Tourism and Hospitality

ME hotel construction pipeline hits record
The construction pipeline for Middle East hotel developments hit a record high of 527 projects with 155,989 guestrooms at the end of Q1 2008, according to a report by US-based Lodging Econometrics. A cyclical high of 233 projects/66,775 rooms, or 43% of the total pipeline, are already under construction. Total project and room counts scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months peaked in Q4 2007, and declined slightly to 159 projects/45,529 rooms in Q1 2008, the study said.
Tuesday, June 17 - 2008 at 09:17 |

UK raises UAE terror threat level
A travel advisory raising the terrorism threat level in the UAE to 'high' has been issued by the UK Foreign Office. The warning has been prefaced with an assurance that the vast majority of visits to the country are trouble free. Over 120,000 UK citizens currently reside in the UAE and over one million travel there annually.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, June 16 - 2008 at 16:33 |

Nikki Beach to open in Saraya
Saraya Islands has signed a management agreement with Nikki Beach EMEA Hotels and Resorts Limited, for its operation of a five-star resort in Al Boum Island at Saraya Islands in Ras Al Khaimah. The Nikki Beach Resort and Spa is expected to open by 2011 and will accommodate 140 sea view rooms and suites, a club and pool bar, spa and fitness facilities, VIP lounges, signature restaurants, and about 160 serviced residences.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, June 16 - 2008 at 14:54

Shuaa to develop Saudi hotels
Shuaa Capital Saudi Arabia has signed a master agreement with Rotana Hotel Management Corporation to develop about 17 hotels and serviced apartments. The $533m Sharia compliant closed-end fund will operate under the name Shuaa Saudi Hospitality Fund I, and will develop hotels across Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia: Monday, June 16 - 2008 at 09:40

Al Habtoor to build Trump hotel
The Al Habtoor-Murray and Roberts Joint Venture has won the Dhs2.9bn contract to build Trump International Hotel and Tower in Dubai for Nakheel. Trump International Hotel & Tower Dubai is a mixed-use development comprising of 378 hotel rooms and suites, 385 condominiums, 12 exclusive townhouses, 45,000 square feet of retail and 60,000 square feet of office space.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, June 15 - 2008 at 10:57

Al Aqili wins Fakhruddin hotel furnishing
Al Aqili Furnishings has recently won Fakhruddin Properties' Dhs26m furnishing and interior design for the property developer's Coral International Serviced Apartments project at Dubai Sports City. Coral International Serviced Apartments, will be completed in 2010.
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, June 14 - 2008 at 13:32

Etihad launches low fares for Kuwaiti travelers
Etihad Airways is offering roundtrip summer special fares to Kuwait travelers, starting from KD 99 in economy class to three popular European destinations, London, Manchester and Frankfurt. The promotion is valid for travel until the end of June 2008 and is part of carriers's summer campaign to deliver popular destinations at highly competitive rates to its customers.
Kuwait: Thursday, June 12 - 2008 at 14:23

Dubai to build Indian entertainment district
Dubai Infinity Holdings is joining forces with Yash Raj Films, a prominent entertainment brand in India, to build the Yashraj Films Entertainment District in Dubai, reported Gulf News. The multi-million dollar project will comprise theme park attractions, a movie palace, hotels and many other unique Indian genre entertainment concepts. Yashraj Films is one of the world's largest film distribution houses and has produced some of the highest revenue films in the industry.
United Arab Emirates: Thursday, June 12 - 2008 at 07:41