Emaar Hospitality Group's Marc Dardenne named 'CEO of the Year'

The award honours his contribution to the hospitality sector in the Middle East and his outstanding achievements in identifying, undertaking and developing world-class projects for Emaar Hospitality Group and The Address Hotels and Resorts.

Mr. Dardenne received the award from CEO of ITP Publishing, Mr. Walid Akawi at a gala reception held in Dubai last night.

The CEO Middle East Awards recognise industry leaders in Hospitality, Energy, Banking, IT, Media and other sectors. The award's objective is to bring leaders, who have directed the rapid development of the Middle East's economy, to the forefront.

On winning the award, Mr. Dardenne said:

"It is a great honour to have been chosen for this award. The hospitality industry has been one of my life-long passions and Emaar Hospitality Group has given me the opportunity to identify, undertake and develop world-class projects which motivates me to set new industry benchmarks across all aspects. I would like to attribute this award to my entire team. Without their support, hard work and dedication, this would not have been possible."

Earlier this year, Mr. Dardenne ranked Number 3 in the Hotelier Middle East's 50 most influential hoteliers. Amongst other coveted awards previously won by Emaar Hospitality Group and its properties are: Arabian Business Hospitality Company of the Year, 2008; World Travel Award's Dubai's Leading Lifestyle Hotel, Middle East's Leading New Hotel 2009 and AHIC'S Best New Hotel 2009 for The Address Downtown Burj Dubai; and Dubai's leading City Resort for The Palace - The Old Town at the World Travel Awards.

These awards were based on the excellent service standards and guest benefits delivered by the group.

A hospitality veteran with over 30 years of international experience, Mr. Dardenne has been instrumental in creating and developing Emaar Hospitality Group's properties. He has built a world-class team in an extremely short time span across various disciplines of the group, while continuing to expand its extensive roster in the UAE and beyond. He was instrumental in the launch of Emaar's own hotel brand, The Address Hotels + Resorts, which has unveiled two new hotel properties in less than a year and will open another property in Dubai in the last quarter of 2009.

Emaar Hospitality Group manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality assets such as hotels, serviced residences, golf resorts, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, health clubs and Dubai Marina Yacht Club.