Le Meridien Al Aqah records surge in MICE business since opening of state-of-the-art conferencing centre

Patrick Antaki, general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah (LMAA), further announced that the MICE segment was expected to contribute a sizeable 30 per cent of the hotel's total local business in 2004.

"The trend among corporates is towards moving conferences and conventions away from the rigid confines of boardrooms and the distractions of the city to more exotic destinations, thereby transforming these hitherto mundane activities into more pleasurable experiences. Conferences are now considered an occasion for team bonding while acting as a motivational reward for employees in recognition of their proficiency

"The state-of-the-art convention and banqueting facility at Le Meridien Al Aqah, which is set within the idyllic and scenic surroundings of the resort, is specially designed to cater to the growing demand for international standard conferencing facilities in the UAE. Consequently we are receiving a good response from within and outside the country," he said.

The elegant ballroom in the centre covers an area of approximately 500 square metres and can accommodate up to 350 delegates. There is a large pre-function area with three meeting rooms that are ideal as break out areas. In addition, the 24-hour business centre, which is fully equipped with the latest computing facilities and high-speed Internet connectivity, also has three meeting rooms attached to it.

Along with these meeting rooms, there is also a boardroom on the same floor as the business centre where smaller conferences may be held. The conference centre is directly linked to the main hotel building but also has a separate entrance for the convenience of delegates.

An extensive range of outdoor activities is also available to visitors to the resort including a variety of water sports, diving, boat trips and desert excursions. For those delegates who prefer to be indoors, the Wellness Centre featuring Cleopatra Spa Rooms is sure to be a hit along with the Ayurvedic Centre, set to open mid October.

The hotel also has a wide selection of dining venue options at the resort, including Taste, the hotel's signature restaurant, Views restaurant with its themed buffet and the Baywatch Restaurant complex by the beach.

A joint venture between Emirates Airlines and the Hotel and Resort Investment Company, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort has provided a major thrust to the tourism sector on the East Coast of the UAE, and is located on a two kilometer sand beach, nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean. The resort is approximately 15 kilometres from Dibba Village, 49 kilometres from Fujairah town and 90 minutes from cosmopolitan Dubai.