7 WELCOME
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wenty years ago, if you had asked someone in Europe to show you Dubai on a globe, it is possible that they would not have known where it was. Today, Dubai is one of the Top 10 tourism destinations internationally and is attracting millions of visitors each year. The establishment of worldclass infrastructure and landmark projects like Atlantis, The Palm - the first entertainment destination resort in the region - coupled with marketing initiatives by Dubai Tourism and Emirates - have been the key drivers for Dubai’s tourism industry. Dubai’s hotel sector is the fastest growing outside of China and coupled with the United Arab Emirates’ successful bid to host the 2020 World Expo, the region’s growth and reputation is set to keep soaring with no sign of slowing down. The win of Expo 2020 marks a new era of Dubai’s economic development and reflects the Emirate’s leading international position. Now the city is busy putting measures in place to leave a lasting impression on the world – one of them is the Smart City initiative, a mandate to become the smartest city in the world by 2017. This initiative calls for taking advantage of the power of the ‘Internet of Everything’ in order to make Dubai deliver real value in the areas of life, economy and tourism. Smart hospitality will be a key differentiator for Dubai’s Smart City initiative. With smart tourism a vital pillar, and 25 million visitors expected
for World Expo 2020, hotels need to find a competitive differentiator. Dubai is adding 24,000 quality rooms and serviced apartments by 2017 alone. Now, the time is right to usher in the next phase of the Atlantis brand – a new resort called The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences. Located on the crescent of The Palm and next to the existing iconic Atlantis resort, this new generation of distinctive luxury will offer a sophisticated lifestyle experience, edgier than any resort in the region, with infinite ocean views, accented with lush green spaces, encapsulated in dramatic architecture. The Royal Atlantis and Residences will continue to drive the growth of Dubai forward. Atlantis has always redefined destinations and introduced awe-inspiring and never-before-seen experiences, and this development is no exception. Revolutionary water play and interactive marine experiences will be unveiled for both residents and guests alike. This innovative resort with lavish residences will re-interpret the myth of Atlantis while unveiling ground-breaking experiences. Atlantis has always shown great support and excitement in the bid to host Expo 2020 and our dedicated team is looking forward to showing our extraordinary hospitality in the lead up to Expo 2020 and beyond.
Serge Zaalof President and Managing Director, Atlantis, The Palm
JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02
From Serge Zaalof, President and Managing Director, Atlantis, The Palm