East Coast resort means business

Hotel manager Patrick Antaki said there had already been keen interest for meetings and seminars, as well as bigger events and team-building courses.

"Although Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort has an immediate appeal as an integrated leisure hotel, the complementary business facilities can accommodate both small and large events, with three separate areas for outdoor functions, for example," he said.

"The appeal of a secluded resort where there are few distractions outside the property is a major plus point for organisers, and of course our recreation and restaurant facilities add to the whole package."

For larger conferences, the hotel has a 350-capacity meeting and banquet hall, with outdoor terrace for pre- and post-event functions, and there are three adjacent break-out rooms as well as a business centre with boardroom and two further multi-purpose rooms.

In the landscaped grounds around the pool, there is a stage area and up to 1,000 can be accommodated for social functions, while parking is available for up to 200 cars.

"Even details like the IDD telephone and computer port in every room are designed with the business guest in mind, while leisure amenities can be adapted to provide for working breakfasts, gala dinners or even competitive team-building exercises," said Antaki.

Dhow and 4WD hire are available at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, while Arabian Adventures has an office on-site to arrange excursions and there is also a dive centre, tennis and squash courts, volleyball on the beach, and water sports centre.

A joint venture between Emirates airline and the Hotel & Resort Investment Company, the hotel is located on a two kilometre sand beach on the Indian Ocean and has the UAE's largest free-form pool. In addition it hosts a Wellness Centre featuring the Cleopatra Beauty Rooms, the Baywatch Village restaurant complex and four additional bars and restaurants.

"The European incentive travel sector is one we are keen to tap, but local companies can also take advantage of our unique facilities, offering a getaway with a business angle within two hours' drive from Dubai," concluded Antaki.

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