JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE 05
Essential reading for hotel operators, owners, developers and investors
DESIGN DYNAMICS The regional evolution Pre-opening challenges
Inside Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights
City luxe stop
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Top hotel Wellness A dedicated look at the regional wellness industry
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OPINION
Top hotel Middle East is published in association with Signature Media LLC & Freizeit-Verlag Landsberg Gmbh.
Design inside and out SIGNATURE MEDIA FZ LLE P. O. Box 49784, Dubai, UAE Tel: 04 3978847/3795678 Email: info@signaturemediame.com Exclusive Sales Agent Signature Media LLC P.O. Box 49784, Dubai, UAE Publisher: Jason Verhoven jason@signaturemediame.com Director: Deepak Chandiramani Deepak@signaturemediame.com Managing Editor: Munawar Shariff munawar@signaturemediame.com Art Director: B Raveendran ravi@signaturemediame.com Production Manager: Roy Varghese Roy@signaturemediame.com
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FREIZEIT-VERLAG LANDSBERG GMBH Johann-Arnold-Straße 32b+c, D-86899 Landsberg am Lech Postbox 101255, D-86882 Landsberg am Lech Telephone +49 (0)8191- 947 160 Fax +49 (0)8191- 947 16-66 www.tophotel.de
The design of a property is an impression, an attitude, an expression not only of the person designing it but also is inspired by the country it is located in. How many times have we remembered a particular city or town we visited by the types of buildings in that city? All the time. The design of a property from paper to concrete is a long winded process involving a lot of people and ideas. Speaking about the evolution of design of properties architecturally and in terms of interiors is an interesting story featured in our cover this issue on page 20. In our last issue we mentioned about the opening of the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights. In this issue, we get a personal insight from the property’s pre-opening GM, Mathieu Greppo, about his journey about making the hotel happen. One thing’s for sure, he makes it all look very easy. I had the opportunity of visiting the site as well as get a very privileged sneak peek into one of the rooms. And all I can say is the vision is exceptional and I cannot wait to go and look at the finished masterpiece. Read about his experience on page 30. HVS has shared with us a comprehensive report on the hospitality and development of the Sultanate of Oman. How the country is slowly but surely moving up in the right direction of attracting more tourists and preparing for the future. This is on page 46. Hope you enjoy the issue. Do send us your feedback. Munawar Shariff Managing Editor munawar@signaturemediame.com
Managing Directors: Thomas Karsch, Eckhard Lenz Contributor’s opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editor and while every precaution has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this handbook is accurate and timely, no liability is accepted by them for errors or omissions, however caused. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Signature Media FZ LLE & SIGNATURE MEDIA LLC and cannot be reproduced in any form without written permission. 2 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek is prepping itself for a first quarter 2015 opening. In close proximity to the Grand Hyatt, this new hotel is all set to be the new star on central Dubai’s horizon. More details in the next issue.
CONTENTS
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE 05
16
20 04 TOP HOTEL UNDERCOVER An exceptional property
Top hotel checks-in at The Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara, Abu Dhabi
08 NEWS
All the latest from hotels in the region
16 OWNER INTERVIEW Going places with a strategic vision
A chat with Abdulfatah Marafie, Chairman of the Commercial Real Estate Company Al Tijaria which owns the Symphony Style Hotel in Kuwait
20 COVER STORY
Design dynamics
An interesting chat with Daniel During, Principal and MD at Thomas Klein International
28 TOP HOTEL PROJECTS
World’s new fashion hot spot set to open in early 2015 Palazzo Versace Dubai is set to become the new landmark of fashion branded hotels
30 GM DIARY
A philosophy of excellence
An insight by Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights’ pre-opening GM, Mathieu Greppo
35 HOTEL REVIEW Luxe city living
The Jumeirah Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, is your high end luxury stop
38 GM INTERVIEW
Committed to excellence
Stefan Fuchs, GM, Jumeirah Etihad Towers spoke to ThME
42 SUPPLIER PERSPECTIVE Out sourced laundry
Bubble Dream Laundry is changing how laundry is handles at hotels
35 60 SPA REVIEW
Beautiful, radiant skin
Aromatherapy Associates Aroma Radiance facial at The Spa at the Ritz Carlton DIFC
62 SUPPLIER PORTFOLIO
Promoting natural skincare
ThW spoke to Susan Gorman, founder of Sarum Trading Dubai
64 PRODUCTS SHOWCASE Winter skin care Winter essentials
68 COMMUNITY
Rezidor’s Box Appeal marks most successful year
This year’s Box Appeal concluded with a donation of 15,210 bo
46 IN FOCUS: MUSCAT Slowly but surely
A look at the Sultanate of Oman
56 BRAND FEATURE
Effective and unique
62
Dr Dennis Gross’s product line is steadily gaining consumer confidence
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 3
TOP HOTEL UNDERCOVER
About Top hotel Undercover
An exceptional
property
The Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara in Abu Dhabi, is a majestic, water front, 200 plus-room property with interiors reminiscent of an Arabian palace. This hotel is modern yet is surrounded by ample cultural inuences. The stay will remain as a beautiful memory
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Building on the legacy established by our big brother publication - Top hotel - in Germany, Top hotel Middle East sets out to highlight all that is great and good about the fivestar properties in the Middle East, as well as the things that such prestigious properties should really do better. Top hotel has built its reputation on fair and balanced assessment of five-star hotels in Europe and beyond; we now pledge to carry on that tradition in the Middle East. We hope that by highlighting the good and the bad, we can help to raise standards across the region and recognise the properties that have clearly got it right.
TOP HOTEL UNDERCOVER
RESERVATION From an online booking site, a few clicks confirmed my room, the reservation staff was very proactive in contact via email and a courtesy call to confirm the booking and to ask me if I had any special requirements. Online fee of AED 670 plus government taxes AED 67 per night totaling to AED 737 including breakfast. Booking confirmation and follow up call handled very well. Evaluation: Good
CHECK IN: 11.30pm When we entered the hotel, I was amazed with the beautiful lobby. The concierge was very hospitable and I was greeted by most of the staff as I entered the hotel. Check-in was express! All information about the hotel, pool, fitness club, breakfast, restaurants, entertainment etc were given with a smile by the receptionist. Greetings at the door, check-in and hotel room explanation were all perfect. The reception staff were very hospitable. Evaluation : Very good
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 5
TOP HOTEL UNDERCOVER
ROOM 420 The room was at the end of a carpeted corridor. Very quiet and smelt fresh and new. I hardly came across any other guest in the corridors throughout the duration of my stay. The room was very elegant and well planned. The room was reasonably spacious, TV screen and balcony facing the main road, sadly not a pleasant view. As you entered, the bathroom was on the left with a separate shower, a standalone bathtub. Amenities were from Patchouli and Elemis. One could tell that a lot of attention went into the details to make this five star hotel exceptional. As part of my booking, I was allowed to visit the Kasara Executive Rooms and Suites, which are prestigiously located on the hotel’s upper floors, overlooking lush mangroves. Very picturesque. Throughout the day, the Kasara Executive Lounge provides coffee, tea, juices as well as things to eat such as fruit, cereal bars, Arabic sweets etc. From five to seven pm snacks such as fish, chicken tikkas, kebabs and selected beverages/soft drinks are available. All very appetising and delicious. So in summary, very comfortable rooms with all the amenities, tea, coffee, well stocked mini-bar, safe deposit locker, everything you might need. Except the internet! I was surprised to find out the internet was not included in the price of the room. However, wifi was available for free in all public areas like lobby & pool side. Evaluation: Good
GYM It is a huge facility with lots of exercise machines. Some of the many types of equipment available were treadmills, cross trainers, chest, abdomen, leg, cycling machines etc. Evaluation: Good
SPA Very nice ambience and dĂŠcor as you enter into the spa. The lady at the spa reception was very friendly and knowledgeable about all the various treatments available. Traditional Turkish Hammam, featuring two private Hammam rooms, as well as an open Hammam area, are beautiful and the attention to detail from the spa staff was excellent. There were also sauna and steam rooms. Anantara Spa uses specialist spa products from Elemis. Evaluation: Good
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TOP HOTEL UNDERCOVER
POOLS Pools and pool service were great. There is abundance of lush greenery all around the hotel. Evaluation: Good
BREAKFAST BUFFET 7-10am Breakfast at Mangrove Lounge was an experience worth trying and early in the morning it was delightful. As everything was so good. The buffet for breakfast had a great selection of breads, cereals, cold cuts, juices, smoothies, sweet pastries and other continental cuisines. Evaluation: Excellent
ROOM SERVICE We ordered a light lunch at the pool. As promised they delivered it exactly in 27 minutes. The prices were reasonable with 10 per cent service charge. Evaluation: Good
CHECK OUT: 2pm Wherever we went throughout the hotel the staff was friendly and brilliant without exception. The hotel experience was tremendous. Such a huge property and one which runs like a well oiled machine. Evaluation: Excellent
The Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara in Abu Dhabi Reservation: Excellent
Top hotel ratings 0-20 - Un-satisfactory 21-40 - Poor 41-60 - Satisfactory 61-80 - Good 81-100 - Excellent
Check-in: Unsatisfactory Room 424: Satisfactory Bath: Satisfactory Floor service: Satisfactory Landscaping: Good Breakfast buffet: Satisfactory
Top hotel Undercover opinion:
41-60 Satisfactory
Fitness: Satisfactory Corridors, elevators, stairs: Satisfactory
Total: 90%
Housekeeping: Satisfactory Check out: Satisfactory 0
20
40
60
80
100
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 7
Flora Hospitality partners with HP FLORA CREEK and Flora Park Deluxe Hotel Apartments have successfully upgraded their WiFi network with an AED 2 million investment, which has significantly improved the overall performance of the WiFi service delivery, providing guests with uninterrupted connectivity, high speed internet access, unlimited devices, unmetred bandwidth and full coverage in guest rooms and public areas. Over 960 high performance HP Wireless Access Points (WAPs) were deployed to cover every spot across the apartments, guest rooms and public areas in the two properties covering all floors and including gymnasiums, health clubs, restaurants, meeting rooms and lobby areas as well as balconies and restrooms.
“With its intelligent WiFi services, HP delivers solutions for customers’ most complex
challenges in every region of the world,” said Sumod Soman, Partner Sales Specialist at HP.“We are glad to be the Flora Hospitality’s reliable partner in its Wifi upgrade project, meeting the brand’s highest requirements in terms of performance, reliability and scalability.” This Wi-Fi upgrade, though significant on its own, is part of a larger overall plan designed to enhance the customer experience in Flora Hospitality properties. Flora Creek Deluxe Hotel Apartments has recently completed a room-renovation project and revealed fresh redesigned apartments after a complete makeover. Additionally, the property also plans a total
redesign of the lobby and restaurants to be completed within the next year. “With customer expectations higher than ever around Wi-Fi, we wanted to offer a solution that could provide pervasive, reliable wireless connectivity that a discerning clientele demands from a world-class hotel. With our new Wi-Fi infrastructure, we’ve seen dramatic improvements in guest satisfaction with users enjoying reliable and faster connection rates than the previous system,” said Ivo Tzvetkov, Cluster Director of Operations at Flora Hospitality. For many hoteliers, the requirement for more scalable and reliable Wi-Fi systems has quickly become a non-negotiable necessity, this upgrade will help Flora Hospitality to offer the best in value added services to both its business and leisure customers.
Morocco’s tourism industry’s share in GDP touches 9 per cent STEPHAN KILLINGER, President, Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort, and tourism expert in North Africa said announced a tailored luxury stay starting at US$100 per person per night for GCC tourists. The accommodation will be in a double room, with two kids under 12 free and complimentary breakfast. In addition, GCC tourists get a free Moroccan Hammam session, complimentary access to the fitness centre, including biking and tennis, two spa sessions at the price of one, special kids meals plus two carting tours for one kid per each night stay, and free pick up and drop off at Mohammed V International Airport. Killinger added that cultural and family tourism was being fuelled by a rising popularity among families, especially from the GCC, an indication of a shift from European tourists. This was highlighted on the sidelines of the 4th GCC-Morocco Investment Forum, which was held to explore investment prospects and business opportunities between the two regions, experts hailed the growing tourism industry which currently contributes nearly nine per cent to the Kingdom’s GDP. According to recent statistics, tourists from GCC countries spent around USD 418 million in Morocco in 2013. Killinger said Mazagan is recording highest footfall from GCC. To capitalise
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on this, the resort has designed tailored packages for tourists from the six GCC states.“Our strategy is to make it easy for GCC tourists. We have collaborated with a number of airlines to reward tourists coming from GCC with mileage points that are redeemable with actual vouchers,”added Killinger. “Morocco is home to some acclaimed authentic cultural and architectural marvels, and the ambience inside Mazagan reflects this true heritage. The potential for cultural tourism in the country is really high and we expect this to be a major contributor to the inflow of tourists to Morocco.”
Afrah Group launches AG Concept in Dubai to offer folk theatre and dance performances AFRAH GROUP, a leading folk dance group operating from Beirut since 1992, has launched UAE operations by setting up AG Concept, a unit specialised in performing tableaus and theatrical shows across GCC. “We are delighted to serve the GCC region through UAE as we consider Dubai a springboard for the entire GCC. We are confident of success because of the multi-cultural ambience of the emirate which hosts people from over 120 nationalities,” Majdi Zebian, Founder and Managing Director of newly established AG Concept said, “Dubai is an ideal destination for our type of shows that bring alive the cultures of Lebanon, Levant, Egypt, Gulf, Morocco, India, Mexico, Europe, America and Asia, and others.” Zebian announced that the group has conducted a performance highlighting UAE’s rich history and phenomenal achievements that have become a benchmark for the entire Arab World since the formation of the union on 2nd December 1971. AG Concept has evolved over the years, since it was established as the first Lebanese wedding
dance group and then grew into a professional dance group. Today, the group has a portfolio of over many theatre shows, including ‘Hal Al Farah’ and ‘Hikayat Hilm’ performed, edited, composed and directed by some leading names in dance and theatre. The first major achievement was through ‘Hal Al Farah’ show which was composed by renowned lyricists. This huge success was followed by ‘Hikayat Hilm’ show. AG Concept shows take up a certain period of history and dramatise the life of that period through elaborate costumes, decor, lifestyle, dialogue, human
interaction and historical milestones all within a well-knit and full-fledged show. “Our performers bring alive each nuance of the period with all the minute details, as they are accomplished in acting out any ancient or modern storyline, giving real insights into the traditions of Arabs and other nationalities,”Zebian said. Afrah Group began in 1992 with Lebanese Dabke for rural heritage; thereafter it won acclaim for wedding performances and ancient folklore shows and later on, theatre shows.“Through AG Concept we are setting the base in the UAE for innovation and
creativity through high quality folk dance and theatrical works,” he added. Afrah Group has put up some of the finest performances embodying different genres of cultures such as Romanian, Pharaonic, Mexican, Latin, French, American, African and Phoenician. The group has its own dedicated team to select the appropriate costumes and dances for each cultural genre or historical period. “We are working on developing further all aspects of the shows, including the lighting, music, costumes, and decoration,”Zebian said.
Armani Hotel Dubai wins ‘World’s Leading Landmark Hotel’ WTA 2014 ARMANI HOTEL Dubai located in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building by Emaar Properties PJSC, won the title of ‘World’s Leading Landmark Hotel’ at the 2014 World Travel Awards. Spencer H Wadama, GM, Armani Hotel Dubai, said, “The WTA honour is a true testament to the exceptional
lifestyle experience that Armani Hotel Dubai offers. Having redefined the concepts of ultra-luxury hospitality and set new benchmarks, the property is today the first choice for discerning guests from around the world. The award further underlines Armani Hotel Dubai as the pride of the city’s hospitality industry.”
Armani Hotel Dubai brings to life a charming new take on lifestyle offerings in hospitality with its renowned Stay with Armani philosophy – guaranteeing an experience like no other. Every aspect of the hotel’s design and service offerings has been designed and planned by Giorgio Armani – from the bespoke furnishings to
restaurant menus and in-room amenities. Armani Hotel Dubai is located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, and is within walking distance of The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, and some of Dubai’s most compelling tourist attractions, including The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 9
MEA pipeline THE MIDDLE EAST/Africa hotel region reported 644 hotels under contract totaling 151,680 rooms, according to the November 2014 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report. Among the countries in the region, the United Arab Emirates reported the most rooms under contract with 40,102 rooms. Six other countries reported more than 5,000 rooms under contract: Saudi Arabia (37,362 rooms); Qatar (12,073 rooms); Egypt (7,583 rooms); Morocco (6,381 rooms); Oman (5,836 rooms); and Nigeria (5,412 rooms).
Dubai saw negative RevPAR in November Preliminary data for STR Global shows that revenue per available room in Dubai fell by 9.2 per cent during November. Demand, however, was up by 4.6 per cent and supply increased by 7.3 per cent while average daily rate
dipped by 6.9 per cent. A 0.9 per cent increase in RevPAR is expected for 2015. “Growth in demand remained healthy for the month, achieving occupancy levels in excess of 85 per centdespite the continuous strong supply growth. The notable decline in ADR, however, was impacted by a challenging comparable against the biennial Dubai Airshow in November 2013 as well as the annual Dubai Rugby Sevens moving into December 2014,”Elizabeth Winkle, managing director of STR Global, said in a news release.“Our 2015 RevPAR outlook for Dubai remains positive as occupancy levels are expected to stay around 77 per cent, which suggests continued pricing power.”
Saudi religious changes spark growth Makkah and Madina’s hotel industry is getting a boost
thanks to stricter rules on nonhotel accommodation in Saudi Arabia’s two holiest cities that is leading to skyrocketing hotel rates. Also working in hoteliers’ favour is an extension of Umrah, the second-most important pilgrimage, from being held for two months a year to all year, except for the five days of Hajj.
IHG signs nine Saudi Arabian hotels In conjunction with Dur Hospitality, IHG is planning to open nine IHG-branded properties in Saudi Arabia during the next three to five years, according to The National. Included in the growth is the 1,238-room Holiday Inn in Mecca, which will be the largest in the brand’s system when it opens in 2016.
Sovereign wealth funds invest in IPO Sovereign wealth funds from Qatar and Kuwait are among institutional investors that bought 2.53 billion AED (US$688
New CMO at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts SHANGRI-LA HOTELS and Resorts announced Steven Taylor as their new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) from January 5, 2015. He will be based in the group’s corporate office in Hong Kong and report to Shangri-La President and CEO Greg Dogan. In his role as CMO, Taylor will oversee all functions across Shangri-La’s Sales and Marketing Division, including revenue management, sales, digital marketing, brand communications, loyalty and partner marketing, customer insights and relationship management, reservations and distribution and corporate communications. Taylor is the former VP Marketing for Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, where he was responsible for 260 hotels under nine brands including The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, W and Westin. Previously, Taylor held senior roles at Starwood for over 16 years in brand management, digital marketing, partnerships and loyalty marketing,
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e-commerce and revenue management. Taylor holds an Executive MBA from the Swiss School of Hospitality and Tourism. “We are delighted Steven is joining ShangriLa’s senior leadership team. There has been a fundamental shift in marketing communications in the past decade, and Steven has a keen understanding of how to communicate with and engage ‘Generation C’,”said Shangri-La President and CEO Greg Dogan.“With his strategic vision and depth of experience, Steven will be an asset to Shangri-La as we extend ‘hospitality from the heart’ for which Shangri-La is renowned, and engage consumers across all digital touch-points.” Taylor commented,“Shangri-La is an industry leading luxury lifestyle brand and I am excited to be part of its future. I look forward to working with the talented Shangri-La teams worldwide, continuing to create unique moments and memorable experiences for our guests and amplifying conversations around our hotels and brands.”
million) of shares in the initial public offering of Dubai Parks and Resorts, which is establishing a 500-room hotel and three theme parks in the emirate, according to Bloomberg News. The resort company plans to open in October 2016 the Hollywood-themed Motiongate Dubai; Indian movies-themed Bollywood Parks Dubai; and Legoland Dubai. The company also has plans for a French/ Colonial/1950s-era U.S.-themed Riverpark area and the 500-room, Polynesian-themed Lapita Hotel in the emirates’ Jebel Ali area.
Deals and development Qatar’s Al Rayyan Tourism and Investment Co. has bought 97 per cent of the 700-room Manhattan at Times Square Hotel from Rockpoint Group for US$530 million, according to the Wall Street Journal, which cited anonymous sources. Dur Hospitality Co. has signed a management agreement with Marriott International for the first two hotels in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter. The 300-million Saudi Arabian riyal ($79.9-million) agreement will result in 80- and 140-room properties that are both in construction and will open in 2017. Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has signed an agreement with Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the 200-room Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is expected to open in the second quarter of 2017 in the Saudi capital. Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group also announced its second Radisson Blu hotel for Cairo: The 300-room Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Nasr City is due to open in the first quarter of 2016. Nikki Beach Hotels and Resorts and Meeras Holding will open the 132-unit Nikki Beach Resort and Spa, which is in Dubai’s manmade Pearl Jumeirah development, in the second half of 2015. www.hotelnewsnow.com Compiled by Shawn A Turner
Courtyard by Marriott launches first hotel in Abu Dhabi COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT recently launched its first hotel in Abu Dhabi, bringing with it a fresh new brand identity, first class modern facilities and an impressive team. Located adjacent to the World Trade Centre Mall, currently the tallest building in Abu Dhabi and just five minutes’ walk from the corniche, Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Centre is aimed at the young business traveller, looking for modern essentials, connectivity to the digital world and a little bit of fun in between their business working schedules. Headed up by GM, Richard Bleakley, the executive team was selected based on their experience within the group and their local insight. Bleakley has been with Marriott since 2000 and prior to this was
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acting GM at JW Marriott Dubai, the company’s first hotel in the UAE. The hotel welcomed its first VIP guest on December 21 which was an extremely memorable occasion for Bleakley and the rest of the team; “This opening is not only extremely significant for the company as a Marriott-endorsed brand in the capital,
but it also reinforces the clear focus of the international group and its long term expansion plans across the GCC,” commented Bleakley. “We believe that this is the first step on a very exciting journey, and we have an incredibly talented team made up of more than 31 nationalities all of whom are united on the vision we have for the Courtyard by Marriott brand. I can’t wait for people to come and experience the property for themselves, with its inviting food and beverage outlets, our cool café hangout; Fifth Street Café, and our stunning rooftop bar and lounge; Up and Below.” Its first class facilities are packed with all the modern essentials including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
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DTCM briefs tourism industry on key activities in the upcoming quarter MORE THAN 500 members of Dubai’s front office tourism industry were hosted by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) at the first city briefing event. Held at JW Marriott Marquis, DTCM invited Destination Management Companies (DMC) operators as well as hotel concierges and front of house staff to join for a briefing on major upcoming events for the next quarter, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Food Festival, Dubai Football Challenge as well as other updates on the Emirates tourism offer. The objective of the event was to provide customer facing teams in
the Emirate’s travel industry with information necessary to offer knowledgeable service to visitors. Issam Kazim, CEO of DCTCM said,“Concierges, hotel front house staff and tour operators and guides are the primary point of contact for visitors to Dubai. With continual enhancements to our destination offering it is essential to ensure that our partners are kept up to date with developments and that they have all of the information they require to provide a world class service. We are about to enter a new year and what is traditionally one of Dubai’s busy periods; therefore, it is even more important to ensure
that our frontline staff always have the latest information. With this in mind, we are thrilled that so many of our partners were able to join us.” 2015 marks the 20th Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), taking place from 1 January-1 February across Dubai. Attracting visitors from near and far, the 20th edition of this hugely popular festival will feature a wide array of activities, exclusive shopping events and promotions as well as international concerts and musical performances to entertain all the family. www.mydsf.ae Following a successful inaugural event in 2014, Dubai
Marriot’s Autograph Collection coming to Dubai MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL recently signed up Dubai’s luxurious Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa to its Autograph Collection. This represents the debut of the exclusive portfolio of the one-of-akind-hotels in the Middle East and Africa. “We are delighted to announce the exciting entry of the Autograph Collection portfolio into our continent, through the beautiful city of Dubai,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Marriott International Middle East and Africa.“Autograph Collection is known for creating authentic experiences that are centered in rich personality and the spirit of independence. We feel that essence is fully represented in Dubai, which with its courageous inventiveness, makes it a perfect fit for the collection.” Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent hotels. Exactly like nothing else, each destination has been thoughtfully selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. From near to far, iconic to historic, the result is a unique array of properties that is nothing less than completely unique, nothing short of collectively exceptional. When it joins the Autograph collection in early 2015, the 446-room Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa will represent the first Autograph Collection hotel to open in the UAE. “We are delighted to team up with a wellknown global brand like Marriott International.
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The Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa, our flagship hotel, is located on one of the best beaches in Dubai, situated in a prime location near the Dubai Marina. We look forward to a strong partnership with Marriott International for this stunning property,”said Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman and CEO, Al Habtoor Group. Designed to champion independence, the Autograph Collection has provided Marriott International with an exciting opportunity to grow, enabling the company to offer management and franchise expertise, as well as the power of its global sales and marketing channels to new owners and franchisees that offer passionately independent hotel experiences. Autograph Collection has also introduced Marriott International to a new customer, the individualist traveler who prefers an independent hotel experience. Launched in January of 2010, the Autograph Collection currently includes over 60 passionately independent hotels in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, Australia, and the Caribbean and Latin America. Upon partnering with Autograph Collection, each hotel is awarded access to Marriott International’s powerful global sales and marketing channels; including the award-winning Marriott Rewards guest loyalty programme, where guests can earn points at more than 3,700 hotels in 71 countries. -www.hotelprojectsworldwide.com
Food Festival is back for a second year from February 6-28. The festival will showcase Dubai’s emergence as a culinary destination through a 23 day programme of consumer and trade events, activities, promotions and appearances by food celebrities. The 2015 festival will promote the diversity, creativity and multi-cultural nature of Dubai’s culinary offering – from 5-star gourmet to quality multicultural dining and street food; international brands to a burgeoning scene of homegrown concepts influenced by traditional Emirati cuisine and the flavours of the 200 nationalities that live in Dubai. www. dubaifoodfestival.com Issam Kazim, CEO of DCTCM added,“With events a key pillar of our destination offering, 2014’s busy calendar has further demonstrated Dubai’s position as a world-class events destination. The year will conclude with one of the Emirate’s most high profile football match –the Dubai Football Challenge – before the New Year’s Eve fireworks. With Dubai Shopping Festival commencing on the first of January and being followed by Dubai Food Festival in February, the importance of festivals and events to Dubai’s tourism economy is demonstrated.” With a packed calendar of events planned in Dubai for 2015, the group received updates covering events falling during the first few months of the year, typically a busy time with visitors to Dubai. Industry partners were also encouraged to use the newly launched Dubai Tourism mobile application and website www.DubaiTourism.ae as a resource to stay up to date on everything happening across the Emirate which might be of interest to visitors.
Dubai tops YouGov luxury travel survey LUXURY TRAVEL trends will once again be a highlighted feature at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2015, with the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Middle East showcase matching luxuryfocused exhibitors with travel buyers from around the world looking to discover the very best experiences in the region. Taking place from May 4-7, 2015, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the ATM line-up will include a two-day ILTM @ ATM programme with a series of pre-scheduled appointments and dedicated luxury travel focused seminars and panel debates to run on 5-6 May. The Atlantis, The Palm will be the Official Luxury and Leisure Host Hotel for the duration of the fourday event, hosting the ILTM buyer group and international buyers from outside the GCC. “A 2014 YouGov Luxury Travel report for the MENA region showed that out of the 1,000plus regionally based survey respondents, luxury clearly has a home in the Middle East with Dubai ranked in top spot as the preferred upscale destination,” said Nadege Noblet, Exhibition Manager of Arabian Travel Market, WTM Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions. A total of 69 per cent of respondents in the YouGov
report agreed that luxury travel is defined by the availability of five-star accommodation as a minimum standard. Also those surveyed admitted they had taken an average of 1.9 luxury holidays over the last 12 months, meaning that the region’s preponderance of upscale hotel properties is perfectly positioned to capitalise on growing demand from high net-worth travellers eager to discover new destinations or enjoy an exclusive experience in their favourite resort. “Today the definition of luxury is strongly dependent on the perspective of the traveller. With no universally accepted definition of what luxury travel is, brands need to truly understand what luxury means to their customers in order to be successful. The subject is of strong interest to travel brands in this market and it is great to see ILTM focus on this issue, said YouGov’s TravelandLeisure Research Director, Scott Booth. The YouGov report also highlighted the fact that 61 per cent of luxury tourists from the MENA region choose to travel with their spouse, staying for an average of 5.1 nights, with four out of five people choosing to go on a luxury holiday for pure relaxation. “Of the respondents surveyed, on average they reported typically spending around US$8,310
per trip, with 60 per cent choosing a destination based on recommendations from family and friends, and 53 per cent personally booking their travel. Service delivery combined with exclusivity are clear prerequisites for a desirable luxury offering,” noted Noblet. Once in the hotel, respondents ranked a good view from their room and a choice of fine dining restaurants as paramount to ensuring an enjoyable experience with consumer opinion defining luxury as ‘differentiating, discovery and experiences’. “Interestingly, 77 per cent of respondents said that they were likely to book an all-inclusive luxury holiday package, which is an area of opportunity that many Gulf destinations have yet to explore,”said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director for Luxury Events at Reed Travel Exhibitions. ILTM @ ATM 2015 will welcome up to 25 international hosted buyers with a specific interest in the Middle East luxury experience, and up to 28 exhibitors representing the luxury travel offering, from hotels and cruise lines to DMCs and destinations. “ILTM @ ATM returns to ATM with an expanded programme of one-to-one appointments and is a crucial component in our global calendar of luxury events which cover Africa, the Americas, Asia
and Europe,”added Walsh. In addition the ATM 2015 line-up features a central Family Travel theme alongside branded exhibition trails including budget travel, health and wellbeing, shopping, transportation, sports travel, culture and heritage and adventure travel. At the event, ATM’s research partner,YouGov will report new and fresh insights on Family Travel in MENA. The 2015 event will also build on the success of last year’s edition with the announcement of an additional hall as Reed Travel Exhibitions looks to add to its record-breaking achievements in 2014. Last year ATM saw the total attendance increase by 12 per cent to reach 33,000 delegates with exhibitors and visitors signing business deals worth more than US$2.1 billion over the four days. “We are honoured to be named the official hotel of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2015. ATM is one of the most important travel and tourism exhibitions in the world and it is our great pleasure to partner with them. With the spotlight theme of Family Travel for 2015, our unique family offering ties in perfectly with the focus of next year’s event, and we are looking forward to showcasing the amazing diversified attractions at Atlantis,” David Loiseau, Vice President, Sales at Atlantis, The Palm.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 13
General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) regulations for UAE heliports OVER RECENT MONTHS the GCAA has been involved in researching and developing new regulation and guidance material for heliports in the UAE; including surface-level and elevated heliports, and off-shore helidecks. This process has been conducted in partnership and in consultation with the civil aviation community; a process which has been vital for the promotion of safety in a sector where rapid growth rates continue. GCAA recently announced the certification of the first heliport in the UAE, which was awarded to the Burj Al Arab (Jumeirah Group), arguably the most iconic building in the world. Jumeirah Group has worked in partnership with the GCAA in achieving this momentous point in the history of aviation regulation in the UAE. HE Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy
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and Chairman of GCAA, said, “The management of safety has continued to grow over recent years and this proactive approach for the regulatory oversight of heliports reflects a collective effort and prioritisation of safety, which is principle to the GCAA State Safety Programme.” The aim has been to identify locations for the provision of Certification or Landing Area Acceptance and to development regulation and guidance publications alongside a supportive regulatory oversight regime. HE Saif Al Suwaidi, DG GCAA, said,“In the formulation of new GCAA regulations, research has included a review of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) publications, which are well known to the aviation sector in the form of Standards and Recommended Practices; a review of the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) publications, and a review of world-wide respected best practises.” Gerald Lawless, President and Group CEO, said,“Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab are committed to being leaders in terms of technology, guest experience and guest safety. Therefore, through working closely with the authorities and successfully applying new systems, we are pleased to have the new certification process completed and receive the first heliport license under UAE Civil Aviation Regulation Part IX.” Essential to the GCAA’s preparation for the introduction of new regulations, has been to establish good communications with operators who manage or operate these facilities, as well as local authorities, municipalities and other organisations that may be affected. The GCAA website is the platform for obtaining Civil
Aviation Regulations and related publications. It also directs prospective Certificate or Landing Area Acceptance Holders to the e-Services applications process. Implementation will be a phased approach, with new construction and operations conforming to regulations from the outset. Compliance with regulation at established heliports will be phased over a set period in agreement with the GCAA. However, eventually all heliport operators will be required to hold a Certificate or a Landing Area Acceptance in order to operate or to continue operations in the future. As we step forward into the implementation phase of this project, the GCAA once again looks forward to the opportunity of working in partnership with the aviation sector, with the goal of achieving greater and improved standards of safety throughout the UAE
Free wifi in all Hyatt hotels around the world AS PART OF the company’s continued efforts to evolve the guest experience by listening and responding to guest needs, Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently announced plans to offer free Wi-Fi at all Hyatt hotels worldwide, providing connectivity and convenience regardless of booking method or loyalty programme participation. Free Wi-Fi will become available to Hyatt guests around the world in February 2015. Travellers will be able to access free Wi-Fi on an unlimited number of mobile devices or laptops in Hyatt-branded hotel guest rooms and social spaces. “Internet connectivity is no longer an amenity. It has become an integral part of travellers’ daily lives and a basic expectation,” said Kristine Rose, Brand VP, Hyatt.“Travellers shouldn’t have to remember which brands or locations offer it for free or the strings attached to get it.” Hyatt hotels across many brands have long offered Wi-Fi at no charge to guests in several of its brands and to elite members of the Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty program. Expanding free Wi-Fi is part of Hyatt’s ongoing focus to make the guest experience more seamless. “Our colleagues are committed to not just listening to what our guests say, but understanding their real needs. This practice has already brought us new ways to make a guest’s stay more personal and seamless, from expedited check-in methods to easier ways for guests to make requests,” Rose said.“Today, people consider smartphones just as important as their car, and more important than television or coffee. Travellers feel out of sync with their lives when they can’t freely connect. Giving free Wi-Fi without a catch will enable us to continue innovating the guest experience to help people be more productive and stay better connected to
colleagues, friends and family.” Where available, Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond and Platinum tier members will receive a complimentary upgrade to premium Wi-Fi service. New GM for Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Federico Mantoani has recently been appointed as General Manager of Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, UAE. Having been a part of many Hyatt properties the world over, Federico brings with him some insightful hospitality know-how and a keen understanding of Hyatt values. After graduating from the International Lycee in Paris, he moved to the US where he consolidated his studies at the University of Hawaii. Federico is a native of Italy but thanks to his extensive travels, he is multilingual and speaks four different languages. He has been with the Hyatt Hotels Corporation for over 17 years, and has a wealth of experience in opening and establishing new hotels. He began his career as a Corporate Trainee at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong in 1997. A year later, he relocated to Spain, where (in 2001) he was promoted to Assistant Director of F&B. He supported the opening of Hyatt Regency Le Barsey in Brussels, and soon afterwards was given the
opportunity to join the opening team of Grand Hyatt Dubai. Two years later he transferred to
Amman, Jordan as Director of FandB, and in 2006 he moved to Grand Hyatt Muscat, where in 2009 he was appointed Executive Assistant Manager in charge of Food and Beverage. During the summer of 2010, Federico was a part of the pre-opening team of Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi. His last pre-opening assignment before being appointed as General Manager in Gurgaon was at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, in the capacity of acting General Manager, and was responsible for the takeover and re-branding of the Resort. Federico, who recently moved to the Capital with his wife Isabel and their two children, said,“I am delighted to return to Abu Dhabi after a short stint in India, and I am excited to see the overwhelming transformation that has taken place in the city. I certainly look forward to leading the passionate and dynamic team of the Park Hyatt, and live up to the promise of consistently delivering exceptional and memorable experiences to all our guests.”
Rose Rayhaan launches Club Rotana ROSE RAYHAAN by Rotana has launched its new Club Rotana offering services tailored to the needs of the business traveller. “The business-leisure split at properties in prime business locations such as Sheikh Zayed Road is 50/50 and offering a concept that anticipates and answers the common needs of the business traveller makes a lot of sense operationally in addition to enhancing the guest experience,”said Karim Nahas, General Manager of Rose Rayhaan by Rotana. “We are confident that the launch of the new Club Rotana at Rose Rayhaan by Rotana will enhance our guests’ experience and will further strengthen the positioning of the property amongst its competitors in Dubai,”concluded Nahas.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 15
Going places with a strategic
airman h C , e fi ra tah Ma a lf l Estate u a e d b R l A ia c owns ommer h C ic e h h t w f o Al Tijaria y n a p Hotel in le Com y t S phony andidly m c y S E e M h h t T oke to p s it a ons of c d Kuw n a ty he pros ospitali h e h t about t in Owner n a g bein today s s e in bus 16 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
How has your investment company evolved from the time you started it till date? The Commercial Real Estate Company, K.P.S.C Al-Tijaria was established in 1968 and has been in business for over 44 years now. Al-Tijaria was listed in the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) towards the
OWNER INTERVIEW
end of 2004. Al-Tijaria is considered one of the largest real estate companies in the state of Kuwait with regards to paid up capital. All financial aspects are governed by the Islamic Sharia laws. It is a multi -faceted organisation. Historically our main focus was directed towards commercial property investment primarily in the state of
Kuwait. Over time this has evolved to encompass the greater Gulf Region and a global geographical spread. Furthermore the sectorial focus has enlarged its spread. Over the years, with the expertise garnered by adopting best practices, we have moved from being a conventional real estate
company to being a company with well diversified investments. The assets under management span over all key sectors and our geographical spread is across GCC, MENA, Europe and USA. Sector representation includes real estate, hospitality, industrial, logistics, educational, entertainment and development. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 17
OWNER INTERVIEW
What is the company’s vision and how is that aligned with the region’s tourism promotion strategies? Al-Tijaria Company’s vision is to be a leading real estate investment and management company with a thorough process of project selection with high potential for development. By applying our experience and innovative thinking we increase the value of each project. The surrounding infrastructure is also upgraded to enhance the whole area. Quality and superior design are essential elements of Al-Tijaria projects. Al-Tijaria works with partners and co-investors utilising the combined expertise of all parties. Our keen interest in providing hospitality solutions from hotels and furnished apartments to restaurant complexes, and entertainment including indoor and outdoor amusement parks, are the primary aspects which align us with the tourism promotion strategy of the region. 18 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
OWNER INTERVIEW
How is Dubai’s hosting of Expo 2020 going to impact the hospitality industry in the country? What preparations are underway? Dubai’s hosting of the 2020 Expo is a great achievement for the country itself and for the whole region. As such there are remarkable projects that will take Dubai to the next stage. We also envisage that the benefit of this event will extend to the other countries in the region opening a new window of opportunity. As an investment company, what are your biggest priorities when new properties are being considered? Generally speaking, each project is potentially interesting and it may represent an opportunity, however a professional assessment and feasibility study is key in order to identify the right potential which ultimately justifies the weight of the specific investment and the long term return rate of the same. What criteria do you take into account when you select an Operator or Management company? When selecting an operator, it is a valuable exercise to consider the management team behind it, their competencies, core strengths, experience, and success stories for example. The presence and experience of the operator in the specific market you are doing business, and of course
the business model and core terms and conditions that are proposed are equally important. Choosing a brand is a key strategic step - the decision must be carefully made to ensure the brand strategy, structures, processes and execution drive long term value. At what stage in hotel development do you bring the management company on board and what are the benefits of this strategy? The choice of the operator should be done in a timely manner, ideally at the early stage of the project in order to leverage competencies and long term strategies. If the management company is involved from the development phase, what role does it play in the development/design of the hotel? Having a long tradition of working with international operators we recognise the importance of the operator technical support when developing a specific property. Design plays an important role and it usually represents the identity of the brand therefore it is advisable to have them on board during the design and conceptual stage. What other international chains would you like to work with in the future? There are many respectable hotel chains in the market and we are always eager to discuss business opportunities with reputable operators.
What challenges have you experienced so far in terms of relationships with the management company? We enjoy excellent and long lasting business relationship with many international operators offering a variety of brands in different countries. We have highly ethical standards and we believe in a joint successful cooperation with each operator. Overall long term success is key for both parties. What are current challenges / trends in the hotel investment landscape in UAE and the Middle East region? Generally, after a short period of reduced business in the past few years, the region has experienced major growth bringing in some of the finest hotel companies. We have also seen a positive trend when it comes to demand for furnished apartments which have become an interesting alternative for many travellers. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 19
COVER STORY
20 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
COVER STORY
Design
ynamics
g, An interesting chat with Daniel Durin Principal and MD at Thomas Klein International,
meandering through various topics of design – exteriors, interiors, suppliers, sustainability, concept and boutique hotels and be ing prepared for the visitors that Expo 2020 is going to bring
A
The Address Dubai Marina
rchitectural design of structures buildings and hotels say a lot about the city they are in. Similarly a city gets a more distinctive definition when it acquires a few creatively designed buildings. Hotel architectural design is one area, a big area, where a hotel gets an opportunity to make a statement for the rest of the world to see. As a city grows and evolves so does its character and statement hotels surely add to a city’s charm. How then could we look at the way the city we live in – Dubai – has evolved over the last two decades in terms of design of hotels from what they used to be to what they are now. Even a look at the country would be interesting to discover. ThME discussed this at length with Daniel During, Principal and Managing Director, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 21
COVER STORY
Thomas Klein International. During is a hotelier who started his career in the hospitality industry in 1979 in Germany. After travelling the world, working in various different food and beverage positions and graduating from Hotel Management School, he joined Hyatt Hotels and Resorts working in a variety of countries including Spain, Yugoslavia, and Kazakhstan. During his tenure with Hyatt, Daniel held many key management positions. In 1997, During was approached by Wafi Pyramids in Dubai to head up their restaurants division as Project Manager. In April 1998 he was appointed as the General Manager of Wafi’s Owning Company’s F&B interests across the UAE. In 2001, he launched Thomas Klein International in Dubai Media City. The company was set up to provide the Gulf market with professional consultancy services specialising in the hospitality, entertainment and leisure sectors, with a strong emphasis on food and beverage operations. With current work projects involving various UAE city governments, During also lectures at the Emirates Academy for Hospitality Management. Hence the right candidate to give a very unbiased overview of the topic of interest. As is evident, major changes in terms of design have taken place
As is evident, major changes in terms of design have taken place over the last 20 years. From hotels that were like solid masses of concrete like a few on the Fujairah coastline, “They were the wrong kind of structure to be on a beach
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The Yas Viceroy Hotel
over the last 20 years. From hotels that were like solid masses of concrete like a few on the Fujairah coastline, “They were the wrong kind of structure to be on a beach,” says During, to today where a lot of the hotels in the country are designed to look like old palaces such as The One and Only. There are also many glass structures. “We’ve now got a more modernist design style in hotels and finally I think we are moving into real architectural creativity,” says During. When asked to name a few of his preferred architectural standouts in the city, he thinks for
a while before, “Of course the Burj Khalifa. I also really like what Merass is doing with the City Walk Jumeirah as well as The Beach. We have been pushing for that kind of design for the last 15 years in the country. We’ve been trying to push to bring a little bit of modern structure work much like what they’ve created there. It’s amazing. The envelopes are great but the spaces within are awesome.” During feels coming to this type of design has taken a long time. “Everything is always very classic here.” In terms of hotel design, he feel the Yas Viceroy is fantastic.
COVER STORY
“I personally like it a lot, it is my personal favourite. The exterior envelop of the property is much more creative in structure than the interiors itself. The interiors are of a revivalist style, very 70s, vintage style.” If we focus a bit on Abu Dhabi and the hotel structures there, The Hyatt Capital Gate comes to mind immediately.“Abu Dhabi is challenging itself, it is doing so much more out of the box,” says During.“The Hyatt Capital Gate is an amazing structure,” he adds. Hotels in Dubai are not as creatively designed he feels. There’s a lot more that can be done in terms of a creative design. “Building structures in Dubai creative because of the claddings, because of the finishings and because of the little shapes and decorations they are adorned with on the structure. However buildings in Abu Dhabi are definitely more creative in terms of design as of now. Look at what they’ve done, for example, with the Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Abu Dhabi. It’s an amazing building. That should have been a hotel and it’s an awesome hospital we don’t have anything like that here in Dubai, yet.” Another very evident distinction is the fact that Abu Dhabi is working with renowned international architects such as Zaha Hadid and Jean Nouvel.“Except for the fact that Zaha Hadid is the architect of the Dubai Opera. That is definitely going to be amazing. Dubai needed that,” he says.
The Yas Viceroy Hotel, Abu Dhabi
During is eager to see the finished work of Jean Nouvel who is doing The Lourve.“Architechts of such repute add a modern touch. It’s wise to make such daring moves as the creations have a lot more architectural value and are not purely real estate. Obviously the fact that buildings like the Viceroy don’t payback at the same pace that another regular construction would. Regular hotel constructions pay back faster commercially as they make more money.” Moving on from this direction we spoke about how a city attracts suppliers of the diverse requirements
Below from right to left: The Capital Gate Tower, Abu Dhabi
needed in the design of a hotel property.“An architectural building is run by architects, by creativity. And when an architect wants the building to look like something, the sky’s the limit. He’s challenging the engineers to look at ways how that can be achieved. It is architect’s role to push the engineer to find the solution to give him what he wants. When architects pushed the limits, pushed the imagination we get buildings like the Burj Khalifa. The King Abdullah Economic city is another example. International architects are not limited by geography. Our own architecture arm is based in Chicago. All are clients are in GCC but the architecture design is done there. And those architects our exposed to what’s happening in different parts of the world as compared to what happens in the GCC and that’s how they fuel the suppliers. For example. when a particular material is required in design, I’ve to go and look for somebody locally who’s able to fabricate that or get that for me in the region. If not then then I look for an importer in the UAE that can bring me the thing that I have specified that is not covered. So I feel it is the architect that drives what comes into the region. Today for example, most of us are working with sustainability in mind. Hence, photovoltaic glass for surfaces that can obviously generate electricity that can be used in the buildings. Again architects have asked for it and then the product is updated
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COVER STORY
The Spa, Oriental Bath House
Presidential Suite Living room, The Oberoi, Dubai
in the market. So Dubai is definitely not a supplier driven market.” Sustainability is the way forward with hospitality projects During says. Currently working on the unique Flag Island project with the Sharjah Government,“It’s a very forwardthinking project. It is going to be the first totally 100 per cent sustainable stand-alone restaurant on the island. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s a gallery and we looking at making totally the water 100 per cent sustainable. We will be using technology that takes humidity from the air and transforms it into water and all the water will be used in that destination will not be desalinated water which is nonenvironmental friendly. This will be from the air. In terms of electricity use, we won’t be able to be 100 per cent sustainable but will have to get 24 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
some electricity from the grid. At least during the day we will be using solar panels all around the building to try to minimise the use of electricity.” Again the fact that sustainability is now embedded in the design of hospitality projects is because architects designers, engineers specify that they don’t want to design something which is not environmentally friendly, which does have a heavy carbon footprint. Again when it comes to interiors, it’s the designer for example who ensures that the wood in the furniture comes from sustainable forests or is reclaimed wood.“If we specify it, the client uses it. That is something, we need to have social responsibility for. In general,
Architechts of such repute add a modern touch. It’s wise to make such daring moves as the creations have a lot more architectural value and are not purely real estate
highly educated people and those are the architects and engineers that are behind the projects are the ones bringing it forward they convince the investors. It is not driven by the enduser ever. Sometimes it can be driven by investor but most of the time it’s architects and engineers.” The conversation drifted to interiors and differentiating through brands. Earlier management companies used to be able to differentiate in between brands through design. Was that still of relevance these days? During says that earlier hotels around the world had a specific design in mind when a particular brand of hotel was being worked upon.“If you looked at a Hyatt in those days, they all had these huge 10-20 storey high atrium lobbies. Asian themed hotels had the pebbles and water features etc. Today there is less and less differentiation on the interiors. Today differentiation is in the entire experience,” says During. “Some hotel chains such as The Ritz Carlton, which is a brand that offers an extremely personalised service … and now there talk of guests receiving their room keys on their phones and there is no need for queueing up at reception. I’m all for embracing technology, it all depends on how each hotel translates offering this service to the guest. Also, this again imcreases the convenience factor for the guest as he can now choose whether he wants to be assisted to his room, or just wants to be left alone.” As technology personalises each and every experience for the traveller, concept hotels are something to look into, as per During.“Increasingly there are Khaleeji women travelling alone for work or other reasons, where is there a hotel in Dubai or the UAE that they will be comfortable and feel completely at home in? I’m not saying make a hotel for women, just a concept of an extremely homely Khaleeji hotel.” From concept hotels to boutique hotels.“Can you tell me the definition of a boutique hotel?” asks During. “Twenty years ago, a boutique hotel was a hotel with up to 40 rooms, it was super deluxe, top notch service, better than a five star, extremely personalised. Today people start calling themselves boutique hotels if they’re small and family like. And are just clean and cosy places to stay
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T
homas Klein International was established in Dubai Media City in 2001 by Daniel G. During. The company was set up to provide the Gulf market with professional consultancy services mainly specialising in the hospitality, entertainment and leisure sectors, with a strong emphasis on food and beverage operations. The company conceptualises and develops designs for interiors, specialising in restaurants, kitchens and hotels. The scope of work involves the space analysis, maximization of revenue per square foot, conceptualisation and design presentation to the client followed by recommendation on fit-out materials, tender evaluation and project supervision. TKI has four dedicated offices situated in Brussels, Chicago, Buenos Aires, Dubai and Madrid, covering all faculties to make sure that only the most qualified and dedicated team of individuals work on each project.
The company seeks to help individuals and organisations create and establish successful and highly profitable operations by offering a range of services that include developing and establishing concepts and brands; feasibility studies and market research; interior design; developing and implementing menus and price strategies; professional kitchen planning, and training to communicate the concept from inception to opening to ensure a financially sound operation. The company also offers optional management contracts that ensure consistent standards and a profitable operation. TKI initiates and supervises entire projects to work towards successful openings, although the company will also take on part-projects, where a client may only require one specific service from the above disciplines.
with not too many services. Much like a fancy bread and breakfast place. Dubai, too, will surely come up with a category and its very own definition of boutique hotels.” And how can any conversation be complete without talking abou the Expo 2020 and how the city and country should prepare for the guests it will attract. During says,“What we need are limited service, clean, trendy, with all the facilities needed, completely wired smart hotel (a high investment cost) but then running costs are very low. That’s a direction I see a lot of people going on. Having said that, we obviously need affordable places to stay in the city, which are non existent now. There’s nothing for backpackers, I mean for people with GCC visa who want to drive their bikes around the region in good weather, there’s nothing for them. There’s so many ideas and concepts that are still to come.”
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EverStyle Trading L.L.C., PO Box: 103869, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tel: +971 6 531 4106, Fax: +971 6 531 4460 Dubai Showroom Tel: +971 4 388 3812, office@everstyleuae.com, www.everstyleuae.com
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26 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
COVER STORY
ﺃﻋﺗﻘﺩ ﺃﻧﻧﺎ ﻧﺳﻳﺭ ﻓﻲ ﻁﺭﻳﻕ ﺍﻹﺑﺩﺍﻉ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻱ ﺍﻟﺣﻘﻳﻘﻲ‘. ﻋﻧﺩﻣﺎ ﺳﺄﻟﻧﺎ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺳﺑﻳﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﺛﺎﻝ ﻻ ﺍﻟﺣﺻﺭ ﺃﻥ ﻳﺳﻣﻲ ﻟﻧﺎ ﺑﻌﺿﺎ ﻣﻥ ﺃﻓﺿﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﺷﺎﻫﺩ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﺩﺑﻲ ﻣﻥ ﻭﺟﻬﺔ ﻧﻅﺭﻩ ﺍﻟﺷﺧﺻﻳﺔ ،ﻓﻛﺭ ﻗﻠﻳﻼ ﺛﻡ ﻗﺎﻝ’ :ﺑﻁﺑﻳﻌﺔ ﺍﻟﺣﺎﻝ ﺳﺄﺧﺗﺎﺭ ﺑﺭﺝ ﺧﻠﻳﻔﺔ .ﻛﻣﺎ ﺃﻧﻧﻲ ﺃﺣﺏ ﻣﺎ ﺗﻘﻭﻡ ﺑﻪ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻣﻳﺭﺍﺱ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻣﻳﺭﺍ ﺳﻳﺗﻲ ﻭﻭﻙ ﻭﻛﺫﻟﻙ ﺫﺍ ﺑﻳﺗﺵ .ﻟﻁﺎﻟﻣﺎ ﺩﻋﻭﻧﺎ ﻟﺗﻧﻔﻳﺫ ﻭﺑﻧﺎء ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻧﻭﻉ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺩﻯ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﻭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺧﻣﺳﺔ ﻋﺷﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻣﺎﺭﺍﺕ .ﻧﺣﻥ ﻧﺣﺎﻭﻝ ﺃﻥ ﻧﺟﻠﺏ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﺍﻻﻧﺷﺎﺋﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺣﺩﻳﺛﺔ ﺑﺎﻷﻛﺛﺭ ،ﻣﺛﻝ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺳﺎﻫﻣﻧﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺇﻧﺷﺎﺋﻬﺎ .ﺇﻧﻪ ﻷﻣﺭ ﻣﺩﻫﺵ ﺣﻘﺎ ،ﻓﺎﻟﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﻭﺍﻟﻬﻳﺎﻛﻝ ﺗﺑﺩﻭ ﻛﺑﻳﺭﺓ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺧﺎﺭﺝ ،ﻭﻟﻛﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺳﺎﺣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺩﺍﺧﻠﻳﺔ ﻫﻲ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺑﻬﺭﻙ ﻭﺗﻔﺎﺟﺋﻙ‘.
ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻱ ﻷﺷﻬﺭ ﻭﺃﻓﺧﻡ ﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﻭﻓﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺃﻱ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻳﺧﺑﺭﻧﺎ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﻋﻥ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ .ﻭﺑﺎﻟﻣﺛﻝ ،ﺗﺣﺻﻝ ﺃﻱ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺗﻌﺭﻳﻑ ﺃﻛﺛﺭ ﺗﻣﻳﺯﺍ ﻋﻧﺩﻣﺎ ﺗﺳﺗﺿﻳﻑ ﻋﺩﺩﺍ ﻣﺣﺩﻭﺩﺍ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﺻﻣﻣﺔ ﺑﺄﺳﻠﻭﺏ ﺭﺍﻗﻲ ﻭﻣﺑﻬﺭ ﻭﺧﻼﻕ .ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻫﻭ ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﻭﺍﺣﺩ ﻛﺑﻳﺭ ،ﺣﻳﺙ ﻳﺣﺻﻝ ﻓﻳﻪ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺩﻕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻔﺭﺻﺔ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﻧﺣﺔ ﻷﻥ ﻳﺧﺑﺭ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻡ ﺑﻔﻛﺭﺓ ﺃﻭ ﺑﻣﻌﻧﻰ ﺃﻭ ﺑﻘﺻﺔ .ﻣﻊ ﻧﻣﻭ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻭﺗﻁﻭﺭﻫﺎ ،ﻳﻧﻣﻭ ﻣﻌﻬﺎ ﻁﺎﺑﻌﻬﺎ ﻭﻛﺫﻟﻙ ﺃﺷﻬﺭ ﻓﻧﺎﺩﻗﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺿﻳﻑ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺳﺣﺭ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ.
ﺩﻳﻧﺎﻣﻳﻛﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ
ﻛﻳﻑ ﻳﻣﻛﻥ ﺇﺫﻥ ﺃﻥ ﻧﻧﻅﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺗﻁﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻧﻌﻳﺵ ﻓﻳﻬﺎ – ﺩﺑﻲ – ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺍﺭﺗﻘﺕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺩﻯ ﺍﻟﻌﻘﺩﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻳﻳﻥ ﻣﻥ ﺣﻳﺙ ﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻣﺎ ﻫﻲ ﻋﻠﻳﻪ ﺍﻵﻥ .ﻧﺎﻗﺷﺕ ﻣﺟﻠﺗﻛﻡ ﺍﻟﻐﺭﺍء ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻷﻣﺭ ﻣﻁﻭﻻ ﻣﻊ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺩﻳﻭﺭﻧﻎ ،ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﺭ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﻱ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻭﻣﺎﺱ ﻛﻼﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ .ﺩﻳﻭﺭﻧﻎ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻷﺻﻝ ﺻﺎﺣﺏ ﻓﻧﺩﻕ ﻭﺑﺩﺃ ﺩﻳﻭﺭﻧﻎ ،ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﺭ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﻱ ﻓﻲ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﺗﻭﻣﺎﺱ ﻛﻼﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ،ﺗﺣﺩﺛﻧﺎ ﺧﻼﻟﻬﺎ ﻋﻥ ﻣﻭﺍﺿﻳﻊ ﻓﻲ ﻥ 1979 ﻋﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﺿﻳﺎﻓﺔ ﺻﻧﺎﻋﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻬﻧﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻣﻌﺗﻧﺎ ﺟﻠﺳﺔ ﺩﺭﺩﺷﺔ ﻣﺛﻳﺭﺓ ﻟﻼﻫﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﻣﻊ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺩﻳﻭﺭﻧﻎ ،ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﺭ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﻱ ﻓﻲ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﺗﻭﻣﺎﺱ ﻛﻼﻳﻥ ﺣﻳﺎﺗﻪ ﻣﻭﺍﺿﻳﻊ ﺧﻼﻟﻬﺎﻓﻲ ﻋ ﺗﺣﺩﺛﻧﺎ ﻟﻠﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ، ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ ﻋﺎﻟﻡ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻟﺩﻳﻛﻭﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺩﺍﺧﻠﻳﺔ ،ﻣﺭﻭﺭﺍ ﺑﺎﻟﻣﻭﺭﺩﻳﻥ ﻭﻣﻔﺎﻫﻳﻡ ﻭﺗﻁﺑﻳﻘﺎﺕ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﺩﺍﻣﺔ ،ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻁﻭﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺣﺎﻟﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺃﻟﻣﺎﻧﻳﺎ .ﺑﻌﺩ ﺍﻟﺳﻔﺭ ﺣﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻡ ،ﻭﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﺍﻟﺣﺎﻟﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻟﻡ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﺩﺍﻣﺔ ،ﻭﺍﻟ ﻭﺗﻁﺑﻳﻘﺎﺕ ﻣﻔﺎﻫﻳﻡ ﺎﻟﻣﻭﺭﺩﻳﻥ ﻭ ﻣﺭﻭﺭﺍ ﻟﻠﻣﺷﺎﺭﻛﺔﺍﻟﺩﺍﺧﻠﻳﺔ، ﺳﻳﺄﺗﻭﻥﺍﻟﺩﻳﻛﻭﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺧﺎﺭﺟﻲ ﺇﻟﻰ 2020ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺍﻛﺳﺑﻭ– ﻣﻥ ﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﻟﺗﻧﻅﻳﻡ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻔﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻣﻲ. ﻫﺫﺍ ﺑﺍﻟﺣﺩﺙ ﻭﻟﻣﺷﺎﻫﺩﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﺯﻭﺍﺭ ﺍﻟﺫﻳﻥ ﻣﻌﺭﺽﻟﻠﺩﺑﻲ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺷﺭﻭﺑﺎﺕ ﺗﻁﻭﺭﺍﺕﺍﻟﻐﺫﺍﺋﻳﺔ ﻌﻼﻗﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻣﻭﺍﺩ ﻣﻧﺎﺻﺏ ﺫﺍﺕ ﺍﻟ ﺍﻟ ﺍﻟﻣﺧﺗﻠﻔﺔ ،ﻭﺑﻌﺩ ﺗﺧﺭﺟﻪ ﻣﻥ ﻛﻠﻳﺔ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ،ﺍﻧﺿﻡ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ،ﻭﺍﻧﺗﻬﺎء ﺑﺎﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻭﺍﻻﺳﺗﻌﺩﺍﺩﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺟﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﻟﺗﻧﻅﻳﻡ ﻣﻌﺭﺽ ﺩﺑﻲ ﺍﻛﺳﺑﻭ 2020ﻭﺍﻟﺯﻭﺍﺭ ﺍﻟﺫﻳﻥ ﺳﻳﺄﺗﻭﻥ ﻟﻠﻣﺷﺎﺭﻛﺔ ﻭﻟﻣﺷﺎﻫﺩﺓ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﺣﺩﺙ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻣﻲ. ﺇﻟﻰ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻓﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻭﻣﻧﺗﺟﻌﺎﺕ ﺣﻳﺎﺓ ﺣﻳﺙ ﺗﻧﻘﻝ ﻟﻠﻌﻣﻝ ﺃﻋﺗﻘﺩ ﺃﻧﻧﺎ ﻧﺳﻳﺭ ﻓﻲ ﻁﺭﻳﻕ ﺍﻹﺑﺩﺍﻉ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻱ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻱ ﻷﺷﻬﺭ ﻭﺃﻓﺧﻡ ﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﻭﻓﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺃﻱ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻣﺗﻧﻭﻋﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻝ ﻣﻥ ﺑﻳﻧﻬﺎ ﺍﺳﺑﺎﻧﻳﺎ ﺍﻟﺣﻘﻳﻘﻲ‘. ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻳﺧﺑﺭﻧﺎ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﻋﻥ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ .ﻭﺑﺎﻟﻣﺛﻝ ،ﺗﺣﺻﻝ ﻭﻳﻭﻏﺳﻼﻓﻳﺎ ﻭﻛﺎﺯﺍﺧﺳﺗﺎﻥ .ﺧﻼﻝ ﻋﻣﻠﻪ ﻣﻊ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﺃﻱ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺗﻌﺭﻳﻑ ﺃﻛﺛﺭ ﺗﻣﻳﺯﺍ ﻋﻧﺩﻣﺎ ﺗﺳﺗﺿﻳﻑ ﺣﻳﺎﺓ ،ﺗﻘﻠﺩ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﺩﻳﺩ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺎﺻﺏ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﻳﺔ ﺃﻋﺗﻘﺩ ﺃﻧﻧﺎ ﻧﺳﻳﺭ ﻓﻲ ﻁﺭﻳﻕ ﺍﻹﺑﺩﺍﻉ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻱ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻱ ﻷﺷﻬﺭ ﻭﺃﻓﺧﻡ ﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﻭﻓﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺃﻱ ﻋﻧﺩﻣﺎ ﺳﺄﻟﻧﺎ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺳﺑﻳﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﺛﺎﻝ ﻻ ﺍﻟﺣﺻﺭ ﺃﻥ ﻋﺩﺩﺍ ﻣﺣﺩﻭﺩﺍ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﺻﻣﻣﺔ ﺑﺄﺳﻠﻭﺏ ﺭﺍﻗﻲ ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺳﻳﺔ. ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻳﺧﺑﺭﻧﺎ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﻋﻥ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ .ﻭﺑﺎﻟﻣﺛﻝ ،ﺗﺣﺻﻝ ﻳﺳﻣﻲ ﻟﻧﺎ ﺑﻌﺿﺎ ﻣﻥ ﺃﻓﺿﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﺷﺎﻫﺩ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺣﻘﻳﻘﻲ‘ﻭ.ﺧﻼﻕ .ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻭﻣﺑﻬﺭ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﺩﺑﻲ ﻣﻥ ﻭﺟﻬﺔ ﻧﻅﺭﻩ ﺍﻟﺷﺧﺻﻳﺔ ،ﻓﻛﺭ ﻗﻠﻳﻼ ﺛﻡ ﻫﻭ ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﻭﺍﺣﺩ ﻛﺑﻳﺭ ،ﺣﻳﺙ ﻳﺣﺻﻝ ﻓﻳﻪ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺩﻕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻭﺍﻓﻲ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﺃﻛﺛﺭ ﻋﻠﻳﻪ ﻋﺭﺿﺕ ﺗﺳﺗﺿﻳﻑ ﺗﻣﻳﺯﺍ ﻋﻧﺩﻣﺎ ،1997ﺗﻌﺭﻳﻑ ﻓﻲ ﺃﻱﻋﺎﻡﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺃﻧﻧﻲ ﻗﺎﻝ’ :ﺑﻁﺑﻳﻌﺔ ﺍﻟﺣﺎﻝ ﺳﺄﺧﺗﺎﺭ ﺑﺭﺝ ﺧﻠﻳﻔﺔ .ﻛﻣﺎ ﺃﻭ ﺑﻣﻌﻧﻰ ﺃﻭ ﺑﻔﻛﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻡ ﻳﺧﺑﺭ ﻷﻥ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﻧﺣﺔ ﺍﻟﻔﺭﺻﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻁﺎﻋﻡ ﻗﺳﻡ ﻭﺭﺋﺎﺳﺔ ﻟﺩﻳﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﺩﺑﻲ ﻓﻲ ﺑﻳﺭﺍﻣﻳﺩﺯ ﻋﻧﺩﻣﺎ ﺳﺄﻟﻧﺎ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺳﺑﻳﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﺛﺎﻝ ﻻ ﺍﻟﺣﺻﺭ ﺃﻥ ﻋﺩﺩﺍ ﻣﺣﺩﻭﺩﺍ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﺻﻣﻣﺔ ﺑﺄﺳﻠﻭﺏ ﺭﺍﻗﻲ ﺃﺣﺏ ﻣﺎ ﺗﻘﻭﻡ ﺑﻪ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻣﻳﺭﺍﺱ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻣﻳﺭﺍ ﺳﻳﺗﻲ ﻭﻭﻙ ﺑﻘﺻﺔ .ﻣﻊ ﻧﻣﻭ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻭﺗﻁﻭﺭﻫﺎ ،ﻳﻧﻣﻭ ﻣﻌﻬﺎ ﻁﺎﺑﻌﻬﺎ ﻟﺩﻳﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻧﺻﺏ ﻣﺩﻳﺭ ﻣﺷﺭﻭﻉ .ﻓﻲ ﺃﺑﺭﻳﻝ ﻋﺎﻡ ﻳﺳﻣﻲ ﻟﻧﺎ ﺑﻌﺿﺎ ﻣﻥ ﺃﻓﺿﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﺷﺎﻫﺩ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻭﻣﺑﻬﺭ ﻭﺧﻼﻕ .ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻭﻛﺫﻟﻙ ﺫﺍ ﺑﻳﺗﺵ .ﻟﻁﺎﻟﻣﺎ ﺩﻋﻭﻧﺎ ﻟﺗﻧﻔﻳﺫ ﻭﺑﻧﺎء ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻧﻭﻉ ﻭﻛﺫﻟﻙ ﺃﺷﻬﺭ ﻓﻧﺎﺩﻗﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺿﻳﻑ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺳﺣﺭ 1998ﺗﻡ ﺗﻌﻳﻳﻧﻪ ﻣﺩﻳﺭﺍ ﻋﺎﻣﺎ ﻟﻘﺳﻡ ﺍﻷﻏﺫﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ .ﻣﻥ ﻭﺟﻬﺔ ﻧﻅﺭﻩ ﺍﻟﺷﺧﺻﻳﺔ ،ﻓﻛﺭ ﻗﻠﻳﻼ ﺛﻡ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﺩﺑﻲ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺩﻕ ﻓﻳﻪ ﻳﺣﺻﻝ ﺣﻳﺙ ، ﻛﺑﻳﺭ ﻭﺍﺣﺩ ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﻫﻭ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺩﻯ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﻭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺧﻣﺳﺔ ﻋﺷﺭﺓ ﻫﺫﻩ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺷﺭﻭﺑﺎﺕ ﻟﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻭﺍﻓﻲ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻣﻳﻊ ﺃﻧﺣﺎء ﺍﻹﻣﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻣﺎﺭﺍﺕ .ﻧﺣﻥ ﻧﺣﺎﻭﻝ ﺃﻥ ﻧﺟﻠﺏ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻡ ﺃﻁﻠﻕ ،2001 ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺣﺩﺓ. ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻗﺎﻝ’ :ﺑﻁﺑﻳﻌﺔ ﺍﻟﺣﺎﻝ ﺳﺄﺧﺗﺎﺭ ﺑﺭﺝ ﺧﻠﻳﻔﺔ .ﻛﻣﺎ ﺃﻧﻧﻲ ﺑﻣﻌﻧﻰ ﺃﻭ ﺑﻔﻛﺭﺓ ﺃﻭ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﻧﺣﺔﻓﻲﻷﻥﻋﺎﻡﻳﺧﺑﺭ ﺍﻟﻔﺭﺻﺔ ﺍﻻﻧﺷﺎﺋﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺣﺩﻳﺛﺔ ﺑﺎﻷﻛﺛﺭ ،ﻣﺛﻝ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﻣﻥ ﻛﻳﻑ ﻳﻣﻛﻥ ﺇﺫﻥ ﺃﻥ ﻧﻧﻅﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺗﻁﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﻭﻣﺎﺱ ﻛﻼﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺃﺣﺿﺎﻥ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﺩﺑﻲ ﻟﻺﻋﻼﻡ، ﺃﺣﺏ ﻣﺎ ﺗﻘﻭﻡ ﺑﻪ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻣﻳﺭﺍﺱ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻣﻳﺭﺍ ﺳﻳﺗﻲ ﻭﻭﻙ ﺑﻘﺻﺔ .ﻣﻊ ﻧﻣﻭ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻭﺗﻁﻭﺭﻫﺎ ،ﻳﻧﻣﻭ ﻣﻌﻬﺎ ﻁﺎﺑﻌﻬﺎ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺳﺎﻫﻣﻧﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺇﻧﺷﺎﺋﻬﺎ .ﺇﻧﻪ ﻷﻣﺭ ﻣﺩﻫﺵ ﻧﻌﻳﺵ ﻓﻳﻬﺎ – ﺩﺑﻲ – ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺍﺭﺗﻘﺕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺩﻯ ﺍﻟﻌﻘﺩﻳﻥ ﻭﺗﺄﺳﺳﺕ ﺍﻟﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻟﻐﺭﺽ ﺗﺯﻭﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﺳﻭﻕ ﺍﻟﺧﻠﻳﺟﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻧﻭﻉ ﻫﺫﺍ ﻭﺑﻧﺎء ﻟﺗﻧﻔﻳﺫ ﺩﻋﻭﻧﺎ ﻁﺎﻟﻣﺎ ﻟ . ﺑﻳﺗﺵ ﺫﺍ ﻭﻛﺫﻟﻙ ﺳﺣﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﺗﺿﻳﻑ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻓﻧﺎﺩﻗﻬﺎ ﺃﺷﻬﺭ ﻛﺫﻟﻙ ﻭ ﺣﻘﺎ ،ﻓﺎﻟﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﻭﺍﻟﻬﻳﺎﻛﻝ ﺗﺑﺩﻭ ﻛﺑﻳﺭﺓ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺧﺎﺭﺝ ،ﻭﻟﻛﻥ ﻋﻠﻳﻪ ﻫﻲ ﻣﺎ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺣﻳﺙ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻳﻳﻥ ﺑﺧﺩﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﺷﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﻬﻧﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺧﺻﺻﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﺳﺎﺣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺩﺍﺧﻠﻳﺔ ﻫﻲ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺑﻬﺭﻙ ﻭﺗﻔﺎﺟﺋﻙ‘. ﻣﻊ ﻣﻁﻭﻻ ﺍﻷﻣﺭ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻐﺭﺍء ﻣﺟﻠﺗﻛﻡ ﺕ ﻗﺷ ﻧﺎ . ﺍﻵﻥ ﺍﻟﺿﻳﺎﻓﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺗﺭﻓﻳﻪ ﻭﺍﻟﺗﺳﻠﻳﺔ ،ﻣﻊ ﺗﺭﻛﻳﺯ ﻗﻭﻱ ﻗﻁﺎﻋﺎﺕ ﻋﺷﺭﺓ ﺧﻣﺳﺔ ﺍﻟ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﻭﺍﺕ ﻣﺩﻯ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣ ﻣﻥ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ. ﺗﻭﻣﺎﺱ ﻓﻲ ﻱ ﺭ ﺍﻹﺩﺍ ﻣﺩﻳﺭ ﻭﺍﻟ ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺱ ، ﺩﻳﻭﺭﻧﻎ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻋﻣﻠﻳﺎﺕ ﺍﻷﻏﺫﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺷﺭﻭﺑﺎﺕ. ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻣﺎﺭﺍﺕ .ﻧﺣﻥ ﻧﺣﺎﻭﻝ ﺃﻥ ﻧﺟﻠﺏ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﻛﻼﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ .ﺩﻳﻭﺭﻧﻎ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻷﺻﻝ ﺻﺎﺣﺏ ﻓﻧﺩﻕ ﻭﺑﺩﺃ ﺎﺱ ﻛﻼﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ،ﺗﺣﺩﺛﻧﺎ ﺧﻼﻟﻬﺎ ﻋﻥ ﻣﻭﺍﺿﻳﻊ ﺍﻻﻧﺷﺎﺋﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺣﺩﻳﺛﺔ ﺑﺎﻷﻛﺛﺭ ،ﻣﺛﻝ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﻣﻥ ﻛﻳﻑ ﻳﻣﻛﻥ ﺇﺫﻥ ﺃﻥ ﻧﻧﻅﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺗﻁﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺣﻳﺎﺗﻪ ﺍﻟﻣﻬﻧﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺻﻧﺎﻋﺔ ﺍﻟﺿﻳﺎﻓﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ 1979ﻓﻲ ﻛﻣﺎ ﻫﻭ ﻭﺍﺿﺢ ﻷﻱ ﻣﻬﺗﻡ ﻣﺗﺎﺑﻊ ﻟﻸﻣﺭ ،ﺷﻬﺩ ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﻋﺎﻟﻡ ﻫﻳﻡ ﻭﺗﻁﺑﻳﻘﺎﺕ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﺩﺍﻣﺔ ،ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻁﻭﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺣﺎﻟﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻭﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝﻷﻣﺭﻓﻲﻣﺩﻫﺵ ﺇﻧﺷﺎﺋﻬﺎ .ﺇﻧﻪ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻋﻠﻰﻣﺩﻯﻣﺩﻯ ﺍﻟﻌﻘﺩﻳﻥ ﻛﺑﻳﺭﺓ ﺍﺭﺗﻘﺕ ﺗﻐﻳﺭﺍﺕ– ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻓﻳﻬﺎ – ﺩﺑﻲ ﻧﻌﻳﺵ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻡ، ﺳﺎﻫﻣﻧﺎﺣﻭﻝ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝﺑﻌﺩﺍﻟﺗﻲﺍﻟﺳﻔﺭ ﺃﻟﻣﺎﻧﻳﺎ. ﺍﻟﺳﻧﻭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺫﻳﻥ ﺳﻳﺄﺗﻭﻥ ﻟﻠﻣﺷﺎﺭﻛﺔ ﻭﻟﻣﺷﺎﻫﺩﺓ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﺣﺩﺙ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻣﻲ. ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺷﺭﻭﺑﺎﺕ ﺎﻟﻣﻭﺍﺩ ﺫﺍﺕ ﺍﻟ ﻣﻧﺎﺻﺏ ﺗﻘﻑ ﺣﻳﺙﺑﺩﺍﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻳﺔ، ﺍﻟﻌﺷﺭﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻐﺫﺍﺋﻳﺔﺍﻟﺧﺎﺭﺝ ،ﻭﻟﻛﻥ ﻛﺑﻳﺭﺓ ﻣﻥ ﻌﻼﻗﺔ ﺑﺗﺑﺩﻭ ﻭﺍﻟﻬﻳﺎﻛﻝ ﻓﺎﻟﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﺍﻟﺣﻘﺎ، ﻛﺎﻧﺕ ﻋﻠﻳﻪ ﺍﻟﺗﻲﻣﺎ ﻫﻲ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻳﻳﻥ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺧﺗﻠﻔﺔ ،ﻭﺑﻌﺩ ﺗﺧﺭﺟﻪ ﻣﻥ ﻛﻠﻳﺔ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ،ﺍﻧﺿﻡ ﻣﺛﻝ ﺍﻟﻛﺗﻝ ﺍﻟﺻﻠﺑﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺧﺭﺳﺎﻧﺔ ،ﻣﺛﻝ ﻋﺩﺩ ﻗﻠﻳﻝ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺳﺎﺣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺩﺍﺧﻠﻳﺔ ﻫﻲ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺑﻬﺭﻙ ﻭﺗﻔﺎﺟﺋﻙ‘. ﺍﻵﻥ .ﻧﺎﻗﺷﺕ ﻣﺟﻠﺗﻛﻡ ﺍﻟﻐﺭﺍء ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻷﻣﺭ ﻣﻁﻭﻻ ﻣﻊ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻓﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻭﻣﻧﺗﺟﻌﺎﺕ ﺣﻳﺎﺓ ﺣﻳﺙ ﺗﻧﻘﻝ ﻟﻠﻌﻣﻝ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺍﻟﻘﺎﺋﻣﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺳﺎﺣﻝ ﺍﻟﻔﺟﻳﺭﺓ ،ﻭﻋﻧﻬﻡ ﻳﺧﺑﺭﻧﺎ ﺍﻟﺧﻁﺄﺗﻭﻣﺎﺱ ﺍﻟﺷﻛﻝﻣﺩﻳﺭ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﻱ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﻭﺍﻟ ﺩﻳﻭﺭﻧﻎ، ﻓﻲ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻣﺗﻧﻭﻋﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻝ ﻣﻥ ﺑﻳﻧﻬﺎ ﺍﺳﺑﺎﻧﻳﺎ ﻱ ﻟﻬﺫﻩ ﺍﺧﺗﺎﺭﻭﺍ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ’ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ: ﺗﻭﻣﺎﺱ ﻛﻼﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﺗﺻ ﺍﻟﺧﺎﺭﺟﻲﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻣﺩﻳﺭ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﻱ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺱﻟﻘﺩ ﻭﺍﻟ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻱ ﻷﺷﻬﺭ ﻭﺃﻓﺧﻡ ﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﻭﻓﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺃﻱ ﺟﻣﻌﺗﻧﺎ ﺟﻠﺳﺔ ﺩﺭﺩﺷﺔ ﻣﺛﻳﺭﺓ ﻟﻼﻫﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﻣﻊ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺩﻳﻭﺭﻧﻎ، ﻭﻳﻭﻏﺳﻼﻓﻳﺎ ﻭﻛﺎﺯﺍﺧﺳﺗﺎﻥ .ﺧﻼﻝ ﻋﻣﻠﻪ ﻣﻊ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻳﺭﺍﻫﺎ ﺻﺎﺣﺏ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺑﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺍﻟﻳﻭﻡ ﺍﻟﺷﺎﻁﺊ‘ ﻭ ﻛﻼﻳﻥﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻳﺧﺑﺭﻧﺎ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﻋﻥ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ .ﻭﺑﺎﻟﻣﺛﻝ ،ﺗﺣﺻﻝ ﻓﻧﺩﻕ ﻭﺑﺩﺃ ﺍﻧﺗﻬﺎءﺍﻷﺻﻝ ﺩﻳﻭﺭﻧﻎ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ. ﻣﻔﺎﻫﻳﻡ ﻭﺗﻁﺑﻳﻘﺎﺕ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﺩ ﺎﻟﻣﻭﺭﺩﻳﻥﻣﺛﻝﻭ ﺍﻟﺩﺍﺧﻠﻳﺔ ،ﻣﺭﻭﺭﺍ ﺑ ﺍﻟﺩﻳﻛﻭﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﻳﺔﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻟﺧﺎﺭﺟﻲ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ– ﻣﻥ ﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﺃﻱ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺗﻌﺭﻳﻑ ﺃﻛﺛﺭ ﺗﻣﻳﺯﺍ ﻋﻧﺩﻣﺎ ﺗﺳﺗﺿﻳﻑ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻔﺔ ﻟﻠ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺎﺻﺏ ﺍﻟﻌﺩﻳﺩ ﻣﻥ ﺣﻳﺎﺓ ،ﺗﻘﻠﺩ ﻓﻧﺩﻕ ﺍﻟﻘﺩﻳﻣﺔ ﻣﺻﻣﻣﺔ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ 1979ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻘﺻﻭﺭﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ﻏﺭﺍﺭ ﺍﻟﺿﻳﺎﻓﺔ ﻋﻠﻰﺻﻧﺎﻋﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻬﻧﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺣﻳﺎﺗﻪ ﺍﻟﻬﻳﺎﻛﻝﺍﻟﺫﻳﻥ ﺳﻳﺄﺗﻭﻥ ﻟﻠﻣﺷﺎﺭﻛ ﻭﺍﻟﺯﻭﺍﺭ ﺍﻛﺳﺑﻭﺃﻳﺿﺎ2020 ﻣﻌﺭﺽ ﻥ ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺳﻳﺔ ﻋﺩﺩﺍ ﻣﺣﺩﻭﺩﺍ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﺻﻣﻣﺔ ﺑﺄﺳﻠﻭﺏ ﺭﺍﻗﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﺩﻳﺩ ﻣﻥ ﺩﺑﻲﻫﻧﺎﻙ ﺍﻭﻧﻠﻲ. ﻟﺗﻧﻅﻳﻡﻭﻥ ﺍﻧﺩ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ .،ﻭﺍﻧﺗﻬﺎء ﺑﺎﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻭﺍﻻﺳﺗﻌﺩﺍﺩﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺟﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﺫﺍ ﺃﻟﻣﺎﻧﻳﺎ .ﺑﻌﺩ ﺍﻟﺳﻔﺭ ﺣﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻡ ،ﻭﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﻲ ﺍﻟﺯﺟﺎﺟﻳﺔ ﻟﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲ ﻋﺩﻳﺩﺓ ،ﻭﻋﻠﻳﻬﻡ ﻳﻌﻠﻕ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺑﻘﻭﻟﻪ: ﻭﻣﺑﻬﺭ ﻭﺧﻼﻕ .ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺷﺭﻭﺑﺎﺕ ﺃﺳﻠﻭﺏ ﺍﻟﻌﻼﻗﺔ ﻣﻧﺎﺻﺏ ﺫﺍﺕ ’ ﺍﻟ ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ،1997ﻋﺭﺿﺕ ﻋﻠﻳﻪ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻭﺍﻓﻲ ﻡ ﻭﺃﺧﻳﺭﺍ ﺍﻟﻐﺫﺍﺋﻳﺔﻠﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ، ﺎﻟﻣﻭﺍﺩﺣﺩﺍﺛﺔ ﻟ ﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺑﺃﻛﺛﺭ ﻧﺟﺩ ﺍﻵﻥ ﻫﻭ ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﻭﺍﺣﺩ ﻛﺑﻳﺭ ،ﺣﻳﺙ ﻳﺣﺻﻝ ﻓﻳﻪ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺩﻕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺑﻳﺭﺍﻣﻳﺩﺯ ﻓﻲ ﺩﺑﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﻟﺩﻳﻬﺎ ﻭﺭﺋﺎﺳﺔ ﻗﺳﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﻁﺎﻋﻡ ﻲ ﺍﻟﻔﺭﺻﺔ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﻧﺣﺔ ﻷﻥ ﻳﺧﺑﺭ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻡ ﺑﻔﻛﺭﺓ ﺃﻭ ﺑﻣﻌﻧﻰ ﺃﻭ ﻣﺎﺭﻱ ﻁﺭﻳﻕ ﻧﺳﻳﺭ ﻓﻲ ﺃﻋﺗﻘﺩ ﺃﻧﻧﺎ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺍﻟ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﺍﻧﺿﻡ ﺍﻹﺑﺩﺍﻉﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ، ﻛﻠﻳﺔ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺗﺧﺭﺟﻪ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺧﺗﻠﻔﺔ ،ﻭﺑﻌﺩ ﻟﺩﻳﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻧﺻﺏ ﻣﺩﻳﺭ ﻣﺷﺭﻭﻉ .ﻓﻲ ﺃﺑﺭﻳﻝ ﻋﺎﻡ ﻙ ﺑﻘﺻﺔ .ﻣﻊ ﻧﻣﻭ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻭﺗﻁﻭﺭﻫﺎ ،ﻳﻧﻣﻭ ﻣﻌﻬﺎ ﻁﺎﺑﻌﻬﺎ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻳﺧﺑﺭ ﺍﻟﺣﻘﻳﻘﻲ‘.ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻓﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻭﻣﻧﺗﺟﻌﺎﺕ ﺣﻳﺎﺓ ﺣﻳﺙ ﺗﻧﻘﻝ ﻟﻠﻌﻣﻝ ﺇﻟﻰ 1998ﺗﻡ ﺗﻌﻳﻳﻧﻪ ﻣﺩﻳﺭﺍ ﻋﺎﻣﺎ ﻟﻘﺳﻡ ﺍﻷﻏﺫﻳﺔ ﻉ ﻭﻛﺫﻟﻙ ﺃﺷﻬﺭ ﻓﻧﺎﺩﻗﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺿﻳﻑ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺳﺣﺭ ﺃﻱ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺛﺎﻝﻣﻥﻻ ﺑﻳﻧﻬﺎ ﺳﺑﻳﻝﺍﻟﺩﻭﻝ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﻥ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝﻣﺗﻧﻭﻋﺔ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺷﺭﻭﺑﺎﺕ ﻟﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻭﺍﻓﻲ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻣﻳﻊ ﺃﻧﺣﺎء ﺍﻹﻣﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺓ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ. ﺍﺳﺑﺎﻧﻳﺎﺃﻥ ﺍﻟﺣﺻﺭ ﻓﻲ ﺳﺄﻟﻧﺎ ﻋﻧﺩﻣﺎ ﻋﺩﺩﺍ ﻣﺣﺩﻭ ﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺣﺩﺓ .ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ،2001ﺃﻁﻠﻕ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺷﺎﻫﺩ ﺑﻌﺿﺎ ﻣﻥ ﻳﺳﻣﻲ ﻟﻧﺎ ﻭﻣﺑﻬﺭ ﻭﺧ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻋﻣﻠﻪ ﻣﻊ ﺃﻓﺿﻝﺧﻼﻝ ﻭﻛﺎﺯﺍﺧﺳﺗﺎﻥ. ﻭﻳﻭﻏﺳﻼﻓﻳﺎ ﻥ ﺗﻭﻣﺎﺱ ﻛﻼﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺃﺣﺿﺎﻥ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﺩﺑﻲ ﻟﻺﻋﻼﻡ، ﻛﻳﻑ ﻳﻣﻛﻥ ﺇﺫﻥ ﺃﻥ ﻧﻧﻅﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺗﻁﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﻳﺔﺛﻡ ﻓﻛﺭ ﻗﻠﻳﻼ ﺍﻟﺷﺧﺻﻳﺔ، ﻭﺟﻬﺔ ﻧﻅﺭﻩ ﻫﻭ ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺎﺻﺏ ﺍﻟﻌﺩﻳﺩ ﻣﻥ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔﺣﻳﺎﺓ،ﺩﺑﻲﺗﻘﻠﺩﻣﻥ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﺧﻠﻳﺟﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺳﻭﻕ ﺗﺯﻭﻳﺩ ﻐﺭﺽ ﻟ ﺍﻟﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻭﺗﺄﺳﺳﺕ ﺵ ﺍﻟﻌﻘﺩﻳﻥ ﻣﺩﻯ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﺭﺗﻘﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻭ – ﺩﺑﻲ – ﻓﻳﻬﺎ ﻧﻌﻳﺵ ﺃﻧﻧﻲ ﻛﻣﺎ . ﺧﻠﻳﻔﺔ ﺑﺭﺝ ﺳﺄﺧﺗﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﺣﺎﻝ ﺑﻁﺑﻳﻌﺔ ’ : ﻗﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﻔﺭﺻﺔ ﺍﻟﺳ ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺳﻳﺔ. ﺑﺧﺩﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﺷﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﻬﻧﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺧﺻﺻﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻳﻳﻥ ﻣﻥ ﺣﻳﺙ ﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻣﺎ ﻫﻲ ﻋﻠﻳﻪ ﺃﺣﺏ ﻣﺎ ﺗﻘﻭﻡ ﺑﻪ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻣﻳﺭﺍﺱ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻣﻳﺭﺍ ﺳﻳﺗﻲ ﻭﻭﻙ ﺑﻘﺻﺔ .ﻣﻊ ﻗﻁﺎﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺿﻳﺎﻓﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺗﺭﻓﻳﻪ ﻭﺍﻟﺗﺳﻠﻳﺔ ،ﻣﻊ ﺗﺭﻛﻳﺯ ﻗﻭﻱ ﺍﻵﻥ .ﻧﺎﻗﺷﺕ ﻣﺟﻠﺗﻛﻡ ﺍﻟﻐﺭﺍء ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻷﻣﺭ ﻣﻁﻭﻻ ﻣﻊ ﻭﻛﺫﻟﻙ ﺫﺍ ﺑﻳﺗﺵ .ﻟﻁﺎﻟﻣﺎ ﺩﻋﻭﻧﺎ ﻟﺗﻧﻔﻳﺫ ﻭﺑﻧﺎء ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻧﻭﻉ ﻭﻛﺫﻟﻙ ﺃﺷﻬ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻋﻣﻠﻳﺎﺕ ﺍﻷﻏﺫﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺷﺭﻭﺑﺎﺕ. ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺩﻳﻭﺭﻧﻎ ،ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﺭ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﻱ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻭﻣﺎﺱ ﻋﺷﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﻭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺧﻣﺳﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺩﻯ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻭﺍﻓﻲ ﻋﺭﺿﺕ ﻋﻠﻳﻪ ،1997 ﻣﻥ ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ﻛﻼﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ .ﺩﻳﻭﺭﻧﻎ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻷﺻﻝ ﺻﺎﺣﺏ ﻓﻧﺩﻕ ﻭﺑﺩﺃ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻣﺎﺭﺍﺕ .ﻧﺣﻥ ﻧﺣﺎﻭﻝ ﺃﻥ ﻧﺟﻠﺏ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﺑﻳﺭﺍﻣﻳﺩﺯ ﻓﻲ ﺩﺑﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﻟﺩﻳﻬﺎ ﻭﺭﺋﺎﺳﺔ ﻗﺳﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﻁﺎﻋﻡ ﻛﻣﺎ ﻫﻭ ﻭﺍﺿﺢ ﻷﻱ ﻣﻬﺗﻡ ﻣﺗﺎﺑﻊ ﻟﻸﻣﺭ ،ﺷﻬﺩ ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﺣﻳﺎﺗﻪ ﺍﻟﻣﻬﻧﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺻﻧﺎﻋﺔ ﺍﻟﺿﻳﺎﻓﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ 1979ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻧﺷﺎﺋﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﻌﻣﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺣﺩﻳﺛﺔ ﺑﺎﻷﻛﺛﺭ ،ﻣﺛﻝ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﻣﻥ ﻛﻳﻑ ﻳﻣﻛﻥ ﺃﺑﺭﻳﻝ ﻋﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻣﻧﺻﺏ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﻓﻲ ﻟﺩﻳﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﺗﻐﻳﺭﺍﺕ ﻛﺑﻳﺭﺓ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺩﻯ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﻭﺍﺕ ﺃﻟﻣﺎﻧﻳﺎ .ﺑﻌﺩ ﺍﻟﺳﻔﺭ ﺣﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻡ ،ﻭﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﻣﺩﻫﺵ ﻣﺷﺭﻭﻉ .ﺇﻧﻪﻓﻲﻷﻣﺭ ﻣﺩﻳﺭ ﺇﻧﺷﺎﺋﻬﺎ. ﺳﺎﻫﻣﻧﺎ ﻓﻲ ﻧﻌﻳﺵ ﻓﻳﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﻌﺷﺭﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻳﺔ ،ﺑﺩﺍﻳﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻛﺎﻧﺕ ﺗﻘﻑ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺎﺻﺏ ﺫﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻌﻼﻗﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻣﻭﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﻐﺫﺍﺋﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺷﺭﻭﺑﺎﺕ ﻭﻟﻛﻥ ﻭﺍﻟﻬﻳﺎﻛﻝ ﺗﺑﺩﻭ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻳﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺧﺎﺭﺝ،ﺍﻷﻏﺫﻳﺔ ﻣﺩﻳﺭﺍﻛﺑﻳﺭﺓﻋﺎﻣﺎﻣﻥ ﻟﻘﺳﻡ ﻓﺎﻟﻣﺑﺎﻧﻲﺗﻡ ﺗﻌﻳﻳﻧﻪ ﺣﻘﺎ1998، ﻣﺛﻝ ﺍﻟﻛﺗﻝ ﺍﻟﺻﻠﺑﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺧﺭﺳﺎﻧﺔ ،ﻣﺛﻝ ﻋﺩﺩ ﻗﻠﻳﻝ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺧﺗﻠﻔﺔ ،ﻭﺑﻌﺩ ﺗﺧﺭﺟﻪ ﻣﻥ ﻛﻠﻳﺔ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ،ﺍﻧﺿﻡ ﺗﺑﻬﺭﻙ ﻫﻲ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺍﻟﺩﺍﺧﻠﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺳﺎﺣﺎﺕ ﺍﻵﻥ .ﻧﺎﻗﺷ ﻭﺗﻔﺎﺟﺋﻙ‘.ﺍﻹﻣﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺟﻣﻳﻊ ﺃﻧﺣﺎء ﻭﺍﻓﻲ ﻓﻲ ﻟﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺷﺭﻭﺑﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺍﻟﻘﺎﺋﻣﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺳﺎﺣﻝ ﺍﻟﻔﺟﻳﺭﺓ ،ﻭﻋﻧﻬﻡ ﻳﺧﺑﺭﻧﺎ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻓﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻭﻣﻧﺗﺟﻌﺎﺕ ﺣﻳﺎﺓ ﺣﻳﺙ ﺗﻧﻘﻝ ﻟﻠﻌﻣﻝ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺩﻳﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺣﺩﺓ .ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ،2001ﺃﻁﻠﻕ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ’ :ﻟﻘﺩ ﺍﺧﺗﺎﺭﻭﺍ ﺍﻟﺷﻛﻝ ﺍﻟﺧﺎﺭﺟﻲ ﺍﻟﺧﻁﺄ ﻟﻬﺫﻩ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻣﺗﻧﻭﻋﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻝ ﻣﻥ ﺑﻳﻧﻬﺎ ﺍﺳﺑﺎﻧﻳﺎ ﻛﻼﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 27 ﺗﻭﻣﺎﺱ ﻛﻼﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺃﺣﺿﺎﻥ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﺩﺑﻲ ﻟﻺﻋﻼﻡ، ﺍﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺷﺎﻁﺊ‘ ﻭﺍﻧﺗﻬﺎء ﺑﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﺍﻟﻳﻭﻡ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻳﺭﺍﻫﺎ ﻭﻛﺎﺯﺍﺧﺳﺗﺎﻥ .ﺧﻼﻝ ﻋﻣﻠﻪ ﻣﻊ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﻭﻳﻭﻏﺳﻼﻓﻳﺎ ﺣﻳﺎﺗﻪ ﺍﻟﻣﻬﻧ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﻣﺻﻣﻣﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻏﺭﺍﺭ ﺍﻟﻘﺻﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻘﺩﻳﻣﺔ ﻣﺛﻝ ﻓﻧﺩﻕ ﺣﻳﺎﺓ ،ﺗﻘﻠﺩ ﺩﺍﻧﻳﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﺩﻳﺩ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺎﺻﺏ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﻳﺔ ﺃﻟﻣﺎﻧﻳﺎ .ﺑﻌﺩ ﻭﺗﺄﺳﺳﺕ ﺍﻟﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻟﻐﺭﺽ ﺗﺯﻭﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﺳﻭﻕ ﺍﻟﺧﻠﻳﺟﻳﺔ ﺫﺍ ﻭﻥ ﺍﻧﺩ ﺍﻭﻧﻠﻲ .ﻫﻧﺎﻙ ﺃﻳﺿﺎ ﺍﻟﻌﺩﻳﺩ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻬﻳﺎﻛﻝ ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺳﻳﺔ. ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺎﺻﺏ
ﺩﻳﻧﺎﻣﻳﻛﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ
ﺟﻣﻌﺗﻧﺎ ﺟﻠﺳﺔ ﺩﺭﺩﺷﺔ ﻣﺛﻳﺭﺓ ﻟﻼﻫﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﻣﻊ ﺩ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻔﺔ ﻟﻠﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ – ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﺧﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻣﺎﺕ ،ﻭﺍﻧﺗﻬﺎء ﺑﺎﻟﻔﻧﺎﺩﻕ ﻭﺍﻻﺳﺗﻌﺩﺍﺩﺍﺕ ﺩﻳﻧﺎﻣﻳﻛﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ
TOP HOTEL PROJECTS
World’s new fashion hot spot set to open in early
2015 Palazzo Versace Dubai is set to become the new landmark of fashion branded hotels when it opens in March. This high-end luxury resort will be headed by former Burj Al Arab GM Heinrich Morio. Top Hotel Projects provide more details about high-end fashion branded hotels in the region
28 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
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ubai is ‘en vogue’. It will be even more so with the opening in March of the Palazzo Versace. This hotel is definitely going to be the new landmark of fashion hotels worldwide. The 215 luxury suites property is designed exclusively by the Italian family-driven fashion company Versace. Included are residential buildings with 169 luxury condominiums. The hotel’s GM is well-known German hotelier, Heinrich Morio. Morio was previously GM of Jumeirah Groups’ iconic Burj Al Arab property. The ambitious hotel project in Dubai’s Culture Village was launched in 2006 by a joint-venture of project developer Enshaa and the Australian Sunland Group. Incidentally, the first 200-room and suites Versace resort opened 14 years ago in Queensland, Australia at the Gold Coast. Several fashion branded hotels emphasise new
TOP HOTEL PROJECTS
features in the luxury hotel industry. Even in Dubai the fifth Bulgari resort will open in 2018. The resort project on Jumeirah Bay Island will offer 100 suites and 20 beach villas. The famous Armani hotel in World’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa is marking its fourth anniversary. This property set new benchmarks in the high-end luxury hotels category. With excellent service quality and outstanding fine dining features, it couldn’t go wrong. But not every concept comes to fruition. Carlson Rezidor hotel group lost the famous Missoni brand early this year. The Missoni hotels in Kuwait City and Edinburgh, Scotland have been rebranded. Five hotel construction projects for this fashion brand have been withdrawn worldwide. One other impressive example of best-practices in fashion branded hotels is the Ferragamo designed and driven Lungarno hotel collection in Tuscany, Italy. The contemporary design hotels are a tribute to craftsmanship in the region and to the world famous Italian fashion designer Salvatore Ferragamo.
Focus on the Omani hotel market Selection of top hotel construction projects in Oman name Anantara Resort, Al Baleed/Salalah Centara Hotel, Muscat ClubMed, Salalah Element, Muscat Fairmont The Wave, Muscat Four Seasons, Jebel Sifah Jumeirah Resort, Muscat Kempinski The Wave, Muscat Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Muscat The Maison Cheval Blanc, Al Sodah W Muscat
number of rooms 106 rooms & suites 154 366 100 290 250 312 280 220 32 350
opening date June 2015 June 2015 End of 2015 Early 2017 Early 2017 June 2016 April 2017 September 2015 Early 2017 October 2015 June 2017
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 29
GM DIARY
T
hirty-five years ago Dubai was a very different place. There was no world’s tallest building or biggest shopping complex in the form of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, while the areas now featuring the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab were still part of the ocean. There was no glittering metro system and in fact Sheikh Zayed Road was only completed in 1980. 1980, was also a seminal year in the history of Hyatt, as it heralded the first hotel for the company in the UAE, in the form of the Hyatt Regency. Fast forward to present day and Hyatt is well established in the region with five hotels in the Middle East spanning five diverse brands catering to the full spectrum of visitors and residents. While my tenure in the UAE is considerably shorter than three decades – I have been here nearly a year – I have the prestigious task of steering the next phase in Hyatt’s regional development with the opening of the new Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights – a revival of the core Hyatt Regency brand in the UAE. I love to launch hotels and take over existing properties, which may not be performing as they should, with the bulk of my experience in Russia and the Post-Soviet States. Working in places such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan was an incredible experience and a completely different challenge to what I am facing in Dubai, but there is a duality between here and the Russian speaking countries: reports speak of an estimated 35 per cent increase in their expenditure in Dubai year-on-year. With every hotel pre-opening I work on, I strive to make it better than the last. This period for me is an exciting and challenging time. The reason being you can see your efforts completely come to fruition and that brings a great sense of accomplishment. With a pre-opening, I thrive on the constant need to adapt and evolve JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 31
as the launch date gets closer and the ensuing challenge keeps me stimulated. It is also during this stage when I am planting the seeds of my future team. It is a small practice of mine to take a photograph of each team member on the day they join the pre-opening team, another on the launch day and then again one year on. It is amazing and so humbling to see how much confidence they gain along the way, grow and develop their skills. Their conviction is evident and a testament to the collaborative style of leadership I believe in. The power is in the people, and if you unleash their potential and harness it well, you have a solid foundation to deliver service excellence. You are only as good as your team and this can never be overlooked. You need to treat 32 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
them like a family and make yourself available for them. Of course you need to delegate, but you also need to empower them and engender ambition and healthy competition with their colleagues. I make sure to meet as many of them as I can throughout the day, if only for five minutes. I also ensure we take some time off to have fun and regularly organise off-site activities for the team to bond on a more personal level. I have, some might say, an unusual approach to recruitment and never dismiss people based on paper qualifications, rather I look for strong characters; someone who challenges authority in a productive way and has the confidence
I have the prestigious task of steering the next phase in Hyatt’s regional development with the opening of the new Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights – a revival of the core Hyatt Regency brand in the UAE
to suggest ideas and stick by them. I feel everyone deserves a chance and if they’ve got that spark and that energy, I will look to make it work. In terms of my day to day role as a pre-opening GM, no day is the same and there are a million different challenges and tasks which need to be addressed at any one time. You are always on the go, rarely sitting in one spot and I sometimes feel like the Energizer bunny you see on television. For me though, action is the juice! Action keeps me going so I can focus on what needs to be accomplished each day and what helps me do this is my Critical Path. It is practically like the holy book of any pre-opening GM. For Hyatt associates, our Critical Path is an online resource where all team members can log in and track
GM DIARY
their progress, while I have a bird’s eye view of each development and its status at any one time, along with deadline prompts on a weekly basis. The Critical Path enables me to map out of the process leading up the hotel opening, but for me the most vital part of this journey is you that you must know your hotel in the minutest detail. Early on in the construction phase I made a point of visiting the construction site regularly to map out the structure in my mind, so I knew where every corner and crevice was going to be. I did this without technical plans, so I could make my own plan. This became very useful when coming up against challenges and helped me visualise each individual part of the hotel. Let me share an insider tip here, when
you can draw the general hotel plan on a piece of paper, relying on your memory, you then know that you understand your property inside out! And of course there will always be challenges. Our owners are well established and very knowledgeable of the local market, so there is the added pressure to deliver on the promises and make sure the vision becomes a reality. The sheer scale of the hotel is a challenge in itself, as we’ve got 464 guest rooms and 405 private residential serviced apartments, not to mention 3,200 sq metres of meeting, bridal and events facilities including two ballrooms, 13 meeting suites and a residential style multi-event enclave. The nature of the serviced apartments has also changed as they will now be sold with the option to have Hyatt re-
rent the property for the owner. This is the first time for Hyatt in Dubai. To tackle these challenges, it is vital to utilise the online pre-opening manuals and resources / tools developed by Hyatt and combine them with talented people, as well as having great relationships with general contractors and project managers in order to make changes which make operational sense. You have to be a diplomat at times and try to please a lot of people. At the same time, you need the conviction and courage to push through a decision or a change which you know will work on an operational level, something which perhaps an outsider might not appreciate. We also have a strong commitment to a green theme within the hotel, as in plants and other flora, so this throws up certain challenges with maintaining them and providing artificial light. The F&B options have also evolved, as we identified the need to complement the market; the dining scene in Dubai is very competitive and brands can become irrelevant very quickly if not done right, so we are still developing one of the food and beverage concepts. I’m personally incredibly proud of our Nysa Spa, as this offers premium facilities not only for our guests, but for people living and working in the surrounding area as well, including a traditional Hammam, thermal zones, ladies only gym / spa facilities and private pools (for both hotels guests and the residential tower). Our 76 luxurious suites, which overlook the historic Dubai creek and stunning city skyline, are another highlight of this hotel and they are truly spectacular. Ultimately for me a successful hotel boils down to the service and this is something I emphasise to my team daily. A guest’s experience needs to be comfortable and warm, right from the flight, to their stay here and beyond, no matter what kind of traveller they are or indeed if they are just a visitor living or visiting Dubai city. I believe the service in Dubai is average to good, when it could and should be good to excellent. A hotel will never be perfect, as there will always be technical faults or human error but the one thing we can strive for is service excellence and this is something I instill in all of my team, with myself as the GM leading by example from the front. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 33
HOTEL REVIEW
Luxe city living The Jumeirah Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi is your high end luxury stop right in the centre of Abu Dhabi city. With exceptional F&B options, relaxation spot Talise Spa and Observation Deck at 300 give guests a panoramic view of the city
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he Jumeirah Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, is located right in the heart of the city right across from the corniche and five minutes away from a number of well-established hospitality destinations, yet the hotel has created a really big place for itself in the hearts and minds of its guests. The approach to the property from the corniche is by means of its own dedicated tunnel which takes you to the entrance of the hotel. When I got there, it was early Friday evening, I was received by the valets who took care of my luggage and guided me inside to reception. I have to add one
little detail which truly stood out. One of the valets took my bags and waited on the side of the reception area while I completed the check-in formalities while another valet followed close behind me to ask me if he could hold my evidently heavy hand bag for me while I checked-in. I smiled and told him I needed my wallet and other things for check-in so I’d manage. He told me he would hold it for me and stand with me! I was amused at his suggestion and simultaneously surprised by the level of service being offered by all levels of staff when it came to the comfort of their guests! This was going to be a fun stay. Check-in was smooth enough, and I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 35
HOTEL REVIEW
36 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
The Oculus Pre Function Area, Jumeirah Etihad Towers
was escorted to the lifts and up to the room. Before we move on to the next part of this review, I want to talk about the lobby. Unexpectedly spacious, with an airy voluminous atrium, with the sun streaming in from all directions with subtle background music and guests drinking coffee and taking in the charming atmosphere. The fact that this is a relatively new property adds to all the aspects and angles of this hotel. Once I was on the 36th floor where my room was, the lift opened to the very wide corridor, with pale grey walls and mirrors by the room doors as well as the most amazing carpet which looked a lot like the typical Emilio Pucci print in pale powder blue and grey abstract print. Exceptional indeed. I was shown to my room which was very beautiful. It opened up into a corridor with mirrors on the right which went into the room. It was a very big room, the wall facing the bed was complete glass and since it was the National Day weekend the city was lit up like a Queen. And from my vantage point I could see the entire corniche road plus all the lights on the buildings surrounding the property. At the end of this mirrored corridor I mentioned earlier, were the closets. Opposite the closet was the bathroom. The bathroom was unique as well. With glass doors on either side not like entering a bathroom at all. The tub was on the left and the washbasins on the right. And two separate enclosed areas at the back for the WC and shower. Amenities were larger than normal size than are usually available in hotel rooms with bath salts as well as body scrubs besides the usual shower gel, body cream etc. The room had a box of delicious welcome chocolates and exquisite stuffed dates as well. Since I had been booked for a dinner at Scott’s I went down to try that.
Dinner at Scott’s Scott’s is a high end sea food restaurant. The first sister outlet outside Mayfair London which here is outside the hotel by the beach. An on it’s own stand alone building. It was a beautiful evening to be dining at Scott’s that day. The food I ordered was griddled tiger prawns in orange and lime citrus dressing, whole seared
seabass in lemon and herb butter, chocolate and peanut butter fondant and the sticky toffee pudding. The food was fantastic. Each and every item was exceptional! Fresh, full of flavour, perfect. We were very well taken care of and all our requests were happily complied with. A truly enjoyable experience that was enhanced by the personalised service with extreme attention to detail, service with a smile, the ambience, the weather. Everything came together to make the evening very enjoyable. After dinner, since the hotel has a very glamorous fashion experience I decided to check it out. Top brands beautiful things and not too many people. The shopping area even has a tiny Waitrose for that something you might have forgotten to get along.
Lobby at Jumeirah Etihad Towers
Rosewater Restaurant, Jumeirah Etihad Towers
Breakfast at Rosewater The next morning breakfast was at Rosewater. A multi cuisine restaurant that had the most diverse items from menus from around the world. I mean regular buffet breakfasts have the egg station, the continental cuisine, the regional breakfast items as well as a few Asian options with the usual cold cuts, cheeses and jams and spreads. Rosewater had all this and Emirati breakfast, the most amazing Chinese chicken noodle clear soup, a pancake and waffle spot. What have you! It has to be said that although there were a lot of guests coming and going there was never a point where as a diner you felt that there was too much noise or a long queue at any spot. The staff, again, very personalised service and as many as the items on the menu, your request wouldn’t be missed and you were never left to feel crowded out (that there are so many people and the waiting staff is so busy you have to literally have to do something drastic to get their attention) for even a moment. Overall, I have to say that everything at Jumeirah Etihad Towers has been done better than you see at the country’s best five star hotels. There is extreme attention to detail for all guests and service comes across as personal, genuine and heartfelt. You want to go back to this hotel again and again. A truly wonderful experience.
Deluxe King Room, Jumeirah Etihad Towers Standard Deluxe Room Bathroom, Jumeirah Etihad Towers
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 37
GM INTERVIEW
38 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
GM INTERVIEW
o t d e t t i m m Co Stefan Fuchs recently took over the reins of the Jumeirah Etihad Towers from Doris Greif. With more than 15 years as a hotelier, Fuchs spoke to ThME about his agenda on how to make the gorgeous business hotel even better than it already is
J
umeirah at Etihad Towers is a luxury city hotel offering quality leisure, hospitality and gourmet experiences.“We continue to remain ahead of our competition through our dedication to personalised service, our passion and most importantly our innovation,” says Stefan Fuchs, General Manager at the property. “We understand luxury and our guests’ needs, but more importantly we also know how to pleasantly surprise our guests with small moments that make them smile. Based on this, we are able to extend our services throughout our rooms, F&B and conferencing business portfolios and provide quality experiences that are appreciated and provided with value,”he says. The formula for success is simple, it’s the implementation that provides the challenges, but it is here where Jumeirah at Etihad Towers works as a cohesive team with excellent results. The modern traveller, whether he is travelling for business or leisure, mostly needs the same things in recent years. Hence the property has services that are personalised so the delineation between business and leisure proves irrelevant as the focus is on the individual’s personal needs. Rooms and suites too are all thoughtfully designed and allow for modern personal technologies which are now equally important to both those travelling for business or leisure.“Even our award winning restaurants offer business lunches to all so even our business guests need not feel they are missing out on a midday gourmet experience, or leisure guests on a great value deal,”continues Fuchs.“In today’s modern world we don’t see any differences between the two. We are essentially a business hotel that offers excellent gourmet, retail and leisure experiences, as well as a private beach, so all the facilities are there. Guests can just pick and choose which elements of our services they wish to enjoy.” Food and beverage is a major area of focus for the property.“Jumeirah Etihad Towers is the recipient of many culinary awards and accolades. More than any other hotel in the UAE,”says Fuchs proudly.“The contribution JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 39
40 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
GM INTERVIEW
of F&B is hence a naturally important part of our business. Its contribution to our overall earnings is considerable but it remains just one element of our overall hospitality experience along with rooms and our convention centre,”he continues. “With regards to F&B initiatives it is always about understanding the needs of guests but then taking that further to excite them with new gourmet experiences. We will actually be launching a new restaurant - Ray’s Grill, which will open this month. By listening to our guests there was a strong request for a quality steak restaurant. As a result Ray’s Grill will be a contemporary, new dining concept that features the world’s premium cuts of steak cooked over a wood flavoured charcoal grill. Ray’s Grill will also offer an eclectic array of salads, seafood and innovative desserts, as well as providing some of Abu Dhabi’s most inspirational panoramic views of the capital’s skyline, Corniche, and Arabian Gulf from its Level 63 location. We have no doubt that Ray’s Grill will take the Abu Dhabi gourmet scene by storm and are very excited about it!” The property has a very busy Conference Centre and events team. The sales and event teams remain at the forefront of innovation, unique brand awareness programmes and success in securing major international conferences and events that keep the hotel and Abu Dhabi in the spotlight. This is best exemplified by the successful hosting of leading international conferences and events including: the Global Vaccine Summit, April 2013, attended by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Bill Gates, and the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon and the 13th Annual World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit held in April, 2013. The hotel also played host to the special guest speakers of the summit including former President Bill Clinton and Actress/Activist Daryl Hannah. In addition to these major international events, the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Conference Centre is consistently abuzz as the venue for many local, regional and international conferences and events. In fact, despite the recent increase in new MICE venue openings in Abu Dhabi, the property’s market share has continued
to increase due to the team’s ability to iron out the seasonality of events and provide constant demand for our luxury conference offering. A total of 708 events were held at the hotel during 2013, a 63 per cent increase on the previous year. In 2014, and only up to the month of November, a total of 1,137 events have been held at the hotel which is already a 60 per cent increase on the 2013 annual total. Weddings are also a key segment that Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ luxury surroundings lend themselves extremely well to. Weddings are also a key element in flattening the seasonality of events. In 2013, the number of weddings held at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers increased by 18 per cent compared to 2012 and by the end of 2014 we are expecting this increase to again at least equal, if not better, the 2013 achievement. Occupancy naturally has a seasonal element for any hotel in the Middle East. Nevertheless room nights at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers continues to increase on an annual average year on year with room nights for the first six months of 2014 increasing by an additional 19 per cent compared to the same period in 2013. For Jumeirah at Etihad Towers there is no such thing as an optimal occupancy percentage regarding guest experiences as the hotel prides itself on maintaining personalised and efficient service even at the most busiest of times.“Having said that however, as General Manager I always like to have a couple of rooms or suites free, as there will always be last minute accommodation requests, especially in a prominent hotel such as ours, and I never like having to turn someone away due to a lack of room availability,”adds Fuchs. Speaking of costs, from the time of the opening of the property till date, Fuchs says that the opening of a hotel always needs an expanded team as each property will always have its own unique operations that need to be developed and refined. The refinement of such operations leads to operational efficiencies and a build-up of experience and localised expertise among qualified staff. These efficiencies naturally lead to cost saving. Additionally, among staff there will always be a natural movement of some individuals to leave over time, with other staff keen to take on new responsibilities and challenges. “We encourage the self-improvement
of staff by providing extensive training for skill development, which is a cornerstone of providing further efficiencies through the development of multi-skilled staff. Staff are kept motivated, continue to learn new skills and are happy, and therefore the guest experience remains consistent, if not even improved. It’s a win-win formula for everyone,”he says. “I am extremely proud to head what I think is one of the most professional, passionate and dedicated teams in the region. Rather than me brag about them, perhaps the ability of the team is best indicated by how the industry, suppliers and guests rate them, and I think the long list of accolades and awards that we receive each year are probably the best testimony to that.” When it comes to promoting the property in the country, region and internationally, Fuchs says that the UAE and GCC are naturally important markets for the hotel.“But so are other key international markets such as the UK, Germany, France and Russia in Europe, the USA and Brazil in the Americas, China, Japan and Australia. We are not a family resort, but a luxury city hotel with its own private beach, offering luxury and gourmet experiences par excellence. As such, rather than being a hotel that is popular with a particular overseas market, we tend to be popular among an international set of urban professionals who appreciate fine craftsmanship, personalised service and luxury experiences that are welcome and bring a smile to one’s face. It’s an international social mind-set that is our market, not a particular country or region.”
We continue to remain ahead of our competition through our dedication to personalised service, our passion and most importantly our innovation,” says Stefan Fuchs, General Manager at the property
Awards in 2014 - “Best Luxury Wellness Spa in the Middle East”, World Luxury Spa Awards 2014 - “Abu Dhabi’s Leading Conference Hotel”, World Travel Awards 2014 - “Abu Dhabi’s Leading Hotel”, World Travel Awards 2014 - “Middle East’s Leading Hotel”, World Travel Awards 2014 - Abu Dhabi Gourmet Stars Awards 2014, Restaurant of the Year – Brasserie Angélique - Expedia® Insiders’ Select™ 2014 Winner - “Grand Prix of The Best Hotel in Middle East” – Prix Villegiature Awards - TimeOut Abu DhabiRestaurant of the Year – Brasserie Angélique
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 41
42 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
SUPPLIER PERSPECTIVE
Out sourced
laundry Bubble Dream Laundry launched in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, in May last year and has managed to acquire major hospitality clients such as Rotana, Accor and Starwood. It’s own facility means hotel chains no longer have to invest in an in-house laundry
J
umeirah at Etihad Towers is a luxury city hotel offering quality leisure, hospitality and gourmet experiences.“We continue to remain ahead of our competition through our dedication to personalised service, our passion and most importantly our innovation,”says Stefan Fuchs, General Manager at the property. works as a cohesive team with excellent results. Launched earlier last year in May 2014 in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, Bubble Dream Laundry is a technologically advanced and environmentally responsible commercial laundry facility predominantly established to provide quality laundry solutions for UAE’s hospitality industry. Bubble combines technology and linen inventory management systems with reliability, consistency, and provides hotels the ability to personalise their laundry according to their brand hallmarks. The laundry solutions and inventory management systems are tailored specifically to the needs of the hospitality industry. Unique as this hasn’t been done before. Currently the Bubble facility extends over 4,500 sq metres and is capable of processing well in excess of one million pieces of laundry a week. Since its inception, Bubble has won significant contracts with many leading local and international hospitality brands such as Starwood, Accor and Rotana among others. Services offered by Bubble are comprehensive and across the hotel industry to include linens and towelling. This has so far generated the greatest JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 43
SUPPLIER PERSPECTIVE
attention amongst clients. The fact that hotels are able to outsource their laundry and even brand specific linens and other necessities to another service provider takes a huge responsibility off a hotel’s shoulders. Bespoke detergent mixes and tailored presentation and folds of washed inventory based on the client’s needs add to the entire service philosophy. Within the company, Bubbles works with the highest levels of quality, stock management, health and safety, site maintenance and staff training. Technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) helps automatically track every single item from the point of collection, through the washing and packing process and back to the precise delivery point. Additionally, different packages further customise the client experience. The Sleepeasy Laundry Package is a linen inventory management and laundry service combined. It’s an all-inclusive linen rental, inventory and laundry solution providing: quality rental linen products that promote the hallmarks of the hotel’s brand; linen room management tools that reduce the amount of time spent overseeing inventory; on-time, fully automated service ensuring the right stock arrives in the right quantities at the right time and in the right place;
Bubble provides hotels the ability to personalise their laundry according to their brand hallmarks. The laundry solutions and inventory management systems are tailored specifically to the needs of the hospitality industry
44 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
elimination of stock shortages and seamless replenishment; reduction in capital expenditure; improved budget planning; elimination of expensive and time consuming procurement. This package employs cutting-edge technology whereby a radio frequency identification code (RFIC) is sewn into the seam of each piece of rented linen allowing for: - Real time information and management reports - Real time inventory and location monitoring - Automated and bespoke cleaning instructions - Real time monitoring of each item’s washing history - Automatic replenishment notification The Bubble Valet Service, provides specialised quality laundry for front of office uniforms as well as guest laundry; The Bubble Workforce services, specifically caters to the laundry needs of back of office staff uniforms. Another key point is the fact Bubble Dream is an environmentallyconsiderate operation. Hence helping assist hotels achieve their environmental goals of a smaller carbon footprint. The laundry uses less than three litres of water per kilo, while normal on premise laundries normally use 30 to 40 litres per kilo. This limits water wastage to five per cent. This will be further improved with the installation of a water recycling plant this year.
Linen management In Europe the majority of hotels and resorts rent their linen as a cost effective solution to linen wash and inventory management. This is yet to transpire in the Middle East market. A lack of a professional specialist solution in the region to provide these services is a possibility for it not being common here. The equipment at the laundry works on a direct fired gas heating system and the lighting operates on presence sensors. Computerised vehicle tracking with packing and route optimisation saves fuel and reduces traffic congestion. The trucks run on compressed natural gas with 40 per cent less smoke emissions, 25 per cent less CO2 emissions, 70 per cent less carbon monoxide, 80 per cent less nitrogen oxide and 40 per cent less noise. From the time of commencement of operations, the laundry has a new water recycling plant which recycles 95 per cent of the discharged water and reduces the overall usage of water to less that one litre of water for each kilo of work processed. Future plans include opening a completely separate facility to cater to the local healthcare industry. This neoteric unit will operate to the highest international standards including ISO 9001, BS OHSAS 18001, EN16045 and RAL accreditations; the first in the Middle East with RALG2992/1 and /2 from the Hohenstein Institute in Germany.
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IN FOCUS: MUSCAT
Named by few as “the most spectacular destination on the Arabian Peninsula”, the Sultanate of Oman offers a rare combination of geographical variety including mountains and breathtaking coastal areas. HVS Middle East explores the full potential of the country’s hospitality industry 46 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
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ocated on northeastern coast of Oman, in proximity to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Muscat is the capital and largest city in Oman, with a population estimated at 1.2 million. The economy is dominated by trade, with Mina
IN FOCUS: MUSCAT
Sultan Qaboos Port being a large hub between the Persian Gulf, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East. The main pillar of the economy is the Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the country’s second largest employer after the government. With the current strategy aiming to diversify the economy, the tourism sector is
growing its importance to the national economy, which accounted for 6.4 per cent of GDP in 2013. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s forecast, this was expected to increase by 9.4 per cent in 2014 and is expected to reach a total contribution to GDP of 8.2 per cent by 2024. Driven by the country’s 2020 Vision, considerable
growth in arrivals is projected over the next years, leaving Oman in preparation to accommodate the increased demand by launching new hospitality developments.
Economic overview Oman’s economy shows steady GDP growth over the next four years, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 47
at over 3.8 million as of February 2013, of which 1.7 million represent expatriates. This is expected to increase by 19 per cent, reaching 4.3 million by 2016. The forecast growth will represent mainly additional expatriate arrivals in the country, on the back of ongoing mega-projects especially in the infrastructure and hospitality sector.
with average GDP growth forecast at 3.9 per cent between 2014 and 2018. With the authorities actively pursuing a strategy aimed to diversify the economy, which is primarily dependent on oil and gas (accounting for 72 per cent of GDP in 2013), the government policy is geared towards developing non-oil sectors, along with the country’s infrastructure such as railways and ports. Oman’s economic future is steadily leading to growth by the 2020 Vision and subsequent Five-Year Plans, of which the first was launched in 1976. The reform based on the aforementioned plans
Major projects and developments Driven by the goals set in the 2020 Vision, the country is witnessing a transformation with major mixed-
VISION 2020 MAIN GOALS
Al Nakheel City The recently announced “Al Nakheel City” project is being developed by Alargan International Real Estate and is estimated to cost approximately USD$500 million. The project is located in the Abu Al Nakheel Area, behind Al-Naseem Park and will be developed as an Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC), featuring residential and hospitality components, as well as a manmade lagoon.
Saraya Bandar Jissah Spreading over 2.2 sq kilometre, the USD$600 million project represents
Megaprojects by sector
Source: MEED 20
promotes a diversified economy through development and increased competitiveness, on the back of the authorities investing in key sectors, while attempting to attract private and foreign investments. Within this welldefined strategy, tourism constitutes a key component, with firm measures being taken in order to develop its importance to the national economy. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s forecast, this is expected to increase by 9.4 per cent in 2014 and is expected to reach a total contribution to GDP of 8.2 per cent by 2024.
Demographics As a consequence of the development of the country, the ongoing megaprojects and Oman’s dependence on imported skills, the country is witnessing an influx of expatriates. The population is currently estimated 48 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
Driven by the goals set in the 2020 Vision, the country is witnessing a transformation with major mixed-used developments currently in planning or under construction
used developments currently in planning or under construction. The real estate and infrastructure projects in in Oman scheduled to be completed by 2022 are estimated to be worth in excess of US$112 billion.
Omagine Following the development agreement signed on October 2nd 2014 with the government of the Sultanate of Oman, Omagine LLC will design, develop and operate the mixeduse Omagine Project. The project is located approximately six kilometers from Muscat International Airport and spreads over one million sq metres of beachfront land including cultural, entertainment, residential, retail, commercial and hospitality components. The estimated cost of the project is approximately USD$2.5 billion. The construction schedule is yet to be released.
the first integrated tourism complex launched in the sultanate after seven years. The unique mixed-use development is located in eastern Muscat, nestled in a valley surrounded by the Al Hajar Mountains. Promoted as “Oman’s newest luxury address”, the development will offer 398 residential units, two beachfront, fivestar hotels and recreational facilities. We note that construction is currently ongoing and the first phase is set for completion by 2017.
GCC Railway The GCC Railway is an initiative of the all Gulf Cooperative Council nations and is meant to link the six states together. The railway will be 2,200 kilometres long and will span from Oman to Kuwait, passing through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. With each of the GCC countries developing their own
IN FOCUS: MUSCAT
sections of the railway, the project is expected to be completed by 2017.
Oman Railway The Oman Railway company is currently developing a local transport system spanning over 2,235 kilometres. The Oman Railway project is part of the plan to connect Oman to other GCC countries with the local project consisting of three packages. Phase 1 comprises of the railway connecting Sohar Port to the UAE border, phase 2 will include a 139 km link between Sohar and Salalah, while phase 3 includes the construction of a railway between Thumrait and the Yemeni border. The project is expected to be completed by 2018.
out of 148 participant countries. This positions the Sultanate’s tourism competitiveness fourth in the MENA region, after the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and ahead of other well-established tourist destinations such as Turkey, Thailand or Italy. The growing tourism sector benefits from a sum of strengths including a safe and secure environment, good tourism infrastructure, unique geographical offerings and good transportation infrastructure. Capitalizing on its unique offerings, Muscat manages to successfully compete with wellestablished destinations within
and expansion work, which were expected to be completed by the end of 2014 and will increase the handling capacity to 12 million passengers annually. Further expansions are planned in three subsequent phases that will ultimately boost the airport’s annual capacity to 24 million, 36 million and 48 million passengers, respectively.
The Wave Spread along a stunning 6 km stretch of Muscat’s coastline, this world-class Integrated Tourism Complex comprises a group of luxury
Muscat Market Perform ANCE 2013
Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre Announced in 2009, the project spreads over 2 million square meters and consists of four phases. Phase 1 is further divided into five packages including the convention center, exhibition halls, two hotels and part 1 of the Business District. Phase 2 includes part 2 of the Business District, a hotel and serviced apartments. Phase 3 will include a hotel and serviced apartments and part 3 of the Business District, while phase 4 will include the remaining portion of the Business District and a mosque. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
Sultan Qaboos Sports Academy Located in Muscat and estimated to cost approximately USD$81 million, the Sports Academy is designed to house a 60 m and 200 m indoor running track, an indoor aquatic training center with Olympic-size swimming and diving pools, including spectator stands for 1,000 people, a 3,000-seat outdoor tennis stadium with a roof structure, football fields, a 400 m athletics track, a tennis stadium, beach volleyball courts, a gymnasium, a sports medicine center, a sports science facility and laboratories. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.
Muscat International Airport Muscat International Airport is undergoing extensive renovations
Source: HVS Research
residential properties including villas, townhouses and apartments, commercial units, retail and dining facilities and Oman’s only signature designed PGA-standard 18-hole golf course, designed by Greg Norman. The Wave, Muscat is also home to the 400 berth Almouj Marina, Oman’s largest private yachting hub. The next phase of development will see four luxury hotels and a 50-unit retail area at the marina village that will form the commercial and leisure hub of the community. The completion date for the entire development is expected by the end of 2015.
The tourism sector in regional context Testament to the constantly increasing importance, according to the 2013-2014 World Economic Forum index on travel, Oman’s tourism competitiveness ranked 33
Testament to the constantly increasing importance, according to the 2013-2014 World Economic Forum index on travel, Oman’s tourism competitiveness ranked 33 out of 148 participant countries
regions, achieving the highest regional RevPAR after Dubai, Jeddah and Riyadh.
The tourism sector in national economy context With sustained growth reported over preceding years, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the direct contribution of travel and tourism to the GDP in 2013 was roughly US$2,555 million, representing 3 per cent of the total GDP. This achievement is expected to be outperformed in 2014, with forecast growth of 10.2 per cent, equal to US$2,816 million. This will trend upwards on average by 5.4 per cent per annum to US$4,768 million by 2024 and will account for 3.9 per cent of the total GDP. In terms of total contribution of travel and tourism, a growth of 9.4 per cent is forecast in 2014 equal to US$5,651 million. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 49
IN FOCUS: MUSCAT
Similar to the direct contribution, however more than double, the total tourism contribution to GDP is estimated to ramp up at a rate of 5.5 per cent per annum, accounting for US$10,760 million by 2024, equaling 8.2 per cent of GDP. On the back of the economic development and the uniqueness of Oman’s landscape and culture, the country manages to attract both corporate and leisure visitation. In 50 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
2013, business spending accounted for 35 per cent out of the travel and tourism contribution to GDP, while the remaining balance was attributed to leisure spending. What remains a particular characteristic of the country’s tourism sector is the relatively high domestic spending, which accounted for 54 per cent of tourism spending in 2013. Analytically, the sustained growth in GDP contribution is an indication
of the continuous health of the overall economy in Oman. While the direct contribution reflects performance levels and revenues generated by the hospitality sector, the total contribution represents the auxiliary industries and sectors that benefit from the tourism sector. As demand increases, additional hotels will need to be designed, constructed, and operated, resulting in increased employment, a robust construction
IN FOCUS: MUSCAT
On the back of the economic development and the uniqueness of Oman’s landscape and culture, the country manages to attract both corporate and leisure visitation. In 2013, business spending accounted for 35 per cent out of the travel and tourism contribution to GDP will increase the handling capacity to 12 million passengers annually. Further expansions are planned in three subsequent phases that will ultimately boost the airport’s annual capacity to 24 million, 36 million and 48 million passengers, respectively.
Visitation by source country
industry, and an increased need for residential communities to support the expatriate growth necessary to operate these hotels. Evidently, growth in one sector transcends into additional sectors.
Airport statistics As with the majority of international airports in the region, passenger movements declined in 2008 as a result of the global economic
recession. Following the regional trend, Muscat rebounded rapidly, with passenger movements growing by 9.6 per cent in 2013. Year-to-July 2014 data indicates that passenger traffic increased further by 7 per cent in the first seven months when compared to the same period last year. Muscat International Airport is undergoing extensive renovations and expansion work, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2014 and
The primary source of visitation to Muscat originates from Europe, followed by Oman and the GCC, which together constitute roughly 44 per cent of the total visitation. A significant portion of GCC demand originates from the United Arab Emirates, with visitation facilitated by travel over land to Muscat, often perceived as a weekend destination. Among the European source markets, the United Kingdom continues to deliver the highest number of visitors to Muscat, reflecting an increased relevance of this market, especially to hospitalityrelated projects. In 2013, 133,529 visas were issued to British nationals, representing a 10 per cent increase year-on-year. Following authorities’ efforts to promote the Sultanate as an Indian wedding destination, backed by the possibility for Indian nationals investing in ITC projects to obtain permanent residency in the country, India holds the highest number of visas issued in 2013, at almost double the UK visas. This represents a 10 per cent year-on-year increase. Total visitation to Oman increased at a 5.2 per cent compound annual rate between 2010 and 2013, while similar growth is forecast for subsequent years. With Omani authorities focusing on developing JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 51
scheduled to enter the market in the next years, the operators prefer to act cautiously and closely monitor market dynamics. Enhanced government efforts to achieve the 2020 Vision goals, backed by the completion of major demand generators such as the Convention Centre, should relieve somewhat the pressure generated by supply growth overpowering the demand growth.
further demand, efforts have been intensified and geared towards achieving the 12 million tourist goal set in the national 2020 Vision.
Seasonality With the hotel market generally benefiting from stronger occupancy during the first, second and fourth quarter, Muscat exhibits a rather typical seasonality, following the structure pervasive throughout the Middle East and determined primarily by weather conditions. The highest level of occupancy is observed from November to March, with occupancy traditionally exhibiting a trough between July and September due to the extreme heat and weaker demand during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Nonetheless, the moving impact of Ramadan will gradually observe trough periods shift into previous peak periods, thereby impacting trough periods in the near- to mid-term.
Key performance indicators The hotel sector in Muscat has recorded positive performance over the last three years, with a visible impact on the economy. As a consequence, aside from travel & tourism accounting for 6.4 per cent of GDP, it has also provided 72,000 jobs in 2013, with a growth forecast of up to 116,000 jobs by 2024. Year-to-date figures for September 2014 reveal a similar positive trend, with market wide branded hotels occupancy within the range of approximately 65 per cent, two percentage points above same time last year performance. In terms of average rate, the branded hotel market is witnessing a 4 per cent year-on-year growth, reaching US$223, evidence that demand growth in 2014 is not slowing down when compared to 2013. Given that four months of low season are included in this partial results, the performance indicators are not entirely indicative of the year-end performance, as occupancy and ADR are expected to trend upwards driven by the upcoming high season. Furthermore, the delay in opening hotels initially scheduled to open by the end of 2014 will serve to further improve market performance indicators. With over 5,000 new branded rooms 52 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
Hotel market demand Currently perceived as an undersupplied market, especially considering limited international branded hotels, Muscat is underway to implement a strategy meant to ensure a sustainable hotel sector, addressing both the supply challenge, as well as creating the infrastructure and demand generators required by a healthy tourism industry. Intensified authority efforts to strengthen and diversify the demand generators are vital, especially when considering the approximately 5,000 branded hotel rooms scheduled to enter the market in the next four years. Currently the hotel market demand emanates primarily from commercial and government segments, accounting for 42 per cent of the overall demand. Extended-stay demand follows suit at 27 per cent,
The primary source of visitation to Muscat originates from Europe, followed by Oman and the GCC, which together constitute roughly 44 per cent of the total visitation. A significant portion of GCC demand originates from the United Arab Emirates
Hotel Market Segmentation
Source: HVS Research
on the back of a lack of high quality residential accommodation available in the market. This translates further into a particular characteristic of the Muscat hotel market, currently severely undersupplied with serviced apartments. As such, hotels tend to capture a considerable amount of extended-stay demand. With Muscat International Airport continuing to undergo extensive renovations and expansion work. According to Oman Airport Management Company S.A.O.C. (OAMC), the new terminal at Muscat International Airport is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014 (although our research indicates that as of October 2014 the work is 70 per cent complete) and will have the capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually. Further expansions planned in three subsequent phases will ultimately boost the airport’s annual capacity to 24, 36 and 48 million passengers when the demand is required. Such initiatives, complemented by efforts from the Ministry of Tourism, are expected to boost corporate and leisure visitation to Muscat year-onyear. Similarly, the much awaited completion of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre by the the end of 2016 is expected to boost MICE demand, currently accounting for a mere 8 per cent of overall demand.
Supply and pipeline As a result of the growing economy, paired with goals set in the 2020 Vision, the tourism sector is about to witness a major transformation. In order to become a key economic sector, the authorities are targeting major investments in hotel industry. The travel and tourism investment in 2013 alone was USD$662 million and is expected to rise by 6.7 per cent per annum over the next ten years to USD$1,420 million by 2024. Much of this investment has been geared towards developing new hospitality projects. Within this strategy, USD$14.7 million has been allocated to Omran for further tourism development. As previously mentioned, the Muscat hotel market is currently witnessing an undersupply in terms
IN FOCUS: MUSCAT
of internationally branded hotels, with only seven five-star and five four-star branded hotels available today in Muscat. A more stringent undersupply challenge is the lack of high quality serviced-apartments in the market capable of catering to the increasing demand. Over the last two years minimal new supply has been introduced into the market. In 2013 alone, only the Holiday Inn Muscat brought 174 new rooms, increasing the branded supply from 2,994 rooms to 3,168. The overall supply available in Muscat counts approximately 7,600 rooms, which is expected to increase by 100 per cent in the coming four-to-five years, provided that no further delays occur. On the back of limited branded supply available, the international hotel operators in Muscat are scarce, with only seven players capitalizing on their presence. The highest number of rooms in the market is managed by Shangri-La, within the well-renowned Bar Al Jissah Complex. This is followed by InterContinental Hotel Group, currently being the only operator with three different brands available in the market: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. With the upcoming supply scheduled to be introduced into the market, major international players will establish a presence including Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Millennium and Copthorne Hotels, Kempinski Hotels, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Jumeirah Group, to name only a few.
Maximum supportable investments In order to provide the maximum supportable investment for various asset classes in Muscat, several assumptions were taken into consideration. In all scenarios, the assumed opening date of the asset(s) is January 2014. Inflationary rates utilized in the various scenarios pertain to the consumer price inflation recorded in Muscat, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit as at September 2014. Ultimately, the asset(s) assume a ‘wet’ operation in
that service of alcoholic beverages is permitted. Additional assumptions are highlighted in the Asset Class Assumption Table. In addition to the highlighted assumptions, capitalization rates utilized in order to calculate the supportable investment figures range between 9.0 per cent and 11.0 per cent, whilst equity yields factored into consideration vary between 16.0 per cent and 17.0 per cent. In all cases, the loan to value ratio is 60 per cent, while the holding period and the amortization assumed were 10 years and 20 years, respectively. With this in mind, presented in the adjacent tables are the maximum supportable investments for the three-star, the four-star and the five-star categories as estimated in Muscat HVS estimates of the maximum supportable investment include the cost of land in the overall development cost and the development cost per key. While it is possible that maximum supportable investments may reach these indicated levels, it is plausible that development costs may fall under these levels. With that said, it is equally possible that development costs may exceed these estimates, and we emphasize that no investment decision ought to be made without first consulting industry specialists.
Outlook
Oman in Figures 309,500 square kilometers land area 3.83 million population, including 1.68 million expatriates US$50 billion worth of development projects planned for the next few years. US$15 billion estimated cost for the 2,250 km of railway network in Oman 945,000 barrels per day oil production in 2014 37.2 billion cubic meters gas production in 2013 US$41,853 GDP per capita in 2013 US$79,656 million Nominal GDP in 2013 US$1.5 billion foreign direct investments A and A1 Oman credit rating by Standard&Poor and Moody’s, evidence of a stable economy 116 branded and unbranded hotels in Muscat, totaling 7,633 available rooms 7 five-star branded hotels in Muscat 5 four-star branded hotels in Muscat 8.3 million passenger movements at Muscat International Airport in 2013 12 million visitors targeted by 2020, up from 2.1 million visitors in 2013 45 destinations worldwide serviced by Oman Air US$388 million hotel revenue generated during 2013, representing 11 per cent year-on-year growth US$662 million investment in tourism in 2013 with an 11.7 per
After reaching the milestone of US$1 billion revenue generated in 2012, Oman’s tourism sector has much to look forward to in the upcoming years, particularly with the development of major projects such as the Omagine, The Wave, Jebel Sifah, Muscat Hills and Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Stable, long-term growth also looks particularly promising for Muscat International Airport, the regional hub for Oman Air, which is expected to expand its capacity to approximately 48 million passengers in the upcoming years. Cristina Zegrea is an Associate with the HVS Dubai Office. Hala Matar Choufany is the Managing Director of HVS Dubai and is responsible for the firm’s valuation and consulting work in the Middle East and North Africa. -www.hvs.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 53
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Skincare science Dr Dennis Gross’s exceptional skincare
Beautiful radiant skin
An Aromatherapy Associates’ facial
Winter skin
The right products
I Dr Dennis Gross’s product line is steadily gaining consumer confidence ever since its launch. With many new formulations on the way for the future, this dermatologistcreated brand seems to have answers to almost all the common skin care concerns 56 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
f you’ve used any Dr Dennis Gross (DDG) product, you’ll know straight away as to how effective they are in what they claim to deliver. Dr Dennis Gross, founder of the brand and recognised NYC dermatologist, has revolutionised the science of skincare. Skin, the largest organ of the body, is the first to show signs of both external and internal health. The quality and scope of his education and research inspired a passion within him to fight the deadly epidemic of skin cancer. During his early years as a dermatologist in NYC, Dr Gross would spend hours “in the field”conducting free skin cancer screenings in and around NYC, educating the public about this life-threatening disease. In addition to disease prevention, Dr Gross also saw a need to reverse sun damage, the number one cause of aging and wrinkles. He began educating his patients about the importance of sun protection - not only for melanoma prevention, but as a beauty treatment. Research as well as thorough clinical/consumer testing is the backbone of the brand. Dr Gross says, “I evaluate data from around the world to decide what ingredients to
BRAND FEATURE
use. Every formulation is unique. My goal is to use cutting-edge technology in all of my products and to serve my patients-and the consumer-by filling any voids that exist in the market. You may not be able to visit a dermatologist everyday, but you can use the same formulas I use.” Multiple, concentrated ingredients instilled into each formula alleviate various concerns, fight ageing and repair. High concentrations of vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals (natural ingredients) enhance penetration and performance. DDG also has the only skincare line with an exclusive chelating complex™ to detoxify skin from free radicals found in water. Formulas are multifunctional, gender neutral and benefit all skin types and ages. Many products achieve more than one purpose, such as a cleanser that doubles as a toner and makeup remover. After seeing the harsh, irritating effects of chemical peels in the 1990s, Dr Gross began designing his own formulas based on natural and gentle ingredients for optimum skin health. The result was the iconic Alpha Beta Peel, using Alpha and Beta hydroxy acids. The popularity of this led to the creation of the at-home version.
“Our approach to business is guided by our commitment to the following guiding principles: integrity, quality, transparency, environmental awareness, and continuous improvement,” says Dr Gross. The DDG skincare range is also cruelty free and PETA appreciates and recognises the company’s commitment to remaining crueltyfree.“As proud member’s of PETA’s Caring Consumer Project, we assure our customers that animal tests are neither conducted nor commissioned for our products, formulations, or ingredients. With 37 products already in the market, the brand has six main product categories – peels, glow, daily essentials, targetted treatments, acne solutions and clinical haircare. Specific range/products are introduced based on what would work best for a particular region/country. For instance the concerns most common to the region are acne, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. A majority of those residing in the Middle East especially the UAE are expats from all across the globe with skin problems that further get heightened due to the harsh climate. But the main skin concerns JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 57
58 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
BRAND FEATURE
Consumer results of DDG’s best sellers Alpha Beta Daily Peel (see illustration for before and after) Visible improvement in: Firmness and Radiance – 92% Minmized Pores – 88% Skin Tone and Spot Reduction – 82% Makeup Application and Long Wear – 96% Increased Hydration – 86% - 100% agreed the formula was gentle and fit easily into their regular beauty routine - 96% users reported their skin looked more youthful and glowing Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum 93% agreed that the fine lines around the eyes diminished after 3 weeks of using. 92.9% noticed an improved in texture around the eye area in just 2 week. 84.6% agreed that the product appeared to brighten their entire eye area, creating a more youthful-looking appearance after 3 weeks of use.
Ferulic + Retinol triple correction eye serum (Targetted Treatments) In 2015 the products lined up to launch include: Clinical Booster Serums, Hyaluronic Moisture Cushion, Color Smart and Mask The Alpha Beta range continues to be the best-selling range from the brand globally and in the region. The Hydra-Pure range is quite popular for its much needed moisturising properties. It’s main ingredient, the proprietary chelating complex – a blend of detoxifying compounds that protect skin from harmful elements – this cream restores, purifies, and guards against dryness, dullness, redness, and aging. The range / products that are fast gaining popularity in this region are: Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask, a dermatologist formulated mask that clarifies the skin by absorbing excess oil and acne-causing bacteria. This acne medication treats acne, blackheads, and larger pores with
High concentrations of vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals (natural ingredients) enhance penetration and performance
*Results based on consumer study
colloidal sulfur, absorbs excess oil with bentonite and calms redness and irritation with prickly pear; Ferulic Acid and Retinol Brightening Solution and Eye Serum: the latest breakthrough in Retinol research. This professional strength solution is formulated with naturally derived actives that combat all types of uneven skin tone and dull skin. Together Ferulic Acid and Retinol are proven to decrease the hyperactive production of pigment. Formulated with multiple actives, the formula also helps to reduce and fade dark spots resulting from photo-aging, hyperpigmentation, hormonal changes and blemish scars. The brand was introduced in Dubai by Spa Resources International in 2008. Spa Resources International (SRI), is a Dubai-based distribution company supplying international spa and skin care brands (including Elemis, Dr Dennis Gross and bliss) to spas, wellness centres, salons and retailers (in-store and online) across Middle East and Africa (MENA).
Training experienced by residents are centred on sun exposure, environmental and lifestyle damage including: pigmentation, ageing, dehydration and acne. The main products introduced in the Middle East in 2014 were: CC Cream with SPF 18 (Daily skincare) hydra-pure™ vitamin c brightening serum (Daily Essentials) Alpha Beta Daily Glow Moisture (Peel, Glow) Sheer Mineral Sun Spray SPF 50 (Glow) One-step Acne Eliminating Pads (Acne Solutions) Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask (Acne Solutions) Ferulic + Retinol Brightening Solution (Targetted Treatments) BEST SELLERS AROUND THE WORLD
BEST SELLERS IN MIDDLE EAST
Alpha Beta Peels(Original and Extra Strength)
Alpha Beta Peels(Original and Extra Strength)
Ferulic and Retinol Eye Serum
Hydra Pure Eye Cream
Ferulic and Retinol Eye Cream
Hydra-Pure Vitamin C
Ferulic Acid and Retinol Brightening Solution.
Hydra-Pure Firming Serum
Alpha Beta Glow Pad
Hydra-Pure Smart Spray
Clarifying and Colloidal Sulphur
SRI provides ongoing training programmes to more than 300 trainees every year from different spa and wellness centres throughout the MENA region. Our trainers hold internationally accredited qualifications - CIDESCO, CIBTAC, ITEC and BABTAC, and are highly knowledgeable and experienced. The training team is dedicated to providing an unprecedented level of expertise through on-going well structured educational programmes including: Product usage and treatments application Perfection in customer care Spa etiquette Retail sales and commercial awareness, ordering, merchandising and promoting seasonal campaigns techniques Customer and media event management support SRI’s trainers travel and conduct specifically tailored training sessions to specific markets in the region.“Our extensive experience in various types of spa and wellness centres empowers our trainers to become the most talented, experienced, inspiring and knowledgeable educators,” says, Joan Nguyo, Training Co-ordinator, SRI. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 59
SPA REVIEW
Beautiful, radiant skin
The Spa at the Ritz Carlton DIFC is tucked away on the higher floors of the property. Not only is it expectedly beautiful, it is expansive, opulent with clean wide spaces, lots of privacy and all the needs you could possibly have looked after. Add to that the most exceptional facial – The Aromatherapy Associates Aroma Radiance facial – a winning combination The Aromatherapy Associates Aroma Radiance Facial at the Ritz Carlton DIFC The spa at the Ritz Carlton DIFC is expansive and private. Once inside the spa, you kind of forget the hustle bustle of the location you’re in. The mother of pearl glazed walls, marble floors all give off a very opulent feel, add to that the floor to ceiling glazed glass walls, flower petals everywhere as well as total privacy all equal to making you want to do this more often. The morning I went to the spa, there were hardly any other guests there that day. The therapists were extremely attentive. I had arrived exactly on time for the appointment and ideally you are advised to get to the spa at least 30 minutes before your treatment time in order to prepare the skin for the treatment by the recommended use of the sauna and steam room and since I was unable to come earlier, the lady at reception led me to the changing area and then took me to wait for my therapist in the 60 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
relaxation room. My therapist came almost immediately and asked me to spend some time in the steam and sauna room after removing my makeup so that the skin would be at its optimum best to receive the treatment by the Aromatherapy machine as well as the creams used in the procedure. After spending around 20 minutes in the sauna and steam room, I was escorted to the treatment room. The therapist discussed the entire process of the
facial, she explained how the machine would be used and how regular treatments would improve moisture levels of the skin. We started off with a thorough cleanse and tone of the face using the Rose cleanser and the Rose Tonic. Instead of exfoliation the therapist used a gel based in salt with a negative current using the machine. This desincrustation is a process of dissolving the dead skin cells and debris on the surface of the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin). Skin care therapists often use disincrustation liquid or solution before they do extractions to open the pores and have better results from the facial. This was followed by a three step Rose Hydrating mask which has circulation, drainage and lifting workout movements. The machine has an effect of giving the skin a workout. After this the therapist applied the Vitamin C cream for brightness along with the bio electrical gel using the machine this provides the skin with intense micro hydration. After this she applied the Instant Firming Rose serum followed by the overnight repair mask. Left on for around eight to 10 minutes this isn’t removed completely as she applied some more serum to the skin and followed it with a high frequency current using the machine to close the pores which were open. The last step was the application of the nourishing oil followed by the triple moisture firming eye cream and lip balm. The facial leaves the skin feeling fresh, looking sparkling clean and hydrated for days. My face looked cleaner with plumped hydrated skin. Very recommended.
UNWIND
Y A D O T E IB
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE 05
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Promoting natural skincare Susan Gorman founder of Sarum Trading has over 18 years of experience in the wellness industry. Having previously opened the first organic spa in Hong Kong, Gorman has managed to bring a portfolio of premium natural skincare brands to the region. ThW spoke to her about the regional wellness business 62 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
How has the wellness industry evolved ever since you set up Sarum? Sarum was established in 1999 and today the result of our work is 13 of the world’s most premium natural skincare brands - Sodashi, Neom, Suki, Daisy, Elemental Herbology, Supergoop!, Omorovicza, Childs Farm, LittleBu, Sundari and Red Flower among others are now available at exclusive hotel spas and resorts in the GCC, Maldives, Seychelles, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Education around natural ingredients and skincare regimes is one of the company’s main priorities. A dedicated
SUPPLIER PORTFOLIO
demand for relaxation services is on the rise. As business trips, lifestyles and busy schedules are ever increasing, evidently there has become more of a need to provide these services to guests. As a result of the increase in demand for spa services, we are seeing more and more hotels and resorts offering deluxe spa facilities. Each spa has a unique feel and look thus providing a unique spa experience. For Sarum, this means an increase in demand for spas to offer a natural, chemical free treatment option to it’s to guests. An organic or natural alternative has become a popular choice among tourists as education surrounding the benefits of these products has increased.
training team ensures that all personnel and partner accounts are thoroughly equipped with the necessary expertise surrounding product knowledge, ingredient properties and professional techniques unique to each of the brands. Sarum has received several awards for service excellence including the title of “Best Hotel Partner”at this year’s Middle East Hotel Awards ceremony. Sarum’s accounts include the renowned Burj Al Arab, Emirates Airlines Private Jets and First Class business lounge, Atlantis - The Palm, Anantara - Banana Island, Doha and the recently opened Four Seasons Hotel in Dubai to name a few.
Why did you feel the need to establish your company? What was lacking? Prior to the establishment of Sarum, there was a minor demand across the Middle East for natural and organic skincare products as this was not a commonly known notion to the region. Education and knowledge surrounding the benefits of natural skincare alternatives was not widely known at the time. This played a large contributing factor to the lack in demand. Gorman recognised that there was a limited amount of organic skincare offerings available in the Middle East and saw the need to introduce natural alternatives to synthetic skincare selections to the region. The region is attracting tourists in a big way. How will business improve? An increase in construction is notable in the cities as the build up to the 2020 Expo draws nearer. With this in mind, there are a number of luxurious new hotels and resorts being established in the region. As building sites continue to rise at a rapid rate, we are seeing even established four star hotels now adding on a spa facility to their properties as the increased
How mature is the wellness market in the country and region? What is lacking, what needs to improve, what needs to be streamlined? Although education and training in the areas of all things natural and organics is on the rise in the region, there is still a noticeable need for further guidance around the benefits of chemical free natural skincare and wellness products in the GCC. As a company, Sarum’s core vision is to support this need by facilitating awareness and education around ethically sourced ingredients and natural skincare products alike. To support this vision, the company offers a specialised training department that caters to all our partners in industry. Environmentally sustainable programmes are also implemented as part of the core training curriculum. When launching a new spa, what are the things done from your end to support the brand you promote? When launching one of Sarum’s brands at a new property, the marketing team works very closely with the client to develop a spa offering that is unique to the property. Our training department spends a lot of time educating therapists and relevant personnel in the areas of brand and product knowledge. Nearer to the time of launch, Sarum’s public relations and marketing department works closely with that of the property, to conceptualise and plan a tailored launch event. The company is proud to have recently launched its prestigious brands at the renowned Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain as well as the brand new Four Seasons Hotel Resort and Spa in Dubai. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 63
Winter JANE IREDALE JUST KISSED, AED 119: This is just the product for all the dry chapped lips out there this winter season. A sheer lipstick that keep lips moisturised, hydrated. Plus is you wear is with foundation lasts long too. Available at select stores.
Come winter and you instantly get tight, itchy skin all over. Here we have a few essential products that will help tide over that taut feeling. All of these products are created with an immense amount of research and development so as to produce the best pot of cream for your skin. Enjoy!
ELEMIS SKIN NOURISHING MILK BATH, 400ML, AED 350: Although the name suggests that this can be used in the bath, personally I feel it is great used on its own. However just three capfuls makes your bath the most amazingly luxurious spot in your home. A must-have this winter time! Available at select stores.
JUNE JACOBS INTENSIVE AGE DEFYING HYDRATING COMPLEX SPF 25: Sun protection and moisturising cream in one, this lightweight cream does not weigh down the face when topped with other products and make-up. Absorbs immediately into skin leaving no traces of being there. Extremely effective. Available at select stores. 64 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
COMFORT ZONE EVERYDAY MILK, 200ML, AED 189: A creamy, luxurious, thick cleansing milk that removes all traces of make up. You only need a little. Skin is left feeling clean and moisturised. Does not dry out at all. Ingredients such as almond oil and karite butter give this cleanser an exceptional feel. Available at select stores.
MURAD RAPID DERMALOGICA COLLAGEN SPECIAL INFUSION, 30ML, CLEANSING GEL, 250ML, AED 149: AED 395: Every once in a while Once you use there comes this superlative a product that product, there’s no looking back. really excites with its results. This Nothing else is that product. will give skin Within hours that clean, fresh of application feeling. This is skin is plumper, one of those smoother! The skin products you will fall in love with will think about replacing before this fabulous, light weight, miracle. they get over! www.murad-uae. Available at com 04-2981212 select stores
INSTITUT ESTHEDERM EAU CELLULAIRE SPRAY 100ML, AED 126: The Institut Esthederm Cellular Water Spray is a luxurious moisturising energy boost to the skin whether you use it on a clean face or on top of make up. The contents of this water is similar in composition to the water in our skin, hence enhancing and energising. The skin looks vibrant and fresh. Available at select stores.
PRODUCTS SHOWCASE
DR DENNIS GROSS HYDRA PURE SMART SPRAY, AED 93: Detoxifying, hydrating, antiageing. This spray is a refreshing boost to you skin care regimen. You can see an immediate improvement to skin texture. Can be used before or after make-up morning and night or whenever. Available at select stores. ELEMIS PRO COLLAGEN SUPER SYSTEM, AED 1,300: As the name suggests, this 30-day skin rejuvenating system of serum, mask and cream, is a sure fire way to look your best for life. Each part of this the serum, the day and night cream and the weekly mask work together to effectively boost the skin to look its best If there was one gift to treat yourself with, this is it! Worth every penny. Available at select stores. COMFORT ZONE ACTIVE PURENESS TONIC, 200ML, AED 194: This tonic is like a saviour for oily skin. The fresh scent, astringent reduces pore size, keeps oiliness away, purifies and re balances skin. Available at select stores.
DERMALOGICA ANTIOXIDANT HYDRAMIST, 150ML, AED 189: Whether you’re wearing make-up or not, this refreshing moistureboosting pick-me-up surely brightens the day. It’s literally like a drink of water for the skin. Especially in the drying winter weather. Available at select stores.
DERMALOGICA DAILY MICROFOLIANT, 75GM, AED 245: For a faultless skin care routine, the microfoliant makes its place on your counter and in your heart. Micro granules of extreme care provide a squeaky clean face clear of all impurities. A musthave! Available at select stores.
MURAD BLACKHEAD AND PORE CLEARING DUO, AED 220: This is an action-packed duo - the Blackhead Remover, a claybased mask coupled with the Pore Refining Sealer. These two, give instant results! Once you realise your blackhead are gone, there’s no going back. The only problem is the sealer finishes too soon! www.murad-uae.com, 04-2981212 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 65
CLARINS SHAPING FACIAL LIFT, AED 303: This is a highly researched, cult product that has been a customer favourite ever since its launch in 1999. This is a facial contouring products that makes the face slimmer by draining excess fluid and fats from the face while making the face firm. A few massage storkes are recommended with the use of this serum. A true cult product! You’ve got to try it to believe what this does. Available at select stores.
BLISS FABULIPS TREATMENT KIT, AED 207: Yes you read that right. This is a much-needed TLC for your lips. The kit has four unique products to refresh (Foaming lip cleanser); retexturise (Sugar lip scrub); rejuvenate (Instant lip plumper and replenish (Softening lip balm). A complete care solution for chapped, winter lips. Available at select stores. DERMALOGICA INTENSIVE EYE REPAIR, AED 209: A week into using this eye cream, you see a reduction in fine lines, no more under eye puffiness as well as a reduction in dark circles. Yes all three. Extremely effective and nourishing. Available at select stores.
COMFORT ZONE RENIGHT RECOVER CREAM, 50ML, AED 414: A miracle in a bottle. This cream gives you results the next morning. Skin is somehow younger looking, more together, with this velvet like sheen that screams of wellness and youth! If you have to buy yourself an effective cream, this is the one! Available at select stores.
66 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
JUNE JACOBS PAPAYA PURIFYING SHOWER GEL: A fresh, papaya scented shower gel that encapsulates the exfoliating and regenerating qualities of the fruit, leaving you feeling refreshed, clean and looking forward to the next use. Available at select stores. JUNE JACOBS PAPAYA BODY BALM: A thick, luxurious body cream that penetrates instantaneously and leaves the skin feeling moist, supple and firm for the entire day. The texture at first sight feels a bit heavy but once it on the skin, it simply disappears. Available at select stores. DERMALOGICA ULTRACALMING CLEANSER, 250ML, AED 149: As the name suggests, this cleanser is gentle and safe to use on even the most sensitive of skins. Don’t expect it to remove your make-up, though. This is a morning cleanser which will clean your face and leave it soft and feeling fresh. Available at select stores.
PRODUCTS SHOWCASE
DERMALOGICA SKIN HYDRATING MASQUE, 75ML, AED 175: This mask is like a think, shiny, protection for the skin. Especially if used after an at-home exfoliating session. Provides, moisture, balance and firmness. Can be left overnight or as long as you want. Available at select stores.
DERMALOGICA CLIMATE CONTROL LIP TREATMENT, AED 65: This lip balm with Shea butter makes your lips moist and supple. You won’t even remember that yesterday you had chapped, dry lips. Works like a charm. Available at select stores.
COMFORT ZONE FRUITY PEEL, 150ML, AED 264: An exceptional product for the body. This exfoliating scrub strips the skin of dirt, built up dead skin and grime that usually does not come off with the daily shower gel. Used twice a week, gives you exceptionally soft skin all over. A favourite! Available at select stores.
MURAD ACNE SPOT TREATMENT, 15ML, AED 120: This little tube of wonder is a best friend for all those suffering from acne. A must have in every home for the one off pimple. Within a few applications, the zit is no more. www.muraduae.com, 04-2981212
INSTITUT ESTHEDERM EAU CELLULAIRE CREAM, 50ML, AED 230: An extremely luxurious cream that extends the same philosophy of the cellular water. Used in conjunction with the water this cream absorbs into the skin making it smooth, supple and comforted. Available at select stores.
JUNE JACOBS PAPAYA PURIFYING ENZYME MASK: This is a moisturising mask which does a number of wonderful things for your face. First it can be applied all over (can also be used on the eyes), is immediately absorbed and after a few minutes of being on the skin you can lightly glide your fingertips on the face and you will see it exfoliating the skin. Left overnight leaves the skin looking super soft and supple. A start product. Available at select stores. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 67
COMMUNITY
T
Rezidor’s Box Appeal marks most successful year
68 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
his year’s Box Appeal, the annual charity campaign organised by the Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson hotels and Radisson Royal Dubai, concluded with a donation of 15,210 boxes to the underprivileged. Carlson Rezidor is one of the first international hotel groups to implement a companywide initiative focusing on health and safety for guests and employees, on respect for social and ethical issues within the company, and on a reduced negative impact on the environment. Carlson Rezidor has been named as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the last five years. “This year’s Box Appeal demonstrates that the spirit of altruism crosses every age, belief, culture and nationality, as volunteers turned out in droves to give back to their respective communities,” said Mark Willis, Area VP, Middle East & Sub-Saharan Africa for The Rezidor Hotel Group. “People from all walks of life have spent much time and effort to do their bit and we are truly grateful for this. After all, this initiative would not have been possible without the kindness, sincerity and support from our tireless volunteers.” Now in its seventh edition, this Middle East initiative involved volunteers from Radisson Blu, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai and local communities in five countries collecting boxes with a predetermined list of essential items for the less fortunate. A total of 15 hotels, along with associated charities and schools in Bahrain, Lebanon, Egypt, Oman and the United Arab Emirates participated in this year’s campaign, which ran for 30 days. Launched in 2008, the Box Appeal has grown from a charity drive in the Radisson Blu Dubai Media City to a Middle East- wide initiative. To date, the initiative has distributed over 70,000 boxes to the less fortunate. “Responsibility to the community is a value that is ingrained into Carlson Rezidor’s operations so the success of this initiative is evidence that our people put other people first,” continued Willis. “We hope that this thinking continues for the foreseeable future.”
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