ATM Yearbook 2017

A 12-MONTH TOURISM INDUSTRY REVIEW

AN OFFICIAL ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET PUBLICATION

THI S I S W HE R E THE W I LD O NE S LI V E f o u r- l e g g e d , b l a ck - s p o t t e d , tall-necked and untamed, y o u m e e t t h e m u n d e r a c a c i a t re e s and over cups of coffee in your private villa.

A s y o u e m b a r k o n s a f a r is i n t h i s c o n s e r v a t i o n re s e r v e a n d ex p l o re t h e r u i n s o f w o r l d s l o n g f o rg o t t e n , you will come face-to-face w i t h y o u r ch i l d h o o d d re a m s .

YOUR E X T RAORDI NA RY STORY

S i r B a n i Ya s I s l a n d . v i s i t a b u d h a b i . a e

‫وﺟﻬﺘــﻜﻢ ﻟﺼــﺤﺔ أﻓﻀــﻞ و ﺣﻴــﺎة أﻣﺜــﻞ‬ Your Health and Wellness Destination

dhcc.ae | 800 Health

WE WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE A RESPONSIBLE, INCLUSIVE AND PATRIOTIC STRATEGY THAT PRESENTS THE UAE AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST DYNAMIC, UNIQUE AND INSPIRING TOURISM DESTINATIONS — HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EMIRATES AIRLINE & GROUP — H.E. ENG. SULTAN BIN SAEED AL MANSOORI, MINISTER OF ECONOMY, UAE

ATM YEARBOOK

2017

A 12-MONTH TOURISM INDUSTRY REVIEW

AN OFFICIAL ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET PUBLICATION

28

CONTENTS 12 15 16 18 22 24

UAE Ministry of Economy foreword Editor’s comment Reed Travel Exhibitions introduction A year in review: 2016 timeline Big numbers: industry statistics Who said that? Quotes of the year

27 DUBAI 28 Dubai Tourism 34 Expo 2020 Dubai update 40 Emirates Airline 46 Al Habtoor City, Dubai 50 Dubai Healthcare City 54 Address Boulevard Dubai 58 Seven Tides 62 TIME Hotels 66 One&Only

010 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

73 74 80

ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority Etihad Airways

87 QATAR 88 Qatar Tourism Authority 94 Qatar Airways 101 GULF TOURISM

INVESTMENT HOTSPOTS 102 Bahrain Economic Development Board 108 Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority 114 Ajman Tourism Development Department 120 Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority

54

102

108 125 SAUDI ARABIA 126 Saudi Arabia update 128 Makarem Hotels, Dur Hospitality 131 OMAN 132 Oman Ministry of Tourism 137 HALAL TOURISM 138 Indonesia Ministry of Tourism

145 HOTEL INDUSTRY PIPELINE 146 Rotana president & CEO, Omer Kaddouri 152 2017 regional hotel pipeline 158 Top hotel openings 2017 161 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS 162 Mega projects map 164 Airports of the future 169 On trend: industry predictions for 2017

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 011

FOREWORD

SEVEN EMIRATES ONE DYNAMIC DESTINATION H.E. Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy, UAE, explains how the country’s ambitious tourism development strategy is taking shape, to the benefit of the nation’s long-term prosperity

T

he UAE has emerged as one of the world’s most popular destinations thanks to its sharp focus on tourism as a major catalyst for economic diversification and the eventual transition to a post-oil era.

With the historic Expo 2020 Dubai — UAE just around the corner, the sector is set to make an even greater impact on the economy.

The UAE is investing heavily in developing its tourism infrastructure.

According to data collated by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism investment in 2016 equated to $7.1billion in 2016, with this figure set to rise almost 11% over the next decade to reach $20.3 billion by 2027.

As a result, international tourist arrivals to the UAE are forecast to hit the 31.5 million mark by 2027, generating some $50.24 billion in spend.

The total contribution of travel and tourism to the UAE’s GDP was $43.3billion (12.1% of total GDP) in 2016, and is forecast to rise to $72 billion (12.4% of total GDP) in 2027.

There are numerous factors that already make the UAE a dynamic tourism hub — our one-of-a-kind attractions such as the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Islands, our massive shopping

012 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

and entertainment developments, worldclass infrastructure, extensive air and sea connectivity, unique natural beauty, and premier hospitality offerings, to name just a few.

But what makes our tourism strategy truly special are the unique approaches being taken by each of our seven emirates to drive local growth in support of our common tourism goals. This broad spectrum of offerings — some of which are listed below — are being championed by the ongoing government-backed ‘Visit UAE’ campaign.

Abu Dhabi has made itself a destination of distinction for leisure, MICE, weddings and cruises. The city’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is voted among the world’s top landmark attractions by TripAdvisor.

Abu Dhabi’s ‘Garden City’ of Al Ain, on the other hand, is reinforcing its niche as a cultural centre featuring the UAE’s only UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a cornucopia of theatrical, literary and musical attractions.

Dubai is a world-famous tourism hub known for its iconic skyline and business and leisure attractions. It was the world’s fourth-most visited destination globally in 2016 and boasts one of the highest number of repeat visitors.

Its upcoming high-profile projects include Bluewaters Island, Dubai Safari, Madame Tussauds, the Museum of the Future and the Six Flags theme park at Dubai Parks & Resorts, while several mixed-use mega developments are under construction that feature large tourism and hospitality components, from Deira Islands to Harbour Creek Dubai, which will feature The Tower.

Sharjah is renowned for its culture and heritage and was named Islamic Culture Capital in 2014.

The emirate is home to 22 awardwinning museums and two areas listed in the provisional UNESCO Heritage sites list. Amongst its most popular attractions are the Sharjah light festival which shows an innovative use of light and interactive technology and the international book fair which is the fourth largest annual event of its kind in the world.

Ajman has released a Braille version of its Visitors’ Guide to make its blind and visually challenged guests feel at home. The emirate’s one million square metres of mangroves and 12 kilometres of waterfront golf courses at Al Zohra are among its renowned attractions, as well as its unique array of flora and fauna.

Ras Al Khaimah banks on its stretches

of pristine beaches and new luxury hotels as it looks to entrench itself as one of the region’s top holiday and leisure hotspots.

The emirate is home to the first Waldorf Astoria luxury hotel in the UAE. However, the emirate is coupling its high-end hospitality offering with unique Emirati experiences such as The Bedouin Oasis, which is an authentic reproduction of the Bedouin life. Promoting adventure tourism is a top priority too, which is why the new Via Ferrata and the upcoming zip line —– the longest in the UAE — are gaining regional and international attention, with more outdoor attractions such as hiking experiences to come.

There is plenty to see and experience in Fujairah. Rightly referred to as the ‘Arabian Jewel’, this beautiful mountainous region is hospitable, safe and has a rich cultural heritage and tradition.

It is famous for its warm waters as much as it is known for its simple lifestyle. It is a unique blend of the sea and the captivating landscape represented in the vast stretches of the mountain ranges and the extended coastline thus giving the emirate a distinctive beauty and a unique sense of fascination.

Fujairah’s sandy beaches and extended coastline attract local and international visitors looking for maritime sports such as

swimming, rowing, sailing and diving all through the year.

Umm Al-Quwain means ‘Mother of two Powers’. Located in the north of the country, it stretches from the beautiful lush coastal mangroves lining the shores of the Arabian Gulf inland across the rolling sand dunes to the fertile oasis surrounding Falaj Al Moalla. It features far more topographical diversity than the other emirates in the UAE. Umm Al Quwain is the country’s fastest growing destination for extreme sports.

The UAE’s tourism industry is a proven magnet for business and investment and its growth potential will continue to be realised for many years to come, with the Expo acting as a catalyst in this respect.

However, above all, we value tourism as an effective platform for showcasing the UAE’s rich heritage and national identity, multicultural openness, and environmental stewardship, as well as its diversity.

We will continue to pursue a responsible, inclusive and patriotic strategy that presents the UAE as one of the world’s most dynamic, unique and inspiring tourism destinations.

H.E. Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori Minister of Economy

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 013

ATM YEARBOOK

2017 A 12-MONTH TOURISM INDUSTRY REVIEW

An official Arabian Travel Market publication Contacts Publisher: Khaled Algaay E-mail: kalgaay@gtmediame.com

Published by GT Media ME Ltd 20-22 Wenlock Road London, N1 7GU United Kingdom

Editorial Director: Gemma Greenwood E-mail: gemma@gtmediame.com

P: +44 207 6085137 F: +44 870 4285885 www.gtmediame.com

DISCLAIMER The ATM Yearbook 2017, an official Arabian Travel Market publication, is published by GT Media ME Ltd. The publisher, editor and contributors reserve their rights in regards to copyright of their work. No part of this work covered by the copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher. No person, organisation or party should rely or on any way act upon any part of the contents of this publication without first obtaining the advice of a fully qualified person.

Art Director: Steven Castelluccia

This publication and related products are sold and distributed on the terms and condition that: • The publisher, contributors, editors and related parties are not responsible in any way for the actions or results taken any person, organisation or any party on basis of reading information, stories or contributions in this publication, or related products.

• The publisher, contributors and related parties are not engaged in providing legal, financial or professional advice or services. The publisher, contributors and

014 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

editors disclaim any and all liability and responsibility to any person or party, be they a purchaser, reader, advertiser or consumer of this publication or not in regards to the consequences and outcomes of anything done or omitted being in reliance whether partly or solely on the contents of this publication and related products.

• The publisher, editors, contributors and related parties shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by any other contributor, consultant, editor or related party.

The ATM Yearbook is published under licence by Reed Exhibitions Limited.

The copyright in the design and content of the ATM Yearbook is owned by Reed Exhibitions Limited or its licensors.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, by any means – electronic, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior permission of Reed Exhibitions Limited.

All Exhibitors’ entries have been supplied by the companies listed in the ATM Yearbook and while great care has been taken to ensure that the details are correct, neither Reed Exhibitions Limited nor the publisher of the ATM Yearbook accepts responsibility for any error, omission or claims made in the ATM Yearbook or at the exhibition.

The Arabian Travel Market logo and ATM are trade marks of RELX Intellectual Properties SA, used under license.a

FOREWORD

STANDING THE TEST OF TIME With tourism earmarked as a key growth sector in the post-oil era, GCC nations are focusing on development strategies that promise long-term economic prosperity, leaving a legacy for generations to come

I

In 2016, more than 1.2 billion people travelled internationally. This figure is on track to reach at least 1.8 billion by 2030, with an average of 43 million additional international travellers joining the market each year, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

In the Middle East, a hotbed of tourism industry development, international arrivals will grow faster than the global average, reaching 195 million by 2030.

UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai says tourism has become an “undisputed vehicle of advancing the global economy”, representing 10% of the world’s GDP, 30% of services exports and one in every 11 jobs.

However, in the Middle East — and in particular, the GCC region — the sector’s impact has been even more meaningful.

Not only has tourism generated jobs and positively impacted GDP growth, it has promoted trade and investment and advanced the development of other industry sectors, from construction to retail.

The aviation industry has also put the Gulf region on the world map, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha emerging as passenger and cargo powerhouses, facilitated by state-ofthe-art airports and pioneering airlines.

Against this backdrop of rapid and successful tourism development, this year’s UNWTO & Arabian Travel Market

Ministerial Forum is entitled ‘Fostering the contribution of tourism to sustainable economic growth and diversification in the MENA region’.

It will bring together tourism ministers and industry leaders to discuss how countries in the region can build a sustainable ecosystem for the sector, in a way that unlocks its contribution to the fulfilment of national agendas for GDP growth and economic diversification, innovation, entrepreneurship and productivity, job creation, human capital and infrastructure development, investment and export promotion.

ATM host Dubai has already made strong headway with its tourism development strategy, which focuses on the sector’s longterm contribution to the emirate’s economy.

Dubai is on track to reach its 20-millionvisitor target by 2020, having diversified its destination offering and broadened its market appeal, while its aviation sector is forecast to contribute a massive 44% of total GDP by 2030 (US$88.1 billion), employing 35.1% of Dubai’s total workforce (1.194 million employees).

The Dubai Government has also set out a robust legacy strategy for Expo 2020 Dubai — the mega event expected to attract 25 million visitors between October 2020 and April 2021.

While the short-term goal is to deliver an

exceptional six-month event, the long-term objective is aligned to UAE Vision 2021; a socioeconomic development strategy that calls for the UAE to become one of the world’s most-advanced countries by the time it celebrates its Golden Jubilee in 2021.

Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to play a crucial role in spurring the creation of a knowledge-based economy and promoting a sustainable approach to the environment and infrastructure development.

Expo 2020’s potential legacy will be discussed at this year’s ATM, with panelists from the organising committee, Dubai Tourism, Dubai Airports, as well as UKinbound — which played a key role in developing the London Olympics legacy strategy — considering the event’s impact on the UAE and the wider region’s travel, tourism and aviation industries.

The ATM Yearbook 2017 profiles these entities, highlighting their achievements over the past 12 months and their future goals.

The publication also features interviews with many of the region’s most influential tourism and aviation industry identities and decision makers.

Key identities provide insight into their successful growth strategies, all of which are intrinsically-linked to their respective government’s national agendas for economic diversification and long-term prosperity.

While each GCC nation has identified a niche or key point of differentiation in their tourism offering, industry stakeholders share common goals that are showcased in this publication: a desire to set world-class standards, to innovate and to be the best — for the benefit of all.

Gemma Greenwood, Editorial Director

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 015

COMMENT

STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY

T

he 24th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), from April 24 to 27, will deliver the largest gathering of travel professionals, countries and private sector representation within the Middle East in 2017. Almost 40,000 travel professionals participated over four days at ATM 2016, including Buyers’ Club members, CEOs and senior executives.

The hugely popular event is a true reflection of the region’s diversity and unique appeal that provides opportunities to attract the world to Dubai.

In the Middle East, we are seeing countries diversifying their economies away from hydrocarbon receipts, and the tourism sector will be one of the main beneficiaries of public spending and PPPs going forward.

By 2026, international tourist arrivals to the UAE are forecast to total 30,938,000, generating expenditure of AED167.7 billion (US$45.66 billion).

This year ATM will focus on experiential travel and will integrate this theme across all show verticals and activities including focused seminars and roundtable events featuring exhibitor and visitor participation.

The Middle East has an abundance of authentic local experiences to offer, from overnight stays in a stone house in remote Omani villages to Old Dubai walking tours that search out the best street food.

We also want to create awareness of how to convert concepts into viable commercial realities, to broaden the appeal of Middle East destinations and increase their visitor numbers and revenues, which can support sustainable

016 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Broadening destination appeal is essential to safeguarding a sustainable future for the region’s tourism industry, says Simon Press, senior exhibition director, Reed Travel Exhibitions economic development. In the UAE for example, the government is pushing theme park tourism.

Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR), which opened in Dubai at the end of 2016, expects 6.7 million ticketed visitors during its first year in operation.

This mega themed destination will be well represented at ATM 2017. There are more theme parks on the horizon too, with Dubai Safari opening soon and a Six Flags launching at DPR in 2019.

Dubai has a unique chance to replicate the success we have seen in other markets such as Orlando, Singapore and Tokyo, attracting new arrivals while also capturing a share of both the stopover and direct tourism markets.

Theme parks are a new addition to the tourism landscape here in the GCC and it’s important that destinations are positioned to take full advantage of the benefits they can bring.

The growing importance and impact of theme parks to the regional tourism landscape will be explored as part of the programme on the ATM Global Stage.

We are also delighted to be working with our partner, the UNWTO and hosting the UNWTO & ATM Ministerial Forum on Monday April 24.

Other popular features of this year’s

show, such as the Wellness Lounge and Buyers’ Club, offer excellent opportunities to meet and network with likeminded individuals and organisations.

ATM is also proud to host the largest gathering of travel and lifestyle bloggers on April 27 where they will be able to network with exhibitors taking part in the event.

Considered by many industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa tourism sector, ATM witnessed a year-on-year visitor attendance increase of 9% to more than 28,500 in 2016, with 2,785 exhibiting companies, signing business deals worth more than $2.5 billion over four days.

On behalf of the Reed Travel Exhibitions team, I’d like to thank you for your continued support and wish you every success in 2017.

Simon Press Senior exhibition director Reed Travel Exhibitions

Welcome to Al Habtoor City, the city’s new landmark of leisure.

Explore a destination on the banks of the glimmering Dubai Water Canal that is home to a collection of three iconic five-star hotels. Spend time with those who matter most as you relax and unwind, immersed in unique stay, dine and play experiences, each crafted to enhance and elevate life.

+971 4 435 5544 | 00DHCreservations@starwoodhotels.com

YEAR IN REVIEW The Qatar Airways A350

Disney Live! at DWTC

360 Mall in Kuwait — one of the world’s top 12 shopping destinations

2016 >>>

MAY

JUNE

JULY

ATM GETS BIGGER Organiser reports 7% increase in visitor numbers at the April show, which spanned 12 halls, representing the largest ATM in event’s 24-year history.

EMIRATES’ EXPO DEAL Carrier named official airline partner for World Expo 2020. As the event’s first Premier Partner, the airline will also be a licensed ticket reseller.

QATAR’S IAG COMMITMENT Qatar Airways ups its stake in International Airlines Group (IAG) to 20.01% based on its “attractive” market value.

MEDICAL TOURISM BOOM More than 1.3 million medical tourists will flock to Dubai by 2021, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) predicts.

GULF RETAIL DESTINATIONS The Gulf is shaping up as a global shopping tourism hub with Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Riyadh all ranked in the top 12 of 50 leading retail cities by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).

DWTC $3.27BN CONTRIBUTION Events staged at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in 2015 contributed $3.27 billion to Dubai’s economy, the equivalent to 3.1% of the emirate’s GDP.

A350 DOWN UNDER Qatar Airways launches new route from Doha to Adelaide, marking the arrival of the first commercial A350 to land on Australian soil. New route to add AU$41 million (US$30.94 million) to the local economy.

018 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

NEW DUBAI SKYSCRAPER The $1billion The Tower project by Emaar Properties, to be built at Dubai Creek, will be 100 metres taller than the Burj Khalifa, which is currently the world’s tallest building at 828 metres.

ETIHAD’S US IMPACT Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) and partners to contribute $10.7 billion to US economy in 2016 says consultancy firm. Group flies to six gateway cities across the country.

At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY

MAY 2016 - APRIL 2017 Emirates launches flights to Hanoi in August 2016

Waldorf Astoria RAK — one hotel to benefit from visitor spike

The St. Regis Dubai is now part of Marriott International

2016 >>>

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

EMIRATES IN DOUBLE ASIA LAUNCH Emirates launches a new daily linked service from Dubai to Yangon (RGN) in Myanmar and onwards to Hanoi (HAN) in Vietnam. The route is operated by a B777-300ER and expands the airline’s network in Southeast Asia to 12 cities in seven countries.

MARRIOTT’S STARWOOD ACQUISITION Merger creates the world’s largest hotel company with 1.1 million rooms and doubles Marriott’s combined portfolio in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

DUBAI DESTINATION KUDOS Dubai ranks the fourth most popular destination globally in annual Mastercard Global Destinations Cities Index. It’s also the most visited destination in the Middle East.

QATAR’S VISA DEAL Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) sign landmark deal with visa processing services provider VFS Global to pave the way for an efficient and transparent tourist visa application system.

AJMAN REVENUE BOOST Ajman generates $54.4 million in tourism revenues in H1 2016 based on 272,021 visitors during the January to June period.

NEW EMAAR RESORT Plans to build 182-key The Address Jumeirah Resort + Spa on beach at Dubai Marina unveiled by Emaar Hospitality Group.

SAUDIA FLEET UPGRADE KSA airline reveals plans to acquire 63 aircraft as part of a fleet modernisation programme: 15 B777-300ERs, 13 B787 Dreamliners and 35 A320s and A321-neos.

RAK VISITOR HIKE Visitor arrivals to Ras Al Khaimah’s hotels increase 10.4% between January and September 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, due to “phenomenal increase of visitors between June and August”.

ATM THEME REVEALED Experiential travel is declared the official theme for the show, encompassing the adventure, culture, heritage, wellness and spa and cruise tourism segments.

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 019

YEAR IN REVIEW LEGOLAND Dubai

Dubai International

The Emirates A380

2016 >>>

2017 >>>

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY

UAE’S TOURISM VISION UNVEILED Sector is tipped to be worth AED236.8 billion (US$64.47 billion) by 2026 says Minister of Economy, Sultan Al Mansouri. “Our vision is to make the UAE one of the most important tourist destinations in the world,” he adds.

THEME PARK FRENZY Dubai Parks & Resorts opens its doors featuring LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park; Bollywood Parks Dubai; MOTIONGATE Dubai; and Riverland Dubai.

DXB’S RECORD PAX Dubai International reports 83.6 million passengers in 2016, compared to 78 million in 2015, retaining its title as the world’s number one airport for international passengers.

OMAN AIR LOOKS EAST Carrier launches non-stop flights from Muscat to Guangzhou, its first destination in China.

HOGAN STEPS DOWN Etihad Aviation Group president and CEO, James Hogan, says he will leave Abu Dhabi company in H2 2017.

EMIRATES’ FLEET UPGRADE Airline moves to an all A380 and B777 fleet, retiring its last A330 and A340 aircraft.

DUBAI WATER CANAL The 3.2-kilometre artificial waterway is inaugurated. It’s set to become a leisure and tourism destination and offers water transportation too.

020 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

SEAWORLD ABU DHABI Marine life themed park to open on Yas Island in 2022 and will include the UAE’s first dedicated marine life research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre and crucially, will be the first new SeaWorld without orcas.

LAPITA MAKES HISTORY The UAE’s first theme park hotel welcomes guests; the 504-room Polynesian-themed Lapita Hotel, located in the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts.

LOOKING AHEAD TO ATM 2018 AND THE YEARBOOK'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

In 2018, Arabian Travel Market will celebrate it's 25th anniversary. To mark the occasion, GT Media ME Ltd, endorsed by the show's organiser, Reed Travel Exhibitions, will publish a special-edition yearbook. This exclusive publication will profile the top 25 most influential travel and tourism leaders in the Middle East and provide a comprehensive overview of the major industry milestones that have been witnessed over the past 25 years. The 25th anniversary eddition of the ATM Yearbook will also outline the major accomplishments of Arabian Travel Market since the show's conception. ATM continues to be the region's leading travel trade event, providing a platform for business, networking and education and a recognised barometer of industry sentiment.

ATM is now in its 24th year

Qatar Airways’ B777 flies over Auckland for the first time in February

The Qatar Airways QSuite

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

ME CARRIERS LEAD GROWTH IATA figures reveal Middle East carriers posted the strongest regional annual traffic growth for the fifth year running in 2016. Capacity grew 13.7% compared to the 6.9% global average.

MOROCCO’S FIRST A380 Emirates launches the first ever commercial Airbus A380 flight to Morocco and North Africa. The super jumbo replaces B777-300ER on Casablanca service.

ATM 2017 The 24th edition of ATM will showcase more than 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, making it the largest ATM in its 24-year history.

KSA THINKS BIG Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), says KSA will become “one of the biggest players” in global tourism following news that $800 million will be invested in the sector.

WORLD’S LONGEST FLIGHT Qatar Airways launches the world’s longest commercial flight. The flying time from Doha to Auckland, New Zealand, is 17-and-a-half hours.

SALAMAIR LANDS AT DWC Dub Airports welcomes SalamAir’s inaugural flight from Muscat to Dubai World Central (DWC) on with a traditional water salute. Oman’s new low-cost carrier operates a double daily service to Dubai — its first international destination.

QSUITE LAUNCH Qatar Airways unveils its customisable private suites. The QSuite is one of several Premium Class enhancements launched by the Doha-based carrier.

DUBLIN DOUBLE Etihad launches a second daily service to Dublin, Ireland, coinciding with the Abu Dhabi carrier’s 10th anniversary flying the route.

OMAN AIR TO MANCHESTER Oman Air launches daily flights from its hub in Muscat to Manchester in the north of England. The airline already flies to London Heathrow twice daily.

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 021

THE BIG PICTURE Dubai’s aviation sector

DUBAI

Emirates Airline

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22 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

international visitation

30,000

visitors daily at Sustainability Pavilion

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Theme park visitation

Overnight visitors to Dubai

TOURISM PLANS ON TRACK

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visitors expected at Dubai Parks & Resorts during first year, 70% will be international tourists (DPR)

4.5m park-goers expected at IMG Worlds of Adventure during first year, 30,000 daily (IMG)

5b

$

contribution to the UAE’s economy

250,000 jobs created

THE REGIONAL OUTLOOK

8.3

The numbers illustrating the rise to fame as a mega MEregion’s TRAVEL AND TOURISM SECTOR travel, tourism & aviation hub

%

of GDP by 2025

$328.1b

104,842,000

international visitors

ME HOTEL INDUSTRY

158,441

spending

rooms in 555 projects under contract

$109.1b

(WTTC)

(STR December 2016)

A UAE PERSPECTIVE

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Global halal travel market $151 billion value in 2015, rising to $243 billion in 2021 UAE ranked leading halal travel destination

(Global Islamic Economy Report 2016-2017, Thomson Reuters)

Global wellness industry $3.72 trillion market in 2015 (Global Wellness Institute)

$2.5 billion worth of business deals s)

19m

7,000 buyers, up 11% y-o-y 1,000 media representatives and bloggers

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UAE spa industry $463 million value in 2016, 14% of MENA spa market, rising to $504 billion by 2020 (Colliers)

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12 halls — largest ATM in its 24-year history

138 countries and regions represented

29.8% $151b $3.72t $463m

Global airline industry $29.8 billion profit anticipated in 2017 $0.3 billion profit generated by Middle East airlines (IATA)

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ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 23

WHO SAID THAT? “The Muslim travel sector accounts for more than 10% of total global tourism spend and has a significant impact on the economic wealth of many of the world’s leading markets, creating jobs and boosting public finances.

Its power and potential should not be ignored.”

Faeez Fadhlillah, Co-founder and CEO, Salam Standard and Tripfez

“Modern Dubai is built on the power of connections. Dubai’s airports exemplify it, and Expo 2020’s theme, Connecting Minds, Creating the Future celebrates it. Our Expo will welcome the highest proportion of international visitors in World Expo's history, and Dubai Airports will be a vital supporter in welcoming those visitors and giving them their first taste of this extraordinary host city.”

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and director general, Bureau Dubai Expo 2020

“Airlines continue to deliver strong results. This year we expect a record net profit of $35.6 billion. Even though conditions in 2017 will be more difficult with rising oil prices, we see the industry earning $29.8 billion. That’s a very soft landing and safely in profitable territory. These three years are the best performance in the industry’s history — irrespective of the many uncertainties we face.”

Alexandre de Juniac, Director general and CEO, IATA

“Iran is likely to become the leading tourism market in the Middle East and North Africa region, provided the infrastructure is able to develop and cope with changes."

Nikola Kosutic, Head of research for the Middle East region at Euromonitor International

“The UAE is our home market and even as we pursue our global ambitions and expand our footprint into new geographic regions, the country continues to remain the fulcrum around which Rotana’s business strategy is developed and implemented.”

Omer Kaddouri, President & CEO of Rotana

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“Today, I have kept and fulfilled my promise of rebuilding the Metropolitan Hotel to continue its legacy. The old Metropolitan had a very strong, loyal customer base. We look forward to welcoming them back at the new premises” Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman, Al Habtoor Group

“I think Mexico could be the next Latin American market for Emirates. I am more than willing to contribute towards that.”

Vicente Fox Quesada, Former President of Mexico

“In being given the challenge of writing the final chapter in the story of Madinat Jumeirah, we didn’t just want to create a 430-room beachfront hotel — we wanted to bring a wave of vibrancy that matches the energy of Dubai.”

Richard Alexander, General manager, Jumeirah Al Naseem

“Consumer appetite for travel has remained resilient, despite socio-economic and political headwinds around the globe, and that is reflected in our operational growth. Emirates will continue with its strategy of organic growth, leveraging on the geo-centricity of the UAE and Dubai’s dynamic developments in tourism and commerce.”

Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline

“Travel and tourism needs to take accessibility requirements seriously. The imperative is not only moral, but it also makes good business sense.”

David Scowsill, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 025

DUBAI’S TRAVEL AND TOURISM SECTOR REACHED NEW HEIGHTS IN 2016, FUELLED BY OUR DRIVE AND DETERMINATION TO PROVIDE WORLD-CLASS PROPOSITIONS FOR TRAVELLERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD — HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EMIRATES FOR AIRLINE & GROUP — ISSAM KAZIM, CEO,EXECUTIVE, DUBAI CORPORATION TOURISM AND COMMERCE MARKETING (DCTCM)

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As Dubai continues to roll out an exciting array of world-class tourism projects and attractions, the destination races closer to its goal of 20 million visitors by 2020, says Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM)

Dubai’s travel and tourism sector reached new heights in 2016, fuelled by the emirate’s drive and determination to provide “world-class propositions for travellers from all over the globe”.

With the emirate spearheading continued development across infrastructure, the hospitality sector, family entertainment and attractions, as well as a growing calendar of events, the destination is “steadily progressing towards welcoming 20 million visitors per year by 2020”, according to Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM).

“In 2016, Dubai’s tourism sector once again proved the tenacity and strength of its economic contribution as it made steady progress towards its Tourism Vision 2020 targets,” he continues.

“We welcomed 14.9 million overnight visitors last year, up 5% from the previous year and recording an impressive four-year CAGR of 8%. This performance trajectory reflects twice the global travel industry growth of circa 4% over the same period, as forecasted by the United Nations World Travel Organisation (UNWTO).”

Cementing the foundation for Dubai Tourism to continue this momentum over the next three years and to attain its 2020 goals, the entity has focused on improving its family entertainment offering.

In 2016, several new family-focused attractions opened their doors, most notably two new mega themed destinations — IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts.

At the same time, the opening of Dubai Opera in August provided a platform for exclusive and world-renowned performances, with the venue already rated amongst the world’s best.

“We also inaugurated a new landmark last year, the Dubai Canal, adding to Dubai’s already strong lifestyle proposition,” notes Kazim.

Dubai saw new additions to its retail landscape too, with numerous new shopping areas and international brands introduced to the city, while hotel inventory passed the 100,000-room milestone to reach 102,845 rooms by the end of the year. Several luxury hotels opened in 2016 including

The St. Regis Dubai, W Dubai and Westin at Al Habtoor City, as well as Palazzo Versace Dubai and Jumeirah Al Naseem. However, Dubai Tourism’s continued focus on mid-market audiences was evident in the significant 24% increase in three-star hotel room capacity and 8% hike in four-star capacity.

Several new “trendy and boutique” accommodation propositions like Rove Hotels’ properties carved a niche in the midscale market as the city’s hotel sector reached a new level of maturity.

Dubai’s cruise tourism sector also continued to make waves with the emirate anticipating more than 150 ship calls by the end of the current season (October 2016 to April 2017).

“Moreover, the global appeal of the city’s evolving entertainment calendar was reinforced with Dubai named a 2016 World Festival and Event City by the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA), securing the accolade for the fifth time since 2011,” says Kazim.

“Meanwhile, Dubai’s well-established business and events industry continues to thrive and attract global visitation thanks to a growing portfolio of leading events held in the city throughout the year.”

Dubai recently won recognition as the Overseas Luxury MICE Destination of the Year 2016 at the China Travel & Meetings Industry Awards — Business Travel & MICE, the Middle East's Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2016 at the World Travel Awards Middle East and the incentive People’s Choice Award.

The destination is securing a growing number of global MICE events that will be held over the coming years, including the World Congress of Cardiology 2018,

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“In 2016, Dubai’s tourism sector once again proved the tenacity and strength of its economic contribution as it made steady progress towards its Tourism Vision 2020 targets” Lions Clubs International ISAAME Forum 2018 and The International Federation of Health Information Management Associations International Congress 2019.

Here, Kazim answers some poignant questions about Dubai’s tourism achievements and ambitions in the lead up to 2020 — the year the city plans to hit the 20-millionvisitor mark.

Q: With Dubai shaping up as the new theme park capital of the world, how will this positively impact the tourism sector?

A: We continue to make significant strides towards strengthening Dubai’s family travel landscape by expanding the range of entertainment experiences and attractions on offer.

This was spearheaded last year by the launch of several new family destinations including IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts, which have set universal benchmarks for immersive theme parks.

We are looking to build on this with the opening of Dubai Safari Park later this year, Six Flags Dubai in late 2019 and IMG Worlds of Legends. These theme parks are expected to attract Dubai’s existing visitor base as well as new traveller segments for whom such attractions form a central part of their travel itineraries.

Q: How is Dubai progressing with its target to attract 20 million visitors by 2020?

A: Attracting 14.9 million overnight visitors to Dubai in 2016 was a positive step towards maintaining stable momentum over the next three years and attaining our 2020 goals.

We continue to develop our retail, leisure, luxury and business proposition while highlighting the city’s unique heritage and culture through the ongoing Dubai Historic District project that aims to greatly enhance the visitor experience in Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods of Al Fahidi, Shindagha, Bur Dubai and Deira.

We are also working to establish the city as a cultural hub through more modern landmarks such as the recently opened Dubai Opera and Etihad Museum.

As we approach Expo 2020, we look to reinforcing Dubai’s position as a bustling, modern metropolis.

The emirate’s public and private sectors are working together to bring quality projects to the emirate and some of the mega-developments set to dominate skyline by the

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end of the decade include Bluewaters Island, featuring the spectacular Ain Dubai Ferris wheel, as well as Aladdin City, Deira Islands and the Jewel of the Creek.These are supported by infrastructure enhancements including Etihad Rail and expansions to Dubai Metro.

Q: What key visitor trends are you noticing?

A: Our 2016 visitor figures revealed a steady growth in volumes from our traditional core markets spanning the GCC, India, UK and Germany, which continued to deliver more than 40% of tourism traffic to Dubai.

We are witnessing a sharp increase in tourists from Asia, with visitation up 12% year on year from India, 18% from Pakistan and 20% from both China and the Philippines.

This is due to multiple factors including a growing and prosperous middle class in each of these countries.

We have also noted recoveries in tourism arrivals from Russia and Ukraine, with the former contributing 240,000 visitors in 2016, up 14% on 2015.

We expect the upward trend to continue in 2017, spurred by the February 2017 introduction of UAE visas on arrival for Russian citizens.

In terms of visitor demographics, we see that families and couples continue to be the largest segment of travellers to Dubai, which is very much in line with the emirate’s ambition to become the world’s leading destination for families.

Furthermore, we are seeing an increase in the number of Millennial travellers to Dubai and in this respect, we are working to ensure the city offers accommodation options to suit all budgets by offering more threeand four-star options.

In 2016, we updated the city’s holiday home regulations and entered a partnership with Airbnb.

Dubai is making enhancements to the visitor experience in the oldest part of the city

2016 AT GLANCE TOP GROWTH MARKETS

Dubai Opera is hosting world-renowned and exclusive performances

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India: 1.8 million (12%)

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KSA: 1.6 million (+6%)

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Pakistan: 607,000 (+18%)

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China: 540,00 (+20%)

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Philippines: 390,000 (20%)

HOTEL ROOMS LEGOLAND Dubai at Dubai Parks & Resorts

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102,845 (+5%)

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Three star (+24%)

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Four star (+8%)

MAKING WAVES •

157 ship calls (+16%) between October 2016 and April 2017

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600,000+ passengers

DUBAI MEANS BUSINESS

Dubai Water Canal is the city’s latest ‘lifestyle destination’

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129 conference, meeting and incentive bids won (+79%)

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9 new international congresses won by DWTC

NEW ATTRACTIONS •

Dubai Water Canal

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Al Habtoor City

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Dubai Parks & Resorts

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IMG Worlds of Adventure

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Dubai Opera

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Etihad Museum

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Dubai Historic District development

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CITY WALK

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TREND WATCH 2017 ISSAM KAZIM’S TOP 3 Bucket-list experiences

Dubai has developed a long list of world-class attractions

The Dubai Government has launched a tourism development plan for Hatta

• “The biggest trend we have noticed is the rise of experiential travel — people do not just want to see the city, they want to experience it. We are working to ensure visitors are aware of everything Dubai can offer including ‘bucket-list’ and off-the-beaten-track experiences. This is where Dubai excels, with customised ‘hidden gem’ trails for those looking to embark on a culinary journey, a rush of adrenaline while skydiving over Palm Jumeirah, stunning New Year’s Eve fireworks in Downtown Dubai or a camel ride as the sun sets over the sand dunes.”

Digital revolution

Q: Why is the cruise sector so important to Dubai's tourism industry?

A: Cruise tourism is playing a significant role in positioning Dubai as a must-visit destination, adding yet another attractive element to the city’s proposition. We are continuously promoting Dubai as one of the leading cruise destinations in the world, highlighting cruise holidays as an opportunity for travellers to experience the city from a different perspective, while also discovering the wider region.

This cruise season (2016-2017) Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) and Thomson Cruises made their regional debuts in Dubai, while premium brands including Celebrity Cruises and Crystal Cruises made maiden ship calls at our port, Mina Rashid.

Dubai is the homeport for six world-leading cruise lines operating regular international cruise itineraries that start and end in Dubai. This season’s expanded line-up also comprises 23 of the world’s leading cruise operators docking in Dubai for an overnight stay and passenger turnaround.

Dubai Cruise Tourism (DCT) anticipates more than 600,000 cruise tourists anchoring in the emirate this season.

Following the 50 ship calls we welcomed in 2016, we anticipate an additional 107 calls in the first seven months of this year, reflecting an 18% increase compared to the 2015-2016 cruise season. This is in line with our overarching objective of welcoming one million cruise tourists to the city by 2020.

DCT has also been at the forefront of positioning the region as a winter destination for cruise tourists, spearheading unified partnerships such as Cruise Arabia Alliance that enhance our regional cruise propositions and enable us to continue to advance industry growth.

In view of the increasing popularity of cruise

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tourism on a global scale, we are also strengthening our partnerships with key industry professionals to expand our reach into the global cruise market.

To facilitate this, we regularly host and participate in regional and international roadshows and events.

Our participation at 2016 Seatrade Cruise Med, for example, enabled us to secure Celestyal Cruise Lines, the leading operator for the Greek Islands, with the company set to homeport in Dubai from the 2017-2018 season.

Q: What other specific tourism niches is Dubai now looking to develop and why?

A: Dubai’s culture and heritage is a key focus for us and we are working to build the emirate’s credentials and global profile in this sphere The launch of Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Museum last year, followed by the opening of Etihad Museum at the start of this year, have added important cultural attractions to the city’s proposition, enabling visitors to learn more about Dubai and the region’s unique history.

The Dubai Historic District project is also underway, which aims to greatly enhance the visitor experience in the city’s oldest neighbourhoods of Al Fahidi, Shindagha, Bur Dubai and Deira.

With the first wave of the project’s Shindagha Museum due to open later this year, the aim is to immerse both Dubai residents and visitors in this part of the world’s rich heritage, culture and history, revealing a fascinating side to Dubai that many may not have expected.

We are also looking to promote a lesser-known area of Dubai, Hatta, which offers a wealth of adventure, outdoor and cultural experiences.

This is in line with the development plan for Hatta launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which seeks to establish the location as a unique attraction for tourists.

• “Another trend that has continued its upward trajectory is the use of digital media throughout the traveller journey — from browsing and booking a holiday, to the travel experience itself.

Online travel and accommodation bookings, virtual tours and online reviews are commonplace and almost half (46%) of the world’s population are internet users. This informs our strategies and marketing approach as we continue to invest in cutting-edge and UGC-led multi-touchpoint initiatives that are changing the way the destination engages with, and promotes itself to, a highly-engaged and fluid global visitor base, which is being further driven by review sites.”

Content is king • “We also continue to work with industry partners to innovate and deliver inspiring, experiential and shareable content. For instance, social listening tool BrandWatch helps us track relevant conversations that use Dubai-related keywords, enabling us to monitor social media conversations about Dubai, respond to queries and engage with audiences across the digital space. To help travellers make the most of their visit to Dubai, particularly families and young couples with high disposable income, Dubai Tourism continues to drive a targeted outreach effort to promote the destination’s proposition in a customised and credible way. The Visit Dubai app, for example, offers a range of features including a customisable ‘My Trip’ itinerary tool, meeting traveller demand for personalised experiences.”

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Plans for Expo 2020 Dubai are well underway, with several milestones achieved over the last 12 months that pave the way for the event’s resounding success

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ver the past year, the Expo 2020 Dubai organising committee has marked several milestones, from finalising pavilion designs to appointing official partners. Here’s a round-up of some of the major announcements and achievements witnessed in 2016 and early 2017 as Dubai gears up for what promises to be the biggest and most successful World Expo in the event’s long history.

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“Sustainability is at the heart of this World Expo and the legacy we aim to leave behind for the region” The plaza's domed trellis is inspired by the shape of the Expo 2020 logo

Al Wasl Plaza will feature plenty of dining options

AL WASL PLAZA DESIGN UNVEILED Design details of one of Expo 2020 Dubai’s major precincts, Al Wasl Plaza, were recently unveiled.

The plaza will be an open space, located at the centre of the 4.38-squarekilometre Expo site, that combines breath-taking design, innovative technology and an intricate domed trellis incorporating a huge immersive projection experience.

Al Wasl will connect the three themed districts — Opportunity, Sustainability and Mobility — as well as the other main concourses, including the Dubai Metro link and the UAE Pavilion, through its seven entrances and exits.

Al Wasl is not only the historical name for Dubai but also means ‘connection’ in Arabic, so it reflects both Dubai’s goal of bringing people together at the Expo and the plaza’s physical location at the heart of the site.

Expo 2020 Dubai has worked with world-renowned Adrian Smith +

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Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG) on the design of the space. The firm was the design partner for Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The plaza’s 65-metre-high domed trellis is inspired by the shape of the Expo 2020 Dubai logo and will act as an immersive 360-degree projection surface. As the dome is translucent, the projection will be visible inside and outside the park. Other key features of the plaza include restaurants, fountains and parks.

Work on the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

NEED TO KNOW •

Expo 2020 Dubai is a six-month event that will kick off in October 2020 and conclude in April 2021;

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More than 25 million visitors are anticipated to attend, 70% of whom will hail from outside the UAE, representing the largest international visitor percentage in Expo history. More than 180 countries are anticipated to be involved in the event;

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Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, recognising that generating sustainable solutions to global problems demands collaboration across cultures, nations and regions.

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Organisers say that while the short-term goal is to deliver an exceptional six-month event, just as important is the creation of a meaningful legacy for the UAE;

•

Expo’s long-term strategy is intrinsically linked to the goal of UAE Vision 2021, which calls for the UAE to become one of the world’s leading countries by the time it celebrates its Golden Jubilee in 2021;

•

Expo 2020 Dubai’s sub-themes are Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, which are aligned to UAE Vision 2021’s mandate to develop the country’s knowledge economy. This involves nurturing innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

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Expo 2020 Dubai delivers on all fronts having already developed programmes that promote diversification and education, stimulating local businesses and creating jobs;

•

Countries signed up to participate at Expo 2020 include The Netherlands, France, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

SUSTAINABILITY PAVILION UNVEILED Earlier this year, details of expo’s strategy to promote a “greener and cleaner future” were revealed.

Central to this masterplan is the event’s Sustainability Pavilion, which it is hoped will provide inspiration for a new generation of “guardians of the earth’s welfare”.

The pavilion is expected to be a magnet for all Expo 2020 Dubai visitors, but particularly young people interested in science and best practice sustainability. It will continue its immersive and educational mission as a science ‘Exploratorium’ after expo’s April 2021 closure.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and director general, Expo 2020 Dubai, says the Sustainability Pavilion’s structure and its exhibitions are the building blocks of a more important overall ambition to make a fundamental change to the mind-sets of its visitors, the nation and the region in which it is hosted.

“Sustainability is at the heart of this World Expo and the legacy we aim to leave behind for the region. Our Sustainability Pavilion will play a major part in this effort and will serve as an ‘oasis’ for sustainable and innovative experiences and practices — linking to the strategy of the UAE government to be a leader in sustainability on a global scale,” she says.

The Sustainability Pavilion will take a substantial amount of its energy and water needs from the sun and atmosphere, one of the world’s first largescale applications of such technology. It will be a tangible testament to the focus and progress made in the field of sustainability in the UAE, and at the same time, showcase global best practices.

Expo has recruited a world-class team of architects, designers and experts from the fields of ecology and technology to design the pavilion, which is

The Expo 2020 Dubai site

Al Wasl Plaza will be located at the centre of the Expo site ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 037

Expo’s UAE Pavilion

expected to attract some 30,000 visitors every day.

UK-based Grimshaw Architects won an international bidding process to build the Sustainability Pavilion, alongside US design firm Thinc and engineers from BuroHappold.

Grimshaw Architects deputy chairman, Andrew Whalley, says the building design draws inspiration from nature’s models of sustainability such as the process of photosynthesis, which nourishes plants and flowers, capturing energy from sunlight and fresh water from the humid air.

“We want the pavilion to be an example of what really can be done in even the harsh environment of the desert, where it’s hot and there’s a shortage of water,” he says. “We will use cutting-edge technologies that will be tomorrow’s everyday realities.”

KEEPING IT LOCAL Expo 2020 Dubai has launched a search for producers of authentic Emirati and regional products including dates, Arabian coffee and sweets, chocolate and spices, which will form part of a warm, mouth-watering welcome offered to Expo’s millions of visitors from around the world. Licensed food products will be sold at selected outlets across the UAE, including dedicated Expo retail stores that are expected to open in 2018, as well as at the Expo 2020 Dubai site itself. This is the second of up to 40 licensed product categories put out to tender by Expo following the recent launch of a campaign to find its manufacturers of souvenirs.

Expo 2020 plans to appoint 70 licensees for its official retail merchandise. Tenders will be accepted for more than 5,000 products that will be sold at the 3,000-squaremetre flagship retail outlet on the Expo site — ‘Superstore

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of the Future’. Around one-third of the contracts are expected to be awarded to small- or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to Expo officials.

These contracts will cover a range of products from commemorative jewellery and watches to souvenirs and digital games. This is line with Expo 2020’s commitment to allocate more than 20% of its overall spend to SMEs, the statement added.

Expo 2020 Dubai will also seek partners for locallyproduced goods such as fragrances, Arabian perfumes, ceramics and clothing.

PERSONALISING THE EXPO EXPERIENCE Expo 2020 Dubai signed-up software solutions provider SAP as its first international Premier Partner, with a view to the company supporting the delivery of personalised

An artist's impression of Expo 2020 at night

experiences to the 25 million visitors the six-month-long event is expected to attract.

SAP will co-innovate on real-time technology platforms that enable organisers and exhibitors to instantaneously analyse data to identify visitor trends.

These insights will be used to help tailor each visitor’s experience to their preferences.

This could enable visitors arriving at Expo 2020 Dubai to be informed of the quickest route to their preferred pavilions with suggested stops on the way, or being directed to see the latest virtual reality advances because they are technology enthusiasts.

To achieve this, SAP’s innovative real-time technology solutions have the potential to transform transactions and analytics leading up to Expo 2020 Dubai into insights that inform and inspire action.

Such insights will not only help Expo 2020 Dubai to satisfy individual visitor needs but also ensure a ‘made-for-you’ experience across all parts of their Expo journey, including hospitality, transportation and telecommunications.

Telecoms giant Etisalat is also an Expo Premier Partner. The telco will be involved in creating the Expo site’s infrastructure, responsible for giving visitors and participants a cutting-edge, immersive digital experience that brings the Expo themes to life. Etisalat will also provide on-site Wi-Fi capable of facilitating up to 300,000 people onsite daily.

CONNECTING THE WORLD TO EXPO At the end of 2016, Dubai Airports, operator of Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC), was named an official supporter of Dubai Expo 2020. As part of an agreement signed with Bureau Dubai Expo 2020, Dubai Airports will engage with the Expo 2020 team and airport stakeholders to create an “Expo experience” inside each airport, which will set the tone for visitors and entice transfer passengers to return or stopover. In addition, as part of its DXB Plus programme and service strategy, Dubai Airports will work with airport stakeholders to ensure minimal queuing and fast and convenient passage through both airports.

“Modern Dubai is built on the power of connections.

Dubai’s airports exemplify it, and Expo 2020’s theme, Connecting Minds, Creating the Future celebrates it,” says Al Hashimi.

“Our Expo will welcome the highest proportion of international visitors in World Expo history and Dubai Airports will be a vital supporter in welcoming those visitors and giving them their first taste of this extraordinary host city.”

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths adds: “We are always looking at ways to enhance the experience for the millions of customers that pass through our airports each year. Our collaboration with the Bureau Dubai Expo 2020 will take that one step further as we deliver an Expo 2020 experience starting at the airports and the quality of service travellers have come to expect from Dubai.”

“Emirates is a vital player in growing Dubai's connectivity and in the three years leading up to Expo 2020 Dubai we will see a ramp up of infrastructure enhancements for aviation development” Dubai Airports recently launched two major projects that will provide the capacity required for Expo 2020 and beyond. The first, DXB Plus, will boost capacity at Dubai International to 118 million by 2023 by streamlining customer-centric processes and introducing new technology.

The second will see DWC’s passenger terminal building expanded to cater to 26 million by the end of this year.

Dubai’s home-grown airline, Emirates, was the first entity to be named the event’s Premier Partner.

It will play a key role in bringing Expo visitors to Dubai from the 155 global destinations it service. The carrier will also be a licensed ticket reseller for the event.

“Emirates is a vital player in growing Dubai’s connectivity and in the next three years leading up to Expo 2020 Dubai, we will see a ramp up of infrastructure enhancements for aviation development all paving the way for Emirates to carry 70 million passengers and to support this event,” says His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

“Dubai is the home of Emirates and it is truly a globally-connected host city.”

UAE PAVILION DESIGNS TAKE FLIGHT Expo’s UAE Pavilion will be designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

His design for the pavilion, which will face the Al Wasl Plaza in the centre of the 200-hectare exhibition zone, is inspired by a falcon in flight.

“The proposed design of the UAE Pavilion captures the story we want to tell the world about our nation,” explains Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman of the National Media Council.

“Our late founding father His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan used falconry expeditions to forge connections between tribes and to create a distinct national identity which ultimately led to the founding of the United Arab Emirates.

“Now, the falcon design will symbolise how we are connecting the UAE to the minds of the world and how as a global community we can soar to new heights through partnership and cooperation.”

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 039

Connecting

Dubai to the

world

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group, reviews the airline’s 2016 accomplishments and looks ahead to 2020 when Dubai will host the World Expo, and Emirates will carry 70 million passengers

040 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

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mirates continued to build on its status as the world’s largest airline in 2016 — a year that was underlined by fleet and network expansion, as well as customer-focused product investments.

Consumer appetite for travel remained resilient, despite economic and political headwinds, and this was reflected in the airline’s on-going development and organic growth, capitalising on the geo-centricity of the UAE and Dubai’s status as a global hub for tourism and commerce.

In 2016, Emirates took delivery of 36 new aircraft, retired 29 older aircraft, and became the first airline in the world to operate and all A380 and B777 fleet.

Other achievements of note ranged from network expansion to investment in major customer experience initiatives.

In 2017, Emirates has forged ahead with growth plans, despite adverse global conditions, from protectionist policies led by the US, to exchange rate fluctuations in key source markets.

The airline continues to add new destinations to its network, including more served by the A380 super jumbo, and is ploughing funds into technology and product upgrades that meet the demands of today’s consumer.

In March this year, Emirates launched three A380 destinations in one day, bringing its flagship three-class double-decker aircraft from Dubai to Tokyo Narita, Casablanca and Sao Paulo.

This triple deployment made Emirates the

first airline to operate scheduled A380 services in both Latin America and North Africa. In the same month, Emirates also launched an A380 service to Nice in the south of France.

It now flies the A380 to 49 cities on six continents, with many more super jumbo services to come ahead of Expo 2020 Dubai.

With just over three years until the mega event kicks off (October 2020), Emirates is gearing up to be a major player in its smooth execution, further enhancing its role as the

key enabler that connects the Dubai and the UAE to the world.

By 2020, the airline will carry 70 million passengers says His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

Here, H.H. outlines the airline’s 2016 highs, its nimble and proactive response to the lows, and looks ahead to 2020, which he believes will leave a powerful legacy for the airline, Dubai and the UAE.

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 041

Q: What were the major highlights for Emirates in 2016?

A: We rounded off another year of growth in 2016 as we carried 55 million passengers and scaled up our fleet with the addition of 36 new aircraft — a record for us.

We also continued with our network expansion with seven new passenger destinations including: Cebu and Clark in the Philippines, Yinchuan and Zhengzhou in China, Yangon in Myanmar, Hanoi in Vietnam, Fort Lauderdale in the US and cargo-only destination Phnom Penh in Cambodia. In 2017, we have already launched a new service from Dubai to Newark via Athens and we will be commencing services to Zagreb, Croatia and Phenom Penh, Cambodia this summer.

We marked major fleet milestones in 2016.

Our aggressive fleet retirement plan not only resulted in a younger fleet, but saw Emirates become the only airline in the world to operate all an Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleet, offering our customers a superior onboard experience and further enhancing our environmental performance through state-of-the-art, modern aircraft.

In 2016, we also unveiled our new Business Class seat on our Boeing 777 aircraft, taking comfort and design to new heights.

Amongst the most recognisable touches of the new seat is the pitch of 72 inches that can be moved into a fully-flat 180-degree sleeping position, a personal mini-bar, as well as one of the industry’s largest personal TV screens at 23 inches with the ability to stream personal mobile content. On the ground, investments continued in upgrading the lounge experience that saw the completion of a $11 million refurbishment of our Business Class lounge at Concourse B in Dubai featuring a host of new features for our premium passengers.

The new B777 Business Class seats

“We have been able to respond nimbly to external challenges in the past year, because our business foundations are strong” Q: How did these achievements further consolidate Emirates’ position as a leading international carrier?

A: Emirates has grown to become the world’s largest international airline and we continue to hold this position.

Our fundamentals as an airline have remained constant, grounded in optimally connecting people from all four corners of the globe through our hub in Dubai.

We will remain focused in executing our

long-term strategies to maintain our edge in the industry, as well as concentrate on innovation in the coming year and beyond.

Q: It was a challenging year financially and Sir Tim has predicted a ‘flat’ 2017 — what is the strategy for riding out the current political and economic turbulence globally?

A: This year is not going to be an easy ride for the airline industry. Competition is as

2016 HIGHLIGHTS AN ALL A380 AND B777 FLEET

ORDER BOOK BOOST

NETWORK EXPANSION

NEW DESTINATIONS IN 2016

• 36 new aircraft were delivered – 20 A380s and 16 B777-300ERs

• 2 additional A380s ordered

• 7 new passenger points

• Cebu and Clark in the Philippines

• A380 order book reaches 142

• They included new-generation aircraft with enhanced features

• World’s largest operator of the double-decker aircraft

• 1 new cargo destination: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

• Yinchuan and Zhengzhou in China

• Rounded off the year with 154 destinations

• Yangon in Myanmar

• 29 older aircraft were retired • 225 aircraft in service, average age of 5 years, below the industry average of 11 years • Only airline to operate an all Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleet

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• Hanoi in Vietnam • Fort Lauderdale in the US

Emirates built the world’s largest floral installation — a life-size version of the Emirates A380 — at Dubai Miracle Garden

Emirates now operates an all A380 and B777 fleet

IN NUMBERS

55m passengers

The new Business Class lounge at Concourse B in Dubai

225

8.8m

passengers connected to on-board Wi-Fi

7

new passenger destinations

aircraft in service by year end

Emirates rolled out its second global advertising campaign featuring Jennifer Aniston

36 3m new aircraft

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE ENHANCEMENTS • Named World’s Best Airline 2016 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards • Enhanced Business Class set on B777 aircraft • Signed an agreement with Thales to equip B777 fleet with new IFE system that will debut in mid-2020 • Introduced world’s first moisturising lounge wear in First Class

toys distributed to children on board

1.7m SMS messages sent by passengers in flight

400,000 phone calls made in flight

16m Emirates Skywards members

BRAND APPEAL • New Bvlgari amenity kits for First and Business Class • New Japanese menu for First and Business Class • World’s first interactive amenity kit introduced in Economy Class • $11 million refurbishment of Business Class lounge at Concourse B, DXB

• Emirates topped The Brand Finance Global 500 report as the world’s most valuable airline brand — growing 17% to a value of $7.7 billion • The airline teamed up with Boeing to sponsor ‘View from Above’, one of the largest aerial filming projects ever conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles.

Filming was conducted by 13 drone pilots in 18 destinations on five continents capturing never-before-seen footage.

• Became Official Airline sponsor of the Los Angeles Dodgers • Emirates returned with Hollywood darling Jennifer Aniston for another global advertising campaign showcasing the A380 • Teamed up with Dubai Miracle Garden to build the world’s largest floral installation — a life-size version of the Emirates Airline A380

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intense as always, but now it is against a backdrop of ongoing political unrest and instability and increasing economic pressure across many markets.

We intend to proceed with our plans to grow and strengthen our business while continuing to deliver value to our customers.

We have been able to respond nimbly to external challenges in the past year, because our business foundations are strong.

Maintaining that agility will be vital in 2017.

We still have much to be optimistic about, and I see clearer skies ahead in the next year.

Q: On a brighter note, what are the airline’s key goals for 2017?

A: Our aim is to maintain a business that is resilient in challenging times and delivers value to our shareholder — the Dubai government — as well as our other stakeholders, customers and the communities we serve. Given the intensely competitive environment and the forces at play, we will remain smart and ahead of the game.

We believe the global desire and interest for travel remains robust.

Despite all that has happened throughout 2016, be it instability across various regions or slow economic growth, the bottom line is that people still want to travel. Consumers merely recalibrate their travel arrangements.

As always, we will continue our undiluted focus on our core strategy, concentrating on our own organic growth, connecting city pairs that make sense for our customers while offering them an outstanding value proposition while they discover the world.

Q: As the world’s largest operator of the A380, you are constantly innovating this product — where would you like to take it to next, to push the boundaries even further?

A: Well, we recently announced major enhancements to our already popular A380 Onboard Lounge.

Our latest revamp, which will make its debut in July on our A380 aircraft, will include our trademark horseshoe-shaped bar, however we will be offering more seating space with a new arrangement along the windows and on both sides of the bar.

The new look and feel is inspired by private yacht cabins, and each seating area will have a table and window view, comfortably accommodating up to 26 passengers at a time. Our new Onboard Lounge will also have a lighter, airier feel with an updated colour story with champagne hues to be used in the cabin and lounge seating, accented by a glossy dark

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wood trim. We’re also installing soundproof curtains, softer ambient lighting, newAnniston window The Jennifer blinds and integrated LEDTVmood lightingwas as ad campaign well as subwoofers for surrounda sound. huge success The lounge will also feature a 55-inch LCD screen so customers can view the latest flight information, or enjoy sports and keep up with the latest news with our Live TV. The A380 Onboard Lounge is an iconic feature of this aircraft’s offering, and we think that with this revamp, customers will enjoy our latest enhancements.

Q: You’ve always said the success of Dubai and Emirates are intrinsically linked — how does the airline play an on-going role in promoting Dubai as a global hub for business, tourism, aviation and trade?

A: From the very start, Emirates and Dubai have grown together.

The geo-centricity of Dubai, which is at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, has been at the foundation of Emirates’ success in building up a global hub for travellers and cargo.

From our base in Dubai we can serve onethird of the world’s population within a fourhour flying radius, two-thirds of the world’s population within an eight-hour flying radius and almost 90% of the world’s population with non-stop flights using the latest ultralong range aircraft.

Geography is an important pillar of Dubai’s growth story — but it can only go so far without the other essential pieces.

Dubai’s leadership had a clear vision for the city, and has put in place the infrastructure, systems, and investments needed to build a destination on a global scale — from worldclass airports, seaports, road and metro

“Emirates is a vital player in growing Dubai’s connectivity, and in the next three years leading up to Expo 2020 Dubai, we will see a ramp up of infrastructure enhancements for aviation development, all paving the way for Emirates to carry 70 million passengers and to support this event”

Emirates has signed an agreement with Thales to equip its B777 fleet with new IFE system

The new Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge

transport, to financial institutions, tourism infrastructure, housing, education, healthcare and other public systems.

As Emirates continues to expand, one of the keys to unlocking further growth for Dubai is the development of the new Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The new airport at Dubai World Central will build on the latest passenger experience and cuttingedge aviation technologies, and will also open much needed capacity to accommodate the expansion of our fleet and operations.

Q: The airline’s brand value continues to grow too — how will you build on this in 2017?

A: Our brand is a key driver of differentiation and growth for our business and we will continue to invest in it, and meaningfully evolve the Emirates brand to stay relevant, innovative and inspiring.

A strong brand is key to ensuring the success

of our recruitment drives, sales and marketing the most complex global issues under the Expo themes of mobility, sustainability and and when attracting investment. opportunity. I strongly believe Expo will build Q: With just over three years until Expo a legacy for the UAE and the entire region 2020 Dubai, how are plans for the mega beyond 2020. event shaping up and what are your Q: What major aviation industry personal ambitions for this event? trends do you predict for 2017 — what A: Emirates is a vital player in growing concerns you and what excites you?

Dubai’s connectivity, and during the next A: We are in an era where digitisation and three years leading up to Expo 2020 Dubai, fast-moving technologies will play a key role we will see a ramp up of infrastructure in changing the industry landscape and how enhancements for aviation development, the customer experience will be defined. all paving the way for Emirates to carry 70 Emirates is adapting quickly to ensure it is million passengers and to support this event. ahead of the curve.

For me personally, this is an exciting time The digital and consumer revolution is as we prepare and plan for one of the world’s largest events. Dubai is the home of Emirates, happening, and we are already working in partnership with some of the best and it is truly a globally-connected host city. organisations and universities in the world to I think this event will strengthen the UAE’s test and develop new business solutions using role as a global hub that brings together big data, real-time analytics, personalisation people, institutions and ideas from different and automation. backgrounds together to look at some of

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Al Habtoor City is positioned on the new Dubai Water Canal

WE BUILT THIS CITY Jason Harding, complex general manager, Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, explains how Dubai’s first fully-integrated urban resort plays a key role in the emirate’s tourism development strategy

A

l Habtoor Group founding chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor officially inaugurated the Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection along with Marriott International at a grand opening VIP event on December 6, 2016.

The much-anticipated hospitality, entertainment and residential complex comprises three prominent five-star luxury hotel brands — Dubai’s first-ever St. Regis Dubai, the UAE’s first W Hotel and the Middle East’s largest Westin Hotel. The historical opening ceremony marked the first completed project along the banks of the newly-launched Dubai Water Canal development.

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Speaking at the event, Al Habtoor told guests: “The Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection is one of three exceptional collections within this unique landmark development.

“We are delighted to have Marriott International as our partner for the Hotel Collection where we have encapsulated three exceptional brands under one roof.

“Al Habtoor City has already earned its place on the Dubai skyline as a landmark destination alongside The Dubai Water Canal. We look forward to the completion of the Leisure Collection and Residence Collection next year.”

Highlights of the launch included a special teaser of La Perle by Dragone, the leading cultural creation company.

La Perle will make its debut mid-2017 at Al Habtoor City in a purpose-built aqua theatre located in The Atrium, nestled between The St. Regis Dubai and W Dubai — Al Habtoor City.

Guests atteding the launch event were also treated to a Michelin Star culinary experience curated by a fleet of award-winning chefs from across Al Habtoor hotel complex. Here, Jason Harding, complex general manager, Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, explains why the hotels and the wider Al Habtoor City development are big news for Dubai’s tourism industry.

Q: What do each of the three hotels in Al Habtoor City offer that’s new to Dubai?

A: The St. Regis Dubai was the only St. Regis hotel to debut in Dubai when it opened in November and it is now followed by the recent opening of The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

W Dubai — Al Habtoor City was the first W hotel to open in the UAE in July 2016 and The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City was the biggest Westin property to open in EMEA in August 2016. The St. Regis Dubai pays homage to the original St. Regis New York with its 18th century French beaux-arts architecture and neo-classical interiors. It is truly exquisite and stands out from other hotels in the UAE. W Dubai — Al Habtoor City by contrast is a supremely modern hotel and is turning up the heat in the Middle East with its bold and playful design and service.

The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City brings a real family spirit to the complex — positioned as an urban retreat, it presents endless choices of wellness options.

Q: What are the benefits of having the three hotels located together?

A: Dubai welcomed 14.9 million overnight visitors in 2016 and it is exciting to be an integral part of a city that is on course to hitting a monumental target of 20 million visitors by 2020. The three Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection properties are all uniquely positioned to offer a vast and diverse range of facilities, services and experiences to perfectly accommodate this demand and a big influx of MICE guests, offering almost 1,600 rooms, three ballrooms accommodating up to 850 guests and 28 meeting rooms.

La Perle

COMING SOON TO AL HABTOOR CITY La Perle, by Dragone The dawn of a new era in entertainment will arrive in Dubai with La Perle, a new show produced and created by Dragone, one of the world’s most revered cultural and artistic directors. With an anticipated opening in the second quarter of 2017, the entertainment experience will add a new dimension to Dubai’s dynamic cultural offering. The show will be presented in a 1,300-seat purpose-built, state-of-the-art theatre filled with 2.5 million litres of water. Produced by cultural creative company Dragone, directed by the legendary artistic director Franco Dragone, and brought to Dubai by the Al Habtoor Group, the production will be created in Dubai and embody the spirit of Arabia.

Al Habtoor City Tennis Academy Al Habtoor City will feature a tennis academy complete with the UAE’s first indoor, fully air-conditioned tennis court. The Tennis Academy will facilitate guests from all three hotels on the complex (St. Regis Dubai, W Dubai- Al Habtoor City, Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City), as well as the residents of the towers, and members of the sports facility. The Tennis academy will include changing rooms for men and women and a café, plus outdoor courts that will be naturally lit. In addition to free-play, the tennis academy will have tennis professionals on hand to coach adults and children.

Al Habtoor City Residential Collection Adding another dimension to Dubai’s skyline are three luxurious residential towers currently under construction — Noura, Amna and Meera. Housed within two 74-storey towers and one 52-storey tower, they comprise deluxe apartments, lofts and penthouses with one to seven bedrooms. Residents have access to all of Al Habtoor City’s world-class amenities, which include the largest swimming pool podium in the UAE, a state-of-the-art gym, a luxury spa, signature restaurants, gourmet cafés, boutiques and much more.

Q: How are the hotels putting Al Habtoor City on the tourism map?

A: Al Habtoor City is Dubai’s first fully integrated urban resort. The Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, comprising The St. Regis Dubai, W Dubai — Al Habtoor City and The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City, was the first phase to open in the development and as such has created much excitement and anticipation for the rest of the project.

The Atrium and Tennis Academy at Al Habtoor City are also now open and the Leisure Collection, which includes La Perle, a 1,000-seater water theatre by Dragone; a boulevard, marina and promenade; and the Residence Collection, featuring one- to four-bedroom apartments and ultra-luxurious penthouses, will all be operational by 2018.

Q: What are the benefits of being part of the Dubai Water Canal mega development?

A: The Dubai Water Canal offers an incredible advantage for each hotel. In a short time frame we have seen more runners, families and cyclists coming through our doors.

Being able to look out of the window and see boats passing by has really impressed guests and put a big smile on all our faces.

Q: How is Habtoor City shaping up as one of Dubai’s leading business and tourism destinations?

A: Al Habtoor City is a front-of-mind destination for local and global leisure and business travellers. The complex boasts a prime location in the heart of Dubai — minutes away from attractions such as Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, a 20-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and a 40-minute drive from Al Maktoum International. The three hotels present a host of restaurant, spa and lavish banqueting facilities providing guests with endless opportunities to stage indoor and outdoor weddings, functions and conferences.

Q: What progress has been made in developing some of the other key features of Al Habtoor City and how will their completion positively impact the three properties?

A: We are anticipating that La Perle by Dragone in The Atrium will open in August (2017), and the first residential tower will start to be occupied in 2018. We also hope to have a pontoon outside The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City this year, bringing us even closer to the Dubai Water Canal. These new developments will attract even more visitors to Al Habtoor City.

Jason Harding, complex general manager, Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection

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The Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection A GLANCE AT THE KEY HIGHLIGHTS AT AL HABTOOR CITY’S THREE LUXURY HOTELS

A

l Habtoor City comprises three luxury hotels — Dubai’s first-ever St. Regis, the UAE’s first W hotel and the largest Westin in the Middle East. The three hotels collectively bring nearly 1,600 rooms to market, as well as 18 restaurants and lounges, two spas, and 34 meeting and banqueting spaces, including three state-of-the-art ballrooms.

Located along the new Dubai Water Canal

and Dubai’s main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Habtoor City is one of the most prestigious and eagerly awaited hospitality, entertainment and residential developments in the region.

The St. Regis Dubai, W Dubai — Al Habtoor City and The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City, collectively create a destination suited to the needs of both regional and global travellers, with all three offering a strong mix of leisure and business facilities.

Al Habtoor City’s three luxury hotels

The St. Regis Dubai ROOMS Leaving no aspect of luxury living untouched, the hotel features 234 keys — 182 rooms and 52 suites. Each guestroom promises a bright, airy ambience with impeccable details, from chandeliers and carefully handpicked artwork to the most lavish furnishings. Rooms and suites feature signature St. Regis beds, exquisite marble bathrooms and an abundance of Remède amenities, as well as stateof-the-art entertainment technology.

F&B

TOP: The Sir Winston Churchill Suite, ABOVE: Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Dubai 048 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Brassier Quartier: reimagined French cuisine.

La Patisserie: a French pastry shop.

J&G Steakhouse: serves a sophisticated collection of reinvented steakhouse classics.

Le Patio: an al fresco Arabic restaurant.

Champagne Lounge: serves Champagnes and a variety of gourmet snacks.

Sidra: meaning ‘heavenly tree’ in Arabic, is the lobby lounge where bespoke tea blends can be enjoyed.

Cafe Fleuri: reminiscent of a 1930s Parisian café.

The Roof Gardens: a rooftop open-air venue set amongst two swimming pools and lush greenery.

MEETINGS & EVENTS There are10 meeting and banqueting spaces, including the Caroline Astor Boardroom and the opulent 800-square-metre Astor Ballroom.

SPA & RECREATION Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Dubai: featuring six treatment rooms (three male and three female), two Hammams, and separate female and male areas with a steam room and sauna. Other recreational facilities at the hotel include two rooftop pools and a 24-hour fitness centre.

F&B

The Fantastic Suite at W Dubai — Al Habtoor City

Namu: perched 31 floors above the city, the hotel’s destination restaurant boasts stunning views and serves an original and imaginative fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisine.

W Lounge: located on the 30th floor, this is the place to be seen and to admire Dubai’s skyline.

Level Seven: a casual, yet social hotspot serving Mediterranean cuisine.

WET® Deck: ideal for leisurely lounging and light bites.

W Dubai ROOMS The 33-storey W Dubai — Al Habtoor City brings together fabulous design, cutting-edge technology and spectacular experiences. Guests zoom up to the 30th floor for check-in at the Welcome Desk, where jaw-dropping views of Dubai Water Canal and Arabian Gulf await. With 356 rooms and suites, W Dubai — Al Habtoor City shines a spotlight in the pulsating heart of Dubai as the ultimate powerhouse where guests can enjoy the brand’s iconic Whatever/ Whenever® service philosophy that delivers whatever they want, whenever they want it.

MEETINGS & EVENTS The Great Room, the hotel’s 725-square-metre ballroom, is a class apart. With its unique oval shape, a two-storey-high glass façade, and cutting-edge audio and visual facilities, it is the go-to venue for guests looking to make a statement. It is matched with five chic studios that are suited to hosting small meetings and intimate gatherings.

SPA & RECREATION FIT Gym at W Dubai — Al Habtoor City where facilities include cardio machines, free weights, yoga corners, TVs, iPhone docks and headphones.

The FIT bar serves fun bites, healthy options and refreshing drinks.

The Westin Dubai

rooftop of the La Perle water theatre serving refreshing cocktails and shisha.

ROOMS

MEETINGS & EVENTS

1,004 guest rooms and 142 suites fill the hotel’s ivory tower, each fitted with the signature Westin Heavenly Bed® and the Westin Heavenly Bath®.

Signature suites range from the Family Suite — a sanctuary for the smallest of travellers, boasting its very own playroom — to its top suite, the luxurious Heavenly Suite, an incredible two-bedroom haven.

Elevating the experience for guests staying on the Club floors and select suites including the Grand, Presidential and Heavenly suites, the Westin Club lounge on level 39 offers complimentary facilities and amenities while affording uninterrupted views of the city skyline and Dubai Water Canal.

Westin’s ‘Work Well’ mantra presents guests with 18 banqueting spaces of various sizes, each well-equipped and offering SuperFoods Rx meeting breaks. The 1,450-square-metre Al Joud ballroom with a separate entrance and pre-function hall is ideal for events of up to 1,200 guests.

F&B

TOP: The impressive lobby staircase ABOVE: Cook Hall serves comfort food classics

The WET DECK at W Dubai

Seasonal Tastes: for SuperFoods Rx and global healthy cuisine.

Daily Treats: for healthy bites on the go.

Blinq: for cocktails.

Cook Hall: for comfort food.

Il Capo Restaurant: for the heartiest of New York’s favourite Italian dishes.

Firefly: poolside outdoor lounge, located on the

SPA & RECREATION Heavenly Spa by Westin™ at The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City featuring 20 treatment rooms including two for couples, a Hammam, steam room, sauna, hot tubs and speciality showers. Additional facilities include the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio with the latest equipment and RunWESTIN® for guests who prefer to exercise outdoors. The hotel provides maps with walking and running various routes, fresh towels, and bottled water upon return.

The Al Joud ballroom’s pre-function hall

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Wonderful Indonesia

Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2

DUBAIredefining HEALTHCARE the wellness concept CITY: for Dubai and the region

Several green spaces including parks 050are|part ATM 2017 of theYEARBOOK Phase 2 blueprint

Bader Saeed Hareb, CEO, Dubai Healthcare City Investments, outlines the entity’s vision to corner the wellness market, the focus of the free zone’s 19-million-square-feet expansion strategy

T

he global wellness industry grew 10.6% to become a US$3.72 trillion market in 2015, new research from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) reveals and its growing importance has not gone unnoticed in Dubai where public and private entities are looking to capitalise on this booming sector. Leading the pack is Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), which is pioneering several initiatives designed to meet demand for wellness-led lifestyles and experiences, acknowledging that there’s much more to effective healthcare than medical treatments.

“The wellness lifestyle is the other side of the coin when we talk about healthcare,” says Bader Saeed Hareb, CEO, Dubai Healthcare City Investments, who is spearheading DHCC’s wellness development strategy.

With the global wellness market covering a diverse range of disciplines, from rehabilitation, fitness, nutrition and spas to holistic therapies and wellness-inspired living spaces, the definition of wellness is being “redefined”, Hareb argues.

He believes the broad definition of wellness as ‘the optimal state of health of individuals and groups’ must include several dimensions, including the physical and the social, which can be achieved through urban planning.

The goal, as far as DHCC and Dubai is concerned, is to create districts that promote an active lifestyle and social activity, while safeguarding environmental wellness by maximising natural light and surroundings.

“The wellness experiences that people seek vary,” explains Hareb. “They might be immersive and sensoryled, experiential, shareable or social.”

A growing trend, he notes, is for a digital detox wellness experience whereby people succumbing to technology overload “unplug and reconnect with reality”.

So what role does Dubai play in pioneering a wellnessinspired environment and how is DHCC planning to drive the growth and development of this market segment?

Hareb explains the role of DHCC as a wellness advocate in context of the free zone’s ambitious Phase 2 expansion in Al Jaddaf Dubai.

Described as a “distinct wellness destination”, DHCC Phase 2 covers 19 million square feet, more than five times the area of DHCC’s Phase 1 in Oud Metha.

Phase 2 overlooks the widest stretch of the Dubai Water Canal project, an extension of the historic Dubai Creek, linking Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf.

The vision for the high-profile development is to encourage healthy living by offering a wide range of services and facilities that include a wellness centre, wellness spas and resorts, walkways, jogging and cycling tracks and parks, all complemented by residential, retail, hospitality and leisure components.

“Customers today demand a holistic, all-encompassing approach to feeling well and Phase 2 will meet this need,” explains Hareb.

“For a tourist or visitor travelling for health and wellness purposes, this translates into accommodation that encourages healing in an environment conducive to a fast recovery. For residents who seek a wellness-driven lifestyle, they require homes and living spaces that promote good health and both mental and physical wellbeing.”

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Phase 2 overlooks the widest stretch of the Dubai Water Canal project

“With Phase 2, DHCC will help reduce healthcare costs by emphasising prevention over treatment and making healthy living a habit”

DEFINING THE WELLNESS CONSUMER To qualify and quantify the wellness industry in context of Dubai and DHCC, it is essential to understand wellness consumer behaviour, says Hareb.

“Contrary to what most people believe, healthcare and wellness consumers are the not the same,” he says, referring to DHCC-commissioned market research conducted in 2016.

The findings pointed out that healthcare and wellness consumers are two distinct categories.

Though complementary to one another, healthcare and wellness trends differ. For wellness tourists, the top two deciding factors when selecting a destination are ‘quality of care/treatment’ and ‘quality of service/experience’ whereas the top two priorities for healthcare travellers are ‘quality of care/treatment’ and ‘value for money’.

The survey found the leading services desired by

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wellness visitors were spas, fitness centres and nutrition/ weight management treatments and facilities.

Based on these findings, DHCC has identified a distinct value chain for Phase 2 and its growth plan reflects this strategic approach.

“Phase 2 is part of DHCC’s evolution,” says Hareb.

“Following the success of Phase 1, which is now home to more than 400 clinical and non-clinical partners, Phase 2 is a natural extension of the DHCC health ecosystem, providing a continuum of care and a wellness lifestyle.”

Backed by the free zone’s independent regulatory body, Dubai Healthcare City Authority — Regulatory (DHCR), DHCC has a sound framework in place to support these innovative wellness models.

DHCR licenses several activities within its Wellness Cluster under the Personal Care Centre and Wellness Studio segments. The Wellness Cluster in the free zone supports preventative healthcare, lifestyle modification, and general wellbeing.

As DHCC forges ahead with planned expansion, guided by robust regulations, Hareb says the goal is to put in place long-term solutions.

“It’s about achieving the founding goals of DHCC by enabling strategic partnerships to provide exceptional customer experiences,” he explains.

“With Phase 2, DHCC will help reduce healthcare costs by emphasising prevention over treatment and making healthy living a habit. Currently, in Phase 2 we have the world’s largest wellness concept taking shape.”

focus on encouraging healthy lifestyles as part of the destination offering, and that is what we are looking to achieve in Dubai. In additionDubai has a strategic location, within a four- to eight-hour flight time of Asia, Africa and Europe and is considered a leading tourism destination, known for its safety, world-class infrastructure and innovation.”

PUSHING THE WELLBEING AGENDA

THE PHASE 2 BLUEPRINT A focal point of Phase 2 is the MAG of Life Creek Resort, occupying 810,000 square feet of land and located on the water front.

It will be anchored by a 100,000-square-feet wellness centre that will offer treatments to prevent and manage diseases such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes and other physical conditions.

The project will see MAG PD work with Delos, a wellness real estate and technology firm, to incorporate pioneering health and wellness features into residences.

Other Phase 2 developments include the Swiss International Scientific School, which is the Middle East’s first low-energy building in the education space; the Clemenceau Medical Centre, offering specialised care; hospitality and residential projects including Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Al Fursan and Aliyah by Azizi.

These projects are aligned to Dubai Government goals for economic diversification Hareb stresses.

“The government aims to establish Dubai as a global medical tourism hub,” he says. “Strengthening the world-class healthcare and wellness sectors will meet the changing health demands of the UAE population and attract investment in the two sectors.”

DHCC’s goal is to become a wellness industry leader, he continues, providing a world-class experience and unrivalled care, treatment and services.

“I am often asked how Dubai can become a preferred health and wellness destination,” says Hareb. “My response is that the global wellness industry has a new

DHCC has also helped position Dubai as one of the world’s most business-friendly cities and a preferred healthcare and wellness investment destination, Hareb continues. The free zone’s investment opportunities are broad ranging and include the hospitality and retail sector, which has proved a huge draw, he adds.

DHCC has also made strong progress in pushing the prevention and wellness agenda as central to improving public health.

Its Wellness Programme raises public awareness about health challenges and brings DHCC healthcare expertise closer to the community.

The initiative is being rolled out via two channels: a health festival designed to improve public health through screenings and activities conducted at public events, as well as a corporate wellness initiative that aims to conduct annual health screenings for corporations with findings reviewed annually to ensure improvements are monitored.

“Establishing a culture of wellness in the wider community is integral in helping residents and visitors lead a healthy lifestyle,” says Hareb.

“Dubai Healthcare City is working to deliver a destination that will be at the forefront of Dubai’s success story in the coming years as the build up to Expo 2020 Dubai intensifies.”

Phase 2’s prime waterfront location on Dubai Creek

DHCC aims to promote a healthy lifestyle to residents and visitors alike

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It’s a lifestyle

Jad Frem, Director of Sales & Marketing, Six Senses Zighy Bay

Address Boulevard has opened its doors, bringing a unique blend of 20thcentury Euro chic and oldworld luxury to the heart of Downtown Dubai, says general manager, Pascal Dupuis

A Pascal Dupuis

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ddress Boulevard is a new luxurious city lifestyle resort located in the heart of Downtown Dubai.

Housed in an Art Deco-influenced 72-storey curvilinear tower, the property features 196 guestrooms, 532 serviced apartments and luxurious leisure facilities including a spa, three swimming pools and a first-of-its-kind F&B concept.

Standing at 368 metres, Address Boulevard is the 36th tallest structure in the world and Dubai’s second tallest building after Burj Khalifa.

Its public spaces are designed to emulate an art gallery and showcase the hotel’s outstanding art collection — 251 pieces by 48 emerging and internationally-acclaimed artists are on permanent display.

Here, the property's general manager, Pascal Dupuis, explains why the property brings a new

dimension to Dubai’s hospitality landscape — as well as its restaurant scene.

Q: How is Address Boulevard different to other Address properties in this area of Dubai and other five-star hotels in the city?

A: Address Boulevard offers leisure and business guests a unique city lifestyle experience that is new to Dubai's hospitality scene.

Overlooking Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s most iconic buildings, and close to The Dubai Mall and The Opera District, the property has a world-class location, perfect for accessing the city’s leading business and retail centres.

It also brings a new hospitality offering to one of the most happening and vibrant districts in the city.

We are particularly excited by its opening given it will serve as an outstanding family-centric destination and a residential space located in the

FAST FACTS Address Boulevard

• Opening date: March 1st, 2017; • Management company: Address Hotels + Resorts, Emaar Hospitality Group; • Concept: A luxurious lifestyle city resort; • Architecture: The hotel is housed in an Art Decoinspired 72-storey curvilinear tower; • Iconic: Second tallest building in Downtown Dubai; • Prime location: Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, close to several major landmarks and attractions including Dubai Opera, the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, DIFC and DICEC;

• New signature dining space: The Restaurant at Address, feels like a luxurious European apartment of a well-travelled family in the 1920s, serving classic dishes in sublime surroundings, and championing what it describes as global ‘bistronomy’; • Accommodation: 196 rooms and suites and 532 serviced residences; • Family-focused: two- and three-bedroom suites, three pools, including a family pool; • Well-connected: An air-conditioned travellator connects Address Boulevard to The Dubai Mall and The Dubai Mall Metro Station.

The Lounge is ‘the third place’ — neither work nor home

second tallest building in Downtown Dubai, offering refreshing lifestyle choices for guests and residents.

Q: What are the property’s USPs? A: Our new city lifestyle resort reflects a 20thcentury Euro-chic theme — it’s where European finesse and elegance meet old-world understated luxury. The property's architecture is Art Deco influenced while the hotel interiors display outstanding craftsmanship.

The public areas emulate an art gallery and make our guests feel perfectly at home.

The Restaurant at Address has been designed to replicate a luxurious European apartment, serving classic dishes in sublime surroundings.

The Spa spoils guests with rejuvenating therapies and signature treatments, with the facility set on an entire floor of the hotel and spanning some 700 square metres.

Q: As a city lifestyle resort, what type of clients does the property attract?

A: Appealing to leisure and business travellers, we are positioned in an exclusive city location, close to Dubai’s key attractions. The hotel is connected to The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest retail and entertainment destination, and given its prominent position on the vibrant Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, it also offers an extensive choice of specialty food and beverage concepts that appeal to families and young visitors.

It is also near to Dubai Opera, the recentlyopened multi-format performing arts venue in Downtown Dubai, offering guests a new and sought-after cultural experience.

Other attractions that are within walking distance of the property include Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall; Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; SEGA Republic, the largest indoor theme

The Restaurant at Address

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A FAMILY-CENTRIC DESTINATION A glance at the credentials that define Address Boulevard

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Private limousine transfers;

ROOMS

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Pre-check-in and in-room check-in options available;

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In-room coffee machine and tea choices;

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Luxurious toiletries;

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Welcome amenities;

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Video on demand;

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24-hour in-room dining;

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A 24-hour stay benefit for Club Rooms and select Suites.

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196 luxurious rooms including 116 spacious Deluxe Rooms, 44 Boulevard Rooms, 28 one-bedroom Suites, 7 two-bedroom Suites and an Address Suite with spectacular views; 532 serviced residences including duplexes and two penthouses.

THE RESTAURANT AT ADDRESS •

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The Restaurant at Address simulates a luxurious European apartment, providing classic dishes, and great food in sublime surroundings; A stylish, considered and contemporary venue, the menu and the modular spaces are designed to bring people together through the act of sharing, while creating intimacy through unique dining experiences; Each room cleverly depicts the charming surroundings of a luxury home, featuring both communal and private dining spaces for every occasion — The kitchen, Living Room, Collection Room, Dining Room, Dressing Room, Study Room and a Secret Room for intimate meetings;

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Family-friendly outdoor terrace with Downtown Dubai views;

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Thought-out spaces such as The Library, Music Room and Games Room designed for socialising;

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Serves food 24 hours a day.

THE SPA AT ADDRESS BOULEVARD •

A facility dedicated to beauty and wellness spanning an entire floor (700 square metres);

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Features an outdoor swimming pool, 10 dedicated single treatment rooms, a private couple’s treatment suite, manicure and pedicure areas, and a private vitality pool;

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Other amenities include relaxation lounges, male and female thermal suites, steam rooms, saunas, rhassoul and hammam, experience showers and ice fountains.

LIFESTYLE-INFLUENCED EVENTS •

Boulevard Ballroom, located on the ground floor, has a dedicated entrance and valet parking. The 450-squaremetre space, adorned with chandeliers, can accommodate up to 250 guests;

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The Atelier show kitchen is ideal for a social gathering of friends, family or work colleagues and offers a pan-to-plate taste experience served by passionate chefs;

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The Majlis, which is situated next to The Atelier show kitchen, is ideal for professional meetings that require a private and elite space;

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Meeting Room 1 has a flexible format that can screen audio and visual displays and can also be used as an auditorium for theatre-style events;

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Meeting Room 2 connects with the Majlis through a discreet panel entrance on the wall and is the quintessential space for formal business meetings;

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The Reading Room resembles a grand library, complete with shelves filled with books to suit all literary tastes;

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The Boardroom is an intimate space that’s ideal for private presentations and small business meetings. It features the latest technology.

LEISURE FACILITIES •

A state-of-the-art fitness centre featuring multi-functional exercise equipment and resistance machines, a yoga studio and a kinesis wall;

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A Qix Club for kids;

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Three pools including a ‘splash pad’ for the little ones;

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The Lounge is ‘the third place’ — neither work nor home — where guests can enjoy tea, coffee and pastries.

BUSINESS FACILITIES •

The Club Lounge: modern, stylish and focuses on personal service. There’s also a dedicated meeting room with Burj Khalifa views;

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24-hour business lounge.

THE LITTLE EXTRAS •

Airport VIP welcome on arrival;

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The elegant lobby

Six Senses Zighy Bay boasts 1.6km of sandy beach

Address Suite — Master Bedroom The Private Reserve

“Our new city lifestyle resort reflects a 20th-century Euro-chic theme — it’s where European finesse and elegance meet old-world understated luxury” park of its kind in the region; and KidZania®, a dedicated children’s city. Business guests also have the convenience of being located near the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC). Key target markets for us include India, China and Europe in addition to the GCC and the wider Middle East.

Q: How are you leveraging the property’s proximity to new Opera District?

A: Our partnership with Dubai Opera, which is close to the hotel, is a major benefit. We are helping to promote the venue and the district to guests looking to gain insight into Dubai’s cultural attributes.

The property also serves as a hospitality destination for international guests and performers who are visiting the city to work or to attend events at Dubai Opera, while pre-theatre dinner options will be available for attendees looking for that perfect evening out. The year-round calendar of activities at Dubai Opera will drive visitors to our property by serving as a magnet for cultural tourism.

Q: What hotel features appeal to the local community, particularly dining options?

A: Our new signature dining concept, The Restaurant at Address, is the first of its kind, and will debut at Address Boulevard before being launched at the other Address properties.

The venue will lead the market as a specialist provider of classic dishes with a menu inspired by global ‘bistronomy’.

Overhauling the dining experience further, The Restaurant offers an ‘eat what you want when you want, just as you would at home’ concept, which will appeal to guests seeking quality, freshly-cooked meal options, regardless of the time of day — or night — they

would like to dine.The outlet also creates an element of mystery, with the Hidden Secret Room accommodating private parties of four in a secluded and intimate venue, located behind a hidden secret door that forms part of the bookcase in the Study Room. It evokes a wonderful sense of curiosity and offers the possibility to create totally different experiences, depending on the occasion and the diners. It can also be re-imagined for repeat diners. We are also targeting residents in the Downtown Dubai area, encouraging them to pop into the hotel for breakfast, lunch or a sociable drink with colleagues and friends.

Q: What’s your sales, marketing and social media strategy?

A: We are very excited about the opening of this stunning property and I admire the sheer level of work, expertise and superb craftsmanship that has gone into making this an outstanding venue.

Thanks to a talented team working hard behind the scenes, our digital marketing effort is bringing the hotel’s attractive offering alive to a global audience, enticing them to savour and adore Address Boulevard and its outstanding amenities.

We aim to stamp the hotel’s authority in the market place, making the property a must-visit hospitality destination that is inspired by the nostalgia of the glamour of 20th-century Europe.

Q: How do you intend to make your mark as GM, ensuring this is one of Dubai’s most sought-after ‘addresses’?

A: My role will be busy and enjoyable and I’m confident it will result in success. Primarily, of course, I am overseeing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, ensuring our guests have a memorable stay, fulfilling our duty to give visitors a hospitality experience like no other. We have assembled a talented team across all operations including dining, spa, front of house, rooms and sales and marketing, to name a few, ensuring the property runs ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 057

Mayfair meets Dubai

The elegant lobby

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DUKES Dubai is the latest addition to the Seven Tides portfolio, introducing a thoroughly British hospitality experience to the Arabian market

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ubai-based Seven Tides is a privately-owned holding company with international interests, that was established in 2004.

With a current focus on the hospitality and real estate sectors, Seven Tides owns a variety of projects spanning residential, commercial and resort properties.

Its current portfolio ranges from landmark hospitality acquisitions and commercial buildings to residential towers and multi-use complexes in the global gateway cities of London and Dubai.

The company has several new hospitality projects in the pipeline, some of which will launch in 2017.

At the end of 2016, the company launched the quintessentially English hospitality brand DUKES to Dubai. Here, Seven Tides CEO Abdulla bin Sulayem explains why Dubai is the right market for the DUKES concept and suggests more properties could follow.

Seven Tides CEO Abdulla bin Sulayem

TAKE 5: DUKES DUBAI • • • • •

A quintessentially British hospitality experience; The signature Great British Restaurant; Kyhber, specialising in Northern Indian cuisine; Seven British-style meeting rooms; The Duchess Floor — with rooms, suites and amenities dedicated to women guests.

Q: Why was the time right to bring the DUKES brand to Dubai?

A: In 2006, we acquired the DUKES London hotel, located in the heart of Mayfair. The property is extremely popular with GCC residents travelling to London and, based on that success, Seven Tides decided there was a market for the DUKES brand in other cities, with Dubai a prime international location and logical next step for portfolio growth.

Even during the financial crisis, the hospitality industry in Dubai remained relatively buoyant compared to the rest of the world. The theme parks that opened last year will be a huge draw for families, while Dubai Safari Park, Dubai Creek and the new Dubai Eye will expand the already extensive choice for tourists visiting the emirate. It gives us great confidence when the government keeps producing these landmark projects to attract more tourism.

DUKES Dubai is a unique, independent, standalone brand that delivers a quintessentially British hospitality experience and at DUKES Dubai the ‘theme’ is carried through from the décor and design to dining concepts and that all-important service delivery.

Q: What does the property bring to Dubai that’s new and unique?

A: DUKES Dubai brings a perfect British offering to Dubai. The five-star luxury market in Dubai is extremely competitive, but we aim to carve out a niche with our warm, welcoming contemporary product, combined with classical British service standards.

The hotel includes the brand new signature Great British Restaurant (GBR), which serves up the very best of British food in a dramatic Anantara The ResortGulf. & Residences setting overlooking thePalm Arabian Executiveis a Seven Tides chef Martin Cahill adds a glamorous twistproperty to traditional British cuisine, and uses quality produce to create a meticulously-planned menu of much loved dishes, with all food seasonally prepared and a new menu of classics every four months.

DUKES Dubai has also added a flavour of India to its restaurant repertoire with the launch of the first international outpost for Mumbai-based family restaurant group, Khyber, which specialises in traditional Northern Indian cuisine.

The hotel caters for both leisure and business travellers, with conference facilities to host meetings and events on one hand, and on the other hand, quality rooms and apartments for families to stay in, with a host of facilities and amenities to enjoy.

Q: What are the stand-out features at DUKES Dubai?

A: DUKES Dubai has a dedicated ladies-only

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Liberty Duchess floor featuring 20 rooms and has also welcomed the first Khyber restaurant outside of Mumbai, which will be serving traditional Northern Indian cuisine. Guests entering the hotel lobby will no doubt be stunned by a Tiffany’s-inspired, handmade crystal chandelier, commissioned by DUKES Dubai, which took four days to assemble, piece by piece.

The British theme runs right through the hotel, from exquisite fabricsbrought to Dubai by world-renowned British textile designer and manufacturer Liberty Fabrics, to stylish furniture from Andrew Martin and beautiful bone china from William Edwards. Bespoke DUKES candles and amenities from Brit Family Perfumer, Floris London, adorn the lobby areas and bathrooms, while delicious cheeses from one of the oldest London cheesemongers, Paxton and Whitfield, can be accompanied by classic English Wines. Guests also enjoy benefits from DUKES’ continued alliance with London’s iconic milliner for men and women, Lock & Co Hatters. Guests can enjoy unique dining experiences at six distinctive dining venues in-

cluding the hotel’s signature outlet, as previously mentioned, the Great British Restaurant (GBR), which, under the culinary direction of executive chef Martin Cahill, will offer modern British brasserie-style cuisine.

Notwithstanding Khyber; the hotel has an award-winning Manhattan style grill and bar, in West 14th, whose executive chef, Clive Pereira, was named ‘Gastronomic Superstar’ at the Leaders in Hospitality Awards 2016.

For lighter bites, the hotel has The Tea Lounge, ideal for afternoon tea and for something a little stronger, the DUKES Bar serves a signature selection of Martinis and the Cigar Lounge offering a sophisticated selection of fine cigars and malts.

Q: What type of guests are you attracting and why?

A: Our main source markets are the UK, China, South-East Asia and the Middle East. A segment that is often underestimated is families, which is currently one of the fastest-growing markets. Due to our prime location on

DUKES Dubai brings a British hospitality offering to Dubai

THE SEVEN TIDES PORTFOLIO PROPERTIES OWNED BY SEVEN TIDES: Mövenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel • Opened in October 2010 • 396 rooms • Six iconic restaurants and bars • Signature spa Ibn Battuta Gate Offices • Opened in October 2010 • 193 modern offices • Robotic parking with a capacity of 744 vehicles • IBG complex is 149,342 square metres Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort • Opened in September 2013 • 293 rooms • 260 lagoon view and access rooms • 12 beach pool villas • 18 over water villas • 3 two-bedroom villas • Five restaurants and bars • Three lagoons • Large swimming pool • Signature spa • Gym • Banqueting facilities Anantara Residences Dubai Palm Jumeirah • Sales launched May 2013 • 442 one- and two-bedroom apartments There are 301 • 14 penthouses rooms and suites DUKES Hotel London • 90 rooms • Perrier-Jouët Champagne Lounge and popular restaurant • Thirty Six by Nigel Mendham DUKES Dubai, Palm Jumeirah • 15 floors • 279 bedrooms • 227 serviced apartments, managed by the hotel • 6 dining facilities Oceana Residences, Palm Jumeirah • Released in 2009 • 644 apartments and penthouses

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“We are constantly evaluating new opportunities in various markets and considering different models — including the possible development of a four-star brand”

A Standard Room at DUKES Dubai

Palm Jumeirah, close to major hubs such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, JLT and Jebel Ali Free Zone, we are also targeting the corporate market. In addition, for leisure guests, families and the local community, the hotel comes complete with a private beach, Lazy River, a dedicated Kids’ Club and a Friday brunch devoted to families.

Q: Hotels aside, how are your residential properties performing?

A: Demand for the DUKES Dubai residential apartments has been strong since the project was launched in 2015, with 95% of the 227 studio and one-bedroom managed apartments sold to date, and just 11 units remaining.

Seven Tides’ other Palm Jumeirah development, Anantara The Palm Dubai Residences, has enjoyed similar success with 79% of its North and South Tower residences already sold as part of a phased release.

We also launched Rahala Residences, located adjacent to Mövenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai, comprising 45 studios and 112 one-bedroom fully-furnished luxury apartments, which is due for completion in December 2018.

following the Brexit referendum, we honoured the rate originally quoted to customers who had pre-booked to stay at our Anantara property, regardless of the exchange rate between Dirham and Sterling.

In terms of our investors, we offer very competitive pricing plans for our properties.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Residences has a developer-backed guaranteed 10% ROI for three years and and DUKES Dubai’s hotel apartments includes a developer-backed guaranteed 10% ROI for five years.

Q: What’s your overall business development strategy and where will this take you over the next few years?

A: Standing out from our peers is a top priority and we achieve this through the creation of a unique ambiance and offering at each of our hotels. In strategising for future success, we are constantly evaluating new opportunities in various markets and considering different models — including the possible development of a four-star brand. We will also continue to focus on identifying character-led projects in prime locations.

The DUKES Bar

Q: How are you overcoming some of the geopolitical and economic challenges currently impacting the region’s hospitality industry?

A: We are constantly looking at market conditions and reacting to them accordingly. This was the case in 2015 when the Russian rouble lost half its value and wiped out the Russian market for retail and hospitality. Last year,

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TIME for CHANGE A passion for service, enriching lives and giving back to communities is setting apart TIME Hotels as a hospitality firm with heart, explains its affable CEO, Mohamed Awadalla Q: What makes TIME Hotels different?

A: TIME Hotels offers a portfolio of accommodation options delivering exemplary service and quality-led facilities and amenities. We have seen an increase in the number of GCC travellers looking for short breaks and staycations, with the UAE the destination of choice. Our hotel and residence offering is ideally suited to this market, providing a home from home.

TIME Hotels’ family-friendly facilities, competitive room rates and dry hotel environment appeal to GCC guests.

Our convenient locations, close to metro stations, major attractions, malls, entertainment and business hubs, safeguards our popularity with this feeder market.

Q: TIME Hotels is one of the UAE hospitality industry’s leading CSR pioneers. What do you consider the company’s leading initiatives in this respect?

A: As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility mandate, we launched the digital platform Tomorrow's World in December 2015. This forward-thinking website makes it easy for hotel guests, and anyone with an interest in building a better future for us all, to stay updated on ways to make a difference to the social and environmental landscape in Dubai and beyond.

Tomorrow’s World features a wealth of information about activities and initiatives designed to enhance wellbeing in the workplace, community and environment.

People can even use the portal to donate to special projects or volunteer their time to worthy causes.

Last year we extended our outreach programme beyond the UAE through a partnership with Etihad Airways. We became involved with a charity initiative to support the development

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of three schools for underprivileged children in remote areas of Kakamega County in western Kenya.

Other key initiatives include The Urban Garden project at TIME Oak Hotel & Suites in Barsha Heights, Dubai, which has attracted keen interest from organic food enthusiasts UAE wide.

The garden educates people on how to grow their own herbs and vegetables in a challenging climate.

In 2016, TIME Oak, which is our flagship property, also became a member of the Emirates Green Building Council, which was formed in 2006 with the goal of advancing green building principles for protecting the environment through the expertise of its members.

We were also recently awarded the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Dubai Chamber) CSR Label Award, which was a significant achievement for us. We are very much a community-focused company that is committed to diversity and equal opportunities and we look forward to meeting new milestones in our CSR story.

Our overall aim is to add value to people's lives and the community through a combination of cash or in-kind donations, education and employee engagement activities.

Q: You branched out into the non-hotel arena for the first time in 2016 — what factors are driving this strategy and what’s next?

A: We launched O’Learys, a Boston-inspired, US sports-themed restaurant, in the Fujairah Mall in January 2016 as TIME Hotels’ first retail product.

The Middle East is a prime target market for O’Learys, with its proven concept and multi-segment consumer appeal. We followed the successful Fujairah launch with the opening of a second outlet on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road in September last year. Diners and sports fans are already enjoying the unique concept and lively family atmosphere. Going forward we see several opportunities to place the O’Learys brand in key high traffic, high-value locations across the UAE. We’re actively looking for the next location to launch the brand.

Q: You also staged some interesting research on Generation Z — what were your key findings and how will you draw on this research in terms of hotel products and services and future hotel developments?

A: The feedback back from our panel of teenagers provided us with an excellent insight into the travel experiences, desires and expectations of the next generation of frequent travellers. We found that although technology is still extremely

TIME Hotels’ flagship property, TIME Oak Hotel & Suites in Barsha Heights, Dubai

TIME Oak Hotel and Suites

“We are very much a community-focused company that is committed to diversity and equal opportunities” important, with Wi-Fi access a basic expectation and the availability of games consoles a prerequisite of any kids’ club, our teen panel was adamant about the importance of a comfy bed, large clean room and good food as the non-negotiable fundamentals of a great holiday.

We also discussed Dubai as a holiday destination for 13- to 20-year olds. The beach, mall scene, water parks and desert are top-rated attractions however, more theme parks, the development of more green spaces and natural beauty spots is necessary to enable the emirate to compete against other leading leisure destinations. Encouragingly the panel also highlighted several areas the tourism industry in Dubai is getting right.

This included the convenience of late night openings for restaurants, malls and grocery shops.

From a food perspective, choice, a menu that changes daily, healthy options and cleanliness were all highlighted. The panel

MENA PROPERTY UPDATE TIME Beach Villas Resort, Jeddah, KSA The hospitality firm’s first resort will feature 61 villas, a swimming pool, gym, meeting facilities and kids’ playgrounds.

Yasma by TIME Hotels and Resorts, Quarayyat, KSA TIME Hotels’ first four-star hotel in Saudi Arabia will offer 137 rooms and suites and a series of F&B outlets, facilities and services.

TIME Rako Hotel, Doha, Qatar TIME Hotels’ first four-star property in Qatar will open in the Al Wakra area of Doha with 112 rooms and suites.

It will encompass four F&B outlets, a fitness centre and spa, plus three multi-purpose rooms for meetings and conferences.

TIME Asma Hotel, Dubai, UAE TIME Asma Hotel will be the firm’s second hotel in Dubai’s Al Barsha area.

The four-star property comprises of 232 rooms with dining options and an attractive line-up of facilities and services.

TIME Rako Hotel, Doha, Qatar, opens this year

Platinum TIME Residence, Fujairah, UAE The TIME Residence property will debut in Fujairah this year featuring 76 apartments for long-term guests.

Palm 1 TIME Residence, Ajman, UAE The first TIME-Residence-branded property in Ajman hosts 16 apartments for long-stay guests.

Palm 2 TIME Residence, Ajman, UAE Palm 2 TIME Residence will host 20 apartments for long-stay travellers.

The new Meera TIME Residence in Abu Dhabi Students discuss Gen Z travel trends at TIME Oak

O’Learys; a Boston-inspired, US sports-themed restaurant

“In an age of new technology and automated check in, I believe the secret to our success will be in our ability to interact with our guests” were also keen to stress how their palates were maturing and they were more willing to try new things.

Our roundtable sessions were a real eye-opener, and with Gen Z just years away from becoming independent adults with the means to travel the world, we need to evaluate how we approach them.

Q: What are your business development plans for 2017?

A: Expansion is the main driver of our business development plan. There will be new openings throughout 2017 — in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai, Fujairah and Ajman.

We are also looking to expand our O’Learys offering and actively seeking the next location to showcase the brand.

Q: Where geographically are you focusing your portfolio development plans and why?

A: We plan to take the TIME Residence brand to Fujairah, with the launch of Platinum TIME Residence this year, allowing TIME Hotels to position itself strategically in the emirate’s expanding hospitality market.

We are also opening three new hotels in Du-

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The Urban Garden project at TIME Oak Hotel & Suites in Barsha Heights

bai — TIME Asma Hotel, TIME Royal Hotel & Spa and TIME Express Hotel Al Jaddaf — and a further four hotels across Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Our current pipeline of hotels and residences meets the demands of multiple markets by offering a high-quality hotel or serviced apartment for a market segment that is currently under-represented in the region.

Q: How is the growth of niche tourism markets helping to shape your development plans?

A: Early next year we will open our first fivestar UAE-based property — the 277-room TIME Royal Hotel & Spa Dubai Healthcare City, adjacent to the popular Wafi shopping and leisure complex.

It will have a strong medical tourism focus with facilities designed to accommodate the needs of wellness tourists including a signature spa with temperature-controlled pools, a gym with rehabilitation equipment, and a health and juice bar. The property will also feature 20 handicap-accessible rooms.

There is a clear need for a hospitality product that can accommodate the specific needs of medical tourists. The TIME Royal Hotel &

Spa will support the wellness proposition and provide some much-needed room stock in the Oud Metha area of the city.

Since launching the TIME Residence brand, we have seen demand for quality and value serviced apartments rise across the region as business travellers look for a home-from-home environment and leisure visitors, especially families, require room configurations that the traditional hotel model cannot always accommodate.

Q: What other areas of the business are you keen to develop?

A: Our CSR offering has always been an integral part of the TIME Hotels offering and an area on which we will focus as we move forward. The research studies conducted with the teenagers who took part in our Gen Z roundtables have provided an invaluable insight into tomorrow’s independent travellers and we will align our offering accordingly.

Service is very dear to my heart and I believe something we do very well. In an age of new technology and automated check in, I believe the secret to our success will be in our ability to interact with our guests, making them feel welcome and comfortable — ultimately making these onetime visitors, brand ambassadors for life.

Bespoke

at its best

Privacy and personalisation are the new luxury and One&Only is mastering both as it rolls out new properties, concepts and residential-style accommodation in exclusive destinations, reveals president and chief operating officer Philippe Zuber 066 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

“As we expand we will continue to provide the unrivalled level of service for which we are known”

The Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm

Villa One at One&Only Palmilla

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ne&Only is embarking on a new phase of expansion, extending its footprint to new exciting destinations where the brand can showcase its high-end hospitality offering in full glory.

“We are very excited about the resorts we will be opening this year — One&Only Seef in Bahrain and One&Only Sanya in Hainan, which will be our first entry into China,” explains Philippe Zuber, who took the helm at One&Only as president and chief

THE GUERLAIN EXPERIENCE AT ONE&ONLY THE PALM One&Only The Palm in Dubai recently signed a deal with prestigious house of Guerlain to operate the resort’s spa. at The Park For the first time in the UAE, guests areRove offered personrestaurant terrace alised spa treatments in an exquisite setting where every treatment is “transformed into a unique and personal occasion”, which is the essence of the Guerlain experience.

The French skincare specialist has also designed exclusive treatments for One&Only The Palm suchThe as ‘Dubai Address Harmony’, a vitality-boosting treatment with original hot Boulevard Dubai and cold touches and ‘Désert d’Orient’, an “oriental treatment journey” that takes place in the exclusive Spa Suite.

WINING, DINING AND TOURING

at One&Only Cape Town Nobu Champagne Dinner Series Chef Nobu (who has an outpost at One&Only Cape Town), One&Only Cape Town’s newly appointed head chef, Harold Hurtada, and several iconic Champagne houses are joining forces in 2017 to launch the exclusive Nobu Champagne Dinner Series. The series began on April 5 with Billecart-Salmon and continues from May to September, including the world’s most renowned and delicious champagnes, including Tattinger, Louis Roederer, Moet et Chandon and Dom Perignon.

Chef and The Vine Series.

This new monthly wine-and-dine programme brings together the best of the Cape’s wine farms paired with seasonal dishes in renowned chef Reuben’s restaurant. Hosted by Reuben’s head chef, Chris Mare, and One&Only Cape Town’s head sommelier, Luvo Ntezo, the ‘Chef & The Vine’ Series is designed to tantalise the taste buds and satisfy the inner wine connoisseur. The food is carefully and delicately prepared to perfectly suit the wine of the night. These wines are provided by some of the top wine farms in the Cape. The series runs until December 13, 2017 and involves evenings hosted by Holden Manz Wine Estate, Thelema Mountain Vineyards and Oneric.

Art Conversations and Insta-walks Guests can now discover the best of South Africa’s art scene with the resort’s new Art Conversations — tailor-made tours with South African art dealer and collector João Ferreira who presents up-and-coming as well as established galleries and exhibitions. The resort has also recently launched the Insta-walks concept, allowing guests to go on guided walking tours through the city to explore all the best galleries, fashionable street corners, world-famous coffee shops and pop-up boutique stores. The walks are led by leading travel blogger, Dawn Jorgensen (The Incidental Tourist) and man about town and Instagram star, Seth Shezi who have put together their little black book on the insider track to cultural Cape Town.

operating officer in December 2015. He was appointed to spearhead the strategic development of the One&Only brand, while maintaining the overwhelming operational success of all existing One&Only resorts.

The company’s expansion plans have since been realised at pace.

In April 2016, the first foundations were laid for One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, which when it opens in 2018, will become One&Only’s first property in Europe and the only resort in the new Portonovi luxury development.

“I attended the ceremony where we laid the first stone in the ground and the location is absolutely beautiful,” reveals Zuber.

“The resort will set a new level of guest experience and create a new One&Only ‘playground’ for the most influential and well-travelled people around the world.”

One&Only Portonovi will put Montenegro on the luxury map in Europe, he adds, demonstrating the company is at the forefront of discovering such destinations. One&Only is also reinventing its current properties and in February, closed the doors to One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius ahead of its total refurbishment.

The established property, which Zuber reveals will be “reborn” in December this year, will retain its most popular features, but introduce several “new and exciting guest experiences”.

“I am proud of the company’s continued evolution, specifically the development of our One&Only branded residences,” Zuber continues.

“The first private residences will open at One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius and there are plans to roll out this concept at other resorts in development including One&Only Mandarina in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, and in Montenegro.”

Zuber says 2017 is set to be a “very exciting year for One&Only” as the company witnesses a period of accelerated growth.

Expansion plans focus on new openings and “re-births” while the company will also look for opportunities to develop in countries where it already operates resorts.

“As we expand we will ensure we continue to provide the unrivalled level of service for which we are known,” Zuber notes.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION One&Only is a brand that “continues to innovate” and strives to “raise the bar in the ultra-luxury sector”.

Selecting “beautiful locations and destinations” that guests can explore and experience is the motivation behind this strategy.

“Our guests are central to everything that we do; we understand and anticipate their every need, ensuring

Chef Nobu has an outpost at One&Only 068 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017 Cape Town

The Villa Residence, One&Only Le Saint Géran

“Our guests are central to everything that we do; we understand and anticipate their every need, ensuring each experience with us is bespoke, every time they visit ” each experience with us is bespoke, every time they visit,” Zuber elaborates.

“We never compromise when selecting new site locations; they are always unique and exclusive. We also take our guests on an exceptional journey through our design, as each resort offers guests a distinctive style, in sync with the destination and the local culture. We are always true to our name — no two properties or spaces are the same.”

Developing creative culinary offerings in collaboration with internationally-renowned chefs is another priority Zuber continues.

“For example, we recently invited chef Gaggan

THE ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH PUTS HEALTH FIRST One&Only has introduced a unique health and wellness retreat concept at its Maldives property. The Jameson Retreat is a bespoke health and lifestyle programme curated by London’s elite personal trainer, Harry Jameson.

Clients undergo pioneering pre-testing from which the results enable a team of experts to curate a personalised integrated programme for their residential six-night stay at the One&Only Reethi Rah where training, treatments and nutrition are designed to inspire lifestyle changes that last a lifetime.

One&Only Reethi Rah continues to invite some of the world’s best practitioners to its resort in 2017, including acupuncture expert Dr Igor Roganin. The property has also introduced new sunrise sandbank yoga classes. Guests are taken to a beautiful and exposed sandbank in the middle of the Indian Ocean, just a 15-minute speedboat ride from the island, where an hour-long sunrise yoga class is conducted by the resident yoga instructor.

A foot rehab treatment is another new addition at the resort spa, teaching guests to re-educate their body and relax at the same time, a process that eradicates cramps, stimulates a flat foot, and opens the hips. This new concept has been created by the resident yoga instructor in collaboration with podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez.

Private sandbank yoga at One&Only Reethi Rah

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Anand to host a pop-up restaurant at One&Only Royal Mirage,” he reveals.

“We have also partnered with Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno at One&Only The Palm in Dubai, as well as chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at One&Only Palmilla in Mexico and at the One&Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas.”

The brand’s passion for F&B innovation is consistently pursued, Zuber stresses, “whether it be the new purely organic restaurant, Botanica, located at One&Only Reethi Rah, or the ‘insta-walks’ at One&Only Cape Town”.

Families seek residential-style accommodation, supported by One&Only’s bespoke high-end service

THE ONE&ONLY PIPELINE 2017 OPENINGS

ONE&ONLY SEEF, BAHRAIN

This new 175-room resort, covering 27-acre plot “Alitatibus, consequi with a private beachfront and shimmering lagoon, will dolum remthe kingdom’s feature new diningium concepts including first Hakkasan restaurant, overseen by Michelin-star earumqui ilibusa chef Ho Chee Boon, plus a Givenchy Spa. One&Only Bahrain will provide a variety of re, accommodation perfernatur ut options including exclusive luxury villas that are perfect eicae pelit pere prem for large families. netur adipsam quo ONE&ONLY SANYA IN CHINA The brand’s first property in China will offer 190 guest rooms, suites and villas, setting a new

benchmark for ultra-luxury in the region and evoking a true sense of place by using materials that showcase the natural elements of Hainan. The retreat, located on a stretch of pristine private beach on the South China Sea, will cover some 40 acres and feature the opulent Espa at the One&Only Spa where ancient Eastern traditions will be fused with modern therapies. A KidsOnly Club will cater to young children while the OneTribe programme will offer tweens and early teens specialised sports and activities. The accommodation will include six private villas set amongst lush coconut palms, five low-rise mansions and a stylish Manor House.

THE RE-BIRTH OF ONE&ONLY LE SAINT GÉRAN, MAURITIUS This iconic resort redefined ultra-luxury in Mauritius when it opened as a One&Only just over a decade ago and following its total refurbishment this year, the property will once again set a new bencmark in the region's high-end hospitality sector, says Zuber. Brand new guest rooms and suites will be introduced, as well as new culinary experiences, two new pool experiences, plus new fitness and spa offerings.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS MONTENEGRO In Montenegro, elegantly positioned at the graceful entrance to Boka Bay, is One&Only Portonovi, described as a “consummate retreat for happiness and wellness”. With approximately 140 rooms and villas, residences and a marina, this new resort, due to open next year, will be One&Only’s first resort in Europe. Facilities will include the Espace Chenot Health Wellness Spa. MEXICO One&Only Mandarina will be built in Riviera Nayarit, 50km north of Puerto Vallarta’s airport, boasting an ocean-cliff location in a lush rainforest setting.

Featuring around 145 luxurious villas the resort will introduce a new luxury experience to Mexico.

One&Only Le Saint Géran is undergoing a complete refurbishment

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One&Only Santa Maria de Xala will form part of a new 1,200-hectare development located approximately 100km south of Puerto Vallarta’s airport. This resort will be set along 8km of beach front offering around 75 luxury villas and suites.

RESIDENTIAL-STYLE LUXURY One&Only has always been considered a leader in “supreme luxury and privacy”, offering an exclusive ‘Villa, Suite and Penthouse Collection’ that is growing in popularity, according to Zuber.

The company is responding to this demand by adding new products and concepts to its portfolio, most recently introducing Villa One at One&Only Palmilla to the collection.

“Covering almost 14,000 square feet of private indoor and outdoor space, Villa One is proving popular with large, multi-generational families, as well as friends looking to spend time together,” reveals Zuber.

Villa One is a contemporary residence set on a hilltop, surrounded by private gardens and boasting sea views through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors. An open display kitchen leading to the living and dining areas provide the perfect space for entertaining.

The new addition complements the existing Villa Cortez, which is built in the style of a traditional Mexican hacienda and offers an authentic residentialstyle experience.

One&Only’s foray in the private residence space acknowledges that large families want to “travel and stay together and have a home-away-from-home experience”, says Zuber.

“But they also want the luxury of being serviced and supported by a hotel brand like One&Only, using our private chefs or the butler and concierge service,” he says.

To keep pace with family travel trends, One&Only offers custom-designed KidsOnly Clubs too, with indoor and outdoor facilities and amenities that are “guaranteed to keep children and teens entertained”.

From movie nights to child-friendly spa treatments, Zuber says the brand ensures it pampers its “future One&Only guests”.

MAKING MEMORIES Today’s luxury traveller expects personalisation and an “understanding of their desires” even before they set foot in the resort.

“Our guests also look for those experiences that create memories that last a lifetime,” says Zuber. “The experiences we offer are unparalleled.”

He adds: “The One&Only experience is so much more than a luxury stay in an elegant room or villa.

We provide attention to detail and a bespoke offering, demonstrated in many ways, from the intuitive service of a private butler or a world-class private chef showcasing the finest local ingredients, to an exclusive hot air balloon ride above the Dubai desert.”

Zuber acknowledges the need to rationalise the use of technology. “We want to make life as easy as possible, but we have found the latest technology sometimes makes things more complex, and guests often just want to ‘disconnect’,” he explains.

“We believe in personalised service and human communication — and we believe our guests do too.”

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

THE ULTRA-LUXURY EXPERIENCE DOWN UNDER One&Only offers the ultimate luxury Australian experience at two of the country’s most famous sites — One&Only Hayman Island, located at the Great Barrier Reef and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, situated in the heart of the Blue Mountains.

One&Only Hayman Island, Whitsundays One&Only Hayman Island opened on July 1, 2014 following a multi-million-dollar facelift. It is located at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by a unique natural ecosystem of pristine coral reef formations and diverse marine life. Highlights include: • • • • • • • •

•

160 rooms One&Only Spa, surrounded by the resort’s botanical gardens KidsOnly Club and Teens Club Separate family pool and children’s beach New adult-only pool and chill-out lounge area One-bedroom suites with direct pool access Beach Wing suites and villas with private plunge pools Activities including hiking, bush walks, helicopter tours, fishing, private boat charters Four tennis courts, basketball and squash court, gym

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Following the successful rebirth of One&Only Hayman Island in 2014, Emirates appointed One&Only to manage the highly-acclaimed luxury resort Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa. Wolgan Valley is nestled between two of Australia’s most prominent national parks in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, providing unique insight into the country’s wildlife, history and cultural heritage. Occupying just 1% of a 7,000-acre reserve, the resort adheres to a strict environment-focused ethos and has been carbon neutral for five years running. A central focus of the resort’s heritage is the original farmhouse that sits on the property. The 1832 Heritage Homestead. The resort actively protects its surrounding habitat and indigenous wildlife while delivering One&Only’s signature ultra-luxury experience. Guests can explore the area on horseback or mountain bikes or take part in guided walks conducted by local experts. Hiking, private food and wine tours and sports including archery, golf, fly fishing, tennis, canyoning and rock climbing are also offered.

The beach at One&Only Hayman Island

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IN 2017, WE WILL CONTINUE TO ROLL OUT OUR NEW WORLDWIDE PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN, WHICH IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING TRAVELLERS TO EXPERIENCE ABU DHABI’S ‘EXTRAORDINARY STORIES’ — HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EMIRATES & GROUP& — SAEED GHOBASH, DIRECTOR GENERAL, ABUAIRLINE DHABI TOURISM CULTURE AUTHORITY (TCA ABU DHABI)

ATM YEARBOOK

2017

ABU ABU DHABI DHABI

Abu Dhabi’s

‘extraordinary story’ From a world-class cultural district and dedicated cruise beach to an entertainment island and new UNESCO heritage site, Abu Dhabi’s destination offering is diverse, unique and has growing international appeal, says H.E. Saif Saeed Ghobash, director general, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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A

bu Dhabi’s hotels and hotel apartments recorded a sixth consecutive record-breaking year in 2016, with an 8% year-on-year increase in guest arrivals to more than 4.44 million (compared to 4.11 million in 2015), Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) figures reveal.

Occupancies remained robust and most of the destination’s top-tier source markets posted guest arrival growth rates. The number of domestic (UAE) visitors, who comprise one-third of total hotel guests, increased 6% to 1.46 million.

India retained its top-spot status for the third consecutive year in 2016, with 323,388 guest arrivals, up from the previous 280,020 — a 15% year-on-year increase.

“As visitors have become more discerning about their choice of destination, so we have adapted and enhanced the emirate’s ability to meet and even exceed those expectations”

Abu Dhabi’s evolving skyline

Asian neighbour China also made great strides to record an unprecedented 231,916 guest arrivals and 337,252 guest nights, representing 31% and 28% year-on-year growth respectively — a market-leading performance.

China is a market Abu Dhabi is aggressively pursuing and the authority recently launched dedicated Weibo and WeChat channels to engage with current and potential visitors from this market.

Despite the challenge from China, as well as currency devaluation issues post-Brexit, the UK retained its status as the second largest international market and largest European market for Abu Dhabi in 2016, with guest arrivals nudging up 3% year-on-year to 238,167.

Germany, Abu Dhabi’s second European tier-one market, posted an 8% increase in average length of stay to become the longest stay market for the emirate at 4.52 nights, despite a corresponding 9% drop in guest arrivals resulting in static guest night figures. Other European countries suffered a similar fate, but France bucked the trend to post 9% growth in guest arrivals and a 7% boost to nights.

While maintaining its place in the top five international source markets, the United States’ run of double-digit growth was halted in 2016, but still posted a healthy 4.38 average length of stay.

“The opportunity to grow this particular market lies in strengthening business from travel trade, MICE and association meetings, many of which are secured for 2016 and expected to bring US performance back into line,” remarks TCA Abu Dhabi’s director general, H.E. Saif Saeed Ghobash.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, sustained its momentum as the leading GCC nation, posting 9% growth in guest arrivals, a 13% increase in guest nights and an extension of the average length of stay by 4% to 2.39 nights. Australia and South Africa, meanwhile, maintained their strong performance in 2016, both extending their length of stay.

All three Abu Dhabi regions achieved positive gains in guest arrivals last year, with Al Ain City guest arrivals and nights increasing to 426,820 and 849,589 respectively, and the western Al Dhafra Region posting significant length-of-stay growth. This reflects the introduction of new visitor experiences, particularly on Sir Bani Yas Island and the effectiveness of the global Abu Dhabi marketing campaign, according to Ghobash.

He says the figures demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation and reaffirm its position as a year-round destination.

“As we move into 2017, we will continue to roll out our new worldwide promotional campaign, which is aimed at encouraging travellers to experience Abu Dhabi’s ‘extraordinary stories’,” Ghobash explains.

“This campaign, which comprises a two-series television commercial and five promotional videos, highlights Abu Dhabi as an inspiring destination for those wanting to experience cultural H.E. Saif Saeed authenticity and diverse natural assets.”

Ghobash, director general, TCA Abu Dhabi ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 075

Abu Dhabi continues to attract high-profile business events

IN NUMBERS 2016 GUEST ARRIVALS

4.44m

1.46 million domestic (+6%) 323,388 from India (+15%) 231,916 from China (+31%) 238,167 from the UK (+3%)

CONFERENCE CALL

14 35,000 set to attract

delegates

conference bids won

2016-2017 CRUISE SEASON

250,000

passengers (+21%)

137 26 ships

calls

WORLD RANKINGS Abu Dhabi was ranked among the fastest-growing destinations in the world, and the fastest-growing destination in the Middle East, in a new report by financial services giant Mastercard released at the end of last year.

The Global Cities Index Report recognised the UAE capital’s compound annual growth rate of 19.81% in overnight visitors between 2009 and 2016, which places the emirate in third place alongside major upcoming destinations such as Osaka, Japan and Chengdu in China, and above established hubs such as Tokyo, Riyadh and Taipei in Taiwan.

The report is produced on an annual basis, and features results gathered by field specialists through extensive research.

The UAE capital was one of only three Arabian Gulf cities to make it into the top 50 overall rankings for destination cities in the world.

076 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

BUILDING TOURISM CAPACITY Abu Dhabi’s “outstanding” 2016 results demonstrate the emirate’s growing international appeal, as well as TCA Abu Dhabi’s continued success in positioning the UAE capital as a “distinctive global destination” that’s built on “unique experiences, rich cultural heritage and unlimited opportunities for family leisure and MICE events”, according to Ghobash.

The emirate’s selling points, he notes, include 43 five-star-rated hotels, world-class restaurants serving “some of the finest cuisine available anywhere on the planet”, as well as mega events such as the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, and the exclusive Yas Island concerts.

In 2017, further infrastructure enhancements and the introduction of new attractions and hotels will build even greater tourism capacity he says.

Several “cultural assets” will open in Abu Dhabi this year, most notably the hotly-anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi in the Saadiyat Cultural District, which Ghobash says will have universal appeal and “cement Abu Dhabi as the cultural hub of the Arabian Peninsula through a showcase of art and culture from around the world”.

“Abu Dhabi is a destination that combines the most luxurious amenities with a multitude of experiences, be they cultural, historic, sporting, retail focused or leisure oriented,” continues Ghobash.

“As visitors have become more discerning about their choice of destination, so we have adapted and enhanced the emirate’s ability to meet and even exceed those expectations.”

The introduction of Sir Bani Yas Beach destination and opening of the UAE’s first UNESCO-world heritage site attraction at Al Ain Oasis are two examples of how TCA Abu Dhabi is responding to visitor demand to cruise and cultural tourism respectively, he continues.

“Our cruise sector is set to grow significantly, which is why we opened the region’s first dedicated cruise beach on Sir Bani Yas island,” Ghobash says.

MAKING WAVES Developing the cruise sector is now a top priority for TCA Abu Dhabi given its strong growth potential.

An economic impact and forecasting report by Oxford Economics, commissioned by TCA Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Ports and Etihad Airways, reveals Abu Dhabi’s cruise tourism segment achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7% in the last five years, and forecasts further sustained growth at a 10.5% CAGR to reach a total of 450,000 cruise passengers by 2020, rising to 808,428 in 2025. This season, Abu Dhabi is set to welcome more than 250,000 passengers from 137 calls by 26 ships — an

increase of 21% over last year — in a season that runs until early June 2017.

This positive sentiment follows the successful completion of two major projects — a permanent cruise terminal and a dedicated cruise beach stopover in the west of the emirate at Sir Bani Yas Island.

“Undoubtedly, these projects will enrich the experience of cruise ship passengers through collaboration with airline, travel and hospitality partners,” says Ghobash.

“It’s no surprise that as a result, Abu Dhabi has become home to several ships for the winter season, operated by brands including Celebrity Cruises, MSC and AIDA, and continues to attract a roster of regular regional callers.”

TCA Abu Dhabi has also identified the ‘halal cruising’ segment as a new source market to support its ambitions to grow Abu Dhabi’s cruise passenger numbers to more than 800,000 by 2025.

“We believe our culture, heritage and product base has great appeal with the Muslim traveller and the expansion of this product mix into the cruise segment is a natural progression to attract Muslim passengers from our key cruise markets, and stimulate regional and home-grown demand for Abu Dhabi cruises,” explains Ghobash.

“In partnership with international cruise lines and the travel community, we intend to deliver against priority areas to ensure our cruise products are well placed to meet specific Muslim demands on several fronts including food and beverage, segmented family and gender-specific products and provision of prayer facilities.

“We are also pro-actively encouraging ‘halal’ tour operators to consider packaging the concept of ‘halal cruising’ with Abu Dhabi as the primary destination for departures; by stimulating demand for the sector through tour operator partnerships, travel trade training, and making packages available in the market; and inviting charter or ‘halal-only’ cruise companies to operate special cruises from Abu Dhabi.”

“Our cruise sector is set to grow significantly, which is why we opened the region’s first dedicated cruise beach on Sir Bani Yas island”

The Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach

LET’S TALK BUSINESS Business tourism is also a priority growth sector given it generates approximately 50% of Abu Dhabi’s guest arrival figures.

TCA Abu Dhabi is actively targeting business events that are aligned to the UAE’s pillars of economic diversification and has staged or secured several leading conferences.

Upcoming events of note include IATA’s 11th World Cargo Symposium, hosting more than 1,000 air cargo leaders, as well as World Skills, which when it is staged later this year, is expected to attract 10,000 international visitors and 150,000 delegates from the UAE. In 2019, Abu Dhabi will host the World Energy Congress, with more than 10,000 global delegates anticipated, while 10,000 participants will attend the Special Olympics, TCA Abu Dhabi predicts.

“The emirate also holds great potential as a medical and wellness tourism destination,” says Ghobash.

“This is being supported by investment in infrastructure, facilities and medical provisions to enable Abu Dhabi to become the centre for medical specialists, with a view to

Desert camps appeal to international guests

Yas Marina Circuit, home to the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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“Those arriving to visit Expo 2020 will no doubt be open to discovering other parts of the country and its many facets both from a cultural and tourism perspective” Louvre Abu Dhabi will position Abu Dhabi as the “cultural hub” of the Arabian Peninsula

Yas Mall is popular with GCC visitors

attracting patients and their families from across the GCC. “We have enabled a stakeholder group to investigate the growth opportunity in association with the Health Authority — Abu Dhabi," says Ghobash.

THE ROAD AHEAD TCA Abu Dhabi is targeting 4.9 million visitor arrivals by the end of 2017.

“Our strategic focus places greater emphasis on six specific markets that we believe offer growth potential: the UK, Germany, India, China and the GCC region,” reveals Ghobash.

“The government is strategically engaged in large-scale public and private investments creating tourism enablers that set a strong foundation to support the expected growth level of this sector.

“Significant expansion of the city’s infrastructure is underway that includes large-scale projects such as the new terminal building at Abu Dhabi International, which will cater to 30 million passengers annually and support the route network expansion of Etihad Airways.”

Other mega developments include the Saadiyat Island Cultural District with its growing cluster of world-renowned museums, cultural and educational institutions, as well as the expansion of Yas Island with several

078 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

additional world-class attractions planned, including a Warner Bros. theme park opening in 2018 and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, which will launch in 2022.

“A programme of activities in Al Ain associated with the Oasis’s public opening as the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage site is also helping to revalue the tourism proposition in this area,” Ghobash says.

“Other new experiences and attractions on offer such as Wahat Al Karama — a permanent tribute to UAE's soldiers and other Emiratis who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation — are also expected to have wide appeal.”

Ghobash is adamant the authority must drive activities to address the dip in average length of stay so that it bounces back in 2017.

“Our overseas marketing partnerships will aim to deliver longer staying leisure visitors and the development of events such as the Abu Dhabi Summer Season and Abu Dhabi Food Festival, which run over extended periods and provide a reason for our guests to stay longer to experience more,” he says.

Of course, the World Expo, which will take place in Dubai from October 2020 to April 2021, will benefit Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry too.

“Those arriving to visit Expo 2020 will no doubt be open to discovering other parts of the country and its many facets both from a cultural and tourism perspective,” Ghobash confirms. “We anticipate that leisure visitors will flock to the established world-class museums within the Saadiyat Island Cultural District.”

He adds that by the time the event takes place, Saadiyat Beach will offer more luxury resorts and Yas Island will feature more entertainment options.

“This will certainly heighten Abu Dhabi’s appeal,” Ghobash concludes.

GO BEYOND A JOURNEY IN RAS AL KHAIMAH From mountains, deserts and ancient cultural sites to beaches, mangroves, water sports and more, Ras Al Khaimah is truly an unforgettable experience. Only 45 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Dubai, the UAE’s northernmost emirate offers every adventure seeker a wide array of playgrounds.

Only 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport

www.raktda.com

Just one of the sandy beaches along 64kms of coastline

Strength in numbers

EAG’s partnership strategy is paying dividends, says Hogan

Etihad Airways Group’s outgoing president and chief executive, James Hogan, explains how the firm’s partnership strategy has wide-reaching and sustainable benefits, not only for the airline, but for Abu Dhabi’s aviation industry and the emirate’s long-term economic prosperity

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Q: What were the major highlights for Etihad Airways in 2016?

A: Etihad Airways continued to enjoy sustained growth in 2016, carrying 18.5 million guests — an increase of 6% on 2015. We operated more than 109,000 scheduled passenger and cargo flights, spanning 446 million kilometres and 112 destinations.

Services were launched to Venice in Italy, Rabat in Morocco and Sabiha Gokcen in Turkey.

Our acclaimed A380 aircraft began serving Mumbai and Melbourne, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was deployed on new routes, including Perth, Shanghai, Johannesburg and Düsseldorf. A fifth daily flight was added on the Doha route, as well as extra daily flights to Cairo and Kozhikode.

We also increased frequencies to Dammam, Manila and Tehran.

Our fleet remains one of the youngest and most environmentally friendly in the industry, with an average age of six years.

Etihad Airways took delivery of 10 aircraft in 2016 — three Airbus A380s, five Boeing 787s and two Boeing 777-200 cargo freighters.

An additional 12 aircraft are set for delivery in 2017, including nine Boeing Outgoing Etihad 787s, two Airbus A380s Airways Group and one A330-200 president and freighter. From a group chief executive, perspective, the airline’s James Hogan codeshare and equity partnerships delivered more than five million passengers onto Etihad Airways’ flights, representing a 9% increase over 2015. Our combined equity partner network — which includes airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia and Etihad Regional — now represents the seventh largest grouping of airlines in the world.

During 2016, the combined fleet of 705 aircraft carried 126.6 million guests and Etihad Airways continues to be a core element of that group-wide success. There is much for the company to build on in the years ahead as part of this strong structure.

Q: How did these achievements further consolidate Etihad Airways’ position as a leading international carrier and put Abu Dhabi on the map as an aviation hub?

A: Our continued progress in 2016 and ongoing investments in product and services received global acclaim and today, the Etihad Airways brand is

synonymous with quality and innovation on each of the six continents to which it operates.

This was recognised by our certification as a 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and by being named World’s Leading Airline for the eighth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards.

We have created new benchmarks in aviation and are fully committed to maintaining the very highest standards.

Equally, Abu Dhabi continues to enhance its global reputation as a world-class hub and centre for aviation excellence in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services as well as aviation partnerships.

The emirate continues to make significant investments and a great example of this is the new Midfield Terminal building currently under construction.This state-ofthe-art terminal will cater to 30 million passengers annually when it opens, illustrating the growth in capacity required as Abu Dhabi further develops into a new global destination of repute for business and leisure.

Etihad Airways will continue to play a central role in the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy.

We will continue with sensible and measured progress during 2017, taking into consideration prevailing market conditions and capitalising on new opportunities when they arise.

Q: What are your fleet and network goals?

A: Our network goals are built on the strength of our connectivity and the global reach we provide, not only on Etihad Airways but through our partnerships with other airlines. From the very start, partnerships have played a critical role in the growth of Etihad Airways and have delivered incredible network breadth and scale.

Central to this has been our codeshare partnerships and the minority equity stakes acquired in Alitalia, airberlin, Air Seychelles, Air Serbia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia, and Etihad Regional, operated by Swissbased Darwin Airline.

Sensible organic growth and frequency increases will continue at Etihad Airways while we will also develop our holistic network approach with our partners.

In terms of the Etihad Airways fleet, we have firm orders for more than 200 aircraft.

With the latest models of the B777x and A350 still to arrive, we’re focusing on adding the latest technology

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18.5 2016

to ensure that our guests experience the most advanced aircraft available, offering them superior levels of comfort.

Q: 2016 was a challenging year for the airline industry given geo-political circumstances and currency and oil price fluctuations — how did Etihad Airways fare in this climate?

A: The global trading environment was extremely tough and competitive in 2016, with average airfares worldwide reaching their lowest point since 2011.

In addition, many described the serious macro challenges of 2016 as the ‘perfect storm’.

Our mettle was tested by a combination of terrorism and regional conflicts, weak outlooks for economies, uncertainty caused by referendums in the UK and Italy — as well as the US Presidential elections — and major fluctuations in oil prices and exchange rates.

To continue to grow, launch new services and welcome more guests onto our aircraft against such a challenging backdrop is testament to the commitment of our people and our strong efforts to keep delivering on our mandate and be the world’s best airline.

Equally, our growth has demonstrated the true value of our investments in superior products and services and the strong role they play in attracting and retaining customers. The guest has always been at the forefront of our decision making and it’s been core to our success.

Our home, Abu Dhabi, continued to flourish as the emirate enhanced its reputation as a world-class destination for business and leisure travellers. This is being further strengthened through the creation of a new regional centre for culture and the additions of attractions that include the Louvre Abu Dhabi —– the first Louvre Museum outside Paris — and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

Today, Etihad Airways is a central part of the newly created Etihad Aviation Group (EAG), which was unveiled in May 2016.

This wider aviation and tourism business also includes Etihad Airways Engineering, the Airline Equity Partners, Etihad Airport Services, and Hala Group.

The evolution of EAG will ensure that we are well positioned to combat the challenges ahead.

Through EAG, Etihad Airways' contribution to the UAE economy as the national airline of the country is substantial.

A report by Oxford Economics puts the estimated contribution of EAG and its equity airline partners to the Abu Dhabi economy in 2016 at up to $9.6 billion.

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million passengers

(+6%)

109,000 446,000,000

flights km

covering

204

aircraft on firm order including 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777Xs, 62 Airbus A350s and 10 Airbus A380s

120 Airbus and Boeing aircraft

126.6 m 705 EAG’S EQUITY PARTNER NETWORK

Guests

aircraft

The aviation industry is well versed in dealing with global challenges and at Etihad Airways we place great emphasis on our ability to be fleet of foot and react and evolve quickly.

As a young airline with a clean sheet of paper, we have an ability to make necessary changes to our business effectively and efficiently to continue to deliver the return our shareholder rightly demands.

Q: 2017 looks to be similarly challenging — how do you predict it will impact the business and what is your strategy to mitigate any impact?

A: We are very mindful that many of the challenges that characterised 2016 show no sign of easing any time soon.

Overall, world GDP growth in 2016 was estimated at 2.2% — the slowest pace since 2009. The forecast for 2017 is marginally better at 2.6%, but that is a cut from previous estimates. Closer to home, oil price instability has impacted economies in the Middle East region substantially and, while we have seen some recovery in prices, we are unlikely to Etihad Airways took delivery of three A380s in 2016, with 10 more on order

Etihad’s First Apartment — one example of Etihad’s industry-leading innovation

”All our equity partnerships have delivered rapid scale and breadth, giving access to markets and feeding traffic into our hub”

return to the previous highs. Global capacity has outgrown demand, pushing down load factors and putting further pressure on fares.

While lower oil prices have a fuel cost benefit for airlines, they have also led to accelerated capacity expansion globally.

Airlines have also reduced fares to capture market share and price wars will continue.

Low airfares are great for the consumer but this is not enough to stimulate business and leisure demand in times of uncertainty.

The creation of the EAG structure also demonstrates the many assets we have within our business — from the fleet to our lounges, engineering and MRO services, and destination management services.

The business is in a strong state and when we add in factors such as a growing network and the strength of our partnerships, I’m confident that we will be able to navigate the challenges we face.

We remain focused on the long term and a strategy that ensures Abu Dhabi continues to progress towards its ambition of being a worldclass global tourism and financial centre.

In short, the 2017 outlook remains extremely challenging. We cannot predict every eventuality but we can be more productive, efficient and ready to react to what 2017 brings.

Q: What are the airline’s goals for 2017?

A: Etihad Airways is accustomed to extremely competitive landscapes and, like all airlines, we will need to fight hard to win the custom and ongoing loyalty of every passenger.

We will continue with a forensic focus on costs. Like any prudent business, that demands constant attention and is not just reserved for leaner times.

While we will maintain strong cost control, we also remain fully committed to providing quality service and differentiation to ensure that we remain a relevant, viable and profitable enterprise. Most importantly, we will continue to focus on the guest, as we have always done, to ensure we remain competitive.

In 2017, Etihad Airways will primarily look to add depth through frequency increases and will exercise strong tactical capacity management to optimise the network.

We will again look to maintain passenger numbers, having delivered growth in 2016.

Developing the group structure further and maximising the cost and revenue synergies it offers will be another priority.

Above all, we will expand prudently and efficiently, reflecting the tough nature of the economic environment.

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The A380 First Apartment

“It’s been 10 fantastic years at the helm of a great business and the ambition to create the best travel and aviation company in the world remains” Nine B787 Dreamliners will be delivered to Etihad in 2017

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Q: You’ve said a partnership strategy is core to growth — how has it benefitted Etihad and its guests so far and what plans do you have to develop this strategy?

A: Launching in 2003, Etihad Airways’ vision was to develop as a global network carrier, offering a wide range of international connections through our hub at Abu Dhabi.

In that way, we could deliver the scale of traffic that would also help stimulate Abu Dhabi’s tourism market.

The only problem with that vision was the headstart other competing airlines had, so we knew that a partnership strategy was the answer.

Initially, our approach was based on pragmatism.

We’d asked each of the alliances if they’d be interested in a new Gulf member, and in each case, we were politely declined.

We knew we couldn’t go it alone — not if we were to have the feed necessary for a network carrier, so we embraced partnerships with many other airlines through codeshares. But it wasn’t enough; we needed to go further.

We also looked for new ways to partner with other airlines to gain access to markets and access to feed.

We could not simply rely on building our own network — we needed to find creative ways of doing more.

In late 2011, we took a minority stake in airberlin and this was subsequently followed by stakes in Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles and Etihad Regional.

All our equity partnerships have delivered rapid scale and breadth, giving access to markets and feeding traffic into our hub. In addition, we have been able to work on joint procurement and other business synergies saving us — and our partners —- hundreds of millions of dollars.

In 2016, our codeshare and equity partnerships resulted

in 5.5 million guests connecting onto the Etihad Airways network. They have a very positive immediate impact on revenue, delivering hundreds of millions of dollars and allowing us to fill our onward connecting flights.

The partnership strategy has helped Etihad grow from a $300 million a year airline to a diversified aviation group that delivers revenues of more than $26 billion.

But there is more to come.

For our guests, working closely with our partners has provided new competitive choices that extend beyond price to product, schedules and network.

Guests enjoy enhanced standards that are increasingly harmonised across the group as well as great frequent flyer benefits.

Looking to the future, we recently announced a new commercial partnership with the Lufthansa Group, which includes a $100 million global catering agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, and codesharing.

Further cooperation in areas including freight operations, procurement and passenger services, is also being explored.

This year will also see the creation of a new European leisure airline group in a joint venture with TUI AG. With a fleet of around 60 aircraft, offering 15 million seats capacity per year, the new leisure airline group will focus on point-to-point flying to connect key European tourist markets.

Q: What does the future hold for Etihad?

A: Innovation has been key to our progress so far and our commitment to keep delivering remarkable experiences through developing aviation ‘firsts’ will continue.

Our track record cannot be surpassed — from Inflight Chefs, Food & Beverage Managers, and Flying Nannies to The Residence on the A380 — the only three-room cabin in commercial aviation. We are on a journey to be the world’s best airline and we will never rest on our laurels.

We see great possibilities in the digital arena and this is where we believe the next great innovations will emerge.

Last year we became the first airline to use virtual reality to showcase our services to passengers when we involved Hollywood royalty, Academy Award-winner Nicole Kidman, in our ground-breaking creation of a virtual reality film.

This five-minute feature, titled ‘Reimagine’, takes viewers on a multi-sensory journey following Miss Kidman through an Etihad Airways’ A380 on a virtual flight between Abu Dhabi and New York.

It even won the Best Original Video award at the 2016 APEX Awards.

We are going to keep pushing the envelope. We are going to keep innovating and developing the best aviation group in the world.

For myself personally, I’ll be moving on from EAG this year as part of a long-term planned process, but I will continue to watch the development of the group with pride.

It’s been 10 fantastic years at the helm of a great

2017 2017 network expansion New Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft will begin daily yearround scheduled services to: •Existing destinations Amman and Beirut in the Middle East and to Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul in Asia; •The aircraft will also operate seasonally to Athens during the summer months.

2017 capacity and frequency increases •Malé, Maldives: four extra flights per week, increasing frequency to 11 services weekly from July 1 to September 17, 2017; •Düsseldorf: daily to double daily from March 26, 2017; •Dallas Fort Worth: daily from February 2017.

business and the ambition to create the best travel and aviation company in the world remains.

The core pillars of our strategy also remain in place and we will continue to refine and fine-tune it to react to market conditions and challenges — as we have always done.

It is our ability to react to market conditions in a smart, flexible manner that has helped us to grow so quickly and successfully over the last few years.

Aircraft upgrade New York JFK: Etihad Airways will upgrade its second daily flight from Abu Dhabi and New York JFK to its award-winning A380 aircraft from June 1, 2017. The aircraft features The Residence, the only three-room suite available in commercial airline operation, and its award-winning First Apartment cabins.

Top: Air Serbia is one carrier in which EAG has an equity stake Above: The Residence on the A380 — the only three-room cabin in commercial aviation.

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VISA FACILITATION IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN INCREASING THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF A DESTINATION — HASSAN AL IBRAHIM, CHIEF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, — HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM, QATAR TOURISM AUTHORITY (QTA) CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EMIRATES AIRLINE & GROUP

ATM YEARBOOK

2017

ABU DHABI

QATAR

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Qatar’s new relaxed visa rules have made the destination more accessible than ever before, which is already boosting tourism arrivals figures, explains the Qatar Tourism Authority's chief tourism development officer, Hassan Al Ibrahim

T

he Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) marked several successes in 2016 as it capitalised on the Qatar Destination Brand campaign that was introduced in late 2015 to raise Qatar’s international profile.

“We boosted our international marketing activities through selective trade fair participation, country-by-country roadshows and workshops, travel trade destination training, media relations and press and media familiarisation trips,” says Al Ibrahim, chief tourism development officer, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).

“Other major initiatives during the year included opening two new overseas representative offices — one in the USA and the other in Turkey. This reinforces our existing international marketing network — covering the UK, France, Germany (also serving German-speaking Austria and

088 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Switzerland), Italy, Saudi Arabia (covering the GCC) and SE Asia (Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong) — and brings our total number of overseas offices to eight.”

The QTA also continued to build on Qatar’s extensive annual events calendar last year as part of its ongoing strategy to diversify the tourism offering.

The entity introduced international sports tournaments, cultural performances, trade exhibitions and major nationwide events such as the Qatar Summer Festival and the Qatar International Food Festival, attracting large numbers of visitors.

Following talks with Qatar’s growing retail sector in Q4 2016, QTA launched Qatar’s inaugural shopping festival, ‘Shop Qatar’ in January 2017, which helped contribute to the 17% increase in visitor arrivals compared to the same period the previous year.

The Address Dubai Mall

“The goal remains to enhance Qatar’s global stature as a preferred destination for urban and family entertainment, sports and recreation, culture and heritage tourism, and business events”

Another major milestone came in September when the QTA, in partnership with Qatar Airways and the Ministry of Interior, introduced a new visa scheme for transit passengers — a move that will support ambitions to drive global visitor growth to Qatar.

The new transit visa structure now allows passengers with a minimum transit time of five hours at Hamad International Airport (HIA), to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours (four days), without the requirement to apply for an entry visa in advance. This is a significant increase from the previous transit visa scheme, which allowed travellers with a minimum layover of eight hours to spend a maximum of 48 hours (two days) in Qatar.

The new transit initiative is designed to make stopovers easier and more attractive to Qatar Airways’ passengers and aims to deliver additional value to the local economy

while strengthening Qatar’s position as an attractive tourist destination. The Qatar transit visa is free of charge and available on arrival at HIA to passengers of all nationalities, upon confirmation of their onward journey and completion of passport control procedures. All visas are approved and issued at the sole discretion of the Ministry of Interior.

“Cruise passengers also benefit from more efficient visa processing introduced last year, which enables passengers to disembark within minutes of docking,” adds Al Ibrahim.

“The passenger manifest containing passport details of each passenger and members of the crew is submitted to the authorities 48 hours in advance of the ship’s arrival in Qatar. This allows immigration officials to process all relevant information and clear passengers before the vessel berths.”

QTA’s continued regional consumer-centric promotional efforts during the annual festival initiatives, together with the visa

FANAR, the Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre in Doha

The Address Downtown Dubai won a slew of awards in 2014 ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 089

scheme adjustments for global travellers, generated 2.94 million visitor arrivals in 2016, 1.41 million of whom hailed from GCC countries.

“The goal remains to enhance Qatar’s global stature as a preferred destination for urban and family entertainment, sports and recreation, culture and heritage tourism and business events,” says Al Ibrahim.

“The QTA has been very successful in engaging travel trade support, building up the number of tour operators featuring Qatar in their brochures and on their websites.

“An increasing number of front-line travel agents are graduating as knowledgeable Qatar tourism ambassadors through our ‘Tawash’ online destination training programme.”

BEAUTY IN DIVERSITY Al Ibrahim says Qatar differentiates itself from other regional destinations due to the emphasis it places on “preserving and nurturing authenticity, tradition and culture”.

“We have an outstanding range of top-class museums, including the world-renowned Museum of Islamic Art, as well as galleries, public art installations and performance venues hosting a full schedule of exhibitions, concerts and theatre featuring top regional and international artists.”

Qatar’s thriving “living heritage” is widely evident in everyday modern life, he continues: “No other Gulf destination has anything that compares with Souq Waqif, offering visitors an authentic taste of bustling traditional street life and commerce, architecture and culture in the heart of Doha.”

Qatar prides itself on its distinctive history reflected in the many unique attractions scattered throughout the peninsula including the Neolithic rock carvings at Al Jassasiya, several ancient watch towers, forts and settlements, plus the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Al Zubarah.

“These extraordinary options provide an evocative insight into Qatar’s fascinating past,” says Al Ibrahim.

“Al Zubarah is also home to a beautifully-restored 18th century fort and surrounding archaeological works covering the well-preserved ruins of the thriving pearl diving centre, with trading links once extended beyond the Gulf across the Indian Ocean.”

As equally distinctive is Qatar’s range of natural attractions. Khor Al Adaid, known as the ‘inland sea’, is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert.

Other outstanding attractions include the 40-metre-deep gypsum cave at Dahl Al Misfir, the lunar-like rock formations of Zikreet and Al Thakira mangrove lagoons.

In other areas, Qatar places great importance on being a regional sports capital.

Besides major showpiece events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar hosts an annual calendar of top international tournaments and competitions including golf, tennis, cycling, athletics, rallying, Moto GP, equestrianism and powerboat racing.

“With Qatar Airways operating 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents, stopover passenger numbers will make a positive contribution to the build of Qatar’s sustainable tourism structure” this number will grow rapidly in the future, with TUI Cruises planning to introduce seven cruises during the 2017-2018 season,” explains Al Ibrahim.

“We fully expect growth to accelerate further once the redeveloped Doha Port becomes operational. Construction of the $550 million project is scheduled to start shortly. When completed, it will become a major tourism asset for the destination, a dedicated city-centre cruise terminal facility within a short walking distance of many of Doha’s prime attractions, including the Museum of Islamic Art, the Corniche and Souq Waqif.”

The business events/MICE sector is also of prime importance given the QTA’s commitment to attracting upmarket, high-value business.

“This will continue to be a major focus of QTA’s promotional activities through the work of our dedicated business events team,” says Al Ibrahim.

The QTA’s target markets are discerning, affluent tourists,

NICHE MARKETS The QTA is looking to develop several niche tourism markets that it believes will drive global visitor growth.

Cruise is one of the authority’s top priority markets, with the current 2016-2017 cruise season welcoming 32 cruise ships carrying some 50,000 passengers — a threefold increase over the previous season.

“Contacts and discussions with leading cruise lines indicate

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Doha’s iconic Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

HOTEL PIPELINE There are 99 hotels and 19 hotel apartment properties currently operating in Qatar, offering approximately 23,000 keys. The majority are four- and five-star rated, in keeping with Qatar’s positioning as a premium destination. While a significant proportion of new properties will be at the top end of the market, the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 calls for a diversification of the Name

Location

Shaza Doha MGallery Doha Holiday Inn Park Hyatt JW Marriott Hotel Doha Fraser Suites West Bay, Doha Millennium Plaza Doha Solis Doha Le Meridien Doha Aloft Doha JW Marriott Doha JW Marriott Serviced Apts Doha Marriott Executive Apartments Lusail, Doha Courtyard by Marriott Le Meridien Doha Lusail Le Place Vendome, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Doha St. Regis Residence Inn By Marriott Doha Marriott Executive Hotel Apartments, Doha Renaissance Hotel The Doha EDITION Hotel The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Doha Golden Tulip Doha Mandarin Oriental Doha Mondrian Doha Premier Inn Doha Education City Retaj Marina Park Hyatt Hyatt Place Salwa Beach Resort

Doha Msheireb Doha Business Park Doha Doha West Bay Doha Education City Doha Doha Doha Doha Lusail Doha Lusail Lusail Doha – The Pearl Doha Doha Doha Doha Lusail — Marina District Doha Msheireb Doha Doha The Pearl Msheireb Msheireb Salwa

accommodation profile to include additional budget hotels. At the same time, Qatar’s existing portfolio of boutique properties and hotel apartments will continue to expand.

Some of the new hotels and hotel apartment properties reported to be opening soon include: Rooms 171 215 307 187 412 396 232 TBC 330 240 297 121 300 250 401 250 175 280 250 200 250 180 193 158 270 219 250 187 150 362

Company Shaza Hotels Accor IHG Hyatt Hotels Corporation Marriott International Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Solis Hotels Starwood Hotels & Resorts Starwood Hotels & Resorts Marriott International Marriott International Marriott International Marriott International Starwood Hotels & Resorts Starwood Hotels & Resorts Marsa Arabia Ltd. Marriott International Marriott International Marriott International Marriott International Marriott International Louvre Hotels Group Msheireb Properties Morgans Hotel Group Qatar Foundation for Education and Society Development Al Malki Real Estate Msheireb Properties Qatar Foundation for Education and Society Development Hilton

The Palace Downtown Dubai The Address Montgomerie Dubai

The Palace Downtown Dubai

A new visa structure allows passengers transiting at HIA to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 091

Doha’s evolving skyline

including couples, families and special interest groups — “experiential travellers” seeking culture and adventure.

“This includes sports groups, which Doha’s Aspire zone sports complex has targeted with great success. It has attracted many top sports teams, including some of the giants of European football, who use it as a base for their off-season training camps,” explains Al Ibrahim. A new target market is stopover traffic following the introduction of the new transit visa scheme.

“Since its announcement, we have witnessed remarkable interest from passengers who anticipate a stopover in Qatar, and we expect this interest to translate into an increase in visitor arrivals over the coming months,” says Al Ibrahim.

“Visa facilitation is an important factor in increasing the attractiveness of a destination, and we encourage investors and tourism business owners to capitalise on the opportunities presented by this development to diversify Qatar’s tourism products and services.

“With Qatar Airways operating 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents, stopover passenger numbers will make a positive contribution to the build of Qatar’s sustainable tourism structure.”

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES The GCC is currently Qatar’s biggest and fastest-growing source market.

“Proximity plays a key role for ease of travel and the great range of accommodation, shopping, dining and activity options, together with a familiar culture and language, are all clearly important factors,” says Al Ibrahim.

“The recent upsurge in tourism from neighbouring countries can mainly be attributed to the success of efforts to promote greater awareness of the destination and its cultural and lifestyle attractions. We have been particularly successful in attracting family

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visitors to attend Qatar’s many major festivals and events with the successful introduction in January of the first month-long ‘Shop Qatar’ shopping festival.”

In the long term, the QTA expects a “steady diversification in visitor source markets”.

“International tourists from further afield are generally experienced travellers seeking a combination of winter sun and new cultural experiences.

“They are often relatively affluent mature couples. While these are broad generalisations, Qatar’s tourist appeal grows and we are increasingly attracting a wider spectrum of experiential travellers with a range of diversified interests,” explains Al Ibrahim.

This year the QTA aims to ramp up its presence in China, India and Australia where it plans to open new representative offices.

At the same time, tourism infrastructure developments to the tune of $27 billion are underway that include the Doha Metro, New Doha Port cruise terminal, the continuing expansion of the aviation sector and extensive hotel development in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup and beyond.

Several mixed-used developments will also have an important tourism component.

These include the Msheireb and Lusail City projects, which will add to Qatar’s accommodation, retail and entertainment options.

From a cultural perspective, perhaps the most exciting development will be the opening of the new Qatar National Museum, designed by the world-famous French architect, Jean Nouvel.

Al Ibrahim says the World Cup will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase Qatar and its attractions.

“Besides the exposure to the many thousands of visiting fans, the worldwide TV audience offers huge publicity potential,” he notes.

“The QTA will be working with all relevant parties, both in Qatar and overseas, to capitalise on and leverage every opportunity but at this stage it is premature to discuss specific plans.”

It’s the passion and dedication we bring to serving and fulfilling every single one of our guests needs and aspirations. Whether you come for Umrah, Ramadan, Hajj, family, or business.

We deliver comprehensive hospitality and keen spiritual assurance. Pray, live, work, each journey is unique, and Marakem is dedicated to serving them all.

MAKAREM IS THE PERFECT CHOICE.

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Reaching for the As it celebrates 20 years in business, award-winning Qatar Airways continues to set new standards of service and innovation, part of its unwavering commitment to delivering a ‘five-star’ airline to the global travel community, says Qatar Airways group chief executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker

atar Airways continued to deliver “unprecedented levels of growth and innovation during 2016”, enhancing its network connectivity for the benefit of global travellers.

That’s the message from Qatar Airways group chief executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, who says the airline’s top achievements last year included the introduction of 14 new destinations and the arrival of 19 new state-of-the-art aircraft, which enabled the carrier to further expand its global network to more than 150 destinations.

Atlanta, Boston and Los Angeles in the US, Birmingham (UK), Helsinki (Finland), Pisa (Italy), Sydney (Australia), Windhoek (Namibia), Krabi (Thailand) and Mahe (Seychelles) were all added to the carrier’s growing route map, made possible by its simultaneous fleet expansion.

Qatar Airways group chief “Our young fleet of aircraft grew with executive, His Excellency the addition of six new Airbus A350-900s, Akbar Al Baker 094 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

stars

The latest innovation from Qatar Airways is the QSuite

“A personalised, premium service and a warm Middle Eastern hospitality provides Qatar Airways passengers with an extraordinary flying experience�

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The Qatar Airways B777-300ER — 10 more are on order

five Boeing 787-800s, three Boeing 777-300ERs and one Airbus A380-800,” says Al Baker.

“Our freighter fleet grew to include three Boeing 777200Fs and one Airbus A330-200F. This expanded our total fleet to 194 aircraft with an average age of just five years — half that of the industry standard.”

In 2016, Qatar Airways also became the first airline to fly the A350 to the United States and Australia, and to operate the A350 from Doha to three continents — Europe, Asia Pacific and North America.

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7bn landmark order for 30 B787-9 Dreamliners and 10 777-300ERs

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“Qatar Airways remains committed to operating one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the aviation industry and in October 2016, made a landmark Boeing order worth $11.7 billion for 30 next-generation Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 B777-300ERs, along with a letter of intent for up to 60 Boeing 737-Max 8s,” Al Baker adds.

He also reiterates the airline’s commitment to high service standards, evident in the number of accolades it received during the year including ‘World’s Best Business’ from Skytrax and ‘Best Business Class’ from the Business Traveller Awards in the UK and USA. At Doha’s Hamad International Airport, which Al Baker refers to as Qatar Airways’ “five-star hub”, the airline’s Al Mourjan Lounge was named ‘Best Business Lounge’ by Skytrax, while the exclusive Al Safwa First Lounge was awarded the Seven Star First Class Lounge Award by the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards — the only airline lounge in the world to ever receive the prestigious ‘Seal of Excellence’.

Last year Qatar Airways was also recognised as one of the world’s most valuable brands, making history as the only Qatari company to be represented in the 2016 Global 500 brand ranking.

"It was also ranked fourth in the top 10 most powerful Middle East brands in Brand Finance’s annual list.

“Passengers choose to fly with Qatar Airways time and again because our airline offers an on-board experience that is second to none and an expanding global network that serves key leisure and business destinations around the world,” says Al Baker.

“From First Class on our flagship A380 aircraft and the World’s Best Business Class, to the well-appointed Economy cabin, passengers are provided with unparalleled levels of customer service that they can count on when they travel with Qatar Airways.

“A personalised, premium service and a warm Middle

Airlines Group (IAG) to more than 20% and acquired a 10% stake in South America’s LATAM. In 2017, Qatar Airways will take a 49% stake in Italian airline Meridiana.

“Qatar Airways’ alliances provide connections for our passengers to and from important feeder-routes, ultimately providing them with better travel options,” Al Baker adds.

THE ALL-NEW

QSUITE

BEST OF THE BEST

The QSuite encourages social interaction

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The QSuite TV monitors are adjustable

ORYX ONE REVAMP Qatar Airways has also launched a completely new next-generation user interface for Oryx One, its award-winning in-flight entertainment platform. Oryx One’s interface has been redesigned to make it even easier to surf content and choose from up to 3,000 entertainment options — the most of any airline.

Eastern hospitality provides Qatar Airways passengers with an extraordinary flying experience.”

THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH Now widely regarded as one of the world’s leading airlines, Qatar Airways flies to more than 150 destinations and operates one of the youngest fleets in the sky.

More than 300 new aircraft are on order, ensuring the carrier continues to operate a fuel-efficient fleet, both

atar Airways unveiled its highly anticipated and revolutionary new Business Class experience in March, ushering in a new standard in Business Class travel.

The customisable private QSuites introduce a host of firsts to Premium Class travel, reshaping expectations for global business travellers.

The QSuite features the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the centre four seats allow colleagues, friends or families travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialise together.

Each seat is crafted with “thoughtful and luxurious details” such as hand-stitched Italian leather and satin rose

gold finishing. To further complement the customisable onboard seating experience, a new food and beverage concept was launched too.

In addition to the existing ‘dine on demand’ service, the new Business Class menu offers a selection of snack ‘sharing dishes’, which are available throughout the flight, allowing travellers to turn dining at 35,000 feet into a social experience.

A wake-up Express Breakfast is also available for those who choose to sleep a little longer by making the most of the ‘Do Not Disturb’ option available on the door of their private QSuite.

Completing the experience, Qatar Airways recently announced a partnership with The White Company to provide exclusively-designed cotton Business Class sleeper suits, and luggage brand BRIC’S, to provide bespoke amenity kits featuring products from Italy’s Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio.

now and in the future. “This investment underpins our commitment to the environment and ensures a first-class travel experience for our passengers,” confirms Al Baker.

“Qatar Airways is forward-thinking in its approach toward future development, achieved through a clearlydemonstrated vision for the future, continued investment, world-leading initiatives, and maintaining a short product lifecycle for its fleet.”

The airline’s network has grown by between 12 and 15 new destinations each year for the past five years.

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Auckland arrival

WORLD’S LONGEST FLIGHT

February 6, 2017, marked a historic moment for Qatar Airways as it launched its new record-breaking Auckland service on one of New Zealand’s most significant days of the year — Waitangi Day. As the first Qatar Airways flight touched down on the North Island of New Zealand, just after sunrise, a new chapter in the airline’s history began.

Celebrations commemoraing the launch of the world’s longest commercial flight, at 17 hours and 30 minutes and covering 14,535 kilometres, began at the airport with a traditional water cannon salute as the Qatar Airways Boeing 777 taxied down the runway.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker travelled on board the inaugural flight from Doha to Auckland and was welcomed by The

Hon Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Minister of Trade and State Owned Enterprises; and Auckland Airport Chief Executive, Mr. Adrian Littlewood.

H.E. Mr. Al Baker said: “The launch of our new service to Auckland is an important milestone for Qatar Airways as we expand both in the region and globally across our network providing more options and better connections to exciting business and leisure destinations in Europe and the Middle East.“Arriving in Auckland on Waitangi Day, and achieving the title of world’s longest flight for the return record-breaking service, which covers a distance of 14,535 kilometres and lasts 17 hours and 30 minutes, makes this an even more momentous occasion for Qatar Airways and provides another accomplishment to celebrate in this our 20th year flying the flag internationally for Qatar.”

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NETWORK EXPANSION Qatar Airways has announced 14 new destinations for 2017-18, seven of which are scheduled for 2017 including:

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• Auckland, New Zealand (launched February)

• Yanbu, KSA • Nice, France

• Dublin, Ireland • Tabuk, KSA

• Sarajevo, Serbia • Skopje, Macedonia

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Each year new destinations are typically added on every continent.

As part of the oneworld alliance, its expansionist strategy, characterised by new destinations and increased frequencies, fulfils its commitment to its airline partners, with the alliance now offering seamless connections to more than 1,000 destinations.

“Airline alliances and partnerships are very important to Qatar Airways’ operations,” stresses Al Baker.

In 2016 the airline upped its stake in the International Airlines Group (IAG) to more than 20% and acquired a 10% stake in South America’s LATAM. In 2017, Qatar Airways will take a 49% stake in Italian airline Meridiana.

“Qatar Airways’ alliances provide connections for our passengers to and from important feeder-routes, ultimately providing them with better travel options,” Al Baker adds.

BEST OF THE BEST In 2017, Qatar Airways marks its 20th anniversary operating as an international airline.

Al Baker says the carrier remains committed to its original goal — “to being the best airline and the first choice for the global traveller”.

“Having just launched an innovative new Business Class

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suite in March we’ll continue to revolutionise the service that travellers receive in the air. We’ve also recently rolled out a refreshed service for First Class travellers including new bespoke amenity kits from several premium brands.”

The goal for the next 20 years is straightforward: “We’ll continue with our pioneering spirit to provide an exquisite level of luxury and refinement as we go places together with our passengers,” says Al Baker.

“Qatar Airways will continue to grow its network and fleet and to be an enabler connecting people and places.”

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RAS AL KHAIMAH OFFERS VISITORS INSIGHT INTO A HISTORY DATING BACK MORE THAN 7,000 YEARS — HAITHAM MATTAR, CEO, RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (RAKTDA) — HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EMIRATES AIRLINE & GROUP

ATM YEARBOOK

2017

GULF TOURISM

ABU INVESTMENT DHABI HOTSPOTS

Open to the world Bahrain is capitalising on its roots as the Gulf’s original hub for tourism and trade, offering investors attractive business opportunities and encouraging visitors to explore the destination’s diverse attractions, explains Jerad Bacher, executive director of tourism and leisure, Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) 102 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Bahrain World Trade Centre

Q: What’s the role of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)?

A: We are an investment promotion agency tasked with attracting investment into Bahrain by supporting initiatives that enhance the business climate and contribute to the creation of high-quality local jobs. Our role is to support local and foreign businesses that are considering setting up in Bahrain. We provide advice and guidance to relevant government ministries and regulators, assist with all applications and permits, and offer an aftercare programme that ensures those businesses’ needs continue to be met during their time in Bahrain. We coordinate our activities with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA), which is the promotional and regulatory body for the tourism sector.

Q: What is the EDB’s mandate in terms of attracting investment and developing Bahrain’s tourism sector?

A: We work with various government ministries and both current and prospective investors to ensure Bahrain’s investment climate is business-friendly. We communicate key strengths to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment. The EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain’s

James Hogan In 2016, Bahrain’s Formula 1 attracted an audience of more than 90,000 Bahrain's traditional dhows

competitive advantages: financial services, manufacturing, ICT, tourism & leisure and logistics and transport. Tourism is an exciting growth industry for Bahrain.

In 2016, the kingdom welcomed 12.2 million visitors, which is comparable to the tourism numbers reported by countries such as South Africa, Portugal and Croatia.

This is a huge achievement for a country with only 1.3 million people. There are real opportunities for investment in this sector — to cater to growing and evolving demand.

We therefore work to build relationships in both regional and international markets with key stakeholders to promote Bahrain’s history and culture, and to help develop its attractions, including world-class hotels, and leisure and conference facilities.

Q: How does EDB work towards the goals of the Bahrain government’s Vision 2030?

A: Attracting investment and developing the tourism industry is a key strategic focus for the Bahrain government and the EDB and we maintain a shared priority of creating high-quality jobs for Bahrainis. By implementing a host of new transport and tourism infrastructure investments, along with a refreshed and better articulated tourism brand and proposition, we believe we can achieve this.

The job growth that we have witnessed in the tourism sector over the past few years is evidence of how the sector can help contribute to Vision 2030. In 2014, the tourism sector workforce stood at approximately 30,000, and is expected to grow further to approximately 50,000 employees by 2020.

Q: What makes Bahrain’s tourism offering different to that of other Gulf destinations?

A: We like to think we are authentic, which makes us unique.

Our history and culture stretch back thousands of years, encompassing some of the region’s earliest civilisations and one of the world’s first great works of literature, Gilgamesh.

Additionally, Bahrain boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Qal’at al-Bahrain — harbour fort and capital of ancient Dilmun, and the Pearl Trail.

We are home to a variety of tourist attractions, including historical sites and monuments, but also world-class sports, leisure and retail facilities. These range from the Al Khamis Mosque, dating back to 692 A.D, through to one of the most

WHY INVEST IN BAHRAIN? Accessibility: Bahrain is positioned in the heart of the Gulf and access to every market in the Middle East is both quick and efficient — by road, air and sea; Openness: Bahrain is committed to maintaining its liberal business environment and has a highly-competitive taxation system, with few indirect taxes for private enterprises and individuals, and free repatriation of capital. It is the only country in the region offering 100% foreign ownership of business assets and real estate in most sectors. The kingdom is also deemed one of the best places to work in the world as an expatriate, ranking top in the MENA region and 9th globally in the 2016 HSBC Expat Explorer Report.

Low costs: Bahrain’s low costs are another important advantage. Basic costs such as rents for offices and industrial land are lower than elsewhere in the region. Electricity, gas and water costs are also highly affordable, and with low living costs, wages are also highly competitive.

Highly-skilled workforce: Bahrain possesses one of the most educated and skilled workforces in the Gulf. This allows businesses to minimise spend on expatriate packages and to build a long-term, sustainable local workforce. Employing staff with an in-depth knowledge of the local culture and language can be a big draw for international companies.

Flexible visa policy: Bahrain’s visa policies are amongst the most flexible in the region, providing easy and quick access for businesses with operations in the country, and for visitors too. More than 100 nationalities can now obtain a visa on arrival or apply for a visa online.

Multi-sector: There are opportunities for growth and development across the entire tourism ecosystem including: accommodation, aviation, cruise ships, leisure attractions, destination management, professional congress organisers, ground transportation, recreational land activities, convention and exhibition venues, travel technology, food service and retail.

modern Formula One tracks in the world at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Our portfolio of luxury hotel brands includes Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Sofitel, Rotana, Marriott, Le Meridien and Westin, all of which attract an influx of tourists seeking a quality experience.

Above all, however, Bahrain’s greatest offering is its people.

Our heritage as an important hub along the ancient trade routes has translated into a warm and open culture, with a liberal lifestyle that attracts many nationalities and helps make

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 103

e

The National Theatre of Bahrain

Bahrain Fort, one of the Kingdom’s most important historical sites

attendees and the 2016 Bahrain International Airshow hit a record high, attracting more than 30,000 visitors during the public and trade days. Other prominent local events include the annual Bahrain International Book Fair and the Jewellery Exhibition, which continues to attract thousands of local and regional visitors.

Q: What has been the impact of Bahrain’s ‘Ours.

Yours. Bahrain’ campaign?

A: Openness has been a defining characteristic of Bahrain as a country and an economy for centuries. Given our long-standing role as a trading hub at the heart of the Gulf region, Bahrain has always attracted visitors from across the globe. An open culture remains integral to the country’s appeal as a tourism destination, which is why we launched the ‘Ours. Yours. Bahrain’ campaign.

We want to let visitors know the country is as much theirs as ours. Having a defined tourism brand has helped us clearly articulate our offering to potential visitors. The success of our campaign is well illustrated by our everincreasing tourism numbers.

Q: What major tourism industry trends do you predict for 2017?

A: Based on what we have witnessed over the last couple of years and what we’re hearing from investors, I would highlight three major tourism industry trends to watch out for in 2017:

visitors’ stays uniquely enjoyable. Such attractions are helping to put Bahrain on the map. Hotels and restaurants was the fastest growing sector in the Kingdom in 2014 and 2015, expanding by 10% and 7.3% respectively.

Q: How is Bahrain positioning itself as a tourism destination and what are the target markets?

A: Saudi Arabia continues to be a key growth market, but we are also focusing on attracting more visitors from the GCC, India and China. In 2015, we received 1.2 million visitors from India and Indians now make up our largest expatriate community.

Bahrain is also becoming a popular conference destination and already hosts several large events such as the World Islamic Banking Conference and the International Institute for Strategic Studies Manama Dialogue, amongst others. As we continue to attract the world’s leading hotels, there is scope for our business events offering to grow too.

We continue to host a range of international events, from visual and performing arts to education, sport and lifestyle, all of which attract visitors from across the world. In 2016, the Spring of Culture Festival celebrated its 11th anniversary.

It is one of the biggest cultural festivals in the Gulf, with most events free to access by the public, and last year’s festival included artists from all over the world and a headline performance by multi-platinum singersongwriter Seal. The 2017 edition promises even bigger and more exciting international, regional and local artists. Last year the Formula 1 attracted more than 90,000

104 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

•

Active holidays: More of us are looking for something other than a lounge chair and a parasol when venturing abroad, with activity-filled holidays on the rise. Adventure travel has been a growing trend over the past five years — it increased in popularity by 65% in the four years leading up to 2015 — and we’re expecting it to grow further in 2017. Adventure and activity type offerings are already an important differentiator for us — from water sports to indoor skydiving — and they’re going to continue to be one of our four key subsector focuses here at the EDB.

•

Exclusive holidays: We’re also seeing a rise in bespoke ‘non-Googleable’ vacations. Using travel companies that specialise in creating exceptional tailor-made experiences that provide customers with unique and authentic trips in locations that have often been untouched by travellers. This is something Bahrain’s destination management companies, such as Visit Bahrain and Atbahrain, are looking to develop for visitors.

•

Multi-destination holidays: Travellers are lengthening their holidays and making the most of their time off by visiting more than one place.

Bahrain, located in the centre of the Gulf region, is perfectly positioned to capitalise on this trend.

Rather than taking a week off to visit just one city, more of us are looking to cram as many experiences and destinations into one expedition as possible.

BAHRAIN TOURISM

BY NUMBERS

Investment

$5.3bn Economic impact

$732m contribution in 2015, more than 6% of GDP. Growing 4.8% CAGR to 2026

$1b crevenues by 2020 Tourism & hospitality growing at 7.3% annually

worth of tourism–related projects currently underway Employment

31,500 employed directly in 2015, 4.2% of total workforce

50,000 the number employment is set to rise to by 2020

Hotels

By Air

52%

8m

occupancy in 2016

in 2016, up 2% on 2015

Visitors

12.2m

67 countries visitors granted visa on arrival

in 2016, up 6% on 2015

20m target by 2018

By road

25km King Fahd Causeway, 30-minute drive from KSA

MICE

10.2m

15%

arrivals via the causeway in 2016

of tourism receipts

The Eastern Province, Riyadh, Qatar and Kuwait are all within driving distance — a combined visitor catchment area of more than 16 million

Cruise

F1

90,000

100,000

passengers and 43 ship calls during the 2016-2017 season

Bahrain F1 Grand Prix spectators in 2016, with a local economic impact of $300 million

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 105

PROJECT UPDATE

B

ahrain’s tourism and leisure sector is developing quickly. Several major hotel projects are currently under construction; for example, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are planning a one-million-square-metre resort on Hawar Island.

Construction is also continuing on ‘The Avenues’, a large retail and leisure development located in the centre of Manama. The project is due for completion in 2017 and will include waterfront restaurants, an indoor market, gym and cinemas.

Significant investment is currently being funnelled into Bahrain’s infrastructure with more than $32 billion of new projects in the pipeline.

This includes long-term plans to boost Bahrain’s already-strong transportation system, including a second causeway to Saudi Arabia, as well as an integrated intraregional rail network.

The airport modernisation programme, which is currently underway, will increase capacity at Bahrain International Airport from nine to 14 million passengers, as well as enhance the facilities for cargo carriers.

A range of recent reforms, including a large increase in the number of countries whose nationals can apply for visas on arrival or online, aim to complement these infrastructure improvements and help to drive increased passenger numbers to Bahrain.

“As our tourism proposition continues to grow, exciting attractions are poised to take the offering to a whole new level,” says Jerad Bacher, executive director of tourism and leisure, Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB).

“From spectacular hotels bringing incredible event spaces, to exclusive lifestyle and retail concepts, master-planned cities, megamalls, and picture-perfect island retreats, Bahrain is ready to welcome the world.”

106 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Bahrain is a hotbed of tourism infrastructure developments

KEY PROJECTS INCLUDE: BAHRAIN BAY Ongoing developments worth $2.5 billion in Bahrain Bay include hotels by Wyndham and Marriott as well as The Avenues Mall. The focal point of the project is the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, which opened last year.

DIYAR AL MUHARRAQ Diyar Al Muharraq is a unique master-planned city, located in Muharraq, the historic former capital of Bahrain in the north-eastern tip of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Designed as a modern urban space with a pristine coastline setting, the development will include interconnecting waterways, public beaches, parks and promenades. It offers investment opportunities for retail malls, five-star hotels and more.

MARASSI AL BAHRAIN This new mixed-use waterfront project will include a cruise terminal, several hotels and restaurants, and a traditional souq, as well as shopping, leisure and entertainment components, all located at the entrance to Bahrain’s new Diyar Al Muharraq district. Upcoming hotels in the development include The Address Marassi

Al Bahrain and VIDA Marassi Al Bahrain. Retail promenade, the Marassi Galleria, is being pitched as a cultural and tourist centre.

family-orientated restaurants, is nearly completed. This year work will get under way on the Marriott Residence Inn, an extended-stay Serviced Apartment property.

THE AVENUES MALL The Avenues Mall, which is set for completion this year, will boast a 1.5km seafront as well as green spaces and public parks with playgrounds, jogging tracks and an outdoor gym. The $119 million mall will also feature an indoor souk, restaurants and cinemas.

DILMUNIA Described as a “modern concept of Garden of Eden” that promotes healthy and sustainable living, Dilmunia will include residential, commercial, retail, medical and wellness and leisure components. Construction starts this year.

WATER GARDEN CITY This lifestyle community located in the Seef District will feature hotels, leisure and retail facilities, restaurants and offices. Master community developer, Albilad, describes the project as a “city centre retreat” — a place for residents and visitors to “relax and socialise”. The first phase of the Marina Promenade dining strip, comprising

BAHRAIN MARINA DEVELOPMENT Scheduled for completion in 2020, this mixed-use project will include a five-star hotel, serviced and freehold apartments, waterfront villas, a fully-integrated family entertainment center, cinema complex, boardwalk, marina, yacht club and a recreational waterfront space with dining and retail facilities.

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RAK REACHES NEW HEIGHTS “Jebel Jais will continue to be a key part of our promotional activities this year as we expand upon our product offering across the mountain range”

I

n 2016, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) witnessed one of its most successful years to date.

The entity and the destination, often fondly referred to by UAE residents as ‘RAK’, marked several achievements, says RAKTDA CEO Haitham Mattar.

One of the highlights, he notes, was the launch of Jebel Jais Via Ferrata — a new attraction based in the emirate’s majestic mountain range.

108 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

“Being the first commercial Via Ferrata in the region, a strategic marketing and promotional campaign was implemented around its opening and to date, participation and interest has been extremely high,” reveals Mattar, who has tried the mountain adventure experience for himself.

“During its first month of operation (December), we made 320 bookings, achieving an average booking rate of 81%, rising to 94% at the weekends.

“We are still experiencing high booking levels throughout the remainder of the season and

expect renewed interest next season when we plan to extend the routes, as well as launching the world’s longest zip line later in the year.”

The Via Ferrata opening gave tourism figures an end-of-year boost and once again, Ras Al Khaimah exceeded its annual target, reporting more than 820,000 visitors, up 10.9% on 2015.

This places the emirate in a “strong position” to achieve its goal of welcoming one million visitors by the end of 2018, Mattar enthuses.

“We have also extended the average stay by 4.07% [to 3.32 days], an area we are

From mountain-based adventures to cultural and wellness experiences, Ras Al Khaimah is developing a reputation as one of the UAE’s most diverse tourism destinations, says Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)

Ras Al Khaimah is capitalising on Jebal Jais by launching a number of mountain-based adventure pursuits

continually working on with added products and experiences that appeal to a wide range of demographics,” he adds.

STRATEGIC PROGRESS The successes witnessed in 2016 are aligned to the Destination Ras Al Khaimah 2019 strategic plan, which aims to promote the emirate across “three destination brand pillars” — adventure, authentic culture and heritage, and wellness tourism.

“Through various initiatives and promotional

activities, we have positioned Ras Al Khaimah as much more than sun, sea and sand, and the development of new attractions such as the Jebel Jais Via Ferrata build on this, developing a niche tourism offering and attracting a wider range of visitors,” Mattar confirms.

As part of its new brand positioning, RAKTDA launched its ‘Beyond a Journey’ destination marketing campaign in 2016, which Mattar describes as “incredibly successful”.

“Through a multi-media approach, centred around nature, deep culture, abundance

TOURISM TARGETS 2017

900,000 3.4days visitors (+9.6%)

length of stay +2.4%

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 109

of activities in the emirate and its unexplored tourism potential, we created an engaging and awe-inspiring campaign that boosted traffic to RAKTDA’s own destination website by 500% and saw 5.2 million users engaged on social media, resulting in the destination’s best Eid Al Fitr results to date,” he says.

“Expanding the campaign to video, ‘Ras Al Khaimah: Beyond A Journey’ reached more than two million viewers worldwide and was awarded ‘Bronze’ at the internationally-acclaimed Telly Awards for Best Online Video/Video/Videography/Cinematography.”

BROAD APPEAL Attracting a broader range of visitors is essential to attaining RAKTDA’s tourism targets and the entity has therefore focused on forging successful trade partnerships in key destinations.

“The UAE, Germany, UK, Russia and India remain the key five markets for arrivals and a focus of our promotional activities,” confirms Mattar, noting that RAKTDA opened

TOURISM NUMBERS 2016

821,772 visitors in 2016 (+10.9%)

2.73

m

guest nights (+15.6%)

3.32days average length of stay (+4.07%)

71%

average occupancy (+ 9.8%)

AED

441

RevPAR, (+5.5%)

110 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

new representation offices in Germany, Russia and India last year to ensure it builds on the momentum of these growing sources of tourism business.

RAKTDA is also consolidating its efforts in “destinations that present promise”, he says, with the entity “keeping an eye” on countries including Kazakhstan, the Czech Republic, the Nordic region, Saudi Arabia and central and eastern Europe.

“Each of these markets has reported significant growth in 2016 and offer an opportunity to attract greater numbers in the years to come,” Mattar notes.

“While each market is approached independently to ensure we are targeting the right visitors for the destination, our overall approach is to attract active adventurers, culture seekers and wellness travellers.

“Through recent and planned developments, Ras Al Khaimah is fast becoming the destination of choice and remains the fastest-emerging emirate in the region.”

Mattar also identifies the US, as well as European countries including Italy, Finland, Switzerland, France, Denmark, as up-and-coming source markets.

“China in particular has grown in importance over the past few years and following the opening of a new office in Shanghai and partnership with CTrip last year, we have tailored our approach to target the Chinese FIT market, which enjoys our culture, historic sights and heritage, while indulging at Ras Al Khaimah’s world-class resorts,” he says.

“We are optimistic that through focused efforts and participation at various roadshows and trade events, China will continue to develop in coming years.”

In general, travellers are looking for “added value and enhanced experiences when they travel”, says Mattar.

“This is a trend that we see will become even more paramount for travel decisions this year.”

This is one reason why Ras Al Khaimah works closely with neighbouring emirates to ensure it collectively promotes ‘Destination UAE’, with each emirate supporting the other, he says.

“Situated only 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB), Ras Al Khaimah’s products support Dubai [for example], offering visitors an ideal twindestination break,” he explains.

Around 90% of visitors to Ras Al Khaimah travel through DXB, many of whom fly with Emirates or flydubai. The emirate also has its own airport too — Ras Al Khaimah International Airport — which receives a small number of charter flights from Europe, so the destination is well served by air.

Utilising the expanding network of airlines flying to the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is an increasingly connected destination, Mattar stresses.

PRESERVATION PUSH RAKTDA is conscious that as the emirate’s tourism offering evolves at a fast pace, it is paramount that the projects in which it is involved are sustainable and developed responsibly.

PROJECT TIMELINE 2016 RAKTDA opened the region’s first commercial Via Ferrata in November. Jebel Jais Via Ferrata is located at the UAE’s tallest mountain range.

Several hotel groups and brands announced new properties for Ras Al Khaimah including InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Four Points

by Sheraton, Ritz Carlton, Anantara and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.

Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah opened offering 104 rooms and suites to the expanding mid-market sector.

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company signed a management agreement with RAK National Hotels and Al Hamra Real Estate Development to manage The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach and The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert.

Emaar started work on a mixed-use residential, hospitality and commercial development on Marjan Island.

The inaugural European Challenge Tour took place in RAK — a four-day event that hosted 105 players at the Al Hamra Golf Club. The event will return this year.

The Dubai Tour was expanded this year to include a Ras Al Khaimah stage.

RAKTDA hosted the UAE’s first 12-hour music festival, Destination Dawn on Marjan Island and further editions are planned for this year.

2017 A new luxury camp will open in December.

The world’s longest zip line will launch in Q4 2017.

Dhayah Fort — RAK’s history dates back thousands of years

RAK is targeting adventure seekers

A new viewing deck will open at Jebel Jais in Q4 2017.

Official hiking routes around Jebel Jais will launch in time for the Winter 2017 season.

“Ras Al Khaimah offers visitors insight into a history dating back more than 7,000 years” ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 111

Luxury beach resorts are a key selling point for RAK RAK’s luxury resorts remain a key draw

“We have positioned Ras Al Khaimah as much more than sun, sea and sand” TOURISM RESULTS 2016

80 41

%

of guest nights from international guests

%

Domestic

Jebel Jais Via Ferrata

ZIPPING ALONG NICELY Mattar tackles RAK’s new Via Verrata

Top 10 international markets • • • • • • • • • •

Germany +24.6% UK +34.9% Russia +19.5% India +28.1% Kazakhstan +204.8% Czech Republic +85.1% Nordic +26.7% KSA +20.7% Poland +231.2% Egypt +22.7%

Growing markets • • • • • • •

Italy +31% USA +23.9% Saudi Arabia +20.7% Finland +23.7% Switzerland +12.6% France +31.6% Denmark +62.7%

112 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

“While enhancing Ras Al Khaimah, we must also preserve the emirate’s local culture, traditions and natural attributes that attract visitors looking for new experiences,” says Mattar. “Earlier this year, we partnered with the UNWTO to support the 2017 United Nations’ Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

It’s a commitment that RAKTDA takes very seriously. Through a carefully orchestrated vision, we are transforming the emirate’s landscape and customs, making them more accessible and appealing for every traveller, while ensuring that we have a beneficial lasting impact for future generations.”

Mattar says one of the emirate's strongest attributes is its accessible and authentic Arabic culture and hospitality. “Whether visiting a date farm, witnessing an Emirati wedding, or touring historic sites such as Dhaya Fort or the Mohammad Bin Salem Mosque, Ras Al Khaimah offers visitors insight into a history dating back more than 7,000 years,” he adds.

Building on 2016 successes is important too and in 2017, the tourism development strategy is clear cut: “Jebel Jais will continue to be a key part of our promotional activities this year as we expand our product offering across the mountain range,” says Mattar.

“While Jebel Jais Via Ferrata will be central to this messaging, the addition of the world’s longest zip line, a viewing deck and luxury camp, will all create a strong appeal for visitors to Jebel Jais and Ras Al Khaimah and we will be initiating a strategic campaign in our key and emerging markets to leverage the success we have had to date.”

While the immediate tourism arrivals target is one million by 2018, the 2025 goal is for Ras Al Khaimah to attract between 2.9 and three million visitors, Mattar reveals.

“To be able to accommodate this quantity of visitors, the emirate’s portfolio of accommodation also needs to increase by an additional 20,000 hotel rooms by the same date,” he says.

“With the emirate’s success of attracting leading international hotel chains and developing popular tourism products, we are optimistic of this goal.”

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Authentic Ajman H.E. Faisal Al Nuaimi, general manager of the Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD), explains how the emirate is carving a niche as a unique sports and wellness destination with family appeal

A H.E. Faisal Al Nuaimi, general manager, ATDD

jman is fast emerging as a tourism destination of distinction. The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD), under the leadership of general manager H.E. Faisal Al Nuaimi, has positioned the emirate as a destination for sport, wellness, adventure and family-friendly holidays. As a result, the emirate has attracted more interest from visitors and investors looking to explore Ajman’s unique experiences and opportunities.

114 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

In 2016, tourism numbers increased 6.5% compared to 2015, with 542,891 guests visiting the emirate’s hotels, generating 1.28 million guest nights.

Hotel occupancies shot up 8% year on year to 69% in 2016, with the highest number of guests visiting from the UAE, followed by the GCC. Outside of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, the US and Russia respectively were Ajman’s biggest tourism source markets.

“In 2016, the ATDD focused on promoting Ajman as a destination with a growing portfolio of tourist activities

Historical Masfour

“Ajman is safe and friendly, and a place where you can experience Emirati heritage and enjoy several outdoor activities”

2016

+6.5% Tourism numbers

69%

Hotel average occupancies (+8%)

and attractions, while discussing tourism investment opportunities with several interested parties,” confirms Al Nuaimi.

“We promoted the emirate as a family-oriented sports and wellness destination and launched several events, perhaps most prominently, the Ride Ajman cycling challenge and the Desert Warrior Challenge Ajman.”

Ajman’s promotional identity, encapsulated by the slogan ‘Sincerely Emirati’, has helped define the emirate’s offering and personality to key markets, so

much so that the campaign, combined with the new-look Ajman.travel website and Visit Ajman mobile app, won the coveted ‘Best Place or Nation Brand’ at last year’s Transform Awards MENA. The ATDD also participated at several prominent global trade shows such as Arabian Travel Market (ATM), World Travel Market (WTM) and ITB Berlin, and ran a series of successful roadshows and sales trips in emerging source markets in central and eastern Europe covering countries including Poland, Hungary, the Czech

75%

Hotel apartment average occupancies (+7%)

$112m Total hotel revenues (+14.5%)

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 115

The Ajman Marina

Ajman offers authentic desert experiences

HOTEL STATS

39

hotels & hotel apartments

543k 1.3m guests

guest nights

TOP SOURCE MARKETS • UAE: 134,900 guests, 203,590 guest nights • GCC: 84,310 guests, 145,245 guest nights • Other Arab: 89,631 guests, 183,948 guest nights • Asia and Africa: 113,761 guests, 263,539 guest nights • Europe: 51,109 guests, 239,792 guest nights • US: 34,526 guests, 72,008 guest nights • Russia: 34,654 guests, 170,844 guest nights

Republic and Germany. This promotional drive paid dividends for the destination says Al Nuaimi, “increasing brand awareness, with a focus on Ajman’s sports and heritage themes, which generated investor interest”.

The ATDD’s plan, in line with the Ajman Vision 2021, is to build a sustainable tourism industry and to attract a truly global audience to the up-and-coming emirate.

“Our offering is attractive to visitors and investors — Ajman is safe and friendly, and a place where you can experience Emirati heritage and enjoy several outdoor activities,” Al Nuaimi remarks.

“Our accommodation offering also caters to a wide range of travellers, from those seeking luxury resorts to families looking for convenient and spacious furnished hotel apartments.”

At the end of 2016, there were 3,315 hotel rooms in Ajman. To cater to the predicted upswing in tourism numbers and to broaden the emirate’s appeal, several new properties are planned for Ajman, two of which will open this year.

At the top end of the scale, The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah opens this month (April), while the high-quality but budget-friendly Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche is on track to open at the end of this year.

“These new hotels will strengthen our destination offering,” says Al Nuaimi. “Ajman’s portfolio of properties can now cater to any occasion so the ATDD has also started to pursue MICE business, as well as the weddings and honeymoons market.”

ACTION PLAN In 2017, the ATDD is tacking a multi-faceted approach to tourism development.

The department has already signed major marketing

116 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

agreements with three leading tour operators at ITB Berlin, and is therefore anticipating a spike in visitors from German-speaking markets.

Other markets likely to generate more business for Ajman this year are Russia, the CIS countries and China following the UAE’s decision to grant visas on arrival to Russian and Chinese citizens.

This year ATDD will participate in several high-profile tourism exhibitions such as OTM in Mumbai, ATM in Dubai and WTM in London and lead roadshows in China, Russia (Moscow) and the GCC. “We will also strengthen ties with the media and the travel trade and offer fam trips to enable journalists and tour operators from all over the world to discover our beautiful emirate,” says Al Nuaimi.

“At the same time, we’ll be leveraging our social media channels and mobile app to spread the word about Ajman’s tourism credentials.”

The ATDD’s brand strategy relates to “three attributes”, he continues.

“We are ‘Supportive’, which means working with government and private entities, offering a helping hand; we are ‘Sincere’, so we are genuine and trustworthy across all engagements, candid in our communications and we deliver on our promises; and lastly, ‘Spirited’, which means we are enthusiastic and bright, passionate about Ajman and its culture, and project a sense of positive energy and engagement.”

The department’s goals not only relate to Ajman’s growing tourism industry, but also the over-arching ambition, which is to promote the UAE to visitors and investors globally.

“All seven emirates complement one another,” says Al Nuaimi. “Ajman is one part of the puzzle that makes the UAE one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.”

“Ajman is one part of the puzzle that makes the UAE one of the world's leading tourism destinations” SPOTLIGHT ON

SPORT

T

he ATDD says sports and wellness tourism will play an increasingly prominent role in its development strategy.

The department has already made great strides in putting the emirate on the sports event map, with events taking place such as National Sports Day (February 16, 2017), the Desert Warrior Challenge (March 31, 2017) and the Ride Ajman cycling event (April 7, 2017).

RIDE AJMAN The ATDD partnered with Ajman Bank, six of Ajman’s top luxury hotels, Ajman Police, the Ajman Civil Defence and Group 32 to bring the second edition of Ride Ajman to the emirate’s streets.

The event, which took place on April 7, was held under the patronage of ATDD chairman, H.H. Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.

This year the cycling event was

expanded to a 104km route with full road closures. It started on the Ajman corniche and made its way across the emirate.

New for 2017, a dedicated 52km UAE National Development race took place, open to UAE nationals, in a move designed to encourage interest and participation in cycling and to further position Ajman and the UAE as a cycling hub.

A 7km charity ride also took place on the same day, open to all cyclists, visitors and residents, with proceeds donated to charity partner, the Al Jalila Foundation.

Ride Ajman featured an awards ceremony and celebratory breakfast where several trophies and prizes were presented.

Prize money worth AED184,000 was up for grabs.

ATDD general manager Faisal Al Nuaimi, who is an avid cyclist himself, says: “We are continuously looking at innovative ways to promote Ajman as the ideal venue for sports as well as the perfect location for tourists from within the UAE and abroad.

This is the second year we have hosted this fantastic event with full support from the authorities and

we will be building on last year’s success to offer a unique race for all cyclists.”

DESERT WARRIOR CHALLENGE AJMAN Another major event raising Ajman’s profile as a sports tourism hub is the Desert Warrior Challenge, which took place at Al Zorah Marina 1 in March.

Staged under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, this homegrown adventure obstacle race presented the event’s most challenging course to date.

Sponsored by Ajman Free Zone and Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and supported by the Al Zorah Development Company, the Desert Warrior Challenge Ajman brought a physically demanding yet thrilling 5km course to

challenge seekers aged 16 and over. There were also two junior courses designed for children aged 6 to 15.

What makes the Desert Warrior Challenge Ajman different is that organisers combine both fun and challenging obstacle courses with a unique social and teamworking atmosphere that caters to participants with various skills and fitness levels. It also boasts an enviable location, overlooking two million square metres of natural mangroves and a lush green championship golf course.

Desert Warrior Challenge Ajman was established in 2014 has become a hotly-anticipated fixture on the emirate’s expanding sporting calendar.

Desert Warrior Challenge managing director Troy Gillham says the 2017 course was the “most exciting and intense yet”, with “big obstacles to excite the adrenaline junkies”.

Ride Ajman

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 117

AJMAN’S 2016 HIGHLIGHTS

MAY

Positive Q1 results: Guest arrivals increase 20% in Q1, 2016, generating AED 108 million ($29.41 million), reveal ATDD statistics. Total guests from January to March reached 142,404, delivering 313,724 guest nights.

APRIL

Website launch: ATDD unveils www.ajman. travel — a new one-stop gateway for travellers looking to discover Ajman as a business or leisure destination.

The home page features the new Ajman destination logo and brand slogan, ‘Sincerely Emirati’. Ajman.Travel was launched at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

ATDD launches new logo and website at ATM 2016

Environmental push: ATDD signs memorandum of mutual cooperation with Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) to support the entity’s ongoing campaign on environment protection and sustainable development. This is in line with Ajman’s Vision 2021 to build a green economy that provides the best opportunities while preserving the environment.

Ajman Supreme Committee visits the Expo 2020 site 118 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Ajman Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary

Jubilee celebrations: Ajman Museum celebrates its Silver Jubilee with several activities including folk dancing and live cooking of traditional food. More than 3,000 spectators attended the event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the landmark.

European roadshow: The ATDD wraps up a successful European roadshow.

More than 500 representatives from leading travel and tourism companies attended the UAE destination presentations in Prague, Warsaw and Budapest.

Brand award: Ajman’s new destination identity wins ‘Best Place or Nation Brand’ at Transform Awards MENA. ATDD and brand agency MBLM were also honoured with the ‘Highly Commended’ award in the ‘Best Use of Typography’ category.

JUNE

Expo 2020 visit: Members of the Ajman Supreme Committee visit the Expo 2020 site in Dubai South, meeting officials of Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee to learn about the exhibition’s overall strategy and offer support for the success of the mega event. Expo officials briefed the Committee on the Expo 2020 master plan and themed pavilion designs and locations.

AUGUST

Ajman University students visit emirate’s tourism highlights

Ajman participates at WTM 2016

Unique classification scheme introduced:

The ATDD now classifies desert camps

The ATDD launches two classification programmes for desert camps and tourism villages.

Desert camps are divided into two types (day use and overnight) but fall under one category while tourism villages are rated three-, four- or fivestar, based on the facilities and services they offer.

hotels and hotel apartments were from Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, KSA, Bahrain and the UAE, followed by nationals from Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal,China and Singapore. Average occupancy at hotels and hotel apartments during the holiday period was 98%.

Ajman Liwa Date Festival:

Tourism deal with China:

Proceeds from the auction of non-winning date fruits at the Liwa Ajman Date Festival were donated to Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Foundation to support its charitable and humanitarian projects. It’s part of the ATDD’s CSR strategy.

ATDD signs an MoU with the Gulf Chinese Trading Corporation to promote tourism growth in the emirate by attracting more investors.

H1 success: The emirate earns AED 200 million ($54.46 million) in tourism revenues from 272,021 visitors in H1 2016.

Educational student tour: ATDD organises a city tour for 400 students at Ajman University to improve their awareness of local tourism highlights. The two-day tour visits the emirate’s main attractions and heritage landmarks.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER Eid boost:

GCC tourists, including UAE ‘staycationers’ were the top visitors to Ajman during Eid Al Adha. Most guests at Ajman’s

The ATDD visits Germany:

NOVEMBER WTM success:

Ajman tourism stakeholders anticipate a boost in UK and European bookings following a successful World Travel Market (WTM) in London.

Exhibitors sharing the ATDD stand included the new The Oberoi, Al Zorah resort, as well as Ajman Corniche by R Hotels, which is also opening in 2017.

DECEMBER Ajman’s UAE festivities:

ATDD celebrates the UAE's 45th National Day with many events and activities including the launch of a time capsule.

UAE Innovation Week: ATDD takes part in the UAE Innovation Week 2016, presenting its policy guide and smart training project to demonstrate its expertise in this field. ATDD also showcases its ‘pin happiness’ website, which features a map of happy people in the UAE.

Ajman supports women in business: The ATDD sponsors the 4th Gulf Business Women Forum, staged at Fairmont Ajman Hotel. More than 100 event participants were taken on an Ajman City Sightseeing Bus tour to discover the emirate’s tourism highlights.

Ajman’s time capsule

The four-day sales mission covers five cities and involves 10 high-level meetings.

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 119

Timeless

Charm Fujairah has successfully married the old with the new, investing in modern infrastructure while preserving its heritage, both to the benefit of its burgeoning tourism industry

Fujairah’s tranquil desert, surrounded by rugged mountains

Downtown Dubai

Fujairah is investing in new, modern infrastructure

120 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

F

ujairah, the picturesque emirate on the UAE’s east coast, is best described as a haven of tranquility. From golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters teaming with marine life, to the rugged mountains and serene desert, the destination’s natural assets are a drawcard for visitors seeking adventure and relaxation.

The emirate is nestled between two scenic extremes — the Gulf of Oman on one side and the Hajar mountains and fertile wadis on the other.

It comprises two main cities — Fujairah City and Dibba — but there are also more than 80 small villages dotted amongst the mountains and valleys.

Today, Fujairah is destination where old meets new.

It remains home to some of the UAE’s oldest heritage sites, including forts that date back centuries, but at the same time, government and private sector funds have been ploughed into infrastructure developments that are preparing the emirate’s tourism industry for growth, from new roads and parks, to malls, hotels and resorts.

Over the past few years, Fujairah City Centre, Fujairah Mall, Lulu Mall and Century Mall have opened their doors, to name a few, which has drastically improved the retail and entertainment scene for residents and visitors.

Major international hotel groups continue to launch properties in the emirate too.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE WADI WURAYAH Sharjah aims to attract 10 The UAE’s first protected mountain million tourists by 2021 area, noted for its biodiversity, fresh waterfalls and pools, and home to the endangered Arabian Leopard and Tahr (mountain goat).

WADI SIJI A picturesque farming area located in the mountains of northern Fujairah.

WADI HAM This is the longest wadi in the UAE, running for nearly 30km, and a popular picnic spot.

SCUBA DIVING The Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean are famous for their coral reefs, flourishing marine life and captivating ship wrecks.

“From castles, forts and archeaological sites to high mountains and picturesque valleys, Fujairah has much to offer visitors year round” In 2017, InterContinental Hotels Group will unveil the 190-key InterContinental Fujairah Resort, a five-star property on the popular Al Aqqa Beach.

UAE-based TIME Hotels will also open Platinum TIME Residence with 76 apartments in Fujairah, targeting long-stay business guests.

At the same time, a multi-million-dollar expansion of Fujairah International Airport (FIA) is underway, an initiative spearheaded by experienced operator Abu Dhabi Airports.

The expansion programme includes the construction of a new ATC tower, a parallel runway, and existing runway expansion to accommodate the A380 super jumbo.

By updating the airport’s facilities and boosting its capacity, Fujairah is paving the way for an anticipated population and tourism boom.

Fujairah has witnessed rapid population growth over the past few decades, from around 100,000 people in the mid-1990s to 215,000 in 2015.

The population ratio has also shifted, with the number

Dr Ahmed Khalifa Al Shamsi, chairman, FTAA

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 121

CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE One of Fujairah’s newest landmarks, this Ottoman-style mosque is an Islamic architectural masterpiece. It features 35 domes and six minarets and can accommodate 32,000 worshippers, making it the second largest mosque in the country after its namesake, located in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi.

FUJAIRAH MUSEUM Regarded as one of the UAE’s most important museums, Fujairah Museum provides insight into the country’s history and heritage through antiques found by archaeologists in recent years FUJAIRAH FORT Fujairah Fort is one of the

most important and largest forts in the UAE. Sitting on a hill 20 metres above sea level and overlooking Fujairah’s city, the fort dates to the Sheikh Hamad bin Matar Alsharqi era and is made from local materials such as stone, gravel, clay, hay, and alsarooj substance (gypsum).

AWLAH FORT Located in the village of Aouhlah, a rugged mountainous area 30 kilometres from Fujairah city, Awlah Fort is known for its interesting and ornate interior décor. The design of the fort has been inspired by the walls of Assyrian cities in northern Iraq, a nod to the relationship the region had with the ancient civilization dating back to the Iron Age.

AL HAIL FORT Dating back to 1830, Al Hail Fort is one of the UAE’s strongest fortresses, located on a mountain in the village of Al Hail, south-west of the city of Fujairah.

AL BATHNA FORT Al Bathna Fort was built in 1735 and overlooks Ham wadi, which runs from Fujairah to Siji wadi across the mountains.

AL BIDYA MOSQUE The UAE’s oldest mosque is situated on the road that links Dibba to Fujairah.

The Othmanian mosque, characterised by its unusual roof, is thought to date back to 1446 AD.

of expats living in the emirate reaching 130,000. At the same time, more than one million tourists visited the emirate in 2015 and the numbers are expected to soar as more hotels, facilities and services enhance its appeal.

Accommodation aside, plans are afoot to introduce a new bus tour for visitors that takes in tourism hotspots such as Fujairah city, Dibba, Bidiya Mosque, Wadi Wuriayah and the Friday Market in Masafi.

Work is also underway on improvements to the city’s main corniche, with waterfront entertainment, sports, dining and leisure attractions planned, while new parks and beaches are boosting the destination’s charm.

Fujairah has always been the weekend getaway destination of choice for UAE residents seeking solace in the sun.

It’s a two-hour drive by road from Dubai, with the journey taking in picturesque villages, desert and mountainous terrain.

Last year the emirate became even more accessible when the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed expressway was unveiled, reducing the driving time from Dubai and Sharjah to just one hour.

In the future, a trip to the emirate could be drastically reduced again if plans for a new hyperloop system area realised. The high-speed commuter tube, which is currently under serious consideration, would link most of

Fujairah is home to some of the UAE’s most historicallysignificant forts

122 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

the emirates and cut down the travel time between Dubai and Fujairah to just 10 minutes.

Fujairah’s pristine coastline

DIVERSITY IN THE DESERT One of Fujairah’s most promising niches is marine tourism. Visitors flock to the emirate to take part in a wide range of activities such as sailing, powerboating, diving, snorkelling, fishing and more.

The destination’s wadis and springs are also a veritable adventure playground, especially during winter when it rains, offering exciting off-road driving experiences.

Mountain biking and trekking are popular activities too.

Cultural tourism also offers growth potential for Fujairah, with many visitors heading to the emirate to observe the traditional way of UAE life.

There are still dozens of villages in the mountains where people are involved in farming and agriculture according to age-old traditions.

Fujairah’s large number of castles, forts, museums and archaeological sites remain popular tourism attractions and as the emirate’s profile becomes more prominent, this unique offering is expected to draw a more global crowd.

Fujairah’s tourism appeal is far reaching, according to Dr Ahmed Khalifa Al Shamsi, chairman of the Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority (FTAA).

“We are strategically located on the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, home to beautiful coral reefs and spectacular marine life, which has encouraged the establishment of several international sports such as fishing, diving and other water sports,” he says.

“Add to this our cultural and natural attractions, from our large number of castles and forts, museums and archaeological sites to our high mountains with their quaint villages, picturesque valleys and wadis and springs, and Fujairah has much to offer visitors year round.”

Looking ahead, Al Shamsi says the FTAA will ensure its strategy remains aligned to the UAE government’s 2040 vision, generating “good prospects for the tourism industry we seek to develop”.

PUTTING FUJAIRAH ON THE MAP Domestic tourism aside, one of Fujairah’s biggest international source markets is India.

In a bid to capitalise on this trend, the FTAA recently joined a UAE tourism delegation, led by the Ministry of Economy, at India’s largest travel trade show, OTM. The ‘Visit UAE’ themed pavilion showcased the country’s most popular tourism destinations, with a focus on business, shopping, cultural tourism and major landmarks and attractions.

FTTA director general H.E. Saeed Al Semahi says Indian arrivals to Fujairah increased 50% in 2015.

“This growth is the result of promotional workshops and heightened cooperation among the UAE's tourism authorities and departments,” he explains.

“We appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Economy in supporting and energising this vital sector.”

Unspoiled beaches line the Fujairah coast

RETAIL THERAPY FRIDAY MARKET Located on the old Fujairah-Sharjah highway, outside Masafi village, the Souq Al Juma or the Friday Market is a popular tourist destination, selling a wide range of products such as locally-produced fruits, vegetables, plants, toys, furniture and carpets.

It is also famous for its locally-made pottery, earthenware, souvenirs and plant nurseries.

SHOPPING MALLS New shopping malls have opened in Fujairah over the last couple of years, including Fujairah City Centre, Fujairah Mall, Lulu Mall and Century Mall.

Advances in technology are also putting Fujairah in the map — quite literally.

Last year Fujairah become the fifth UAE emirate to be featured on Google Maps, giving internet users the chance to observe 360-degree views of key landmarks including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Fujairah Fort.

The arrival of Google Street View in Fujairah will boost tourism and the economy, according to Fujairah Municipality director general Mohammed Al Afkham.

He says the feature will offer people a new way of experiencing and perceiving Fujairah, from both a business and tourism perspective.

“Google Street View will be an added channel to improve the user experience and facilities in sectors like rentals, real estate, construction, travel and tourism and other investment opportunities,” he adds Fujairah's travel agents and residents believe Street View will also help promote the emirate to the world.

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 123

WE HOPE TO SEE THIS INDUSTRY FLOURISH AND LIVE UP TO ITS HUGE POTENTIAL, ESPECIALLY IN A MARKET AS BIG AND DIVERSIFIED AS SAUDI ARABIA

— HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EMIRATES AIRLINE & GROUP — DR BADR AL BADR, CEO, DUR HOSPITALITY

ATM YEARBOOK

2017

SAUDI ABU DHABI ARABIA

TRAVEL AND TOURISM SECTOR IN NUMBERS TOURISM

TRAVEL AND SECTOR IN NUMBERS In 2015

8%

190.3b

= SAR

CONTRIBUTION TO GDP By 2026

9.2%

305.9b

= SAR

The travel and tourism sector is the secondlargest Saudised sector in the country. We embrace graduates to make their future in the tourism sector... not only to land a job

In 2015

11% By 2026

12.9%

1.3

=

m jobs

TOTAL EMPLOYMENT

1.97

=

m jobs

In 2015

12.1%

Langham Hospitality Group will open The Langham, Jeddah, in the downtown district in 2018, while Minor Hotel Group will launch the Anantara Jeddah Resort on the city’s waterfront in 2019.

81.1b

= SAR

TOTAL INVESTMENT By 2026

14.3%

NEW JEDDAH RESORTS

130.5b

= SAR

126 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

TOURISM JOBS UPDATE Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector aims to employ 1.7 million people by 2020.

To date, the industry has provided more than 1.3 million jobs to young Saudi nationals, says Princess Noura Al Saud, who represents the National Centre for Human Resources.

TOURISM PROJECT LOANS EARMARKED Saudi Arabia's Commission for Tourism and National Heritage sets aside SAR397 million ($105.86 million) for 2017 to support a new lending programme for hospitality and tourism projects, according to state news agency SPA.

TOURISM ON TOP Saudi Arabia is pumping billions of riyals into projects that will boost its tourism credentials as the government prioritises the sector’s contribution to economic diversification

THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HOTEL The 10,000-room Abraj Kudai Towers in Makkah will become the world’s biggest hotel when it opens its in the fourth quarter of 2017.

MIGHTY MAKKAH The Saudi holy city of Makkah has the most hotel rooms under construction in the Middle East and Africa, according to STR. More than 23,060 rooms across 14 projects are planned.

HOTEL UPDATE 2017 A record 68 new hotels with 29,033 rooms will open in major cities across KSA in 2017, according to the Saudi Arabia Hotel Construction Overview released by TOPHOTELPROJECTS. Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar and Makkah are set to be the kingdom’s busiest centres for hospitality development.

SECTOR INVESTMENT

The Saudi government says it will plough SAR3 billion ($800 million) in the kingdom’s tourism industry as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 127

SERVICE WITH SPIRIT The hotel’s signature Japanese restaurant

Makarem Hotels is carving a niche as an authentic Saudi hospitality specialist, meeting complex and even spiritual guest needs while upholding the highest international standards

M

akarem Hotels is a Saudi-grown brand created by Dur Hospitality.

The award-winning hotel company, which operates several properties in cities across the kingdom, including Makkah and Medina, specialises in delivering authentic Saudi hospitality services to international standards.

Makarem has focused its efforts on enriching the guest experience, taking the trend for personalisation to new heights, not only meeting their general demands, but also their spiritual requests if required. “We understand the changing needs of local and international visitors whether they come for Umrah, Hajj, leisure or business,� explains Dr Badr Al Badr,

128 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Makarem is known for its authentic hospitality

CEO of Dur Hospitality. “And combining international standards with our local know-how, Saudi spirit and expertise has seen us provide innovative services that have surpassed the traditional norm and supported our expansionary plans.”

Following its re-invention in 2015, Makarem Hotels has marked several accomplishments that Al Badr says will positively impact the brand’s future.

At last year’s Arabian Travel Market, the hospitality firm introduced many value-adds for guests including the KARAM club loyalty programme and a revamped website available in seven languages, designed to provide information to potential visitors from all over the world.

But perhaps the company’s most ground-breaking initiative was the introduction of a spiritual concierge service at its hotels located in the holy cities.

These concierge — both men and women — are trained to high standards and provide guests with spiritual guidance, particularly if they are visiting for Hajj or Umrah purposes.

The hotels also house a spiritual library featuring religious books and artefacts with a view to helping guests embark on a spiritual or noble journey.

“At Makarem we understand the expectations of guests visiting the holy cities to perform their religious duties,” say Al Badr. “We are devoted to making our guests’ journey to Makkah and Madinah a unique spiritual experience, while ensuring their stay will go beyond what is usually expected from hotels of similar standards. This is the objective behind the concierge concept with our team fully dedicated to providing all the support and attention they require to make their spiritual journey fulfilling.”

Makarem is not only a pioneer of the ‘spiritual hospitality’ concept, but is championing women in the workplace too, with the female concierge staff proving popular with guests.

This initiative adheres to government guidance on employing more women across many industries.

“Makarem believes in the important role played by ladies in the hospitality sector and we are always keen to empower them through continuous recognition and motivation,” says Al Badr.

“In this context, Makarem has awarded the top female achievers that work for the company.”

Makarem’s efforts to push the boundaries in terms of innovation and services in Saudi’s hospitality sector have not gone unnoticed.

Last year the company received three accolades at the Transform Awards MENA. Makarem Hotels was awarded The Silver Award for ‘Best brand evolution’, the Silver Award for the ‘Best use of typography’ and the Bronze Award for ‘Best visual identity from the travel & leisure sector’. The Transform awards

“At Makarem we understand the expectations of guests visiting the holy cities to perform their religious duties” recognise best practice in corporate, product and global brand development work, with categories that focus on strategy, execution, content and evaluation.

The event also serves as a platform for organisations to tell their stories and to discuss reputational change.

“Winning these awards is the result of Makarem’s success over the past few years, after we revamped our corporate identity to reflect our role as a company that delivers Saudi hospitality in a modern environment, thus setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the Kingdom,” says Al Badr.

VISION 2030 Now that Makarem Hotels has refined its offering, the company is looking to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia's western region.

The hotel firm will capitalise on the Kingdom’s strategic location as a “hub connecting three continents and a religious centre hosting the two Islamic holy sites that accommodates an average of up to eight million Umrah visitors annually”, notes Al Badr.

He identifies opportunities at the two holy cities of Makkah al-Mukarramah and Al Madinah Al Munnawarah where current expansion work is under way to meet Saudi Vision 2030 targets of hosting 30 million Umrah visitors annually.

Makarem Hotels has already signed an agreement with the Public Investment Fund to operate a 614-key property in the Dar Al Hijra mega development in Al Madinah and several additional projects will be announced soon, reveals Al Badr, who reiterates the firm’s intention to grow in Makkah and Medina.

“In 2017, we also look forward to hosting more business and entertainment activities and events throughout our hotels,” he says.

Dr Badr Al Badr, CEO, “Furthermore, we are seeking to Dur Hospitality further develop our CSR programme

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 129

Makarem Ajyad, Makkah

to give back to the community among which Makarem was established.”

Makarem understands the importance of conducting business in a sustainable and responsible manner and the company has supported several initiatives that involve reducing food and material waste, recycling and helping underprivileged members of society.

“For instance, we are partnering with local organisations on joint initiatives that reduce food waste, collecting leftover food and distributing it to the needy, while complying with the quality and international food safety standards,” explains Al Badr. “We have also initiated a programme called ‘Linens for Livelihood’, whereby all hotels donate used linens, towels, bedsheets, pillows, blankets and sheets to charities and animal shelters. So far more than 23,000 pieces of textile have been distributed.

“In addition we are adhering to stringent green practices such as recycling paper and encouraging guests to adopt eco-friendly habits and as a result, Makarem has nurtured an eco-friendly culture with more programmes planned.”

TOURISM POTENTIAL REALISED Although Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has strong growth potential, Al Badr says there is room for improvement.

He notes how the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has already set the wheels in motion to improve visa issue facilitation and has set out plans to develop the Kingdom’s historical sites — a move that will attract more international visitors to the country.

130 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

“We hope to see this industry flourish and live up to its huge potential, especially in a market as big and diversified as Saudi Arabia where untapped opportunities are just waiting to be explored” The Pearl Lounge terrace

“We would also like to see the MICE industry develop, with more conferences, forums, and exhibitions staged that contribute to positioning Saudi Arabia as a business hub for all industries,” he says.

“And most importantly, we look forward to seeing the next generation of Saudi industry leaders, who are currently taking part in public and private tourism skills programmes, take the sector to the next level.”

Al Badr says the future is bright for Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region, where the hospitality and tourism industry has witnessed “tremendous growth and development in the past decade, despite ongoing geopolitical instability”.

“Investors have a strong appetite to optimise their capital investments in hospitality projects that enhance third-party management, franchising or self-operation models, which is attracting major industry players and international operators, many of whom are keen to enter the market or and expand their reach,” he continues.

“As for the future, we hope to see this industry flourish and live up to its huge potential, especially in a market as big and diversified as Saudi Arabia where untapped opportunities are just waiting to be explored.”

Makarem Al Bait in Makkah

ATM YEARBOOK

2017

ABU DHABI

OMAN ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 131

The Oman Ministry of Tourism’s 2040 strategy looks to ramp up the sector’s contribution to the Sultanate’s economy, with experiential and adventure travel playing a key role in defining the destination

Experience Oman O

Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Under Secretary of The Ministry of Tourism for Oman

man’s tourism and hospitality industry is building momentum, with total investment in the sector set to hit US$1.17 billion by 2026, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

In the same year, the total contribution of travel and tourism to Sultanate’s economy will reach $785 million.

Oman returns to this year’s ATM to showcase its expanding hotel and tourism infrastructure pipeline following a successful 2016, with visitor numbers in the first ten months of the year reaching 2.5 million, up 15% on 2015 numbers.

“It is no wonder that Oman is so popular and was recently named as one of the top ten places to visit in 2017 by a selection of the world’s top media. The country boasts a fantastic mix of culture, history and adventure for travellers, while the $120 million Majarat Oman futuristic theme park, set to open in 2017, will add to the huge selection of options available for families,” says Simon Press, senior exhibition director, ATM. A Colliers International report notes that although Oman faces “significant competition” from other popular

132 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

regional destinations, it has been able to distinguish itself as a “unique tourism destination, home to many eco, cultural and heritage attractions”.

To cope with the projected rise in demand, hotel supply in Oman increased by 2,022 keys in 2016, and although occupancy rates were down 11% over that period, largely due to lower oil prices, which thwarted business travel, as well as the effect that weaker currencies had on the UK and EU leisure markets, this is expected to bounce back by 3% in 2017.

“With the recent opening of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), which is on track to host around 28 exhibition events in 2017, the market is expected to recover, with the hotel occupancy forecasted to close at 58%,” says the Collier International report.

According to the latest data from STR, Oman currently has 15,843 hotels, with another 6,347 rooms in the pipeline, representing growth of 40.1%.

Meanwhile, Oman’s airports are witnessing passenger demand growth and are expanding their facilities to cater to more in the future.

Oman’s vast Al Sahrqiya Desert, where off-road adventures take shape

The Sultanate’s airports reported a 17% increase in The iconic Katara to the end of December 2016. arrivals through Towers project biggest airport, Muscat International, At the country’s passenger traffic increased 16.6%, driving numbers up to more than 12.03 million from 10.31 million in 2015, according to Oman’s National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Construction of the airport’s new terminal will be completed by the end of the year, boosting capacity to more than 12 million passengers annually. When the full expansion (over four phases) is completed, the airport will be able to handle 48 million passengers.

Oman’s second biggest airport, Salalah International, has a current capacity of one million travellers, with the ability to increase this further by up to six million.

In addition, six other airports are either planned or in the construction phase, including the new airport under construction at Ras Al Hadd.

“Oman’s tourism industry continues to grow and its offering keeps expanding to cater for the diverse needs of today’s travellers,” says Press.

“Experiential tourism is the spotlight theme of ATM 2017 and this is central to the whole tourism experience in Oman.”

Among the Oman-based exhibitors participating at this year’s ATM are Six Senses Zighy Bay Resort & Spa, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Anantara Jabal Akhdar Resort, Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and InterContinental Muscat, all of which offer high-end and authentic Omani experiences, encompassing eco, adventure and cultural tourism.

EXPERIENCE OMAN “We are noticing an increase in those consumers with an experiential travel focus; our visitors are interested in history and culture and activities such as sailing, cycling, trekking, golf, diving, spa and wellness and other special interest groups,” confirms Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi,

“The announcement of the 2040 tourism strategy for Oman provides us with a clearly defined and structured road map for future growth”

Under Secretary of The Ministry of Tourism for Oman.

“We predict these markets will continue to grow as our product offering develops. Special-interest groups constitute one of the fastest growing segments of world tourism, and Oman perfectly caters to that category.”

Her Excellency describes Oman is “a fabulous and authentic, year-round destination steeped in culture and history”.

“It offers stunning landscapes and plenty to experience, from outdoor adventure activities, spa and wellness and cultural attractions such as the Royal Opera House and the National Museum of Oman,” she continues.

“With the natural playgrounds of Nizwa, boasting rugged dramatic landscape and wadis, the cooler more temperate climate of Salalah in the south, and the spectacular coastline with its natural inlets and secluded beaches, there is something for everyone to discover.

“The natural attractions, coupled with high-class luxury resorts, desert camps and smaller mid-range accommodation, means that Oman can cater for holidaymakers looking for a truly authentic, quality, Arabian experience.”

The Ministry of Tourism is currently promoting multicentre experiences, encouraging visitors to explore as much of the Sultanate as possible.

“Beyond Muscat you will find a country largely untouched by tourism, where people sustain their historical lifestyle, and where deserts give way to lush mountains, and miles of unspoilt coastline,” she says.

Salalah is becoming an “increasingly popular destination”, says Her Excellency. The recent opening of the new Salalah International Airport is playing a key role in driving tourism development in the Dhofar region, she adds.

THE 25-YEAR PLAN Last year Oman unveiled a 25-year strategy to double visitor numbers to five million by 2040.

The strategy hinges on developing the tourist spots

Royal Opera House Muscat

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 133

“We are noticing an increase in those consumers with an experiential travel focus”

Wadi Tiwi

PROJECT UPDATE Turtle territory: Ras Al Jinz

of Musandam, the Hajar Mountains, the Frankincense Trail in Salalah, the city of Muscat and the surrounding deserts and making them “destinations in their own right”.

The development of these clusters will help Oman to attract more adventure seekers from around the globe, says the Ministry of Tourism.

By 2040, the Sultanate aims to employ more than 500,000 people in the tourism sector. It is hoped at least 75% will be Omani nationals, in line with the Sultanate’s Omanisation policy.

“The announcement of the 2040 tourism strategy for Oman provides us with a clearly defined and structured road map for future growth, ensuring tourism becomes one of the most important economic pillars for the country’s future,” confirms the Ministry of Tourism’s director general of tourism promotion, Salim Al Mamari.

The 2040 strategy calls for more digital marketing and promotion to ensure Oman becomes a “top-of-mind tourism destination”.

During Ramadan 2016 therefore, the Ministry of Tourism launched the ‘Discover Oman’s Beauty’ social media competition, which aimed to boost domestic and GCC tourism.

The entity posted three questions on

134 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Majarat Oman Oman’s biggest indoor theme park is due to open this year. The $120 million futuristic Majarat Oman at Al Sawadi Beach Resort, 45 minutes from Muscat, will cater to between 2,500 and 3,000 visitors daily.

Barka theme park The National Development & Investment Company (ASAAS) has revealed plans to build a 1.5-million-square-metre entertainment and leisure destination at Barka, a coastal city in the north of Oman.

The project will feature an integrated theme park, a wildlife and waterpark, an equestrian centre and edutainment centre, as well as several hotels, a residential zone and retail areas.

City Walk Oman's Ministry of Tourism has signed an agreement with Orascom Development Holding to build a new beachfront city complex in North Al Hail. City Walk will comprise a 355-metre waterfront, a retail area with shops and restaurants, as well as a five-star hotel.

Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront project Phase one of the $1.3 billion mixed-use waterfront destination got underway at the end of 2016, with a projected completion date of 2020. It will transform the current commercial Port Sultan Qaboos area into a major tourism-based development featuring business and residential

its Facebook page every week testing the knowledge of participants on different tourist destinations in the Sultanate to give them the chance to win an overnight stay in the Sultanate.

This involved creating new channels entitled ‘Experience Oman’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, google+, Pinterest, and YouTube, which are now used to provide visitors with information that will enrich their visit to Oman while encouraging

zones, a destination mall, six hotels, recreation amenities, tourist attractions, as well as docking facilities for cruise liners and yachts.

11 new Oman destinations Oman tourism chiefs have earmarked 11 hotspots for large tourism development projects. The Ministry of Tourism has signed agreements with 11 companies to establish hotel facilities in unspoiled wilayats including Bidiyah, Dima Wa al Taeen, Nizwa and Saham. Several properties are also planned for Oman’s fabled Green Mountain, Jebel Akhdar.

questions, engagement and feedback.

Her Excellency says the ‘Experience Oman’ channels effectively showcase the destination’s “natural beauty, attractions, its culture, traditions and its people”.

It’s another avenue for presenting Oman’s “multi-product offering”, she adds, “including a pristine coastline, a picturesque mountain chain and the vast expanse of the desert that all present a unique variety of experiences”.

HALAL IS IN OUR DNA AND WE ENCOURAGE MUSLIM TRAVELLERS TO EXPLORE INDONESIA IN COMFORT — H.E. ARIEF YAHYA, MINISTER OF TOURISM, REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA — HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EMIRATES AIRLINE & GROUP

ATM YEARBOOK

2017

HALAL ABU DHABI

TOURISM

Indonesia’s halal-friendly DNA

H.E. Arief Yahya, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia, outlines the country’s strategic efforts to become the world’s leading halal tourism destination

138 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Exotic culture

“Around 90% of Indonesia’s population is Muslim so our lifestyle, products and services are already halal. Our mission now is to communicate this quality to the world”

Stunning scenary

I

ndonesia’s tourism industry performed well in 2016, welcoming more than 12 million international arrivals, a significant 15.54% increase compared to 2015.

This growth can be attributed to many factors, says H.E. Arief Yahya, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia, but primarily “significant” government policies

such as visa-free entry for tourists from 169 countries, including nine from the Middle East.

“This has been supported by the abolition of Clearance Approval for Indonesia Territory (CAIT) rules, as well as the deregulation of ‘cabotage’ principles for yachts and cruise lines,” he explains.

Another significant move by the government was to up

H.E. Arief Yahya, Minister of Tourism, the Republic of Indonesia

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 139

From Left: An underwater world awaits Halal-friendly spas Halal food is widely available

its budget allocation to drive the promotion of Indonesia’s tourism industry in 2015.

“This budget was intended to support diversification and promotion effectiveness in larger markets to attract more tourists to Indonesia,” His Excellency explains.

“We made a big effort to raise brand awareness, allocating 50% of that budget to the high-profile ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ campaign. As a result, ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ rapidly climbed from ‘an unknown entity’ to rank the 47th world’s best country branding strategy based on the World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index in 2015.”

In 2016, the Middle East market outpaced international arrival growth to Indonesia. Tourist numbers hit the 240,989 mark, up 32% year on year, following a promotional drive, sales missions and participation at major travel and tourism exhibitions in the Middle East, says His Excellency.

“Furthermore, after Indonesia won three categories in the World Halal Travel Awards 2015 and 12 categories in the World Halal Travel Awards 2016 held in Abu Dhabi, Indonesia became more popular as one of the world’s leading halal-friendly destinations,” he explains.

“This also indirectly lured 91,102 international tourists to Lombok during 2016, up almost 30% year on year.”

An increase in the number of direct flights from the Middle East to Indonesia’s main destinations has also boosted tourism numbers, His Excellency stresses.

In addition to Lombok, destinations including Bali, Jakarta and the Riau Islands, are all witnessing significant increases in international arrivals, he adds.

HONING-IN ON HALAL With the global halal tourism industry growing at a rapid rate, Indonesia has identified the sector as a key growth market as it looks to boost international tourism arrivals to 20 million by 2019.

“We will be capitalising on Indonesia’s natural DNA as an inherently Muslim-friendly destination and by doing so, we are quietly optimistic that it will help us achieve our tourism goals,” confirms His Excellency.

“Around 90% of Indonesia’s population is Muslim so our lifestyle, products and services are already halal. Our mission now is to communicate this quality to the world.

“With its diverse tourism offering, Indonesia is a top choice for Muslim travellers looking to enjoy various experiences with the reassurance their halal preferences will be met. Certainly, this could position Indonesia as a worldleading halal destination.”

ATM GLOBAL HALAL TOURISM SUMMIT, 2017 VENUE: The Global Stage, Arabian Travel Market, DICEC, Dubai DATE: Wednesday April 26th, 2017 TIME: 12.20 to 14.40 OVERVIEW: The inaugural ATM Global Halal Tourism Summit brings together some of the world’s leading Muslim travel experts to discuss the nuances of this fast-growing sector, which was worth $145 billion in 2015, around 10% of total international tourism, according to Thomson Reuters and Dinar

140 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Standard. Its value is tipped to hit the $233 billion mark, some 13% of total global travel expenditure by 2020.

OPENING SESSION: Halal Tourism — The Big Picture: The findings of the Global Economic Impact of Muslim Tourism report by Salam Standard will be presented by one of Asia’s leading travel industry entrepreneurs, Faeez Fadhlillah and discussed by some of the world’s top Muslim travel experts.

SESSION 2: Halal Destination Strategies Revealed: Some of the world’s leading halal-friendly destinations discuss their success strategies for developing Muslim-focused tourism offerings, from halal certification, services and amenities, to online tools, apps and promotional efforts designed to raise awareness of their halal credentials. Riyanto Sofyan, head of the Ministry of Tourism’s Halal Tourism Development Acceleration Team, will be outlining

Indonesia’s halal tourism strategy at this session.

SESSION 3: How to sell Halal Travel: This session discusses how the region’s travel industry can leverage the inbound and outbound halal travel boom. Experts discuss how halal travel be sold, packaged and promoted and what trends travel professionals noticing in terms of booking trends, destinations, hotels and experiences that Muslim travellers are demanding.

Heritage and history

In a bid to make this a reality, the Halal Tourism Development Acceleration Team has been established.

One of this team’s main goals is to ensure halalfriendly products and services are available at key tourism destinations across Indonesia, with the provision of halal food and restaurants and prayer facilities a top priority.

It also provides incentive programmes to encourage suppliers to attain halal compliance certifications, acknowledging that by setting standards to which tourism stakeholders comply, Muslim tourist needs will be well met.

Another initiative designed to improve Indonesia’s halal tourism credentials and elevate its status as a leading Muslim-friendly destination is the annual halal competition for industries and regions across the country.

“This competition encourages the Ministry of Tourism, as well as local governments and key stakeholders, to provide the most excellent halal assistance for Muslim travellers,” explains His Excellency.

He believes Indonesia’s robust halal tourism strategy will make Muslim travellers feel more at home during their visit.

“We want their trip to be convenient, providing facilities that make it easy to pray and find halal food no matter what destination in Indonesia they are visiting,” he adds.

His Excellency says the Middle East shares a similar culture to Indonesia, which is why he anticipates continued

“We want to expand existing routes, add new ones and provide more seat capacity for international tourists, enabling them to better explore our various and wonderful destinations” visitor growth from this market, particularly as its halalfriendliness is promoted more widely.

“Indonesia offers Middle East tourists beautiful scenery, an exotic culture, a family-friendly environment with attractions like theme parks, as well as a wellness offering that is part of Indonesia’s heritage,” he says.

“As mentioned earlier, halal is in our DNA and we encourage Muslim travellers to explore Indonesia in comfort.”

Riyanto Sofyan, head of the Ministry of Tourism’s Halal

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 141

TOURISM TARGETS

Kxxyxyxyyxyxyxyxyxyxyx xyxyxyxyyxyxyxyxyxyxyx

12 million

15 million

20

2017

2019

2016

million

100,000 homestays

“Halal is in our DNA and we encourage Muslim travellers to explore Indonesia in comfort”

Tourism arrivals to Lombok increased 30% in 2016

HALAL CREDENTIALS TAKE 5 • 90% Muslim population • Family-friendly • Halal food widely available • Halal-friendly wellness offering • Prayer facilities

INDONESIA’S TOP 10 INTERNATIONAL MUSLIM TOURIST SOURCE MARKETS: • Middle East • Malaysia • Singapore • China • India • Australia • Russia • United Kingdom • Germany • France

142 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Tourism Development Acceleration Team, will be outlining Indonesia’s halal tourism strategy at this year’s Arabian Travel Market.

He will be one of the panellists lined-up tao speak at the event’s inaugural Global Halal Tourism Summit, which takes place on the Global Stage from 12.20 to 2.40pm on Wednesday April 26th.

He will be joined by other leading halal tourism experts from around the globe.

PLAN OF ACTION In 2017, Indonesia is targeting 15 million international arrivals. To achieve this goal, the Ministry of Tourism has outlined three areas for development.

The first is digitally-led and involves the creation of the Tourism Exchange of Indonesia (TXI) — a platform will match

tourism supply and demand. The overall goal is to make travel to Indonesia “easier, cheaper and faster”.

“We already have seven thousand suppliers registered for TXI and thousands more are very interested,” says His Excellency.

The second facet of the 2017 plan is to develop homestay villages with a view to achieving 100,000 homestays at tourist villages all over Indonesia by the end of 2019.

“Lastly, we are enhancing our air connectivity by developing better cooperation with airports, airlines and relevant stakeholders to improve airport facilities and air services.

“We want to expand existing routes, add new ones and provide more seat capacity for international tourists, enabling them to better explore our various and wonderful destinations,” His Excellency concludes.

“In 2016 we are expanding our promotional activities beyond the UAE and KSA to include Oman, Egypt, Kuwait and Qatar”

ABU DHABI

WE ARE STEADILY PROGRESSING TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION OF MANAGING HOTELS IN EVERY CITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA REGION — OMER KADDOURI, PRESIDENT & CEO, ROTANA

ATM YEARBOOK

2017

HOTEL

INDUSTRY ABU DHABI

PIPELINE

HOME RULES Rotana president & CEO Omer Kaddouri reveals why UAE growth is crucial to Rotana’s global expansion strategy

R

otana has set out an ambitious strategy to operate 100 hotels by 2020 and in 2016, the UAE-headquartered hospitality specialist made solid progress towards achieving this goal.

The company, which currently operates 56 properties across the Middle East and North Africa, opened seven new hotels last year including its second and third in Saudi Arabia and its third in Bahrain, while in Jordan, the new 412-key Amman Rotana made the headlines as the country’s tallest tower.

Rotana also debuted in central Africa with the launch of Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. More African properties are in the pipeline too, with hotels earmarked for Marrakesh, Luanda, Dar es Salaam and Lagos.

The firm’s expansion trail is gaining momentum in 2017, with 16 new hotels opening their doors across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Turkey and perhaps most notably, Iran.

The 272-key Rayhaan Imam Reza by Rotana, Mashhad, is the first of four hotels the group Omer Kaddouri, plans to open in Iran by president & CEO, Rotana 146 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

the end of next year. This will make Rotana the biggest international hotel operator in the country as it looks to cater to pent-up demand and help accommodate the 20 million tourists Iran plans to attract by 2020.

While regional and global expansion is necessary to achieving Rotana’s 100-hotel target, the company has honed-in on domestic growth too, and at the end of 2016, announced plans to open 13 new properties in the UAE by the end of the decade.

Five of the upcoming properties will be five-star hotels, with the remainder comprising a mix of three- and fourstar hotels and hotel apartments.

Upon completion, the new hotels will add 3,862 keys to Rotana’s existing UAE inventory, taking its portfolio to 46 properties strong, including 21 in Dubai and 17 in Abu Dhabi. This boosts its UAE room inventory to 12,700 keys, with 7,103 in Dubai and 5,597 in Abu Dhabi.

“Rotana is committed to deepening its leadership credentials in the UAE’s hospitality sector, with our vision and development plans extending into 2020,” confirms Omer Kaddouri, president & CEO, Rotana.

“In 2017, we plan to launch seven new properties that represent a strategic mix of five-star hotels and hotel apartments," he adds.

In Abu Dhabi, the company will open the businessorientated Pearl Rotana and the more leisure-focused Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas.

“Collectively, Rotana’s upcoming properties in Abu Dhabi will add 655 rooms to our already impressive inventory,” Kaddouri reveals.

“Dubai will witness the launch of four new properties by 2018 and lift the inventory tally by 1,216 rooms.”

Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana are two properties in Dubai, both of which are scheduled to come online in Q3 this year. In addition, Al Jaddaf Rotana all suites will be unveiled in mid-2018.

Meanwhile, expansion is almost complete at The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah.

The refurbishing exercise, due for completion any day now, will add 116 standard and superior rooms, 10 upscale junior suites and 21 executive suites.

An all-day dining restaurant, outdoor pool with pool bar and three slides, and a kids’ club and pool area also being added as part of the expansion.

“While foraying into new markets and expanding Rotana’s footprint in the region has been at the core of our business strategy, the UAE is our home market and remains the pivotal force for the trajectory of our business and brand equity,” stresses Kaddouri.

“The visionary leadership of the country, its commitment towards building a diversified economy and consistently strengthening the tourism sector with new attractions and infrastructural investments, makes the country a crucial market in which a formidable brand like Rotana should invest and thrive.

“We are committed to supporting the long-term prospects of the UAE’s hospitality sector and staying at pace with changing trends and consumer demands.

As the country continues to boost its appeal as a hub for international trade, aviation and tourism, the The Amman Rotana, which opened in 2016, is Jordan’s tallest tower

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 147

“The rooms built today are not to serve a single event, but to support the ever-expanding interest of visitors to spend balmy summers and eventful winters in the UAE” UAE HOTEL COUNT

32 NOW

47 BY 2020

in Dubai, with high land costs pushing developers to focus on luxury properties to recoup investments.

However, this is gradually improving with the incentive schemes announced by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in 2013.”

Kaddouri says that as developers and investors prepare for Expo 2020 Dubai, Rotana’s eight upcoming properties in the emirate will meet the demand increase anticipated in the run-up to the event.

“A well-balanced inventory of five-star properties, hotel apartments and residential concepts will help ramp up overall room capacity, which is crucial to achieving the city’s ambitious tourism vision both for long- and shortterm visitors,” he adds.

hospitality sector will assume greater significance in the international arena, particularly as mega events such as Dubai Expo 2020 draw closer.”

LIFE AFTER 2020

MIND THE GAP Kaddouri says that over the next few years, Rotana’s UAE properties will “shine a light on the country’s bold aspiration for tourism and hospitality that has no match in the region”.

“At Rotana, we believe the country’s hospitality sector has more appetite for properties that deliver a luxurious experience in immersive idyllic locations,” he argues.

“For instance, the iconic Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in Abu Dhabi is nestled in Saadiyat Island — a location that is set to become an internationally-renowned arts hub.

“Here, the Rotana brand is ideally positioned to cater to the needs of global travellers seeking luxury facilities and world-class service.

“On the other hand, Dubai is well-placed for a mix of three- and four-star hotels and hotel apartments. The mid-range or budget visitor is still largely underserved

Pearl Rotana Abu Dhabi

2016 HIGHLIGHTS • UAE expansion strategy: announces plans to open 12 new properties spanning 4,360 keys by 2020 with a focus on Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah; • Saudi Arabia: opens second and third properties — the five-star Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana in Riyadh and Centro Shaheen in Jeddah, bringing the total inventory in the Kingdom to 969 rooms; • Qatar: launches Centro Capital in Doha — the first property under the ‘Centro’ brand in the country. Also

148 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Critically, post-2020 prospects are strong too, with the UAE reaping the rewards of investments in modern infrastructure, including the $8.7 billion set aside for Expo-related projects, notes Kaddouri.

“The array of tourist attractions including entertainment hubs, theme parks, international concerts, sporting events and innovative shopping and culinary concepts demonstrate the country’s commitment towards welcoming a global profile of visitors,” he says.

“With more attractions in the pipeline, this trend is only set to strengthen, bringing in an increased number of tourists and warranting more hotel rooms that Rotana is prepared to deliver.

“Looking at the UAE’s strong strides in diversifying its economy, and with hospitality, tourism and the services sector playing crucial roles in this post-oil era growth, we believe there is plenty of potential and a long-term role for Dubai’s hotel market, even beyond 2020. The rooms built today are not to serve a single event, but to support the ever-expanding interest of visitors to spend balmy

opens the five-star City Democratic Republic of Centre Rotana, its third Congo (DRC). It’s Rotana’s property in Doha, taking its first property in the Central total keys in the Qatari capital African country; to 1,010; • Accolades aplenty: • Bahrain: opens its third Arabian Tourism Award: Best project in the kingdom - the Hotel Chain in Middle East; five-star Downtown Rotana Business Traveller Middle hotel in Manama, boosting East Awards: Best Hotel Loythe total inventory in the alty Programme in the Middle country to 803 rooms; East: ‘Rotana Rewards’; • Jordan: opens five-star AmWorld Travel Award Middle man Rotana — the country’s East: Middle East's Leading tallest tower; Hotel Brand; • Africa first: opens Kin World Travel Award: World's Plaza Arjaan by Rotana in Leading Business Hotel Kinshasa, the capital of the Brand.

Beach Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi will open soon

Al Bandar Rotana & Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana, Dubai

summers and eventful winters in the UAE.” A successful Expo will also take ‘Brand Dubai’ to new heights given the event is expected to attract 25 million visitors, including 17 million overseas tourists.

Many of them will be tech-savvy Millennial travellers — a “well-connected audience with a huge role to play in dictating Rotana’s business strategy”, Kaddouri reveals.

“The travellers that emerge in the post-2020 years will have a set of different expectations, many anticipating a wide spectrum of services over the digital channels.

“Rotana is investing in the relevant know-how to serve that existing demand and to also lay the foundations to scale-up in the future.”

The company is also keeping a close eye on niche markets such as medical, wellness, gastronomy, theme park, halal and gastronomy tourism, as well as growing demand for eco retreats, all of which the UAE is starting to tap into.

Abu Dhabi is pitching itself as a family-friendly halal tourism destination, while Dubai is “rapidly shaping up as a world gastro hub, with initiatives such as food festivals, culinary walks and pop-up food trucks cementing this status”.

Both are opening mega theme parks and at the same time, developing a well thought-out medical tourism offering that combines world-class medical facilities and hotels.

Kaddouri says Rotana’s development plans are “in sync” with the spirit of the country, which constantly “serves up exciting propositions to build a thriving tourism ecosystem”.

2030 VISION While the UAE is still bursting with opportunity, Saudi Arabia is the most important market for Rotana and its future development plans.

“In 2017, we are opening four new hotels in the Kingdom including hotels in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. All properties will be under the ‘Centro by Rotana’ brand, Rotana’s lifestyle affordable hotel brand and once complete, will add 888 keys to our room inventory in KSA,” says Kaddouri.

Rotana’s “aggressive expansion” in Saudi Arabia supports the Saudi Vision 2030 — a set of comprehensive reforms that aim to diversify the country’s economy and spur non-oil based growth.

“Within this reform plan, the development of the tourism and hospitality industry is a key component and Rotana will support the government’s drive with a string of properties, especially in the mid-market segment,” he adds.

By 2030, Rotana will not only have cornered the KSA market, but grown its total portfolio 200 properties if its development strategy goes according to plan.

“Our expansion in the Middle East and Africa region will be pivotal towards achieving this objective,” Kaddouri says.

“One of the factors shaping our expansion in the region is the commitment of countries to put the traditional reliance on oil behind them and focus on building a

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 149

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Abu Dhabi

AT A GLANCE Pearl Rotana, Abu Dhabi Located in the Capital Centre development, close to the National Exhibition Centre and just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, the property will feature 315 studio rooms and suites, four dining outlets, a swimming pool, and recreation and fitness facilities.

Al Bandar Rotana, Dubai This five-star property, close to Dubai Creek, will feature 190 rooms, four restaurants, swimming pool, a Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Centre, sauna, steam rooms and massage room.

Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana, Dubai Situated adjacent to Al Bandar Rotana, Al Bandar Arjaan, close to Dubai International and several prominent shopping districts, the property offers 90 modern and cosy hotel apartments, conference facilities, a fitness centre and a choice of four dining outlets.

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Abu Dhabi A five-star resort on the idyllic Saadiyat Island featuring 327 rooms and suites, 13 beach villas, a private stretch of beach, extensive conference facilities, eight dining outlets, and more.

Beach Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi Sitting next to the flagship Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Beach Arjaan is close to Saadiyat Island, the new Central Business Capitaland Centre Arjaan by Rotana District the Corniche, offering guests opened lasttoyear – Rotana’s easy access popular shopping malls, 13th hotel Abu attractions.

Dhabi It will cinemas and in tourist feature 326 hotel apartments, 4 dining outlets, conference facilities, a swimming pool, kids’ club, tennis courts, Zen Spa, and Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Centre.

Al Jaddaf Rotana all suites, Dubai A 10-minute drive from Dubai International, this property will feature 320 rooms, four F&B outlets, six meeting rooms with modern audio-visual equipment, a Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club, massage treatment rooms, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and a sauna and steam.

150 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

“We are steadily progressing to achieve our vision of managing hotels in every city in the Middle East and Africa region” diversified, robust economy that sustains on pillars such as infrastructure, retail, tourism, hospitality and real estate.

“With this focus, economies are increasingly investing in the infrastructure necessary for smooth running of the hospitality industry that harbours the potential to be scaled up.

"We have seen the UAE make a head-start and Qatar too has unveiled its vision to build its economy outside the realm of revenues from trade in hydrocarbon. “[Meanwhile], Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 calls for a mature economy, achieved by strengthening a cross-section of industries, especially tourism, culture and real estate.”

Large-scale events such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar are also crucial to developing a sustainable tourism sector, shining a light on “the region’s ability to host a tournament of global significance”, Kaddouri continues.

“It will also challenge the hospitality industry’s preparedness to support the spike in tourist visits with the right mix of hotel rooms,” he says.

“Rotana is already gearing up to serve the rising demand expected before and during the World Cup. We currently operate a portfolio of four properties in Qatar including two five-star hotels – City Centre Rotana and Oryx Rotana — and have delivered a total of 1,010 keys, with more projects in the pipeline.”

He says Rotana’s long-term strategy in cities like Dubai will involve working with developers and

financers to “fill the void of mid-range hotels”.

In Saudi Arabia, the company will look to roll out more ‘Centro by Rotana’ properties — “an affordable lifestyle hotel concept that will serve Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and corporate travellers alike”.

Kaddouri says Rotana is making good progress towards its vision of managing hotels in every city in the Middle East and Africa region.

“In addition to our properties in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, we have also inked a series of deals to manage hotels in emerging economies in Africa such as M Avenue Arjaan in Morocco, Centro Lagos in Nigeria, Dar Es Salaam Rotana in Tanzania, Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana in Democratic Republic of Congo and Nouakchott Rayhaan in Mauritania, amongst others,” he says.

“Europe is an important market for Rotana too and we are keen to expand our pipeline to include properties on this continent.”

Rotana made its European debut last year with its entry into Turkey.

Kaddouri says the company is now turning its attention to “key European cities” including Paris, Barcelona, Frankfurt, and UK — one of its biggest source markets.

With the hospitality giant aiming to open 10 new hotels each year leading up to 2030, Kaddouri hopes to take the Rotana global, but never forgetting its UAE roots.

He firmly acknowledges Rotana's strength as a home-grown brand — one the region's guests have come to “love and respect”.

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“Rotana today is the result of a shared vision and many years of loyalty, dedication and hard work.

Knowing who we are and what we are capable of, is of great value”

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IN THE

PIPELINE

Leading hotel groups provide an update on their regional footprint and their plans for portfolio expansion

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL MARRIOTT’S STARWOOD ACQUISITION IN BRIEF Marriott International’s US$13.6 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts on September 2016 has been described by analysts as “prolific”, resulting in the creation of the largest hotel operator in the world. The consolidation swelled Marriott’s global portfolio to approximately 1.1 million keys, creating a monolithic entity that is not matched in scale by its competitors by a substantial margin.

At the time of the acquisition, Marriott boasted a combined collection of more than 5,700 properties across 30 brands in more than 110 countries.

Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, says the company now offers the “broadest portfolio of brands in the MEA region, combining Starwood’s leading lifestyle brands and international footprint with Marriott’s strong presence in the luxury and select-service tiers, as well as the convention and resort segment”.

He says the acquisition also presents opportunities to introduce key brands to newly emerging markets.

“In MEA we are currently operating more than 240 hotels with almost 54,000 rooms across 30 countries as we effectively doubled in size overnight at the time of the merger (from 25,000 rooms to 52,000 rooms),” he continues.

“We went from nine operating brands in our region to 17 and we have a further 160 hotels in the pipeline comprising more than 37,000 rooms by 2025.”

Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International 152 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

NOW: 130 hotels, 40,082 rooms in MENA COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS: UAE with 47 hotels PIPELINE: 11 properties with 26,449 rooms by 2025 COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS PIPELINED: UAE

The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club with 33 properties, 7,788 rooms by 2022 2020 TARGET: 229 hotels with 63,597 rooms

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi

2017 OPENINGS: 18 properties, 5,407 rooms • Sheraton Makkah Jabal Al Kaaba Hotel, Makkah, KSA, 414 rooms • Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem, KSA, 1,172 rooms • MHR Al Forsan Abu Dhabi, UAE, 400 rooms • Auto Lapita (Phase 2), Dubai, UAE, 250 rooms • RHI Dubai Business Bay, Dubai, UAE, 298 rooms • Bulgari Dubai + Residences, Dubai, UAE, 200 rooms • Edition Abu Dhabi, UAE, 257 rooms • The Ritz-Carlton Al Hamrah Beach, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 32 rooms • Aloft Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 172 rooms • St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai, UAE, 160 rooms • Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah, UAE, 343 rooms • W Amman Hotel, Amman, Jordan, 280 rooms • Westin Saraya Aqaba, Jordan, 300 rooms • CYBM Setif, Algeria, 192 rooms • Mena House Phase 1, Cairo, Egypt, 359 rooms • The St Regis Cairo, Egypt, 372 rooms • JW Marriott Tamuda Bay, Morocco, 176 rooms • Ritz-Carlton Tunis, Tunisia, 158 rooms

NOW: 94 hotels, 28,500 rooms in the Middle East and Egypt COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS: UAE with 38 hotels, 10,900 rooms PIPELINE: 87 hotels, 24,400 rooms in MENA COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS PIPELINED: Saudi Arabia with 38 hotels, 10,500 rooms 2020 TARGET: 100 hotels, 50,000 rooms 2016 OPENINGS: 7 • ibis Dubai One Central, Dubai, UAE, 588 rooms • ibis Styles Dragon Mart, Dubai, UAE, 251 rooms • Pullman Zam Zam Madinah, KSA, 836 rooms • Sofitel Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah, KSA, 191 rooms • Novotel Yanbu, Yanbu, KSA, 100 rooms • Mercure Sohar, Sohar, Oman, 152 rooms • Fairmont Fujairah, Fujairah, UAE, 180 rooms

Pullman Zam Zam Madinah opened in 2016

ACCORHOTELS THE ACCORHOTELS/FRHI MERGER AT A GLANCE In July last year, French hospitality firm AccorHotels purchased Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) for US$2.7 billion.

Olivier Granet, managing director and chief operating officer, AccorHotels Middle East and Africa, describes the merger as a “historic milestone and an exciting chapter for AccorHotels as we incorporated three world-class luxury and upscale brands into the AccorHotels portfolio — Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts”.

“The merger provides numerous benefits to both AccorHotels and FRHI Hotels & Resorts,” he continues. “Not only has it broadened AccorHotels’ reach within the luxury category, but it will also allow us to become a leader in the luxury segment through FRHI’s deep understanding of luxury travel and expertise in managing many of the world’s most iconic hotels.

“On a global level, this will provide us with a sizeable footprint in the North American market, enabling us to enter into the growing branded residential business.”

In the Middle East, AccorHotels now has 31 Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel properties either in operation or in the pipeline, representing more than 15,300 rooms in the luxury and upscale segments.

“AccorHotels is now the second largest hotel operator in the region with the most significant presence across all segments, allowing us to be ideally positioned to meet the need for diversified accommodation,” confirms Granet.

“Moreover, the group is the leading operator in Saudi Arabia with 9,400 rooms, which factors in the recent opening of Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah.”

BRAND OPPORTUNITIES Granet says AccorHotels Olivier Granet, is constantly evaluating managing opportunities to introduce its director and chief brands in the Middle East. The operating officer, company has plans to bring AccorHotels two new brands to Dubai — its Middle East and lifestyle brand, Mama Shelter, Africa and Jo&Joe, a new brand that launched internationally in September 2016.

“Jo&Joe would round out our economy-brand portfolio in the region while providing a madeto-measure solution for the vast international community of Millennial-minded trend-setters revolutionising the market,” says Granet.

RIXOS PARTNERSHIP “To boost our presence in the upper upscale and luxury market, AccorHotels announced a strategic partnership with Rixos in March 2017, with a primary focus on developing global activities in the resort segment,” explains Granet.

“Through this joint venture, AccorHotels will integrate in its network 15 iconic hotels that are ideally located in premium resort markets in Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Russia and Europe.”

As part of this transaction, Rixos plans to reflag five city-centre hotels as AccorHotels brands.

Rixos will also add a second iconic hotel in Dubai soon, as well as two other properties by the end of 2018 — in Abu Dhabi and the Maldives.

2017 OPENINGS: 16 • Swissôtel Makkah Al Maqam, Makkah, KSA, 1,624 rooms • ibis Styles Makkah, Makkah, KSA, 286 rooms • Novotel Jeddah Tahlia Street, Jeddah, KSA, 139 rooms • Mercure Deluxe Dubai Barsha Heights Hotels & Apartments, Dubai, UAE, 1,019 • Porto Sokhna Managed by Accor, Ain Sokhna, Egypt, 147 rooms • Jabal Hotel Managed by AccorHotels, Ain Sokhna, Egypt, 32 rooms • Fairmont Riyadh, Riyadh, KSA, 304 rooms • ibis Styles Manama Diplomatic Area, Manama, Bahrain, 95 rooms • Fairmont Amman, Amman, Jordan, 309 rooms • MGallery Doha Msheireb, Doha, Qatar, 213 rooms • Mercure Riyadh Olaya, Riyadh, KSA, 130 rooms • Adagio Doha C-Ring Road, Doha, Qatar, 153 rooms • ibis Doha C-Ring Road, Doha, Qatar, 153 rooms • Pullman Doha Bridge Towers (West Bay), Doha, Qatar, 468 rooms • Novotel Jizan Corni, Jizan, KSA, 205 rooms • Mercure Makkah Al Aziziyah, Makkah, KSA, 398 rooms

The 588-room ibis Dubai One Central, Dubai ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 153

HILTON WORLDWIDE NOW: 80 hotels, 23,557 rooms, in MEA COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS: UAE with 22 hotels PIPELINE: 119 hotels, 33,617 rooms, in MEA COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS PIPELINED: KSA with 33 hotels 2020 TARGET: 119 hotels, 33,617 rooms 2016 OPENINGS: 3 • Hilton Garden Inn Tangier City Centre, Morocco, 320 rooms • Conrad Makkah Jabal Omar, KSA, 438 rooms • Al Rayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton, Qatar, 201 rooms

HYATT HOTELS

2017 OPENINGS: 7 • Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 240 rooms • Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel, KSA, 780 rooms • Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, Jordan, 285 rooms • Hilton Tangier City Centre Hotel and Residences, Morocco, 180 rooms • Hilton Garden Inn Al Khobar, KSA, 199 rooms • DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai - Business Bay, UAE, 238 rooms • Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, KSA, 864 rooms

Al Rayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON™ A global portfolio of “remarkable”, upper upscale hotels and resorts handpicked for their unique character and personality, launched in the Middle East in 2016 with the opening of Al Rayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection

by Hilton. Curio Collection properties appeal to travellers seeking one-of-a-kind discoveries and authentic experiences.

NOW: 17 hotels in MENA COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS: UAE PIPELINE: 4 hotels, 894 rooms COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS PIPELINED: 4 hotels in 4 countries (KSA, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE) 2020 TARGET: 25 hotels in MENA 2016 OPENINGS: 1 • Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, KSA, 261 keys 2017 OPENINGS: 1 • Set to be launched in Saudi Arabia this year, HYATT house is an upscale extended-stay brand with an average of 125 to 200 suites per property. Located in airport and suburban destinations, HYATT house features contemporary, residentially-inspired Studios, One- and Two-Bedroom Kitchen Suites and Den Guestrooms and offers “unexpected amenities and services”, including indoor and outdoor social spaces, and a Lounge that resembles the living space in a modern home.

2016 KSA DEBUT WITH HYATT REGENCY RIYADH OLAYA

IHG NOW: 79 hotels, 23,402 rooms in MENA COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS: KSA with 27 hotels, 8,968 rooms PIPELINE: 26 hotels, 10,654 rooms COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS PIPELINED: UAE with 12 hotels, 3,800 rooms 2020-2022 TARGET: at least 26 new hotels

InterContinental Fujairah Resort 154 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

40%

2016 OPENING • In 2016 InterContinental® Doha Residences opened with 82 luxury GROWTH TARGET IN residences comprising MENA OVER THE NEXT THREE TO FIVE YEARS 17 three-bedroom villas; 8 three-bedroom apartments; 15 two-bedroom apartments; and 42 one-bedroom apartments.

The property connects to the existing InterContinental® Doha hotel.

2017 OPENINGS: 6 • Crowne Plaza Riyadh ITCC, KSA, 326 keys • Staybridge Suites Jeddah Alandalus Mall, KSA, 164 keys • Crowne Plaza Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Muscat, Oman, 300 keys • Holiday Inn Algiers, Cheraga Tower, Algeria, 242 keys • Holiday Inn Doha Business Park, Qatar, 307 keys • InterContinental Fujairah Resort, UAE 190 keys

Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya opened last year

MILLENNIUM & COPTHORNE MEA

40

Bab Al Qasr, Abu Dhabi, opened last year

NOW: 27 hotels, 8,000 rooms in MENA COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS: UAE with 10 hotels, 4,300 rooms PIPELINE: 40 hotels, 16,340 rooms COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS PIPELINED: KSA with 22 hotels, 11,500 rooms 2020 TARGET: 100 hotels 2016 OPENINGS: 6 • The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia, 214 Rooms & Suites • Millennium Hotel Hail, Hail, KSA, 191 Rooms & Suites • Copthorne Riyadh, Riyadh, KSA, 143 Rooms & Suites • Grand Millennium Hotel Muscat, Muscat, Oman, 328 Rooms & Suites • Bab Al Qasr, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 677 Rooms, Suites & Apartments • M Hotel Mekkah, Saudi Arabia, 785 Rooms and Suites 2017 OPENINGS: 12 • M Hotel Makkah, Makkah, KSA, 785 Rooms & Suites • Millennium Hotel Jizan, Jizan, KSA, 276 Rooms & Suites • Millennium Hotel Madinah Airport, Madinah, KSA, 222 Rooms & Suites

• Millennium Makkah Al Naseem, Makkah, KSA, 822 Rooms & Suites • Copthorne Makkah Al HOTELS IN THE Naseem, Makkah, KSA, 502 PIPELINE Rooms & Suites • Millennium Tabouk, Tabouk, KSA, 218 Rooms & Suites • Copthorne Falcon Hotel Muscat, Muscat, Oman, 164 Rooms & Suites • Studio M Hotel Shaden Muscat, Muscat, Oman, 290 Rooms & Suites • Millennium Plaza Doha, Doha, Qatar, 232 Rooms & Suites • M Hotel by Millennium Dubai, Dubai, UAE, 242 Rooms & Suites • Grand Millennium Business Bay Hotel, Dubai, 251 Rooms & Suites • Millennium Golden Horn Hotel Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey, 153 Rooms & Suites • Millennium Makkah Al Naseem, Makkah, KSA, 822 Rooms & Suites • Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem, Makkah, KSA, 502 Rooms & Suites • Millennium Tabouk, Tabouk, KSA, 218 Rooms & Suites • Copthorne Falcon Hotel Muscat, Muscat, Oman, 164 Rooms & Suites • Studio M Hotel Shaden Muscat, Muscat, Oman, 290 Rooms & Suites • Millennium Plaza Doha, Doha, Qatar, 232 Rooms & Suites • M Hotel by Millennium Dubai, Dubai, UAE, 242 Rooms & Suites • Grand Millennium Business Bay Hotel, Dubai, 251 Rooms & Suites • Millennium Golden Horn Hotel Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey, 153 Rooms & Suites

MÖVENPICK HOTELS & RESORTS NOW: 30 hotels, 8,369 rooms in MENA COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS: Saudi Arabia with 11 hotels, 4,135 rooms PIPELINE: 12 hotels with 3,499 rooms COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS PIPELINED: Saudi Arabia with 5 hotels, 1,251 rooms 2020 TARGET: 45 hotels

• Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Business Bay, Dubai, UAE, 299 rooms • Mövenpick Hotel Dubai Media City, UAE, 251 rooms • Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai, UAE, 244 rooms • Mövenpick Hotel Wa’ad Al Shamal, KSA, 237 rooms • Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad, Pakistan, 361 rooms

2016 OPENINGS: 2 • Mövenpick Hotel Al Aziziyah Doha, Qatar, 139 keys • Mövenpick Hotel City Star Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 228 keys 2018 OPENINGS: 8 • Mövenpick Residences Al Khobar, KSA, 270 rooms • Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Al Tahlia Jeddah, KSA, 164 rooms • Mövenpick Hotel Financial District Riyadh, KSA, 353 rooms

Wafi Rotana, Dubai

THE OPENING OF MÖVENPICK HOTEL CITY STAR JEDDAH IN SEPTEMBER 2016 MARKED THE GROUP’S 11TH HOTEL IN KSA

Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Business Bay

ROTANA NOW: 53 hotels, 14,000 rooms in MENA COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS: UAE with 32 hotels, 8,704 rooms PIPELINE: 18 hotels, 4,534 rooms COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS PIPELINED: UAE with 14 hotels, 4, 460 rooms 2020 TARGET: 100 hotels 2016 OPENINGS: 7 • Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 259 keys • City Centre Rotana, Doha, Qatar, 381 keys • Downtown Rotana, Manama, Bahrain, 249 keys • Centro Capital, Doha, Qatar, 229 keys • Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana, Riyadh, KSA, 236 keys • Amman Rotana, Amman, Jordan, 412 keys • Centro Shaheen, Jeddah, KSA, 252 keys 2017 OPENINGS: 16 • Erbil Arjaan by Rotana, Kurdistan, Iraq, 168 keys • Centro Waha, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 290 keys • Sundus Rotana, Muscat, Oman, 215 keys • Centro Salama, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 189 keys • Capital Centre Rotana, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 315 keys • Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana, Dubai, UAE, 280 keys • Centro Istanbul and Arjaan Istanbul by Rotana, Istanbul, Turkey, 305 keys • Centro Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 156 keys • Centro Corniche, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, 253 keys • Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 340 keys • Sulaymaniyah Rotana, Kurdistan, Iraq, 240 keys • Rayhaan Imam Reza by Rotana, Mashhad, Iran, 272 keys • Beach Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 326 keys • Al Jaddaf Rotana all suites, Dubai, UAE, 338 keys NEW UAE • Wafi Rotana, Dubai, UAE, PROPERTIES 598 keys WITH 4,360 • Sundus Arjaan by Rotana, KEYS BY 2020 Muscat, Oman, 102 keys

12

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 155

TIME HOTELS NOW: 5 hotels/hotel apartments, 757 keys in MENA COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS: UAE with 7 properties, 1,205 keys PIPELINE: 20 COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS PIPELINED: UAE with 6 properties, 734 keys 2020 TARGET: 20

• Palm 1 TIME Residence, Ajman, UAE, 16 apartments • Palm 2 TIME Residence, Ajman, UAE, 20 apartments

TIME BEACH VILLAS RESORT ON THE UPPER WEST SIDE OF ONE OF JEDDAH'S STYLISH AND CHIC NEIGHBOURHOODS, IS TIME HOTELS’ NEW LUXURY ALL-VILLA CONCEPT

2017 OPENINGS: 7 • TIME Beach Villas Resort, Jeddah, KSA, 61 villas • TIME Rako Hotel, Doha, Qatar, 112 keys • Yasma by TIME Hotels and Resorts, Qurayyat, KSA, 137 keys • TIME Asma Hotel, Dubai, UAE, 232 keys • Platinum TIME Residence, Fujairah, UAE, 76 apartments

TIME Beach Villas Resort in Jeddah

THE REZIDOR HOTEL GROUP NOW: 41 hotels, 9,358 rooms in MENA COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS: 10 hotels, 1,502 rooms PIPELINE: 47 hotels, 12,565 rooms COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS PIPELINED: KSA with 24 hotels, 6,406 rooms under development 2020 TARGET: 100 hotels, 20,000 rooms 2016 OPENINGS: 2 • Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Sohar, Oman, 179 rooms • Hormuz Grand Hotel Muscat (Quorvus Collection), Oman, 231 rooms 2017 OPENINGS: 23 • Radisson Blu Hotel Cairo, Nasr City, Egypt, 298 rooms • Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Half Moon Bay, Al Khobar, KSA, 138 rooms • Radisson Blu Hotel Buraidah, KSA, 119 rooms • Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Dammam Industrial City, KSA, 201 rooms • Park Inn by Radisson Residences Dammam Industrial City, KSA, 2014 keys • Radisson Blu Residence Dhahran Square, KSA, 104 rooms • Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Jeddah, Madinah Road, KSA, 84 rooms • Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Al Salamah, Jeddah, KSA, 162 rooms • Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Jeddah Corniche, KSA, 150 rooms • Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Makkah Al Naseem, KSA, 468 rooms • Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Makkah Aziziyah, Mak156 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

kah, KSA, 335 rooms • Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Najran, KSA, 120 rooms • Radisson Blu Residences Riyadh Diplomatic Quarters, KSA, 115 rooms • Nofa Resort, Riyadh, KSA, 57 rooms • Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman, UAE, 156 rooms • Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, UAE, 430 rooms • Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Dubai Motor City, UAE, 147 rooms • Radisson Blu Residences Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE, 196 rooms • Radisson Blu Residence Bati Sehir, Istanbul, Turkey, 171 rooms • Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Odayeri, Istanbul, Turkey, 76 rooms • Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey, 120 rooms • Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Izmir, Turkey, 137 rooms • Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Samsun, Turkey, 139 rooms IN KSA, THE FIRM’S BIGGEST GROWTH MARKET, IT HAS 34 HOTELS SPANNING 7,908 ROOMS IN OPERATION OR UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Dubai Motor City

Wyndham Dubai Marina

WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP NOW: 46 hotels, 8,227 rooms in MENA Country with most hotels: UAE with 16 hotels, 3,542 rooms PIPELINE: 21 hotels, 4,887 rooms COUNTRY WITH MOST HOTELS PIPELINED: UAE with 7 hotels, 2,321 rooms 2020 TARGET: 70 2016 OPENINGS: 6 • Wyndham Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE, 486 keys • Ramada Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 165 keys • Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Abu Dhabi, UAE, 136 keys • Ramada Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 136 keys • Ramada City Center Manama, Bahrain, 140 keys • Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands Manama, Bahrain, 160 keys NEW BRAND The Wyndham brand debuted in the UAE in 2016 with the opening of the luxurious 486-key Wyndham Dubai Marina.

THE WYNDHAM GARDEN BRAND WILL DEBUT THIS YEAR WITH THE OPENING OF THE 450-UNIT WYNDHAM GARDEN MANAMA AND THE 210-UNIT WYNDHAM GARDEN DAMMAM AL SHERAA MALL

ABU

Discover DHABI Fujairah

PO.BOX:500,Fujairah | Tel:+971 92231554 +97192229085 | Fax:+971 92231006ATM +9719229539 YEARBOOK 2017 E-mail:info@tourism.fujairah.ae | www.fujairahtourism.ae

| 157

Al Habtoor City is positioned on the new Dubai Water Canal

^The Bulgari, Dubai

Dubai's first Bulgari-branded hotel will be located on Jumeirah Bay Island, off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Road, featuring 165 apartments, eight penthouses and 15 mansions.

The luxury property, which is the fifth Bulgari Hotels and Resorts property worldwide, is set to become the city’s most expensive hotel yet with rates leading in at $2,845 a night for a deluxe room.

Designed by Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners, the hotel and residences will occupy the entire island, complemented by a marina and independent restaurants.

^The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel Dubai is building its reputation for affordable luxury with the announcement of the first four-star resort and spa on Palm Jumeirah, developed by R Hotels. Located on the East Crescent of the island, The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel, which is due to open soon, will feature 255 rooms and suites, as well as modern recreational facilities including a spa, gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath. Part of the MGallery by Sofitel ‘Serenity’ collection, the property will also include The Rayya Wellness Centre, offering guests holistic programmes covering wellness, fitness and nutrition.

HOT PROPERTY ^

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, Ajman

A glance at of some of the most hotlyanticipated hotels and resorts opening their doors in 2017

This ultra-modern resort with 113 villas, suites and a penthouse, is designed to blend with the natural environment.

It is nestled amongst 247 across of mangrove forest, home to azure lagoons and a long white sand beach and offers guests a range of activities such as kayaking, water sports and bird watching.

There’s also an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course

by Nicklaus Design, plus The Oberoi Spa with two hammams, an 85-metre infinity pool, a fully equipped gym and day care facilities for families.

Indoor, alfresco and beachside dining venues serve a range of cuisine, from Arabic delicacies to Asian specialities.

158 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Deluxe R

Marking its debut in Dubai, Viceroy Hotel Group will open the doors to Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai any day now. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg and NAO Taniyama and Associates, the stylish 477-bedroom beachfront resort, located at the base of The Palm Jumeirah, will offer each guest incredible views of the Arabian Gulf.

The luxurious property will bring an ‘LA cool’ vibe to the region, featuring eight remarkable dining venues hosted by world-class chefs, a state-of-the-art 800-square-metre spa with 14 treatment rooms, three swimming pools, a beach club, children’s club, seven meeting rooms and a striking 700-square-metre glass ballroom capping the top of the building.

^

Mondrian Doha

sbe, a leading privately-held lifestyle hospitality company, will open its first hotel in the Middle East with the soft launch of Mondrian Doha, Qatar in Q2 2017. The lavish 270room property, which will open officially in September, has been designed in collaboration with world-renowned Dutch designer, Marcel Wanders, marking his debut in the region.

Introducing an “exceptional lifestyle offering” Doha Mondrian Doha features five room categories including penthouse suites, studio suites, one- and two-bedroom suites and a range of standard guestrooms — all of which share the universal design details of Swarovski crystal chandeliers and sumptuous bespoke furniture in hues to mirror the desert. Mondrian Doha is a “culinary emporium” too, with eight restaurants and bars including CUT by master chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck.

The property will also boast an entertainment floor featuring a nightclub, rooftop pool and skybar, an exclusive spa and a grand ballroom.

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Abu Dhabi

^

Room

^Viceroy Palm Jumeirah

This modern and elegant low-rise property with a beachfront location on Saadiyat Island will feature 327 upscale rooms and suites, as well as 13 villas.

The long list of leisure facilities includes a Zen the spa at Rotana, a kids’ club, beach club, swimming pool, tennis court, mini golf and Rotana’s signature Bodylines Leisure & Fitness Club.

There will be eight food and beverage venues from which to choose, while the conference offering encompasses a ballroom and three fully-equipped meeting rooms.

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 159

AS THE LINES BETWEEN WORK AND LEISURE TRAVEL BLUR, GUESTS WILL INCREASINGLY SEEK HOTELS THAT OFFER LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCES — ABDULKARIM SAFWAN, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, ADDRESS BOULEVARD, EMAAR HOSPITALITY GROUP

ATM YEARBOOK

2017

INDUSTRY ABU DHABI

INSIGHTS

ALL MAPPED OUT

Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal Building The MTB will up annual capacity at Abu Dhabi International to 45 million passengers when it opens.

Saadiyat Island More than US$28 billion-worth of projects are underway across three districts (beach, marina and cultural) on this island. They include three world-class museums.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Opening this year, this iconic museum will offer a “global vision of the history of world art”.

Reem Island More than 10,000 hotels rooms, plus retail, medical and commercial facilities are factored into the masterplan for this development.

Bahrain Dubai Expo 2020 Dubai site Covering a 4.38-square-km area in Dubai South the site will embody Expo’s theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future'.

Deira Islands Four offshore islands housing a marina, a Night Souq, Deira Mall, plus several hotels and resorts.

Dubai Creek Harbour Located next to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, this district will boast the world’s tallest tower, a sphere-shaped restaurant and 22 hotels.

Al Maktoum International (DWC) When completed in the 2020s it will be the biggest airport in the world, capable of handling up to 240 million passengers annually.

162 | ATM YEARBOOK 2017

Bahrain International Airport A US$815 million expansion plan will increase capacity to 17 million passengers annually by 2019.

Reef Islands This $1.2 billion project, set for completion in 2020, will include a marina and yacht club, spa village, parks, aquariums and hotels.

The Northern Heyrat Preserve The first project of its kind in the Arab world, the preserve will protect four natural pearling sites and is worth more than $200 billion to Bahrain’s economy.

Mega projects shaping the tourism industry’s future

Saudi Arabia

Kuwait

King Khaled International Airport The overhaul of two terminals at KKIA will be completed by 2019. A new US$31.9 million 350-key airport hotel is on the cards too.

Kuwait International Airport (KIA) The airport is being redeveloped in phases, taking its annual capacity to 25 million passengers by 2025.

Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre This US$416 million cultural district will house four museums dedicated to space, natural history, science and Islamic heritage.

Al-Ahsa project Several tourism projects have been announced for Al-Ahsa in Saudi’s Eastern Province with new hotels, restaurants and malls all planned.

Jaber Al Ahmad City Olympic Village The project encompasses a 25,000-seat stadium, three games halls, a swimming complex, field and track facilities, an Olympic Flame Tower and a mosque.

Makkah Grand Mosque redevelopment A $26.6 billion project to expand the main pilgrimage site and boost capacity to 2.5 million worshippers.

Jeddah Tower Jeddah Tower, the focal point of the $20 billion Jeddah Economic City project, will be the world's highest skyscraper at 3,280 feet.

MANAMA DOHA RIYADH

DUBAI ABU DHABI MUSCAT

JEDDAH

MAKKAH

SALALAH

Qatar Lusail City Qatar’s biggest megaproject will feature several hotels, rail and water taxi transport, plus entertainment, sports and leisure facilities when it opens in 2019.

Doha Port US$549 million is being ploughed into works to transform the port into a world-class cruise terminal.

HIA expansion The plan is to increase capacity at Hamad International Airport to 60 million passengers annually.

World Cup stadiums Eight venues will be built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup including the 82,000-capacity Lusail Stadium, which will host both the opening match and the final.

Oman Muscat International Airport A three-phase expansion project is underway to boost the airport’s annual capacity to 48 million passengers.

Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Project This US$1.3 billion mega project will transform the port into a major tourism development including several hotels, cruise docking facilities and a mall.

Oman Rail $30 billion is being pumped into a rail project running from Salalah in the south to Buraimi in the north, part of the new GCC rail network.

ATM YEARBOOK 2017 | 163

Airports of the future

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL (DXB) VITAL STATS:

78M

passengers in 2015

83.6M passengers in 2016

118M passengers anticipated by 2023

In 2016, Dubai International (DXB) retained its title as the world’s number one airport for international passengers after near record numbers in December (7.71 million) propelled the hub’s annual traffic to 83.6 million passengers, according to operator Dubai Airports. Monthly passenger traffic breached the seven-million mark six times during the year, with a historic 7.72 million passengers reported in August. This was surpassed again in January this year when passenger numbers hit an all-time monthly high of 8 million. The opening of the $1.2 billion Concourse D at DXB’s Terminal 1 in February last year boosted the airport’s capacity from 75 to 90 million annually, however, by 2023, Dubai Airports anticipates that at least 118 million passengers will pass through the facility, the highest throughput of any airport in the world in terms of square metres. Dubai Airports has therefore put in place a masterplan to “maximise the growth capacity by maximising the flow rate through the airport”. The ‘DXB Plus’ strategy calls for investment in technology across several key processes including check-in, immigration and customs, improving traffic flow while enhancing the customer experience.

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The Gulf’s major airports are cementing the region’s reputation as a global aviation powerhouse like no other

DUBAI’S AVIATION INDUSTRY By 2020

37.5% of GDP or $53.1bn 754,500 jobs 29.9% of total employment in Dubai By 2030

44.4% of GDP or $88.1bn 1.194m jobs 35.1% of Dubai’s total workforce

ABU DHABI Passenger numbers at Abu Dhabi International (AUH) reached 24.48 million in 2016, up 5.1% year on year (compared to 23.29 million in 2015). Key growth markets included the UK (+11.4%), while India remained the biggest source of business with more than four million passengers, representing a market share of 18.1% and an annual growth of 13.3%. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways accounted for 76% of traffic at AUH last year with more than 18.6 million passengers. With annual passenger growth at AUH currently hitting the 8-10% mark, Abu Dhabi Airports anticipates passenger traffic to reach more VITAL STATS: than 45 million within the next decade. To ensure it achieves this goal, the 700,000-aquare-metre Midfield Terminal Building (MTB), one of the passengers in 2016 largest singular buildings in Abu Dhabi, is due to open by 2019. Part of the Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), the terminal will become passenger by 2025 the primary hub for Etihad and its partners, accommodating 30 million passengers a year — around 8,300 passengers per hour at peak times. capacity at MTC

24.8M 45M 30M

DUBAI WORLD CENTRAL (DWC) Passenger traffic at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai’s second international hub, surged 84.5% year on year to 850,633 passengers in 2016, mainly driven by flydubai, which operates around 41 flights weekly to five destinations from DWC, in addition to its operations at DXB’s Terminal 2. DWC is currently home to around 27 passenger carriers and 64 scheduled cargo operators. By the end of this year when the first phase of DWC expansion is complete, the airport will be capable of handling 26 million passengers annually. The next major development will boost capacity to 120 million passengers and involves a new airport constructed to the north of the existing airport and a further two runways. When fully completed in the 2020s, DWC will be the biggest airport in VITAL STATS: the world, capable of handling more than 220 million capacity in 2016 passengers annually initially, and up to 240 million passenger capacity by ultimately. Dubai flag December 2017 carrier Emirates is expected to move its entire operation to passenger capacity DWC by 2025. when complete

5-7M

26.4M 240M

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HAMAD INTERNATIONAL (HIA) Hamad International Airport (HIA) handled a record 37.3 million passengers and 245,800 landings and take-offs in 2016, up 20.5% and 15.8% respectively year on year, helped by Qatar Airways, which connected to 14 new destinations last year. HIA invested in increasing its capacity, improving its product offering and redesigning its operational processes to efficiently accommodate projected traffic increases. Concourses D and E, commissioned in October 2015, became fully utilised in 2016, providing eight more contact gates, bringing the total to 41 gates. The additional functional space covering 130,000 square metres expanded terminal capacity, enriched the retail offering and facilitated transfers. HIA also launched its dual passenger train, drastically reducing passenger travel time through the terminal. Significant technological investments were also undertaken to facilitate faster passenger movement including HIA’s iBeacon-enabled mobile app and the launch of the Smart Airport Programme. Work on the third phase of HIA’s expansion will start this year, taking its ultimate capacity to more than 65 million passengers annually.

VITAL STATS:

37.3M

passengers in 2016

245,800

landings and take-offs in 2016

65M

passenger capacity when phase 3 expansion completed

MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL (MCT)

FAST FACTS 2016 passenger numbers Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)

11M (+10%)

Queen Alia Intl Airport (QAIA)

7.41M (+4.4%)

Expansion Kuwait International Airport (KIA)

25M

capacity by 2025 Bahrain International Airport (BAH)

17M

capacity by 2019

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Passenger volume at the Muscat International Airport (MCT) soared 16.6% in 2016, driving numbers up to more than 12.03 million from 10.31 million in 2015, according to Oman’s National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Compared to 2015, the number of international flights the airport handled increased by 11.6% to 93,822 (46,913 landings and 46,909 take-offs).

International passenger numbers rocketed 17.3% to more than 11 million in 2016, comprising 5.54 million arrivals, 5.43 million departures and 27,638 transit passengers.

MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL (MCT)Earlier this year, Oman’s Minister of Muscat Transport and Communications, Passenger volume at the International Airport (MCT) soared Ahmad Alnumbers Futaisi, revealed thatthan 96%12.03 of themillion new from 16.6% in 2016, driving up to more terminal is completed and that it will be fully 10.31 millionMCT in 2015, according to Oman’s National Centre for the endCompared of this year.

Statistics and operational Informationby(NCSI). to 2015, the number This will boost MCT’s of international flights the airport capacity to moretothan handled increased by 11.6% VITAL STATS: 12landings million passengers 93,822 (46,913 and annually.

46,909 take-offs).

International When rocketed the full 17.3% passenger numbers passengers in 2016 four to more than expansion 11 million (over in 2016, phases) is completed, comprising 5.54 million arrivals, the airportand will 27,638 have the 5.43 million departures international passengers capacity for 48 transit passengers.

Earlier thismillion year, in 2016 passengers.

The new Oman’s Minister of Transport terminal will be able and Communications, Ahmad Al to handle large aircraft Futaisi, revealed that 96% capacity when such terminal as of the new MCT expansion complete the A380. is completed and that it will be fully operational by the end of

12.03M 11M 48M

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TOURISM HAS BECOME A POWERFUL AND TRANSFORMATIVE FORCE THAT IS MAKING A GENUINE DIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE — GERALD LAWLESS, CHAIRMAN, WORLD TRAVEL & TOURISM COUNCIL — HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM, AND HEAD OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY, DUBAI HOLDING CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EMIRATES AIRLINE & GROUP

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ON TREND The region’s leading authorities on travel, tourism and hospitality disclose their 2017 market predictions

Technology to drive seamless travel “Digital will play an increasingly important role in our guest proposition and as we aim to create a seamless travel experience. That is why our expansion strategy is focused on the acquisition of digital travel companies that are leaders in their field. We have already acquired companies such as FastBooking, onefinestay, Wipolo, Oasis Collections, SquareBreak and John Paul as we look to become a travel companion that provides innovative services to travellers.”

Olivier Granet, Managing director and chief operating officer, AccorHotels Middle East and Africa

MEA tourism outlook bright “Despite economic instability in global markets, the prospects for the Middle East and Africa region’s travel and hospitality industry remain bright. We have noticed an upswing in intra-regional travel, which has offset the softening of demand from other international source markets affected by exchange rate fluctuations. In 2017, we anticipate some challenges as holiday home providers like Airbnb enter the market, but we believe the overall impact will remain small.

We also expect to see an increase in mixed-use activity as developers seek to de-risk their projects.”

Alex Kyriakidis, President, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International

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The rise of self service “Technology trends are focused on providing a customised travel experience. Personalisation is one of the major strategies adopted by airlines and travel agents as they look to deliver a seamless service throughout the passenger journey while being responsive to the individual requirements of travellers. Today’s travellers want the ability to self-serve and manage their own bookings, which means that mobile technology and apps are becoming increasingly important.”

Rabih Saab, President and managing director, Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Travelport

Personalisation pays “Personalisation is the latest game in town. Those who are playing are reporting consistent winnings.

They are using data to understand their customers’ product preferences. Then they are delivering content that matches their customers’ expectations.”

Paul Richer, Founding partner, Genesys Digital Transformation

Social media innovation “The big trend in social media is ‘innovation’. Facebook is rolling out new features that give marketers more powerful tools to reach customers such as automated responses, adverts in Messenger and Facebook Groups and new retargeting options. Video is vital too; smart brands have learned that images simply do not cut it anymore.

I expect to see Facebook Live being used by more by travel brands.

I also think Facebook will start to challenge Trip Advisor in the customer reviews sector.”

Bruce Martin, Founder, Ginger Juice

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A mid-market push “Given that the headwinds facing the hospitality sector over the past two years are likely to continue throughout 2017, the next 12 months will be characterised by diminishing returns. Hotel owners will be looking to reduce operating costs and drive hotel profitability in any way possible. From a development perspective, we are likely to see continued movement towards the construction of mid-market properties. Not only has the existing demand profile become more price sensitive, but the growing middle class in many key source markets, including China, Pakistan and India, is notable.”

Ali Manzoor, Associate partner, Knight Frank

Keeping it real “Customers will be seeking more authentic experiences — the chance to experience ‘real’ elements of the destination they visit whether that be food, culture or activities. By the same token, they’ll be looking for adventure, based on the growing trend of wanting to be defined by ‘what we do, not what we have’. Security will also be on travellers’ minds, both in terms of where they travel to and importantly who with — travelling with a trusted company who looks after you will be important.”

Robin Parry, Vice president, Emirates Holidays

Diversification intensifies “The industry’s growth trajectory is governed by several factors.

However, if we were to single out one, I would say that the unequivocal commitment of countries to divert away from an oil-based economy that further cascades into diversifying their investment portfolio and employing a strategic, long-term approach to tourism and hospitality, will be a trend to look out for.”

Omer Kaddouri, President and CEO, Rotana

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Creativity calls

Customisation essential “Customisation of the guest experience will become increasingly important. Hotels are now well equipped to collect data so it is a question of using this vital information to deliver on personalisation. Guests expect and appreciate a more tailored approach, from the booking process to welcoming back return visitors in a special away. Remembering what a guest likes during their stay goes a long way to earning loyalty.”

“An increasing sophistication amongst travellers from all over the world now requires dynamism and excellence in product and service delivery at every instance. Destinations and DMCs must offer new and exciting experiences to make guests want to return, while at the same time, continue to promote the unique and rich culture and heritage of the place, particularly to new markets and first-time travellers.

Creativity, innovation and leveraging advancements in technology will also help enhance the guest experience.

With safety and security and ease of entry now top considerations for every traveller when choosing a destination, the 2017 prospects for the UAE are encouraging.”

Peter Payet, CEO, Desert Adventures Tourism

Francois Kassab, chief operating officer, Millennium & Copthorne, Middle East & Africa

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Safety and security in the spotlight “Safety, security, exchange rates, air and sea connectivity and choice of accommodation and experiences are key factors influencing travel. We expect travellers to seek promotional offers and value add-ons to support their destination selection process. The UAE is ideally placed to benefit. The destination is constantly evolving, offering enhanced destination experiences such as the newly opened theme parks and the new Dubai Canal. Combining this with increased flexibility by expanding visa on arrival facilities will further boost travel to the UAE.” Samir Mehta, General manager, Arabian Adventures

Families in focus “With five-star accommodation currently comprising more than one-third of hotel rooms in Dubai, there’s a real shortage of midscale options to meet demand from guests seeking mid-priced and budget hotels. We’re focusing heavily on this sector to help plug this gap and allow local governments to meet their visitor number targets, which will only be achievable by making destinations appealing to a wider range of visitors, such as families. The strength of our brand portfolio means we can introduce hotels at different price points with great family-friendly facilities to locations across the region.”

Panos Loupasis, Vice president development — Middle East & Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group

The year of re-evaluation “With most markets in the Middle East experiencing declines in hotel performance levels in 2016, I expect 2017 to be a year of re-evaluating existing hospitality assets and ensuring these are being operated as efficiently as possible.

Asset management and cost control of existing hotels will be a hot topic in 2017.

Projects under development will also need to evaluate the changing dynamics of the region, especially noting the increasing importance of regional leisure demand following the opening up of new entertainment offerings (e.g. theme parks and malls) and on the back of a slower corporate demand growth.”

Filippo Sona, Head of hotels — MENA, Colliers International

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Long-term optimism “Many of the headwinds faced by the Middle East hospitality sector in 2016 will continue in 2017, with continued low oil prices and high exchange rates dampening demand growth during a period of high growth in supply. However, there is cause for longer term optimism. The recent substantial investments in the leisure and entertainments sector in a range of theme parks and attractions combined with new and diversified hotel stock and with new airport terminals coming on stream will support further growth in tourism across the region.”

Philip A Shepherd, Partner, PwC

Memorable experiences foster loyalty “One area of opportunity is how the industry goes beyond generic promotions and calendar themed events to offer more personalised, curated and experiential travel experiences. These are authentic, bespoke or rooted in the local customs and heritage of the region. This will enable brands to have more meaningful interactions with guests and gain a deeper understanding of their personal preferences and travel habits. It means more memorable travel experiences that foster greater loyalty and brand affinity.”

Pascal Gauvin, Chief operating officer, IMEA, IHG

Getting back to basics “We predict a ‘back to basics’ philosophy for hoteliers. In recent years, technology has driven change, shaping many elements of the customer experience. While this will continue, a slight adjustment is required whereby hotels need to refocus on the elements that matter most to guests when staying in a hotel. This will be a key focus for Rezidor in 2017 as we put the guest at the centre of our business and deliver an enhanced experience across the key touchpoints.”

Mark Willis, Area vice president Middle East and Turkey, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group

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Upwardly mobile The age of adaptability

“Mobile travel sales are booming in the GCC, with Saudi Arabia seeing particularly strong growth as confidence in the online payment mode expands. The UAE is also benefitting from strong penetration of digital travel solutions driven by the government’s efforts to make the country a leader in that segment.”

Nikola Kosutic, Head of research Middle East, Euromonitor International

Finding middle ground “We expect a continued increase in the number of guests seeking midscale hotel options in 2017-2018. The growth of mid-market has been the ‘hot topic’ of the hospitality industry in recent years, with Hilton among the first to respond with hotel development plans. In MEA we now boast six Hilton Garden Inn properties and will debut the Hampton by Hilton brand in the region in 2018 with the opening of Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Qusais, the brand’s largest property under development in the world.

Our mid-market MEA pipeline now includes more than 35 hotels.”

Rudi Jagersbacher, President, Hilton, Middle East, Africa & Turkey

“The digital world will continue to impact the hospitality industry in a significant way, from the way guests choose and book their accommodation, to the influence of social media, consumer-generated content and in-room technology features. At the same time, OTAs meta-search engines and sharing economy companies are challenging the traditional ways that hotels do business. Only those who can adapt to new customer behaviours and deliver effective mobile-centric personalisation will succeed.”

Andreas Mattmüller, Chief operating officer, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Middle East and South Asia

People over products “In 2017, the GCC hospitality market will mature, with discerning travellers expecting high standards of service and premium accommodation, but also appreciating unique and memorable travel experiences with family and friends rather than product-centric ones, as per global trends.”

Tareq Daoud, Regional vice president – sales, Hyatt Hotels

Brand personalisation is paramount “In 2017, I hope to see stronger industry recognition of the need to provide a customer experience. Differentiation and brand personalisation will be key to retaining guest loyalty. Customer interaction should go beyond the initial touch points and instead, demonstrate a commitment to driving a positive and memorable experience.”

Andrew Oldfield, Tourism director, Hills Balfour Middle East

Lifestyle experiences “As the lines between work and leisure travel blur, guests will increasingly seek hotels that offer lifestyle experiences in a luxurious but comfortable environment. In 2017, hospitality concepts will evolve to provide travellers with unique, multi-purpose spaces where they can work, dine, socialise and relax” Abdulkarim Safwan, Director of business development, Address Boulevard, Emaar Hospitality Group

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Sustainable development in focus “Sustainability and efficiency management will be a leading trend.

With more than one billion international tourists each year, tourism has become a powerful and transformative force that is making a genuine difference to the lives of millions of people. The potential of our industry for sustainable development is considerable. Tourism alleviates poverty, promotes education, supports infrastructure development and fosters cultural exchange and appreciation between different parts of the world, which is so important today.”

Gerald Lawless, World Travel & Tourism Council and head of tourism and hospitality, Dubai Holding

Protectionism does not pay “Managing the impact of global over capacity — particularly in long-haul markets — and resulting price wars will continue to be a serious challenge for all airlines in 2017. IATA predicts that passenger capacity will grow at 6.8% versus demand of 6.2% — the highest capacity growth over the past five years. Another worrying trend is increased regulatory pressure and protectionism. People think it serves the national interest, but it doesn’t. Every additional flight by every additional carrier means more jobs, more revenue, and more trade. Put simply, less competition means less jobs and less consumer choice” James Hogan, Outgoing president and chief executive, Etihad Aviation Group

Leisure boom benefits “While hotel supply continues to grow at a tremendous pace, it is important to note that demand is also growing across the UAE and has increased every year since 2010. The UAE should see further increases in leisure tourism in 2017, and the opening of new family-orientated attractions will certainly help to drive demand. Moving forward, many of the new planned hotel openings in the ‘midscale’ space will provide more cost-effective options for a much larger segment of international visitors, whereas in the past this has not been quite the case with the density of high-end hotels.”

Philip Wooller, Area Director, Middle East area director, STR

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Unchanging ritual.

Some things change, others never do.

From father to son, tradition informs our future.

Bir Zekreet, Brouq Nature Reserve, West Qatar