Business boom set to continue as hotel occupancies remain high

Overseeing operations at both Al Sondos Suites and Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments, Zureikat has achieved near 100 per cent occupancy to date in 2004, but he claims the signs are positive that this boom will be consolidated for the rest of the year.

Zureikat said: "Thanks to the exceptional organisation and marketing of DSF around the Gulf and farther afield, we can now count on good occupancies during the month of the festival - but it does not stop there.

"Whether it is short-break tourism from the region, exhibition and conference business, corporate contracts or general visitor traffic, there seems to be no stopping Dubai now - and this is before the current crop of projects materialise."

While the beach-front hotels tend to get the most publicity, Zureikat emphasised that the regular trade generated by city hotels and apartments was equally valuable for the Dubai business mix.

"We all have our role in Dubai Inc, and it's gratifying that the level of repeat guests at our two city hotels indicates that Le Meridien is underscoring its top position in both the business and leisure sectors here," added.

Located just five minutes' from Dubai International Airport in the Deira shopping and business district, Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien offers accommodation ideally suited for the needs of GCC and long-stay visitors, with 106 studio, one- and two-bedrooms suites, all equipped with kitchen facilities as well as large-screen televisions, Internet access, inter-active games and 24-hour concierge and room service.

Its sister property, the 144-suite Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien, is located in the busy Bur Dubai area of the city, providing a value-for-money alternative for executives and leisure travellers who seek accommodation in the heart of the action. The property was reflagged under the Le Meridien brand last year, following extensive refurbishment.