DEPA set to 'stand out' at The Hotel Show

With a spectacular display measuring some 170 square metres, Depa will be by far the largest exhibit at the industry showcase, which is due to take place on 4-6 June 2006.

Mohannad Sweid, CEO of Depa commented,

"The Hotel Show has grown substantially since its inception in line with the growth in hotel development. Industry analysts have estimated that 130 new hotels will come on stream in the GCC by 2010. We want to consolidate our market-leading position and so we decided to make a dramatic impact with the size and design of our stand this year."

In all, over 25,000 rooms will be added to the existing regional hotel room stock by 2008. A total of 28 chains representing 43 hotel brands will open their doors for business within the next two years representing 25,000 rooms. Although many of the existing international chains are increasing their presence around the region, new brands are set to make their Middle East debuts such as Banyan Tree, Armani, Bonnington and Chelsea.

After three decades of excellence Depa has built up an enviable reputation throughout the industry and continues to present specialized full scope fit-outs and furnishing for major five star luxury hotels. This has afforded Depa an impressive portfolio of clients which in Dubai alone includes the seven-star Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Ritz Carlton, Grand Hyatt, and the Fairmont.

Regionally Depa has enjoyed major contract wins with the Four Seasons in Sharm El-Sheikh, Nile Plaza and Doha. Internationally Depa boasts Radisson SAS Cannes, Ledra Marriott Athens, Radisson Parkway Orlando and the Hilton Osaka amongst its clientele. Current ongoing projects include the Intercontinental and Crowne Plaza in Dubai Festival City, plus more than twenty other prestigious projects in France, Sudan and India.

"With record revenues and occupancies, owners and investors are now trying to be more creative with their interior design and where necessary go the extra mile in terms of budget. With over nine million extra room nights available by the end of 2008, they have already identified the need to maintain a competitive edge as inevitably market supply and demand ratios will take time to stabilise", added Sweid.

Since an AED 475 million capital injection from selected investment houses and private investors earlier this year, Depa through its head office in Dubai, has been in bullish mood making a number of strategic acquisitions to support their extensive network of offices in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Cairo, Casablanca, Khartoum, Jeddah, Milan and Shanghai.

Depa has also developed customised professional services for financing and products leasing. It is an asset-based financing scheme for the contracted work that requires no collateral or bank guarantee and is usually payable over a four to five year period.