Tourism and Hospitality

Oqyana launches snorkeling lagoon
Oqyana World First, an island community in 'The World' development off the coast of Dubai, has announced the launch of a snorkeling lagoon, which will provide an interactive opportunity to swim and snorkel among coral reefs and underwater sea life, according to a statement. The Reef Lagoon will be located on the Great Barrier Island, one of the 22 islands comprising the Australian continent. Serviced by the adjacent International Diving Centre, the Reef Lagoon will also offer diving, snorkeling and boat-related activities and facilities.
United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, May 21 - 2008 at 14:07

Dubai buys Turnberry golf resort
Leisurecorp, the Dubai World company specialising in investments in the sports and leisure sector, today announced plans to purchase Turnberry, the host venue for the 2009 Open Championship, from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide for £55m ($108.3m). The companies have signed a Letter of Intent for the sale and purchase of the hotel and golf resort, which the parties expect to be completed by 31 October 2008. Under the terms of the deal, Starwood will continue to operate the five-star resort, with a 30-year plus management contract.
United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, May 21 - 2008 at 11:20

Tatweer may buy stakes in US theme parks
UAE-based Tatweer, a member of state-owned Dubai Holding, may buy shares in US theme parks in which it has signed joint deals, including Six Flags, DreamWorks, and Universal, reported Bloomberg. CEO Khalid Malik Tatweer said the company is 'very serious' about the prospect of buying stakes and is studying it closely.
United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, May 21 - 2008 at 07:53

Ritz Carlton to manage hotel in KAEC
Ritz Carlton has signed an agreement with Emaar, The Economic City, the company developing King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia, to manage a luxury resort within the Resort Cove district of KAEC. Scheduled to open in 2011, the luxury beachfront resort will feature a combination of luxurious guest rooms and private villas. The new resort will be located on a 180,000 square meter plot of beachfront property in the Resort Cove development of KAEC, which is situated along a 4-kilometre stretch of virgin coastline along the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia: Tuesday, May 20 - 2008 at 11:50

Islamic superhero theme park unveiled
The creators of the Islamic comic series, The 99, have announced plans to build the region's first superhero theme park featuring The 99 characters. Teshkeel Media Group, the creator of the series, is teaming up with the United Entertainment & Tourism Company to build the park, which will be located in Jahra, Kuwait. The launch of a series of THE 99 Village theme parks will soon follow throughout the GCC, according to a statement.
Kuwait: Tuesday, May 20 - 2008 at 11:15

Saudi Tayyar plans $395m IPO
Saudi-based Al-Tayyar Travel Group plans to raise up to 1.48 billion riyals ($395m) in an initial public offering in October, making it the Middle East's first listed travel company, its chairman told Reuters. Nasser al-Tayyar said the company wants to use the funds for sector-related acquisitions mainly in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia: Tuesday, May 20 - 2008 at 10:54

Rezidor to open Radisson in Cairo
Brussels-based Rezidor Hotel Group has announced that it will open a Radisson SAS Hotel in Cairo in December 2008, marking the organisation's first foray into the Egyptian capital. The hotel will be located two kilometres from Cairo International Airport and offer 367 rooms and 60 suites.
Egypt: Tuesday, May 20 - 2008 at 10:34

Dubai group aims to boost Kashmir's tourism
Dubai-based Pride Group Holdings plans to invest more than $500m in Kashmir's tourism industry to help the region regain its lost glory as a tourist destination, reported Khaleej Times. Company Chairman Musadiq Shah said the firm plans to launch four mega projects in Kashmir, with standards similar to those of the best hotels and resorts around the world.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, May 20 - 2008 at 07:53