The Fairmont Dubai, city's newest hotel, achieves opening success

"Despite some schools of thought who considered The Fairmont Dubai as 'one hotel too many' in the deluxe sector in the city, our success has highlighted the success of Dubai as both a tourism and commerce centre," he said.

"While I will not take the credit away from my team, who have done a magnificent job in presenting the Fairmont brand and the new Dubai hotel to the travel trade and potential guests, there is no doubt that the continued growth of the city in all sectors has been nothing short of astonishing."

Dubai is booming with an unrivalled expansion strategy that will underpin growth well in to the 21st century, based on its central location between east and west that is a vital plus point for both commerce and tourism, he added.

The Fairmont Dubai opened in early February and has already become a landmark on the Sheikh Zayed Road, with many unique features including its distinctive windtower architecture, advanced technology and wealth of facilities covering every aspect of leisure and business requirements.

"We are probably the most technologically advanced property in Dubai just now, with more than 6,000 kilometres of wiring," said Kaile. "This enables us to offer guests wireless keyboards, free high speed Internet access and a dedicated fax/printer/copier in each room, as well as modem access throughout our 224-seat auditorium and three boardrooms with plug-in access for everyone."

While the corporate sector has been the mainstay of The Fairmont Dubai, Kaile said they were beginning to see interest for weekend leisure traffic, while the opening of the restaurants has stimulated the local market.

"Our huge Willow Stream spa and health club has been a major advantage here, while our multi-cuisine Spectrum on One restaurant is already making waves in Dubai."

The Fairmont Dubai is unveiling its facilities in an Opening Season leading up to the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai (May 7 to 10), when it will act as host hotel for the event.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to host VIP travel trade buyers and meeting organisers, as well as the international media, during this event," said Kaile.

"As the pre-eminent travel exhibition in the region, there is no doubt that the spotlight will be on Dubai this May - and The Fairmont Dubai will be at the centre of this."

The Fairmont Dubai project represents the first step in a strategic alliance between the private office of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to build and operate a number of luxury hotels in the region, and elsewhere.

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