GROUP

SETTING THE STAGE Scott Davis, Partner, IBS GROUP, explains how the company has grown from humble beginnings into a major regional player

Have you noticed a growing demand for your services in the MICE industry, particularly across the UAE? Certainly, there is now much more demand, particularly in Abu Dhabi. We are also expecting to see more work related to Expo 2020 Dubai arriving in the coming months.

Have you witnessed a change in the style of events that are being held across the region?

The big budget spectaculars where money was no option seem to have been replaced with more serious and focused events. People want more for their money and are generally less extravagent, probably more in line with what is happening internationally.

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What are some of the biggest events you have provided sets or stages for?

The largest project to date was a multi-million dollar wedding in Saudi Arabia. We had 36 arctic trucks packed full of all sorts of elements, including Swarovski clad fibre glass trees, water features, glass catwalks and kilometres of LED lights. The list was never ending.

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considerably when more event companies were established in the region.

PR

What are the origins of the IBS Group and how has the company evolved over time?

Originally we were a building maintenance company, but when I took over the business in 1996 we changed it to focus on set and stage rental. Due to the demand at the time for a quality and reliable set company we were regularly working for the handful of event companies around at the time.

They were able to design shows but were unable to build them. Our business grew

Finally, what are the company's future goals and how do you plan to expand?

After five years of continuous investment in larger facilities and more equipment, we are concentrating on increasing the volume of work we manage. We expect in the next two years to at least double the number of skilled tradesmen we employ in line with the expected upturn of business in 2019 and 2020.

sourcemiddleeast.com

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8/6/18 6:46 PM

The ultimate guide for event organisers in the Middle East links leading buyers and suppliers in one easy reference book.

Visit sourcemiddleeast.com

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News _Global

5

International view Industry happenings from around the globe

1 / Australia

2 / Malaysia

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition MITEC to launch new event Centre completes expansion management platform

Australia’s biggest events venue has added 25 percent more space following the completion of a US$153 million (AED561 million) expansion. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre has increased in size to a total of 70,000 square metres, with the centrepiece of the expansion being the Goldfields Theatre, a 9,000 square metre multi-purpose event space with a retractable 1,000-seat theatre.

Other additions include new exhibition halls, meeting rooms, an outdoor terrace area, a banquet space and a café. The venue is expected to welcome an additional 74,000 international visitors annually.

The Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) has partnered with software provider Ungerboeck to create a cloud-based event management platform.

The new software will help streamline customer relationship management, sales and financial systems, and will effectively eliminate the need for paperwork. MITEC aims to roll out the Exhibitor Service Centre by the end of the year, allowing clients to complete applications, submit orders for venue services and stand catering, as well as manage a host of documents from the comfort of their own office.

3 / United Kingdom

The Event Complex Aberdeen to open in 2019

Aberdeen City Council has revealed the name of the city’s new conference and exhibition venue in a bid to market the facility to national and international customers. The US$440 million (AED1.6 billion) venue has been named The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) and is on track to open in 2019. Replacing the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, TECA includes a new 12,500-capacity arena, 48,000 square metres of exhibition space and conferencing room for as many as 5,000 people. There will also be two on-site hotels with a combined total of 500 rooms.

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4 / Thailand

5 / United States

6 / China

MICE travel on the rise in Southeast Asian country

Miami Beach gives green light to new convention centre hotel plan

Hyatt Regency adds more event space within Beijing

Thailand recorded a 13 percent rise in the number of MICE visitors during the first half of the fiscal year 2018, according to the latest report from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). From October 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, Thailand welcomed 547,623 MICE travellers, with revenue from the industry rising to US$1.2 billion (AED4.4 billion), an increase of 5.73 percent from the previous year. The TCEB say that the key factors behind the significant growth are the variety of destinations within the country and the readiness of venues to host international travellers.

The Miami Beach City Commission have given the initial go-ahead for a hotel to be attached to the city’s convention centre. A unanimous vote will allow city staff to negotiate a lease for the proposed 800-room hotel that would feature more than 96,000 square feet of meeting space, an expansive ballroom and a 400-seat restaurant. The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau are keen for the hotel to be constructed in order to address the concerns of event planners who are worried about the lack of accommodation near the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The capital of China has an additional 5,600 square metres of event space after the Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing opened its doors.

Located in the vibrant central business district, the property has 11 well-equipped function rooms and a 370 square metre pillar-free ballroom all conveniently located on one floor. The Regency Ballroom is ideal for large conferences thanks to its ability to accommodate up to 950 guests for banquets and 1,200 for cocktail receptions. Additionally, Lei Shing Hong Park is perfect for outdoor events for up to 250 people and can be personalised to suit the needs of event planners.

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Agenda _Leading venues

SUBSTANTIAL SPACES Whether searching for a glamorous ballroom, a sprawling auditorium or a spacious pavilion, these venues across the region are sure to impress

SOFITEL DUBAI THE PALM RESORT & SPA Styled to resemble a resort on a Polynesian island, this luxury hotel offers a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the property has an array of restaurants serving up a range of international cuisine as well as a huge spa that features 28 treatment rooms and a seawater pool. But it is the business facilities that are

perhaps most impressive at this spacious resort thanks to the eight meeting rooms, elegant ballroom and state-of-the-art business centre that provide a wealth of options for corporate guests and event planners. Particularly popular for those organising large conferences, the striking Moorea ballroom can be configured to suit any seating arrangement, be it theatre, banquet or classroom.

With the ability to accommodate up to 700 guests, this space can be used for everything from cocktail receptions to private conferences. The ballroom can also be divided into three separate spaces, with each room capable of hosting a maximum of 230 people. For planners wanting to make the most of the cooler months, the hotel boasts lush gardens that are ideal for

banquets and informal barbecues.

Additionally, the hotel has a dedicated team of planners who are available to help execute large functions. This vastly experienced group are on hand to create the perfect environment for business guests and work meticulously to blend French flair with local style for a memorable event.

For more information, visit sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com

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JUMEIRAH MESSILAH BEACH HOTEL & SPA Located in the Messilah beach district on the south coast of Kuwait City, this striking property regularly hosts huge functions and is a firm favourite among event planners in the region.

Featuring extensive conference and banqueting facilities, the Badriah Ballroom is ideal for large gatherings as it can host up to 2,500 guests for a cocktail reception. This sophisticated space

has been designed to impress, with luxurious fittings throughout and its own dedicated entrance.

It can also be divided into three separate meeting areas and comes complete with the latest audio-visual equipment. The Messilah Ballroom also caters to large functions and comes equipped with built-in screens and projectors. Located on the second floor of the hotel the ballroom

can accomodate up to 450 guests and provides easy access to the business centre and two large meeting rooms that can each accommodate 60 people. Also located on the second floor, the Al Reef meeting room is sure to leave a lasting impression thanks to its underwater design that features over 7.5 million mosaic tiles. This 131 square metre room can be used for intimate

functions, private meetings and small events. For those wishing to make use of the hotel’s beach setting, the Secret Garden is perfect for small corporate events throughout the cooler months.

This flexible space can host up to 30 guests in a boardroom style set-up and is set amidst palm trees and lush greenery.

For more information, visit jumeirah.com

THE BADRIAH BALLROOM IS IDEAL FOR LARGE GATHERINGS AS IT CAN HOST UP TO 2,500 GUESTS IN A COCKTAIL RECEPTION

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Agenda _Leading venues

GRAND HYATT ABU DHABI HOTEL AND RESIDENCES EMIRATES PEARL One of the most recent additions to the capital, this luxurious hotel is set to become a favourite among planners thanks to its more than 4,700 square metres of meeting and event space.

Designed to provide a glamorous venue for a variety of occasions, there are 10 meeting rooms with private terraces, two selfcontained boardrooms and a spacious ballroom complete with

its own private entrance. The Al Bateen Ballroom can host 900 guests in a theatre style setup and as many as 1,000 for a cocktail reception. The striking venue on the lower ground floor can be split in two for smaller gatherings and offers a pre-function area, which can host 500 people, as well as a VIP lounge. On the first floor there are two boardrooms and a break out reception, as well as

several meeting rooms, the largest of which can host 216 guests when configured as a theatre. The property also offers two private viewing cinemas that combine sofa seating and in-chair service with the best technical facilities that are perfect for corporate presentations. Those planning an event at the hotel can make use of the large outdoor terrace that can be used for cocktail receptions

and banquets, while guests have access to a 24-hour valet parking service and an underground parking lot that has 694 spaces.

Also a great option for a corporate retreat, there are 428 rooms and suites - all with private balconies - six restaurants, a cigar lounge, a spa and fitness centre and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool.

For more information, visit abudhabi.grand.hyatt.com

DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A GLAMOROUS VENUE FOR A VARIETY OF OCCASIONS, THERE ARE 10 MEETING ROOMS AND A SPACIOUS BALLROOM

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THE VAST INDOOR VENUE CAN HOST IN EXCESS OF 4,500 PEOPLE AND COMES COMPLETE WITH A STAGE AND POWERFUL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

DU FORUM One of the leading venues in Abu Dhabi for large corporate functions, this versatile space is ideally designed to host everything from banquets and cocktail receptions to product launches and conferences. Planners can choose from a variety of options such as large tiered theatrestyle seating or sessions amongst exhibition booths, while VIP options are readily available, as is

high-speed WiFi. The vast indoor venue can host 2,500 people seated and in excess of 4,500 standing, and comes complete with a stage, a powerful inbuilt air conditioning system, unique in-house lighting and sound systems, and free parking for 1,500 cars. The space can also be separated into smaller areas with the use of two large curtains, while the pillarless structure

means there are uninterrupted lines of sight. During the cooler months, event planners can make full use of the 2,343 square metres of outdoor space that can be used as a lounge or welcome area. The exterior lighting also allows for logos and images to be projected onto the facade of the venue. Additionally, the prime location on Yas Island enables delegates to take full advantage

of the world-class leisure facilities that are close by, including Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Mall. There are also a wide variety of hotels in close proximity, including the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi - Yas Island and the newly rebranded and refurbished W Hotel (formerly the Yas Viceroy), which is just a five minute drive away.

For more information visit duforum.ae

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Agenda _Leading venues

THE BALLROOM COMES WITH A PROFESSIONAL EVENTS TEAM WHO CAN HELP WITH EVERYTHING FROM TABLES AND STAGES TO MEALS PROVIDED BY WORLD-CLASS CHEFS

BURJ RAFAL HOTEL KEMPINSKI RIYADH A peaceful resort within the busy city of Riyadh, this 349room property boasts a wealth of options for business guests.

There are 17 meeting rooms, two boardrooms, a VIP lounge and perhaps most impressive, a vast ballroom. All of this makes the world-class hotel ideal for events that demand the best in terms of size, surroundings and luxury. With the ability to

host 2,000 guests with ease, the Rafal Ballroom is a popular space that can be divided into three sections and features its own prefunction area that can host 500 people in a cocktail reception.

Additionally, the ballroom comes with a professional events team who can help with everything from simple tables and stages to meals provided by world-class chefs. This dedicated team is on

hand to help with events at all of the venues inside the hotel, even if you simply require the use of the Thawee meeting room, which can accommodate 20 guests in a theatre style set-up. There is also a wealth of facilities inside the hotel for corporate guests, including a 24-hour business centre and an executive lounge that has its own private dining venue. This can be accessed by

staying in an executive room, which also offers complimentary early check-in and late checkout. Additionally, there are several restaurants and lounges serving an array of international cuisine, as well as the 15,284 square foot Resense Spa that features saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools and 11 treatment rooms.

For more information visit kempinski.com

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SHERATON OMAN HOTEL Constructed in 1985, this landmark property in the capital city of Muscat has been associated with five-star hospitality for more than three decades. Located in the heart of the financial and business district, the hotel was completely renovated in 2016 and features one of the largest ballrooms in the country. This vast space is ideal for large conferences due to its ability to accommodate 1,385 guests in

a theatre set-up or 890 delegates as a classroom. The Oman Ballroom can also be transformed into three smaller venues, each covering 392 square metres and able to hold up to 461 people.

Other business facilities inside the venue include nine meeting rooms, all of which offer the latest in audio-visual technology, and two intimate boardrooms that can each house 10 delegates. For

larger gatherings, both the Sohar and Ibri + Sur meeting rooms can comfortably accommodate more than 100 guests, while the Salalah meeting room can house 95 people. In addition to these versatile venues and the wellequipped business centre, the property offers a dedicated team of meeting specialists to help with the planning and execution of any event. There is also a wide range

of catering options provided by a talented culinary team. For those staying at the hotel there are a host of services and amenities to take advantage of once a meeting or event has concluded, including indoor and outdoor heated pools, a large spa, a club lounge and four dining options serving a range of international fare.

For more information, visit starwoodhotels.com.

THE HOTEL WAS COMPLETELY RENOVATED IN 2016 AND FEATURES ONE OF THE LARGEST BALLROOMS IN THE COUNTRY

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Comment

Exhibition centres must embrace the customer journey Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre has made a concerted effort to change its focus as it bids to stay ahead of the competition

by Peter King

These days it is vitally important for exhibition centres to understand exactly who their customers are and what is important to them. With so many venues vying for the same business, a major effort has been made by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) to focus on the ‘customer journey’.

Two years ago we introduced this specific initiative and it has been an absolute game changer. In fact, it has been a piece of work that has provided insights that impact all customer-facing business. The project has also generated a great deal of interest amongst other venues around the world.

It all began with the outline of a thorough three-year plan that encompassed all parts of our business. This resulted in a detailed series of goals, objectives and delivery strategies that were designed to help MCEC remain ahead of its competition. Of course this is nothing different from what many businesses are doing, however, in our view, one very critical element had been missing.

And that was a focus on our customers.

Historically, we had always been primarily operationally focused and prescriptive in the way that we interacted with our stakeholders. We realised that this needed to change and we felt that we should become completely customer-centric. This meant that the needs and expectations of our customers would drive every choice that we made.

This change in thinking proved to be the most important decision we have ever made and it has transformed our entire business. It has overhauled our relationships, our understanding and our structure. Even the delivery model of our events.

In addition to his role as a Member of the AIPC Board of Directors, Peter King is Chief Executive at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

The ‘customer journey’ project had a very clear scope and sequence, which began with accurately defining our key customers.

We wanted to outline their needs, desires and influences with respect to events – effectively humanising them and providing consistency across the business. There was also a need to map out how they made decisions and assess the way they interacted with us at the MCEC. Then by using this information we were able to identify clear opportunities to improve the overall customer experience, be it through service, communication, content or even food and beverage.

Ultimately our goal was to deconstruct our customers and their needs with precision. This was so that we could determine the best way of satisfying all of their requirements. Faced with these challenges we took three significant steps.

First, we crafted a set of seven customer personas to create a common language and customer objectives within the business.

Next, we mapped the various journeys taken by our customers in their interactions with us and lastly we identified ideas for improving their respective experiences. Each of the steps that we took included a series of detailed actions and as a result of our findings, we were able to reorganise and restructure to ensure we provided assistance and

support to our customers at critical times in their journey with us.

Since we made the change our team have received constant positive feedback and they now feel far more empowered to provide immediate solutions to satisfy the needs of our customers. Across the business, our post- event survey results are now at the highest levels we have ever seen.

Of course, the ‘customer journey’ project is an on-going one and we recently announced the launch of our customer portal – myMCEC. This was as a direct result of the findings from our work and aims to ensure that all customers continue to find it easy to do business with MCEC. We will also soon commence the second stage of our ‘customer journey’ in a bid to gain an even greater understanding. This is vitally important as we all know that our customer and visitor expectations evolve quickly. Therefore we have to reset our teams and continue to challenge them in order to improve our delivery performance every year.

Standing still is not an option and by basing our evolving structure and practices on very specific customer perspectives, we have been able to ensure that all the changes we have made will benefit our customers the most.

“WE NEEDED TO BECOME COMPLETELY CUSTOMER CENTRIC. THIS MEANT THAT THE NEEDS OF OUR CUSTOMERS WOULD DRIVE EVERY CHOICE THAT WE MADE”

AIPC represents a global network of over 185 leading centres in 60 countries with the active involvement of more than 900 management-level professionals worldwide. It is committed to encouraging and recognizing excellence in convention centre management, based on the diverse experience and expertise of its international representation, and maintains a variety of educational, research, networking and standards programs to achieve this. AIPC also celebrates and promotes the essential role of the international meetings industry in supporting economic, academic and professional development and enhancing global relations amongst highly diverse business and cultural interests.

For further information, please contact marianne.de.raay@aipc.org or visit www.aipc.org

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ARABIA

ABU DHABI, UAE 25-27 MARCH 2019

The leading event for the meetings and events industry in the Middle East and North Africa No.1 event

for high value business & connections

A 1-to-1 ratio of global buyers to

suppliers from the MENA region

A full networking day to help you make memorable business connections

5-star luxury setting for three days of business, education & discovery

Enquire to exhibit or register your interest as a Hosted Buyer at www.ibtmarabia.com

ibtm and the ibtm events symbol are trade marks of RELX Intellectual Properties SA, used under license. Hosted Buyer is a trademark of Reed Exhibitions Limited.

Reed Travel Exhibitions is a registered trade mark of RELX Group plc.

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9/10/18 4:02 PM

Comment

ProcurementÕs rising role in incentive travel When working with corporate acquisitions it is important they understand the objective of a reward-based travel programme

by Philip Eidsvold

Over the course of the last 10 years there has been a noticeable rise in procurement’s role and influence in purchasing meeting and incentive travel services. This trend is largely due to many large organisations refining their strategic meetings management programmes to include incentive travel, not just traditional meetings.

Therefore, in order to have success in securing business, it is important to communicate with the procurement team. Here are some of the best practices to follow when it comes to working closely with this increasingly influential department.

EDUCATE In our initial discussions with procurement, we always start by explaining that incentive travel is a business tool proven to increase sales and profits, as well as boost productivity, retain top talent, increase company loyalty, promote teamwork and decrease turnover. When properly designed, planned and executed, these reward-based travel programs can be funded through the additional profits, productivity or the service levels that it was designed to achieve.

There are also major differences in the planning of meetings versus incentives, so it is important to make sure that procurement understands the objectives of an incentive travel program and how they differ from those of a meeting. The latter is typically organised to educate, plan and bring people together in a working environment, so different factors are taken into account in the planning and purchasing process.

When it comes to incentives, participants are rewarded with a trip due to their

Author: Philip Eidsvold, CIS, CITP, Senior Director Client Services, One10 and SITE Foundation President-Elect

performance; therefore the experience needs to be meaningful to each individual guest. So when it comes to planning an incentive programme it is important to take into account what will be memorable to the participants and how they can be made to feel special, as well as motivated to succeed for the upcoming year.

COLLABORATE Many procurement professionals see the world through the lens of cost savings, profit maximisation and compliance, so it is important to educate them on the entire incentive program lifecycle. We have to inform them about the eligibility period and what the winners need to achieve in order to earn the travel award.

When this message is conveyed successfully and procurement realise that these programs are designed to boost sales and drive a superior service, we have found that they are more than willing to partner on finding the best possible solution.

Those working in procurement are deeply rooted in data so we try to provide as much relevant research in order to build the business case for incentive travel. The SITE Foundation offers a wealth of valuable

“INCENTIVE TRAVEL IS A BUSINESS TOOL PROVEN TO INCREASE SALES AND PROFITS, AS WELL AS BOOST PRODUCTIVITY”

research and content that you can reference in your discussions. Again, being proactive and sharing information and data with your procurement team empowers their decision-making and is a great way to build credibility and trust.

MEASURE Finally, we always work with our clients and their procurement teams on developing a measurement strategy that will demonstrate a return on their incentive program investment. The best results are achieved when acquisitions have input into both the qualitative and quantitative program metrics.

Therefore, when designing a survey, it is important to ask questions that demonstrate how the incentive program impacted the behaviour of the participants. Rather than just asking about the destination or experiences, there should be questions on what made the program meaningful, motivational and memorable to the participant who worked hard to earn the award.

Once a good survey is developed, we recommend using the same or comparable questions each year so that metrics are developed to demonstrate trends in participants’ responses. This valuable data should then be leveraged to design an optimal program for the following year.

Helping your procurement contacts understand the objectives of an incentive program, how they align with a company’s overall business strategy and defining what will motivate participants will go a long way in procurement’s justification of the expenditures. It will also greatly improve your ability to secure the business.

SITE, the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, is the only global organisation dedicated to strengthening and supporting the incentive travel industry. Over the last 40 years, SITE has grown to more than 2,000 members in 90 countries with 29 local and regional chapters. Incentive travel is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.

For further information, visit siteglobal.com.

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Comment

The changing landscape of medical meetings The introduction of the Sunshine Act and new General Data Protection Regulation has already impacted healthcare meetings across the globe

by Alexander John

Over the last decade the world has experienced major political, economic and cultural upheavals. And these have had a significant socio-economic impact. The way businesses operate today is very different to the way it used to be a decade back.

Since the global economic crash in 20072008, disruption has been the mainstay for businesses. A number of industries have not recovered and, if anything, they have completely changed the way they do business. This has had a direct impact on the meetings industry.

During the last ten years the meetings industry has been in state of flux. Disruption has been constant and what has become quite apparent is that the rules of engagement have changed. These have either come from within the industry or have been dictated by governments defining new regulatory frameworks. In all cases, the ultimate goal has been to become more transparent.

In 2010, the Obama Administration implemented the Sunshine Act. This healthcare law was instituted in the US to increase transparency of financial relationships between healthcare providers and pharmaceutical manufacturers. And in Europe, EthicalMedTech, the European trade association representing the medical technology industries, launched an online portal to bolster ethical and compliance initiatives of the sector. These updated and revised regulations came into effect in January of this year.

The good news for the healthcare industry is that there is an increase in transparency, compliance and ethical behaviour; however, the economic impact of these new regulations is significant. Medical meetings are expected to lose up to 30% of their revenue

due to the changes in the way delegates are sponsored to meetings, which translates to a reduction in attendees. This then translates to sponsors and exhibitors wanting to reduce their financial contributions to meetings, hence, compounding the loss in revenue.

While circumnavigating the intricacies of EthicalMedTech and Sunshine Act, there is a new elephant in the room, the protection of data. The European Union’s tough new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law came into effect on May 25, 2018. GDPR gives individuals more control over their data, requires clarity on privacy terms and conditions, and forces organisations to build the new personal data protection standards into their governance.

The scope of personal data covered by the GDPR is more than just a name and address; it covers all areas of data collected: from income and health information to food preferences and cultural information.

This law has a direct impact on healthcare meetings across the globe. Why? Because, as long as you have a delegate attending from

“THE GOOD NEWS FOR THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY IS THAT THERE IS AN INCREASE IN TRANSPARENCY, COMPLIANCE AND ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR”

Alexander John, Regional Director – Business Development (India, Middle East & Africa), MCI Dubai

Europe, they are protected under this law.

This added regulation requires vigilance and non-compliant organisations can face stiff penalties to the tune of four percent of annual revenues or 20 million Euros, whichever is greater.

It is also just a matter of time before similar laws are implemented across the Middle East, Africa and the sub-continent.

Some countries have already instigated large swathes of these regulations in their countries and the United Arab Emirates are all addressing issues of compliance and ethics.

The writing is on the wall, the industry in the Middle East will eventually align itself to global standards. While this is inevitable, we can foresee the following outcomes: • Reduction in delegate, sponsor and exhibition revenue • Increase in compliance and regulation as they align to global standards • New technology products that will be instituted for reporting • Increase in expenses due to the various changes, i.e. direct impact on manpower, technology and legal costs.

To navigate this labyrinth, planning is important. Conducting thorough research, developing local relationships and partnerships, and building checks and balances that address key areas of compliance, regulation and data protection is vital.

This is anything but the end. And one thing is for certain, as the Greek philosopher Heraclitus stated: “Everything changes and nothing remains still.”

It would therefore be prudent for associations, organisations or those planning to conduct meetings across the Middle East, to keep abreast of the ever-changing landscape.

This article was provided by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, author Alexander John, Regional Director Business Development (India, Middle East & Africa), MCI Dubai. MCI is an independent, privately held company, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and with 64 offices in more than 32 countries. IAPCO represents 130 companies comprised of more than 7,500 professional congress organisers, meeting planners and managers of international and national congresses, conventions and special events from 41 countries. www.iapco.org

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My pitch _ Le M ridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

LE MÉRIDIEN DUBAI HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE

A popular option for planners, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre boasts a dedicated events team and a variety of versatile venues

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“OUR HOTEL STANDS OUT BECAUSE OF OUR ICONIC LOCATION, OUR EXCEPTIONAL EVENT AND BUSINESS FACILITIES, AND OUR ENTICING ARRAY OF BARS, CAFÉS AND RESTAURANTS” A serene retreat within a bustling city, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre draws in both leisure and business guests thanks to its prime location, premium amenities and plethora of flexible function rooms. Just two minutes from Dubai International Airport, the luxurious fivestar hotel is set amongst 38 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and features five swimming pools, 18 restaurants and 5,500 square metres of event space.

“Our hotel stands out because of our iconic location, our exceptional event and business facilities, and our enticing array of bars, cafés and restaurants,” says Linda Mwaffak, Director of Sales – Catering, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre.

“We also have 579 luxuriously furnished rooms and suites, while our lobby was recently transformed and now plays host to Gourmandises Café, a chic patisserie, and our signature outlet, Latitude 25. This is a contemporary café during the day that transforms into a chic bar with a sophisticated menu at night.”

A planner’s paradise, the hotel has dedicated banquet and conference space in the form of 24 meeting rooms and a 1,515 square metre ballroom that can accommodate as many as 1,750 guests.

Each venue is equipped with the latest high-tech equipment, while the hotel boasts direct ballroom access, unique show kitchens, extensive parking and three outdoor event spaces.

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“Located on the ground floor, the Great Ballroom provides easy access to both guests and those involved in staging the event,” explains Mwaffak. “It can be divided into three sections and the live kitchens that feature built-in hot plates, contemporary ovens and wok stations can also be partitioned.

“The huge ceiling features different LED lights that can create vibrant illusions, while the skyhooks come with power connections to help with creative presentations that require large screens. With two vast foyers, a grand majlis and accompanying suite, the Great Ballroom is ideal for large conferences and product launches.

01 Great Ballroom theatre setup 02 Linda Mwaffak 03 Great Ballroom foyer

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My pitch _ Le M ridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre

“We also have three outdoor venues that are perfect for cocktail receptions and banquets. The Pool Side Lawn is the largest and can accommodate 800 guests for a cocktail reception or 500 people for a banquet, while the Emirates Lawn is ideal for smaller gatherings but can still host up to 250 guests.”

The hotel also has an in-house events team to help with the planning and execution of everything from intimate business meetings to lavish conferences. The Events Hub by Le Méridien offer services such as event planning, on-site technical assistance and outside catering.

In addition, the highly trained staff can also provide logistics and operations management to ensure every intricate detail is taken care of and a flawless event is held.

“Our team of more than 250 chefs and 500 service personnel are on hand to meet any requirements a planner may have,” says Mwaffak. “Events Hub is driven by passion and exceptional service and our multilingual specialists go above and beyond to make any vision a reality.

“The combination of world-class catering, elegant venues and attention to detail allows us to surpass all expectations and choreograph an unparalleled event that leads to a resounding success.”

Beyond the event facilities, guests at the hotel can undertake a culinary journey thanks to 18 distinctly different restaurants. Long Yin specialises in authentic Cantonese food, Kiku serves traditional Japanese cuisine, Casa Mia delivers the flavours of Italy and Seafood Market features fresh French oysters, Norwegian crab and Canadian lobster.

04 Great Ballroom foyer 05 Superior pool view room 06 Royal Club swimming pool 07 Hotel lobby

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“THE COMBINATION OF WORLD-CLASS CATERING, ELEGANT VENUES AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL ALLOWS US TO SURPASS ALL EXPECTATIONS AND CHOREOGRAPH AN UNPARALLELED EVENT THAT LEADS TO A RESOUNDING SUCCESS” 07

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My pitch _ Le M ridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre

08 Great Ballroom 09 Gourmandises restaurant 10 Yalumba restaurant

FAST FACTS Opened: 1979 FEATURES Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre boasts 24 meeting rooms and a 1,515 square metre ballroom. There are also five swimming pools, 18 restaurants and 38 acres of landscaped gardens.

LOCATION The hotel is just a two minute drive from Dubai International Airport and 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai.

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“THE HOTEL HAS A CLEAR STRATEGY TO IMPROVE OUR EVENTS BUSINESS AND WE ARE TARGETING THE UAE’S INBOUND MICE MARKET BY PARTICIPATING IN TRADE SHOWS AND MAKING SALES VISITS” 09

Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre also boasts a spacious fitness centre that features the latest equipment as well as the exquisite Natural Elements Spa, which offers an extensive menu of signature therapies.

With so much on offer to corporate guests, the property plans to make the most of its excellent facilities by continuing to attract high-profile events and more business travellers from the around the world.

“The hotel has a clear strategy to improve our events business and we are targeting the UAE’s inbound MICE market by participating in trade shows and making sales visits,” adds Mwaffak.

“We are activating key partnerships to drive additional footfall to the Great Ballroom as we continue to raise awareness of the venue. We will also continue to focus on attracting more events within the corporate segment as we feel this is an area where there is plenty of demand for topclass facilities such as ours.”

ACCOMMODATION There are 579 rooms and suites, with the deluxe room offering free WiFi, a flat screen television and garden or pool views.

Meanwhile the classic deluxe suite is ideally suited for business guests thanks to it being fitted with the latest communication and entertainment technology.

UNWIND The Natural Elements Spa offers an extensive menu of signature therapies for both male and female guests, including purifying body wraps, facials and full body massages.

Overlooking the swimming pools and lush gardens, the spacious stateof-the-art facility is also home to the Optimal Fitness centre. Promoting a holistic approach to exercise and nutrition, programmes are developed to help build agile, lean, functional and robust bodies.

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9/5/18 3:35 PM

Preview_ IBTM World

INSPIRING THE EVENTS WORLD With an exciting schedule of programmes and a host of new initiatives, this year’s IBTM World in Barcelona simply cannot be missed Following on from its milestone 30th edition last year, IBTM World is set for another record-breaking event as it prepares to welcome 15,000 industry professionals from more than 150 countries around the world.

Taking place from November 27-29, the three-day programme has been designed to give exhibitors, hosted buyers and trade visitors greater insight into industry trends, challenges and opportunities.

Those attending will have the chance to participate in networking events, education sessions and product unveilings, while a host of activities will take place around the show’s theme of technology.

“As always, this year’s show will bring

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an exciting breadth of opportunities and content tailored to our audience, including its leading Hosted Buyer programme, dedicated networking events, global exhibitors and full Knowledge Programme, which this year has a focus on innovation,” said Shane Hannam, Portfolio Director, IBTM. “This year will also be centred around the theme of technology and how it can enhance every aspect of producing great events, from enabling creativity to analysing and understanding industry trends. Attendees will find technology in every element of the show, with lots of opportunities to interact with and be inspired by some brilliant innovations, products and services.”

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As well as a host of new initiatives, the 31st edition of the show will include presentations from three keynote speakers, one of which is Dex Torricke-Barton, former Head of Communications at SpaceX, Executive Communications Manager at Facebook and Executive at Google.

He will share his experience working for some of the world’s most innovative and technology-driven brands and evaluate the emergence of macro societal trends, including the rise of globalisation and nationalism. The former Facebook executive will also assess the development of specific technologies including virtual reality and live-streaming.

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01 Shane Hannam, Portfolio Director, ibtm 02 Keyote speaker Dex Torricke-Barton 03 to 09 Images from previous editions of IBTM World

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“THIS YEAR WILL BE CENTRED AROUND THE THEME OF TECHNOLOGY AND HOW IT CAN ENHANCE EVERY ASPECT OF PRODUCING GREAT EVENTS”

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Hannam said: “I am delighted that Dex is joining us to share knowledge gleaned from his incredible career working alongside some of the world’s most dynamic and innovative business leaders. As technology continues to impact every aspect of our industry, this session is a great opportunity to explore and understand the potential implications of some of the transformational innovations ahead.”

The IBTM World Tech Watch Award will also highlight the future of the events industry, with its focus on new and innovative technology products or services with a MICE application. Meanwhile, the full programme of 54 sessions that form this

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year’s Knowledge Programme cover eight topical content themes all aimed at inspiring and educating on the latest industry issues and hot topics.

As well as innovation, technology and creativity, content falls under the following categories: industry trends, engagement and experiences, safety and security, sustainability and CSR, professional development, recruitment and wellbeing, business development and strategy, as well as marketing and digital.

“Our new Exploratory Zone, along with our education sessions, networking events and our strong exhibitor and event planner attendee list will ensure our attendees have

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the best possible environment in which they can learn, make connections and get inspiration for their own events,” added Hannam.

“We’ve spent the last 30 years as the events industry’s trusted right-hand person, and we use this experience, as well as the customer feedback we gather, to ensure that we continue to deliver great events that generate value for our attendees and inspire them to deliver show stopping events.”

Last year IBTM World welcomed almost 3,000 exhibiting companies, 463 buyers and thousands of visitors, while more than 74,000 pre-scheduled meetings between exhibitors and buyers were arranged over the course of the three-day event.

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Review_ Meet China

LASTING RELATIONSHIPS The seventh edition of Meet China brought together a host of the country’s top-tier travel buyers and key suppliers from across the UAE

This year’s Meet China forum has been deemed a resounding success after more buyers than ever before attended the annual business-to-business event in Abu Dhabi.

Held at Yas Conference Centre on Yas Island - Abu Dhabi, from September 3 to 4, the seventh edition of the forum saw a total of 85 Chinese buyers from across the country meet with 75 suppliers from the UAE and beyond.

Representing a wide cross section of locations within the East Asian country, attendees came from as far as Zhengzhou and Chongqing to Beijing and Chengdu. A delegation of buyers from Taiwan and Hong Kong were also in attendance.

The only regional event of its kind focused on China, the number one outbound tourism market in the world, the event offered a rare opportunity for visitors to

engage in prescheduled face-to-face meetings with each supplier. Not only did this help them understand the full scope of what was on offer, but also forge long lasting business partnerships.

“The 2018 edition of Meet China has been our most successful yet,” said Rob Nicholas, Managing Director, NPI Media. “We’ve had an incredible turnout, with 85 buyers and 75 suppliers, so it has been a very busy two days.

“In fact, I can reveal that there has been an average of 32 meetings for every participant. If these suppliers had have travelled to China it would have taken them approximately three weeks to accomplish that number of meetings. To do all of that within the space of a few days is amazing, and the feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive.”

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All images: Meet China 2018

“THIS EVENT WAS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AS I WAS ABLE TO HAVE MEANINGFUL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT HOW TO DRIVE CHINESE TRAVELLERS TO THE UAE”

Organised by NPI media and Mini Spider (Beijing) and supported by the Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, guests were welcomed to the capital with an excursion to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. This was followed by a VIP tour of Louvre Abu Dhabi – the newest cultural attraction in the emirate.

In the two days that followed, those in attendance had the chance to attend a gala dinner at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and enjoy a shopping spree at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. There was also a business presentation and lunch hosted by DAMAC. Delegates also had the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker Long Fei, Director of Business Cooperation, China Association of Travel Services, who highlighted the latest tourism trends from China, revealing that the number of outbound tourists from the country reached 129 million in 2017.

Commenting on the outcome of the event, Hang Fang Lou, Senior ManagerTrade Distribution, Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “The event was very professional and extremely well organised, which was very helpful as I was able to meet with lots of key decision markers and sign lots of deals.

“China is one of our key markets and it was great to be able to promote our properties, such as Armani Hotel Dubai and Palace Downtown Dubai, both of which have proved popular with tourists from this region.”

Bruno Wiley, Vice President of Sales, Experience Hub, added: “Chinese visitors are coming in big numbers to Yas Island, so the ability to meet key players from the Chinese market was crucial. But more than just meeting them, we had the chance to show them all of the assets we have to offer, from the excellent hotels, the exciting parks such as Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and the shopping element at Yas Mall.”

Xu Cong, Commercial Lead - Outbound Travel, Meituan-Dianping, commented: “I work for China’s biggest e-commerce platform so we have a huge number of users looking for new destinations with lots of cultural attractions. Therefore, this event was extremely important as I was able to have meaningful discussions about how to drive Chinese travellers to the UAE. “We already have 35,000 travellers using our platform to travel to the UAE and I’m sure that after this event we will see this number double or triple in the next year.”

Given the success of this year’s event and the growing interest from the UAE and China, plans are already underway for the 2019 edition of the forum.

Nicholas added: “Thanks to the positive feedback we have received and the continued growth of the Chinese market, we are very much looking forward to the 2019 Meet China event being bigger and better than ever before.

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9/10/18 3:12 PM

Special feature _ Bahrain

HONOURING THE PAST Bahrain boasts an abundance of cultural sites and ancient landmarks that reflect the Kingdom’s rich history

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Thanks to ultra-modern skyscrapers replacing the once flat sands of Bahrain, it is clear that the Kingdom is firmly embracing the future. Yet what adds to the destination’s appeal, and helps set it apart, is the country’s determination to nurture a thriving contemporary culture while at the same time showcasing its rich heritage.

Those visiting the country will discover historic homes and ancient settlements that provide a fascinating glimpse into the way life was once lived in the Kingdom. And Bahrain is determined to maintain that deep connection to the past whilst at the same

time build an exciting future rooted in the country’s heritage.

“Every city and village in Bahrain carries within it a beauty worthy of a visit and admiration,” says Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). “The successive civilisations that have inhabited this land over many millennia have produced spaces that remain unspoiled by humans to this very day, standing tall as witnesses to the history of the island. For me, appreciating the many aspects of Bahrain and its rich culture is what makes the Kingdom special.”

A YEAR OF SIGNIFICANCE While there has long been an emphasis on promoting the history and culture of the country, this year took on extra importance as Muharraq was named the the Capital of Islamic Culture 2018. The city served as Bahrain’s capital until 1932 when it was replaced by Manama, and it remains a destination of great importance to the country.

Offering a fascinating glimpse into the past, the city’s well-preserved monuments, architecture and abundance of heritage sites make it a historic treasure trove. With Muharraq firmly in the spotlight, a host of

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initiatives have taken place to coincide with the year-long celebration.

“Muharraq served as Bahrain’s first capital and enjoys a very special and unique historic status; as it was the birthplace of many important figures who left an enduring imprint in the fields of culture, art and literature,” explains Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.

“It also boasts a distinctive urban fabric and contains many heritage houses that belonged to important luminaries who shaped modern Bahrain. Important sites include Bu Maher Fort, the gateway to the Pearling Path. This path is set to be completed this year and will serve as an open-air museum showcasing the history 03

of Muharraq during the important era when the pearling trade was the Kingdom’s most important source of income, before the discovery of oil.

“A special tent was set up in the city to house an exciting line-up of annual events and activities, including the Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition, Bahrain International Book Fair, Bahrain Heritage Festival and the Bahrain Summer Festival.”

Running for the 10th year, the Bahrain Summer Festival proved to be hugely successful, with more than 300,000 people attending the event over the course of two months. This was a significant increase to the 110,000 visitors who attended the festival in 2017.

01 Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa 02 Qal'at al-Bahrain 03 Bahrain Fort in Manama 04 An alcove in Muharraq City 05 A traditional dhow 06 The historic Siyadi House in Muharraq City

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MORE TO OFFER Of course the cultural attractions are not simply limited to Muharraq and Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa is keen to point out that those seeking to explore Bahrain’s history should not just limit themselves to one city.

She says: “Despite its relatively small size, Bahrain boasts an abundance of sites and landmarks that keep visitors returning to our island.

“Aside from Muharraq we have Bahrain Fort and its dedicated museum, which was the first site in Bahrain inscribed as a UNESCO

INVESTMENT IN CULTURE IS AN INVESTMENT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME, AND, CONTRARY TO WHAT SOME MAY BELIEVE, HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES ARE WHAT REALLY ATTRACT VISITORS

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World Heritage Site. Other important sites include the Bahrain National Museum, which offers trips by sea to Bu Maher Fort, and in the south we have Riffa Fort and the Tree of Life in Sakhir.

“Investment in culture and heritage is an investment that lasts a lifetime, and, contrary to what some may believe, heritage and archaeological sites are what really attract visitors, not the facilities and shops around them.”

Showing that Bahrain cares deeply about its history is one of the important aspects of BACA’s varied remit and the organisation places great emphasis on proving this helps the country stand apart as a destination.

Yet Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa believes more can be done to promote the Kingdom. She adds: “We genuinely believe in the power of the segment of society which exhibits a keen interest in culture, art, civilisation, and heritage to amplify our message and efforts. And we are on a promising track towards the future.

“That said, I hope to see more of our planned culture-related projects move from the design to the implementation phase. And for us to witness completed structures for the world to acknowledge the many hidden treasures contained in the Land of Dilmun.”

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Cover story_ Regional business tourism

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INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

ABU DHABI SKYLINE

As Abu Dhabi continues to diversify its economy and further grow non-oil sectors, the capital has grand plans to position itself as a leading destination for business tourism

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Cover story_ Regional business tourism

Ever since the US credit crunch in 2008 lit the touch paper on a global crisis and sent oil prices tumbling, countries across the Middle East have been shifting their economies away from a reliance on petroleum and natural gases. Long-term initiatives were put in place by the Gulf nations and in the decade that has passed there have been varying degrees of success.

In the UAE, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi chose to embrace the tourism industry, with the former cleverly positioning itself as one of the world’s leading destinations for families.

Last year it ranked as the fourth most visited city in the world, attracting 15.8 million overnight visitors, and the target of attracting 20 million visitors by 2020 seems achievable.

The capital has also witnessed significant growth in the number of visitors to the emirate over the last decade. The latest Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index revealed that Abu Dhabi is the fourth fastest growing city globally, with an 18.9 percent rise in visitors between 2009 and 2017.

01 Louvre Abu Dhabi 02 Rendering of Zayed National Museum, Abu Dhabi 03 Abu Dhabi corniche

Last year a total of 4.9 million people travelled to the emirate and Abu Dhabi remains on track to welcome 6 million visitors by the end of 2018. Crucial to this rise has been a focus on widening the capital’s art and culture offering, with Louvre Abu Dhabi playing a pivotal role in attracting tourists from around the world.

Now, as Abu Dhabi looks to grow its tourism figures even further, the emphasis is on positioning the emirate as a hub for business tourism and building on the already booming MICE industry.

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A DESTINATION OF DISTINCTION Since being established in 2013, the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau (ADCB) has been tasked with fostering the development and promotion of business events throughout the emirate. Its clear vision has helped Abu Dhabi become a leading regional player and there is hope the destination could compete on the international stage thanks to an injection in funding.

Announced in June by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nayhan, a US$13.6 billion (AED50 billion) stimulus package will be used to accelerate the economy, with funds in part being used to drive more business visitors to the emirate.

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ANNOUNCED IN JULY, A US$13.6 BILLION STIMULUS PACKAGE WILL BE USED TO ACCELERATE THE ECONOMY, WITH FUNDS IN PART BEING USED TO DRIVE MORE BUSINESS VISITORS TO THE EMIRATE 03

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“The stimulus is highly significant and reiterates the pivotal role that the tourism sector continues to play, especially in introducing Abu Dhabi to the world as a global destination for not only short-term visits but also for investment and long-term stays,” says Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director, ADCB. “Together with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), we are spearheading a destination-wide approach to build the MICE industry and attract business travellers for extended periods of time.

“Therefore, the stimulus will add more impetus to our efforts by showcasing the government’s commitment to making tourism a robust pillar in its economic development plan. By 2021, we are hoping to achieve a four percent GDP contribution from business tourism as well as achieve seven percent growth in the MICE sector.”

It is yet unclear how the funds will be distributed, but Al Shamsi says that within the 10 economic initiatives already announced is a focus to cement the emirate’s competitiveness as a business destination.

He explains: “The stimulus is focused on improving the ease of doing business in Abu Dhabi and enhancing the work experience for UAE nationals, residents and investors.

Therefore we expect additional investment in tourism and infrastructure.

“BY 2021, WE ARE HOPING TO ACHIEVE A FOUR PERCENT GDP CONTRIBUTION FROM BUSINESS TOURISM AS WELL AS ACHIEVE SEVEN PERCENT GROWTH IN THE MICE SECTOR”

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04 Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director, ADCB 05 & 06 Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

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“In addition, the package singles out eco-tourism with requirements to have more developments both on land and on water including the establishment of camping villages and a variety of areas dedicated to recreation sports. By focusing on developing more natural and culturally-enriching experiences, Abu Dhabi stands out as a unique destination for corporate travellers not only to do business but also enjoy a wellrounded experience.”

The stimulus package will also be used to improve MICE facilities within the capital, including the venues that come under the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC). These two facilities, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Al Ain Convention Centre, welcomed more than 2.08 million guests in 2017, collectively hosted 442 events and generated 692,732 guest nights for the hospitality sector in the emirate.

These impressive results led to the value of ADNECSs direct and indirect

contribution to Abu Dhabi’s economy increasing by 26 percent to reach US$1.05 billion (AED3.89 billion).

“With constant support from ADCB, the ADNEC venues registered a growth of 36 percent on 2016 figures and with the stimulus package focusing on a host of initiatives, we anticipate this joint effort reaping further rewards,” says Al Shamsi.

“By promoting partnerships between the public and private sectors, creating jobs for Emiratis, encouraging and organising local production and supporting SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to boost their competitiveness locally and regionally, we see visitor numbers and the number of events being held rising significantly in the next three years.”

NEW INITIATIVES Aside from investing in infrastructure and improving the hospitality offering to draw in more visitors, the emirate has also recognised the need to improve the value

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Cover story_ Regional business tourism

proposition for business tourists. This has led to ADCB working closely with DCT Abu Dhabi to provide incentives throughout the event planning cycle.

One such programme is Advantage Abu Dhabi, which acts as a catalyst to enhance social and economic development by hosting innovative and viable business events that are aligned with the Abu Dhabi 2030 Economic Vision.

“Advantage Abu Dhabi provides an array of support throughout the entire event planning cycle,” explains Al Shamsi. “It provides a unique opportunity for event organisers to benefit from bespoke destination support.

“Moreover, as part of our mandate to boost tourism figures, and attract more visitors from the MICE industry, we have recently announced the launch of an online Event Ticketing System, part of the existing Event Licensing System which leverages innovation and state-of-the-art technology.

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07 Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre 08 Manarat Al Saadiyat 09 Abu Dhabi skyline

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“BY FOCUSING ON DEVELOPING MORE NATURAL AND CULTURALLY-ENRICHING EXPERIENCES, ABU DHABI STANDS OUT AS A UNIQUE DESTINATION FOR CORPORATE TRAVELLERS” 09

“The new system aims to streamline and facilitate event registration and licensing procedures, in addition to establishing a database for tracking tourism performance, growth trends and types of events, collating event information and providing indicators of rates of success and achievement of objectives.

“This online system will encourage more MICE events in the future as it replaces the need to source approvals from 22 different entities and will instead enable online submissions and approvals to follow within three to seven working days.”

Another initiative ADCB is hoping to leverage is the decision to exempt passengers passing through Abu Dhabi from paying any fees to receive a 48-hour transit visa. Al Shamsi believes this will encourage visitors to discover more of the city and importantly, return on another occasion for a longer stay.

“This was a significant step in our challenge to encourage visitors to discover the tourism offering and we believe it will increase the likelihood of them returning for a longer stay,” he says. “Equally important

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was the decision that allowed travellers to be able to extend their visa for up to 96 hours for a minimal fee.

“These cabinet decisions complement our on-going efforts aimed at attracting an increasing number of tourists by promoting the emirate and positioning it as a preferred stopover destination. This extended stopover period will enable us to effectively turn transit time into business tourism opportunities.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE While the significant investment will undoubtedly help ADCB’s mandate of expanding the MICE sector and promoting Abu Dhabi’s world-class venues and facilities, the emirate is not the only destination with impressive plans to overhaul its business tourism offering.

Saudi Arabia aims to become the leading destination for conferences and exhibitions in the Middle East by 2020 by investing US$1.6 billion (AED5.8 billion) per year in its MICE tourism industry. The kingdom is also projected to spend US$49 billion annually (AED179 billion) by 2020 on tourism projects in a bid to double the number of incoming travellers to 30 million within the next 12 years.

There is also direct competition from Dubai, already one of the leading destinations in the world for the MICE industry, which stands to significantly increase its business tourism sector when Expo 2020 is held in the emirate from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.

However, Al Shamsi believes that the Expo can be leveraged by Abu Dhabi and is confident that the capital will be able to compete with Dubai and Saudi Arabia for the largest and most influential events.

“With the influx of visitors that will be coming to the country through Dubai in 2020, there will be a spotlight on the entire country, and it is a great opportunity for us to work in tandem to leverage that exposure,” he adds. “Abu Dhabi’s average room rate is excellent value for money, particularly when you consider how high the standards are in terms of facilities and services.

“There is also so much on offer in the emirate, not just in terms of the beautiful outdoor spaces and amazing architecture, but also the booming arts and culture scene.

“Additionally, we have consciously made it a priority to bid for the best events and we will continue to pursue them vigorously.

With our amazing diverse activities and excellent geographical location, we believe we can attract more business travellers, which will support us in reaching our goal of 8.5 million visitors by 2021.”

THE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY HELP ADCB’S MANDATE OF EXPANDING THE MICE SECTOR AND PROMOTING ABU DHABI’S WORLD-CLASS VENUES AND FACILITIES

10 Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi 11 Expo 2020 Dubai

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Feature _ The impact of GDPR

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BUILDING TRUST With strict data protection laws coming into existence, event planners across the region have the chance to form solid relationships with delegates

When the European Parliament adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in April 2016, those working in the field of events were rightfully concerned. Questions swirled as companies delved into the punishments and penalties for breaches. But the answer everyone desperately sought was how the regulation would affect the industry.

For close to two years there was a great deal of speculation as to how planners would cope with the new law. With event companies across the Middle East welcoming delegates from all over Europe, businesses were understandably concerned about breaches in non-compliance that could result in fines of as much as US$22.6 million (AED83 million).

However, for the vast majority of people working in events, GDPR was not their first brush with compliance, and it almost certainly will not be the last.

Every change in regulation is viewed as an opportunity to improve, as well as provide reassurances to customers and clients. Therefore, when GDPR was introduced on May 28, 2018, there were many within the industry who viewed the new law as a positive.

In a field where gathering information is a vital component, protecting data was viewed as a way to build stronger relationships with delegates.

“GDPR will be hugely beneficial to the events industry,” believes Patrick Smith, CMO of event management software solutions company, Cvent. “Customers and prospective new clients will receive less marketing communication from unsolicited companies, which will help those they do want to hear from cut through the noise and get noticed.”

AN END TO POOR PRIVACY STANDARDS This opinion was echoed by many working in events that see the new law as a chance for companies to prove their worth. In a time when the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal and other high profile breaches are headline news, sharpening the focus on data protection can only be a positive.

The new regulations have already had a significant impact, with spam emails, automatic opt-ins and poor privacy standards no longer tolerated. This has forced planners to find new and more secure ways to capture data, a factor that will only improve the relationship between organiser and delegate. It will also help make sure that events remain a place where business gets done and trust is built.

01 Patrick Smith, CMO, Cvent

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Feature _ The impact of GDPR

“Since the law was introduced a lot of planners and marketers have said that GDPR will actually benefit the industry and will create more of an engaging experience because you are communicating with people that actually want to be communicated with,” adds Smith.

“I can see it being beneficial to the events industry because people attending events want to be there, so they are eager to engage in conversations, which is the premise of GDPR, engaging with people that want to be engaged with.

“GDPR is also about informing your customers about what you are doing with their data and enabling that information to be accessible to them upon request. It’s not just about getting an opt-in.”

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THE ROLE OF SUPPLIERS Aside from assessing the best way to capture data under the new laws, the introduction of GDPR changed the events landscape by bringing into focus the relationship between planners and suppliers. There is a whole ecosystem of third-party suppliers who are heavily relied upon by events professionals, from venue owners and travel agencies to hospitality teams and caterers.

If one of these suppliers was to put a delegates’ data at risk, it would be the event organiser who could be severely punished.

However, Smith believes there could be a positive consequence, as stricter data protection will inevitably lead to trusted businesses who can prove compliance being hired.

“This new responsibility is a good reason for planners to grill suppliers about the steps they’ve taken towards GDPR compliance,” explains Smith.

02 The events industry has had to react to the new laws

“IT’S AN EXTRA REASON TO CHOOSE TRUSTED BUSINESSES, ONES THAT CAN PROVE THEIR OWN COMPLIANCE. WHEN WE TRUST OUR SUPPLIERS, OUR ATTENDEES TRUST US” “It’s an extra reason to choose trusted businesses, ones that can prove their own compliance. When we trust our suppliers, our attendees trust us. Ultimately GDPR is a nudge towards the best practice we’re aiming for, and we should all welcome the nudge.”

OFFERING TRANSPARENCY For planners, finding the right suppliers is just part of a long and exhausting process.

There is an extensive list of things to ponder before, during and after an event has taken place. Everything from finding a venue, collecting data at registration and collating feedback must be taken into consideration.

Now GDPR-compliance must be deliberated throughout the process, providing another challenge for event planners. Yet there are numerous practices that will help companies avoid the wrath of the regulators.

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“WE HAVE CREATED A PRACTICAL STEPBY-STEP GUIDE TO GDPR-COMPLIANCE TO SHOW PLANNERS THAT

BY UNDERTAKING THE RIGHT MEASURES YOU CAN RUN AN EVENT THAT IS ALL ABOUT TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY”

“It is key to showcase a willingness to change. Businesses that can show they get it, share the faith in what it’s trying to do, prove they’re making big changes, or at least taking big steps towards it, should appease the authorities,” says Smith.

“At Cvent we’ve already made hundreds of modifications to our processes and products to incorporate the principles of the new law. We have been strengthening security, building trust, offering transparency, protecting privacy, respecting rights and we’re making more.

“We have also created a practical stepby-step guide to GDPR-compliance to show planners that by undertaking the right measures you can run an event that is all about trust and transparency.”

Ultimately, embracing the regulations and being transparent with data will only help build trust, as will as will protecting people’s privacy and respecting their rights.

It could also provide final nudge for companies to employ end-to-end platforms that will take much of the risk, and legwork, out of planning an event. Therefore, there is

an argument to be made that these stricter data protections laws will end up improving the entire events industry, an opinion shared by Smith.

He concludes: “Maybe not now, maybe not next year, but one day, when the dust has settled on GDPR, when most businesses have absorbed it, a few have been fined and the rest are still looking for loopholes, those of us upholding the principles, who embraced it wholeheartedly and who created transparency in our businesses, will have earned the loyalty of our marketplace.”

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9/9/18 3:54 PM

Feature _ Tourism Vision 2020

FUELLED BY AMBITION DUBAI SKYLINE

As Dubai attempts to reach its lofty tourism targets, the emirate has a host of initiatives aimed at attracting corporate visitors from around the world

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01 Issam Kazim, CEO, DCTCM 02 Gulfood Exhibition at DWTC

“OUR STRATEGIES ARE BUILT AROUND DUBAI’S AND THE UAE’S ECONOMIC AMBITIONS AND ATTRACTING BUSINESS EVENTS TO DUBAI CAN HELP US ACHIEVE OUR VISION OF BRINGING 20 MILLION TOURISTS TO THE EMIRATE IN 2020”

It was back in 2013 that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, approved the Tourism Vision 2020 strategic roadmap. The key objective of which was to attract 20 million visitors annually by 2020 by positioning the emirate as the ‘first choice’ for international leisure and business travellers.

Playing a key role in achieving this target has been the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), which is responsible for the branding, promotion and marketing of the emirate. Its efforts were crucial in Dubai attracting 15.8 million visitors in 2018, of which roughly 12 percent arrived in the city for business.

The DCTCM also worked closely with the emirate’s official convention bureau, Dubai Business Events, to help bring more conferences and exhibitions to the city. This proved particularly successful with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) hosting 353 MICE events in 2017, up 18 percent year-on-year, and the number of international exhibitors rising 10 percent to 39,202. Such was the success enjoyed by the venue that the 103

large-scale events it held generated US$6.1 billion (AED22.5 billion) in total economic output and attracted in excess of 1.1 million overseas visitors.

Despite these impressive figures, Issam Kazim, CEO of DCTCM still believes that more can be done to entice business visitors to the country. In fact he is steadfast in his belief that growing the popularity of Dubai as a business destination will be instrumental in the emirate achieving its bold tourism targets.

“Our business strategies are built around Dubai’s and the UAE’s economic ambitions and attracting business events to Dubai can help us achieve our vision of bringing 20 million tourists to the emirate in 2020,” states Kazim.

“While 2017 was hugely successful, we strive to secure even more events and the first half of 2018 has been very successful.

“DBE secured 128 bids to host business events in Dubai, reflecting a 32 percent increase from the previous year, and these events, which range from small corporate meetings to largescale congresses, are set to attract over 67,000 delegates from around the world over the coming years.

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Feature _ Tourism Vision 2020

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“EARLIER THIS YEAR, A SERIES OF INTERNATIONAL ROADSHOWS AROUND THE WORLD ACTED AS A PLATFORM TO MEET AND ENGAGE WITH KEY DECISION-MAKERS, AS WELL AS SHOWCASE THE CITY’S CAPABILITIES AND SERVICES TO BUSINESS EVENT PLANNERS” “We are also targeting new sectors to build on this impressive growth and our approach has been guided by the UAE National Innovation Strategy. This strategy seeks to stimulate innovation across seven key sectors, prioritising renewable energy, transport, education, health, technology, water, and space exploration.

“As a result, we have placed a strong emphasis on identifying and bidding for events related to these sectors, as reflected in Dubai’s successful bids for future business events and those being hosted in the city.”

One factor that could impact the convention bureau in years to come is the competition Dubai faces on a regional level. While Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a leading cultural destination, Saudi Arabia plans to become the number one choice for conferences and exhibitions in the Middle East by 2020. The kingdom has announced ambitious

plans to invest US$1.6 billion (AED5.8 billion) in its MICE tourism industry over the coming years, with several centres and venues benefiting from the financial boost.

In order to stay ahead of its rivals, DBE is participating in various trade shows to showcase the emirate’s business event offering to planners around the world. This has led to members of the bureau travelling across Europe, America and Asia in a bid to secure events ranging from small corporate meetings to huge congresses.

“Earlier this year, a series of international roadshows around the world acted as a platform to meet and engage with key decision-makers, as well as showcase the city’s capabilities and services to business event planners,” reveals Kazim. “ Th e f i rs t road s h ow b e ga n i n London and travelled through Geneva and Brussels, before concluding in Paris.

“DBE and local industry partners also showcased the city’s capabilities and services to business event planners during a roadshow through South East Asia, visiting countries such as Japan and South Korea. Furthermore, a team visited San Diego, Irvine, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Denver in the US to conduct a similar process. This broad geographical mix reflects the city’s diversified approach when it comes to growing overall visitor numbers.

“In May, DBE showcased Dubai’s dynamic business events offering and services to international meetings, events, and incentives industry professionals at IMEX Frankfurt along with 24 stakeholders, such as DWTC, Emirates Airline, Expo 2020 and Jumeirah Group. In June, DBE also participated in The Meetings Show which was held in London, demonstrating a strong focus on transforming Dubai into a global knowledge hub.”

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These trade shows provide the opportunity to showcase the projects that will overhaul the landscape of Dubai in the coming years. One such venture that is near completion is One Central. Located between DWTC and Emirates Towers, the mixed-use development already houses a 588-key Ibis hotel, which will soon be joined by a 25Hours Hotel.

“The One Central development will play an important role in broadening DWTC’s integrated offering, whilst also making a huge contribution to the range of hospitality options for event planners and destination management companies,” says Kazim.

“Within walking distance of the main event venues within Dubai World Trade Centre, the hotels provide convenient options for accommodation and add to the more than 110,000 hotel rooms already available in the city. The dining and entertainment offerings will also enrich the experience for delegates attending events at DWTC.” However, the most significant development taking place in the emirate is the construction of the 483-hectare site that will house Expo 2020 Dubai. Expected to attract more than 25 million visitors during its sixmonth run from 20 October, 2020 to 10 April, 2021, the complex will be home to a host of new event facilities that will supplement the strong offering available across the city.

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03 GITEX Technology Week 04 The Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai 05 Inside the Al Wasl Plaza 06 Dubai World Trade Centre

“WITH 70 PERCENT OF THE ANTICIPATED 25 MILLION VISITORS COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE UAE, WE’VE ALREADY SEEN A GROWING INTEREST FROM BUSINESSES, CONFERENCES ORGANISERS AND MEETING PLANNERS” 06

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For the DCTCM, the ability to leverage both the event and the venues within the development is crucial to helping Dubai reach its tourism targets. And Kazim reveals that he has already witnessed a great deal of intrigue from planners around the world.

“With 70 percent of the anticipated 25 million visitors coming from outside of the UAE, we’ve already seen a growing interest from businesses, conferences organisers and meeting planners,” he adds.

“The industry is definitely taking note of the event’s legacy as after the conclusion of Expo 2020 Dubai, more than 80 percent of the main site will be reused or repurposed.

“Among the additions to the city’s growing portfolio of event venues will be the Al Wasl Plaza. At the very heart of the Expo site, it will be able to host gatherings of up to 10,000 people, while there will also be a new conference and exhibition centre. Essentially, the city’s venue offering and capabilities are set to significantly enhance Dubai as a business events destination.”

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Venue profile _ Aloft City Centre Deira

A FRESH APPROACH With a portfolio of versatile venues outfitted with the very latest technology, Aloft City Centre Deira is ideal for the modern business traveller

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A new addition to the Dubai landscape after opening in June of this year, Aloft City Centre Deira is set to become a popular option among business guests thanks its host of versatile meeting spaces.

Located just five kilometres from Dubai International Airport and only 10 kilometres from Dubai World Trade Centre, the property is directly connected to City Centre Deira, an upscale mall with hundreds of stores and entertainment options.

An enticing option for corporate travellers, the hotel leverages the latest technology in its meeting venues and in the 304 loft-inspired rooms and suites. Each room is equipped with SPG Keyless, allowing guests to utilise their mobile phones as room keys, as well as 49-inch LED TVs with Chromecast and free high-speed wireless internet.

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01 Re:fuel lobby cafe 02 Ultra Savvy Suite lounge and kitchen 03 Aloft City Centre Deira at night 04 Tactic meeting room

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“WE CAN CATER FOR A RANGE OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS, THANKS TO MORE THAN 2,600 SQUARE FEET OF SPACE THAT CAN BE SET UP IN A VARIETY OF ARRANGEMENTS”

“We are bringing a fresh approach to hospitality and redefining the traditional hotel landscape through design and technology,” says Sammy Gani, General Manager, Aloft City Centre Deira.

“The hotel brings a whole new experience to the area, delivering an urban-inspired gathering place for tech-savvy travellers.

“Situated in the cultural heart of Dubai it is a perfect pit stop for those looking to explore a different side of the city, as well as for those who are seeking first-class business facilities.

“We also have sweeping views of the iconic Dubai skyline and are the first hotel in the region to have a licensed VOX Cinemas’ outdoor screen that is available for guests and can be hired out for events.”

Ideal for event planners looking to make the most of the pleasant climate either side of summer, the unique outdoor cinema is available for cocktail events, meetings and conferences. The property also features five ‘tactic rooms’ that come equipped with the latest technology, including smart boards that can sync notes directly onto mobile phones.

A breakout area is connected to the meeting rooms, while an outdoor event space can be used for a variety of business gatherings.

“We can cater for a range of meetings and events, thanks to more than 2,600 square feet of space that can be set up in a variety of arrangements,” explains Gani. “All of our meeting rooms are stylish and offer cutting edge technology, and fast, free WiFi.

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Venue profile _ Aloft City Centre Deira

“The five ‘tactic rooms’ offer natural light and lead to the Backyard, a courtyard garden that can act as a pre-function area.

Covering 1,076 square feet, it has outstanding views and is ideal for guests to relax in between meetings thanks to the two pool tables and café that serves light bites and refreshments.”

When it comes to culinary options, the property features four restaurants, two of which offer a range of international fare. The Canteen specialises in shareable plates and focuses on seasonal ingredients, while Re:fuel

by Aloft is open 24 hours a day and is a casual grab and go option that perfectly suits the needs of a busy business traveller.

Alternatively, Han Shi Fu is a modern Chinese and Asian fusion restaurant from the team that brought the popular Din Tai Fung to Dubai. The W XYZ Bar & Lounge also offers a range of Asian cuisine as well as stunning city views thanks to its terrace setting.

Tailor-made menus are also available upon request for meetings, while the in-house events team are on hand to assist with every stage of an event.

“We feel menus should be personalised to the guests’ requirements so our dedicated team of chefs can create a variety of dishes for any meeting or event,” says Gani.

“Our meetings and events team can also assist with everything from bookings to preparation and the execution of an

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05 Ultra Savvy Suite bathroom 06 Ultra Savvy Suite bedroom 07 Re:charge gym 08 Ground floor lobby 09 Re:fuel lobby cafe 10 Tactic meeting room

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FAST FACTS Opened: June 2018 FEATURES Aloft City Centre Deira boasts a choice of five meeting rooms, a large outdoor terrace and its own VOX Cinemas’ outdoor screen.

There are also four restaurants, a fitness centre, an infinity swimming pool and a business centre.

LOCATION Directly connected to City Centre Deira shopping mall, the hotel is just five kilometres from Dubai International Airport and 10 kilometres from Dubai World Trade Centre.

event. In fact a dedicated team member will always be on hand to assist with any needs or requirements.”

Those staying at the hotel can make full use of the amenities, including an outdoor infinity pool, a well-equipped 24-hour gym and a large business centre. Guests will also be able to watch live acoustic performances by up-and-coming artists at the Re:mix Lounge as part of the Live At Aloft Hotels programme.

Additionally, Aloft City Centre Deira provides all guests with a host of special offers to experience some of the leisure and entertainment attractions in the city, such as Ski Dubai, iFly and Orbi. There is also a limousine and laundry service, as well as a 24-hour concierge service.

This robust offering makes the hotel an enticing new option for business travellers and Gani is confident that the hotel can establish itself as a leading destination for a wide range of corporate events.

He adds: “Deira is a business hub and Aloft City Centre Deira can offer a stylish approach to meetings and events in this area. With our flexibility, personalisation and technology we know we have a lot to offer and we will be focusing on securing business guests.”

ACCOMMODATION There are 304 loftinspired rooms, 25 of which are suites and four that are cinemathemed. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and come with the latest technology, including 49-inch LED TVs with Chromecast and SPG Keyless, where a smartphone can be used as a room key.

“OUR MEETINGS AND EVENTS TEAM CAN ASSIST WITH EVERYTHING FROM BOOKINGS TO PREPARATION AND THE EXECUTION OF AN EVENT”

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EXPLORE All guests at the hotel are provided with a host of special offers to experience some of the entertainment and leisure attractions within the city. These include the indoor ski complex at Ski Dubai, the UAE’s first indoor skydiving experience at iFly and the interactive visitor attraction, Orbi.

For those who prefer to relax with a round of golf, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is just three kilometres away and features a par 71 championship course.

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Destination report _ Egypt

FUELLED BY AMBITION With tourist numbers on the rise and bold development plans in place, Egypt is in the midst of a significant transformation

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For a number of years following the revolution of 2011, the tourism industry in Egypt was devastated by political unrest and a series of disasters. Having attracted 14.7 million visitors in 2010 and with the tourism sector accounting for a tenth of the country’s gross domestic product, the number of arrivals to the country fell to 5.4 million in 2016.

But after years of hardship, there are signs of recovery with tourism numbers on the rise and mass development taking place across the country thanks to significant foreign direct investment. Now there are grand plans to build a new capital city, several major hotel chains are preparing to build new properties across the country and electronic visas are available for the first time to people from 46 nations.

This comes on the back of Egypt seeing a significant rise in the number of visitors. A total of 8.3 million overnight stays were recorded last year, leading the United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation to rank the transcontinental country as the

second-fastest growing tourist destination of 2017. More positive results have come in 2018, with 2.38 million tourists visiting during the first four months of the year, a 37 percent rise during the same period in 2017, while tourism revenue has jumped 83 percent to US$2.2 billion (AED8.07 billion).

While leisure tourism is on the rise, Egypt still falls some way short of its regional rivals when it comes to attracting business visitors. However, there are plans to entice the MICE sector through a host of new developments that will house impressive event venues, as well as provide incentive groups with a chance to explore the country’s rich history and culture.

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Destination report _ Egypt

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THE NEW CAPITAL CITY WOULD HOUSE 663 HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, 1,250 MOSQUES, 40,000 HOTEL ROOMS AND A PUBLIC GARDEN DOUBLE THE SIZE OF CENTRAL PARK IN NEW YORK CITY CHANGING LANDSCAPE The most ambitious project the country is undertaking is the construction of a new capital city that would span 700 square kilometres, making it almost as large as Singapore. Currently under development 45 kilometres east of the current capital Cairo, the yet unnamed city was first announced in 2015 during a time of political turmoil. But thanks to a US$12 billion (AED44 billion) loan in 2016 from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), that is being received via multiple instalments over the course of three years, economic stability is returning.

This has enabled Egypt to push ahead with its plans for a new city, including a

showpiece Central Business District (CBD) that is being built by China’s State Contracting Engineering Corporation. At the heart of the project will be 20 skyscrapers, a new parliament complex, a convention centre and an exhibition facility.

The new capital would also house 663 hospitals and clinics, 1,250 mosques, 40,000 hotel rooms and a public garden double the size of Central Park in New York City. Additionally, there will be a technology and innovation park, a major theme park, 90 square kilometres of solar energy farms, an electric railway link with Cairo and a new international airport. While it will take a number of years to complete the entire project, the huge

government district, which will house 36 ministries and the presidential palace, is set to be occupied by as early as mid-2019. Meanwhile, the CBD is scheduled for completion within three years.

This financial district will not only house major international corporations but has also been earmarked as a hub for the MICE industry. There are plans to build dozens of hotels, an exhibition centre and the largest conference centre in Africa.

This would provide event planners with greater options as the Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Centre (CICC) is currently the only comprehensive conference facility in the country.

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01 A render of Egypt’s new capital city 02 The Al Alemein hotel from Emaar 03 The Hilton Alexandria Corniche

RISING DEMAND Away from the construction of a new capital, there are plans to substantially increase the hospitality offering across the country as tourist numbers continue to rise. Hilton Worldwide already manages 17 hotels and resorts within Egypt but have identified the market as an important part of its expansion plans, with nine hotels and an additional 2,390 rooms set to open in the next five years. The new hotels under construction include the Doubletree by Hilton Mangroovy in El Gouna with 179 rooms, the Hilton Cairo Grand Nile with 715 rooms and the Hilton Grand Inn Damietta with 120 rooms.

Emaar Properties also revealed plans to double its investment in Egypt to US$5.6 billion (AED20.5 billion) over the

HILTON WORLDWIDE ALREADY MANAGE 17 HOTELS AND RESORTS WITHIN EGYPT BUT HAVE IDENTIFIED THE MARKET AS AN IMPORTANT PART OF ITS EXPANSION PLANS, WITH NINE HOTELS SET TO OPEN IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS 02

next five years. The Dubai-based company is constructing a new development along the country’s Mediterranean coastline, with the Marassi project originally planned to include more than 3,000 apartments and a hotel with 600 hotel rooms and suites.

However, the group’s chairman Mohamed Alabbar confirmed that Emaar plans to increase the number of hotels within the Marassi development to six by 2021. The additional properties are the Vida Marassi Marina, Address Marassi Beach Resort and Address Marassi Golf Resort + Spa. Another brand expanding its presence is Rotana, which recently announced an agreement was in place for a new 200-room fivestar property in New Cairo City. This would bring the company’s total inventory in the country to 726 keys, with Rotana president and CEO, Omer Kaddouri, explaining that the expansion “rightly reflects the rising market demand within Egypt”.

Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts also signalled its intention to grow the company portfolio in Egypt by signing an agreement for a hotel in Luxor. The 281-key Steigenberger Resort Achti will boast six restaurants, meetings rooms, a business centre and a permanent multi-purpose tent for the staging of conferences and corporate events.

Additionally, Swiss Belhotel will enter the market for the first time next year when it opens two properties. The Swiss-Belhotel and Suites Asmarat, Cairo will feature 250 hotel rooms and 400 apartments, while the Swiss-Belresort Battersea, North Coast will have 300 rooms.

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Destination report _ Egypt

ACCORDING TO THE COUNTRY’S MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, HESHAM ARAFAT, UP TO US$16.9 BILLION WORTH OF INVESTMENT IN NEW RAIL AND METRO PROJECTS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE NEAR FUTURE

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04 Cairo skyline 05 & 06 Renders of the proposed Central Business District in the new capital

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TIMELY INVESTMENT

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To cope with the expected influx of tourists in the coming years, the transport system within Egypt is receiving a much-needed overhaul. According to the country’s minister of transport, Hesham Arafat, up to US$16.9 billion (AED62 billion) worth of investment in new rail and metro projects will take place in the near future.

The bulk of the investment will be used for three high-speed rail lines running from Luxor to Cairo, Alexandria to Cairo and from Luxor to Hurghada. These proposed lines are scheduled for completion within five years and according to Arafat will “promote tourist activity that is expected to reach more than 30 million tourists per year by 2025”.

The longest of the three lines will be the 700-kilometre track running from Luxor to Cairo, which is expected to cost US$7 billion (AED25.8 billion) and would have the capability to carry 3.5 million passengers a year.

The Luxor to Hurghada line will cover 300km and carry 1.5 million passengers annually at a cost of US$4.7 billion (AED17 billion), while the 210km Alexandria to Cairo line will be able to transport 2.3 million passengers a year at a cost of US$3.5 billion (AED12.9 billion).

Other projects in the pipeline include a 34km underground line in Cairo that will be linked to the airport, a tram linking satellite cities in New Cairo City to the underground network, and a passenger and freight line from Mansoura to Damietta.

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While further funding is needed to get these projects off the ground, Egypt’s first monorail is already under construction in the capital. The initial phase of the project will run for 35km from 6 October City to suburban Giza, while another planned line would extend 52km and would link the new administrative capital with East Cairo. Projected to be completed by 2020, the trains would be able to transport around 48,000 passengers per hour in each direction.

In a bid to ease movement, both domestically and internationally, Minister of Civil

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07 Grand Rotana Resort and Spa, Sharm El Sheikh 08 The coastline in Sharm El Sheikh

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IN A BID TO EASE MOVEMENT BOTH DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY, EGYPT WILL BUILD FIVE NEW AIRPORTS TO ADD TO THE 22 ALREADY WITHIN THE COUNTRY

Aviation, Sherif Fathi, announced in August 2017 that Egypt would also build five new airports to add the 22 already within the country. These include the New Capital Airport, the Sphinx International Airport, the Bredwell Airport, the South Red Sea Airport and the Ras Sidr Airport. Some of the existing airports are already undergoing major renovations as well, with Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport expanding its arrivals section from eight to 12 halls at a cost of US$25 million (AED92 million). Furthermore, Emirates reaffirmed its on-going commitment to

Egypt by opening a US$3.6 million (AED13.2 million) lounge inside Cairo International Airport that Ahmed Youssef, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, believes will “enhance the travel experience of both leisure and business travellers”.

LAND OF DISCOVERY As well as developing new cities and improving transport links, Egypt wants to promote the cultural attractions that have long played a major role in drawing in visitors from around the world.

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Destination report _ Egypt

In order to achieve this, the Ministry of Tourism launched a digital TV channel on Instagram’s IGTV platform.

The channel, the first of its kind in the Middle East, broadcasts through the official page of the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion and features an array of short documentaries highlighting the country’s cherished heritage and must-visit attractions.

This is part of a larger focus from the Ministry of Tourism to promote the country across influential and focused platforms.

This included a three-month campaign recently run on the National Geographic channel and across its social media accounts, with the content aimed specifically at the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Belgium, the Czech Republic and the Middle East.

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SET TO BECOME THE LARGEST ARCHAEOLOGICAL FACILITY IN THE WORLD, THE GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM IS DUE TO OPEN IN 2019 AND WILL BE HOME TO MORE THAN 100,000 ARTEFACTS

09 The Egyptian Museum 10 A local tour guide in Giza 11 Great Sphinx of Giza

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These advertisements showcased attractions such as the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, The Heavenly Cathedral in Sharm El Sheikh and the Pyramid of Khufu at Giza.

To coincide with the promotion, there has been significant investment in a number of attractions. The most substantial is the US$1 billion (AED3.6 billion) being spent on the construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Set to become the largest archaeological museum in the world and located just two kilometres from the Giza pyramids, the facility will be home to more than 100,000 artefacts, many of which will be transferred from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Work on the museum began six years ago and is set to be completed during 2019.

However, a soft opening is scheduled for the end of the year when a collection of Tutankhamun’s possessions will go on display across approximately one-third of the museum space.

The hope is that the facility will draw in huge numbers of visitors, with the director

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12 A render of the new capital city 13 The view from Cairo citadel

EGYPT QUICK FACTS Land area: Egypt measures 995,450 square kilometres. Its capital, Cairo, has the 15th largest metropolitan area in the world

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of GEM, Dr. Tarek Tawfik, predicting that the museum will attract eight million visitors annually by 2020. This is due to the complex also housing a hotel, conference centre, restaurants and extensive public gardens.

To complement the museum, the nearby Giza plateau is undergoing a renovation project that will see the construction of boutique hotels, restaurants and a cinema.

Interactive technology will also be used to tell the story of local attractions, including the Great Sphinx, the famed Three Pyramids of Giza and the ancient Khufu ship.

Egypt’s Tourism Minister, Rania Al Mashat, says that she hopes the museum will “reassert Egypt’s reputation as a cultural destination, after years of political turmoil and economic malaise”.

With the promotion, restoration and construction of cultural attractions being combined with a steadily improving infrastructure, a host of new hotel openings and a new capital city, Egypt appears well positioned to once again become one of the world’s leading destinations for both leisure and business tourists.

Local time: GMT/ UTC +2 Calling code: +20 Population: 99.5 million Languages: Arabic is the official language of Egypt, though English is widely spoken Currency: The Egyptian pound (E£) is pegged

to the US dollar at E£17.9 to US$1. There are 100 piastres in an Egyptian pound Visa: Visit Egypt.visahq.com for a full list of rules and requirements Getting there: National carrier Egypt Air offers direct flights from a wide network of cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, Egypt is building five new airports to add to the 22 that already operate within the country

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End note _ Meet the GM

MEET

Jean-Francois Laurent —— General Manager at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort —— A luxurious property with world-class facilities, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offers a welcome retreat for both business and leisure guests. The striking hotel boasts 293 rooms and villas, an array of exceptional restaurants and 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Here, Jean-Francois Laurent tells us how the resort stays ahead of its competition.

total privacy and heartfelt hospitality. Moreover, the resort has an enchanting Thai-inspired atmosphere that is complemented by outstanding cuisine from Asia and beyond.

What is your industry background and how did you come to join Anantara the Palm Dubai Resort?

I have more than 30 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry and first moved to the UAE in 2006 to work as General Manager of a 250-key five-star property in Fujairah. Next, I moved to the iconic Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi for the opening of the property. As General Manager I was responsible for high profile guests such as Hilary Clinton, Richard Branson and the King of Spain. I then moved to the prestigious Ritz Carlton in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which won the Best Palace Hotel Award at the World Travel Awards for 2011. From there I joined Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort as General Manager when the property opened in 2013.

How does Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort ensure it stands out in a competitive market?

To be at the forefront of the market and ahead of the competition, we strive to constantly improve the products and services we offer to our customers. As the requirements from our guests change over time, it is imperative that we listen to what our customers say and adapt to the international service level. We also stand out due to our unique elements. We have the only over water villas in the UAE and 12 beach pool villas that offer guests

What are your expectations in terms of MICE success?

With Dubai successfully winning the bid to host the World Expo in 2020, the growth rate for the MICE industry is expected to pass US$1.39 billion (AED5.1 billion) and increase by seven percent each year until 2020. Considering these statistics and with Dubai being the leading business destination in the region, the MICE sector has great potential to grow further and we believe we are well suited to the needs of business travellers. We have a wide range of versatile meeting spaces, including the impressive Palm Ballroom, while our world-class amenities make us ideal for incentive trips.

“WE HAVE THE ONLY OVER WATER VILLAS IN THE UAE AND 12 BEACH POOL VILLAS THAT OFFER GUESTS TOTAL PRIVACY”

In your experience, what is the best way to ensure guest satisfaction?

We have always placed a focus on creating a personalised experience for each guest and making sure they have the best possible stay with us. In the last four years we have had 60 percent of guests returning and we believe that this is due to our ability to create a brand new experience each time they stay at our Thai-inspired paradise.

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www.meetmiddleeast.com Tel: +971 4 424 3600 | Fax: +971 4 432 7505 | Email: meet@npimedia.com

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PLAN FOR EVERYTHING Boasting the largest and most awe-inspiring selection of venues across the city, The Meydan Hotel and Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa add a touch of sophistication to any kind of event.

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