Tourism and Hospitality

MA Kharafi launches hospitality firm
Kuwaiti conglomerate MA Kharafi Group has created an independent hospitality, tourism and real estate investment company based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the name of Sovereign Hospitality Holdings. The new company has regional offices in South Africa and Egypt, and has been launched to expand through strategic acquisitions, financing and developing assets in the hotel, real estate and tourism industry in Singapore and worldwide.
Kuwait: Wednesday, July 02 - 2008 at 07:12

Emaar teams up with Capri in Saudi
Emaar, The Economic City, the company developing King Abdullah Economic City, has entered into a partnership with Capri Capital Partners to develop an SR7.5 billion ($2bn) mixed-use project in the KAEC. The 200,000 square metre project will feature two luxury hotels, office towers, a retail center, condominium towers, and a convention center and adjoining hotel. Capri is currently in negotiations with the parent companies of the Waldorf-Astoria and St. Regis hotels to operate the two hotels.
Saudi Arabia: Tuesday, July 01 - 2008 at 10:15

Kempinski to manage new hotel in Dubai
Investment Corporation of Dubai has signed a management agreement with Kempinski Hotels to operate the new five-star hotel and serviced apartments being built at One Za'abeel, the 36-storey mixed-use development launched recently by the ICD in Dubai. The One Za'abeel Kempinski Hotel, which will open in 2011, is part of the three-tower One Za'abeel complex at the Dubai World Trade Centre roundabout.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, July 01 - 2008 at 07:21

Holiday Inn Express opens in Dubai
InterContinental Hotels Group and Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding Co., have opened its limited service hotel for short-stay frequent travelers called Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park. The hotel is located in Shaikh Zayed Road, featuring 171 bedrooms, meeting facilities, food and beverage outlets and mini gymnasium.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, June 30 - 2008 at 09:04

Trump's NY hotel on sale in UAE
The Trump organisation has launched the sale of its penthouses in the Trump Soho Hotel Condominium New York exclusively in the UAE. The 400-hotel condominium units will have 141 deluxe suites, 253 studio suites, five penthouse suites and one Presidential Suite. Prodigy International is the exclusive sales and marketing organisation for Trump Soho Hotel Condominium.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, June 29 - 2008 at 11:44

Dnata buys stake in Hogg Robinson
Dubai National Air Travel Agency (Dnata) has bought a 19% stake in Hogg Robinson Group Plc, the U.K. business-travel agency founded by a wine merchant in 1845, Bloomberg has reported. Dnata acquired 57.3 million shares, and has mentioned in a statement that it has no current intention of a takeover for Basingstoke, the England-based Hogg Robinson.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, June 29 - 2008 at 09:21

Dubai eyes title in global spa
With luxury properties coming up in Dubai projections show its 17% year-on-year growth in spa industry will soar further, Gulf News has reported. According to the Wellness and Spas Middle East International Trade Fair, investment in the UAE in the spa and wellness industry is now exceeding £38bn.
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, June 28 - 2008 at 09:32

IFA signs $100m loan agreement
IFA Hotels & Resorts has secured a $100m syndicated loan facility led by Emirates NBD. The facility will be utilised towards growing the IFA HR global portfolio and tapping into new emerging markets. IFA HR is currently present in over 15 markets across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Indian Ocean region, Asia and North America.
United Arab Emirates: Thursday, June 26 - 2008 at 08:10