Gulf Tourism and Aviation
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Ski slope remains big draw at Kempinski MoE
The general manager of the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates says business remains strong despite the launch of Dubai Mall and the opening of several new budget hotels within walking distance of the property.
New hotel rises in Empty Quarter
The Middle East is teeming with new hotels offering world-class quality and comfort, but few are able to deliver an experience that captures the unique heritage of the region. However, this month will see the opening of one of the more adventurous projects in the Gulf, the Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort, which aims to give travellers a truly unique desert experience.
Abu Dhabi races ahead with tourism plans
With events such as The Formula One Grand Prix on the docket, Abu Dhabi is rapidly emerging as a world-class tourism destination and is threatening to overtake Dubai as the top tourism hot spot in the UAE.
Air Arabia sees bright future for low-cost carriers
Air Arabia believes that the outlook for the low-cost carriers in the Middle East is robust as much of the sector is untapped and price is becoming an increasingly important consideration for passengers.
Gulf Air faces fight for survival
Gulf Air has hired a new CEO and is conducting a review of all its business practices in a bid to return to profitability. However, although air traffic in the Middle East remains strong, questions remain about whether the Bahrain-based airline can compete with the major carriers in the region.
Rotana sees promising signs for Q4
Rotana is pushing ahead with its rapid growth plans despite the challenging economic conditions impacting the Middle East. The hotel chain is on track to open 13 properties across the region in 2009, including 10 in the UAE alone.
Is the worst over for Dubai hotels?
Dubai hotels suffered some of the sharpest declines in the world in the wake of the financial crisis, but recent figures suggest that the worst may be over for the hospitality industry in the emirate. However, experts say that although hotels may be seeing promising signs, it is still difficult to predict what the future will hold.
Middle East hotel market remains buoyant, says Marriott
The global financial crisis has had a severe impact on the hotel industry worldwide as companies and individuals have cut back on their travel expenses. The Middle East, especially Dubai, has been no exception, as evidenced by a new report by STR Global which reveals that hotels in Dubai saw the biggest fall in revenue in the region in the first half of 2009.
Emirates forges ahead with A380 one year on
It has been one year since Emirates Airline flew its inaugural Airbus A380 flight, from Dubai to New York City's JFK airport. While the superjumbo's initial journey for Emirates was trouble-free, things have not always gone smoothly for the Gulf carrier in its efforts deploy the aircraft in its fleet.
Gulf corporate jet market down but not out
After rising steadily in recent years, the corporate jet market in the Middle East has been hit hard by the financial crisis as businesses and individuals have cut back on expenses. However, industry leaders believe the sector may have turned the corner as business picks up, although it may be too early to identify trends.
European hotels seek more Gulf travellers
Typically summer is a time when many locals and expats leave the Middle East to escape the blazing heat, but outbound leisure travel from the region has slowed this summer as residents tighten their belts in the midst of the economic downturn. This year more people than usual are choosing to not travel at all, or to take their vacations closer to home.
Dubai hotels chase guests using summer deals
The global slowdown and the rise in the number of new hotels in Dubai have forced many properties in the emirate to offer big discounts and unique promotions to attract guests during the summer. A new report by Deloitte says that the hotel industry in Dubai is continuing to witness declines in occupancy levels and revenue per available room (RevPAR) mainly due to a drop in business travel and international tourist arrivals.
Religious tourism is bright spot in downturn
Religious tourism is a relatively 'recession proof' sector that offers growth potential for Middle East hotels during the economic slowdown. The World Tourism Organisation estimates that more than 300 million people across the globe visit the world's key religious sites each year.
Fairmont forges ahead amidst 'perfect storm'
The head of Fairmont Hotels in the Middle East says hotels in Dubai will eventually recover from the economic meltdown, but it is unlikely they will enjoy the same level of growth that that they witnessed prior to the recession.
Middle East airlines boost Paris Air Show
Gulf-based carriers stole the limelight at the Paris Air Show, with large orders for new aircraft and engines at a time when most airlines around the world are retracting.
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