Dubai to witness completion of 55 new hospitality developments worth $277bn by 2011

With aims to leverage the booming hospitality market, Raqmiyat, a leading UAE-based systems integrator, and TimeLox International, a leading-edge developer and manufacturer of electronic-locking systems for the international hotel industry, are currently highlighting the latest TimeLox security and access solutions at the Technology & Security Sector - 'Hotel Show 2008', stand N15, Zabeel Hall of the Dubai International Convention Centre.

Primarily designed for new construction properties and major renovation projects with a requisite for elegant design, TimeLox Optima is a two-piece door unit offered with an exquisite bezel, and high quality, solid brass handles, finishes and lock cases.

Coupled with the powerful and flexible DC-One Software, which offers a card-based system rather than being a lock-based system, TimeLox Optima is a dual card system that combines the economic and reliable magnetic cards with the flexible smart card technology, thereby enhancing the hotel's security, making the hotel routines easier and decreasing the workload for hotel staff.

Each smart card can be completely tailored for both staff and guests, making it easier to regulate access to specific doors at specific times.

Further, the highly flexible smart card can also be used by guests for access and payments, which means that much more information is stored on the card and carried by the user, instead of the card being used as 'just a key' programmed to interact with static information stored in the locks.

'Tourism has become one of the most dominant industries in Dubai, and continues to be an increasingly important sector that drives the emirate's GDP. As the tourism sector maintains its unprecedented growth trend, the emirate's rapidly expanding number of hotels and leisure facilities are taking pioneering steps to provide the most lavish amenities to customers,' said Sandeep Saxena, Assistant Vice President - Business Development, Raqmiyat.

'The Hotel Show 2008's significant contribution to the market's growth has been driven by the event's ability to gather a captured top-calibre audience and provide exhibiting vendors with optimal opportunity to build important business relationships crucial to surpassing competition. Our participation at the event is aimed at bringing forward TimeLox' security and access solutions, especially the outstanding features of its newest product - TimeLox Optima to leading players in the hospitality industry.'

Generating revenues of Dhs13.26bn in 2007, hotels and hotel apartments in Dubai has seen a 25.8% increase, which is expected to further rise to 48.2% or 93,867 additional units by 2016.

By the end of 2015, Dubai is expecting to welcome some 10 million tourists, while the next seven to 10 years will usher in major developments in the tourism front in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

The extensive opportunities in the UAE's tourism industry poses outstanding prospects for Raqmiyat, who is seeking to further reinforce its position as the most trusted IT solutions provider and systems integrator in the UAE.

'The UAE's ideal location and tourist-friendly atmosphere continue to fuel its growth as a premiere vacation destination, and this is remarkable development, which we are seeking to capitalise on through our partnerships with leading manufacturers. In line with this, our focus is to enhance our present range of highly effective solutions, and maintain a leading position through targeted marketing and distribution plans and participation in high profile events,' concluded Saxena.

Dubai-based Raqmiyat, the primary IT company of the Al Ghurair business group, offers world-class business and technology solutions through partnerships with international firms.

With several certifications on the technical front, Raqmiyat's team of experienced professionals provides proficient services and support to its clients.

The company has maintained a strong local presence through its strategically located offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and is now looking into opportunities in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.