Get ready to indulge as the weather heats up this summer. HMH- Hospitality Management Holding announces its attractive Summer Deals. Everyone who is planning a daycation or staycation look no further and book your stay at our hotels located across the Middle East and North Africa, where you can enjoy 20% off the Bed & Breakfast rate across our hotels. This offer is valid until 15th September 2018. For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com
The UAE-based entrepreneur Ghassan Aboud was nominated in the list of “Most Influential Expats in the UAE for 2018” by Forbes Middle East. From a humble beginning in automotive trading in the UAE in the 1990s, Ghassan Aboud has built a successful conglomerate across several industry verticals.
In the list that recognizes 50 distinctive leaders, Ghassan Aboud was ranked the 18th most influential expatriate in the country. The list includes expatriates who contribute significantly to the economy and work in both the private and public sectors.
Forbes Middle East has revealed that the criteria included revenues, or other key figures that are specific to that business or which have an impact on the country’s economy. Other factors that were considered were the experience of the individual, the scope of their role and the number of employees they manage.
Over the last 25 years, the Ghassan Aboud Group has grown from a small trading company in the UAE to become a diversified conglomerate. Today, the group has secured a place of preeminence in key business sectors covering automotive, logistics, media, hospitality, real estate, retail and catering. Furthermore, the group has also expanded its operations to international markets such as Belgium, Turkey, Jordan and Australia.
Most notably, the group’s UAE operations include a world class platform for trading, logistics and supply chain management of automotive products with a market reach of more than 100 countries.
Source: https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/en/list/50-most-influential-expats-in-the-uae-2018/item/18/
Image Source: http://pressreleasenetwork.com/newsroom/news_view.phtml?news_id=5170
About the Ghassan Aboud Group
Established in 1994, the Ghassan Aboud Group operates from its global headquarters in the United Arab Emirates with business operations in Australia, Belgium, Jordan and Turkey. The group is a diversified conglomerate engaged in automotive, hospitality, pastoral, real estate, retail, catering, media and art production businesses.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) announced plans to bring World of Hyatt members opportunities to enjoy loyalty benefits in many more places. The launch is targeted for the end of the year.
Hyatt, a leading hospitality company with more than 700 hotels worldwide, and SLH, a collection of more than 500 independently owned luxury hotels around the world, are working together to offer World of Hyatt members the opportunity to earn and redeem points during stays at participating SLH hotels when they book through Hyatt channels.
“This is another example of how Hyatt continues to listen to the wants and needs of World of Hyatt members and take meaningful action,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer, Hyatt. “SLH’s high-end collection of boutique hotel experiences means our members will soon be able to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points in more places, including many new locations in Europe and Asia.”
“We are constantly looking for ways to add value for our many independently spirited hotels. This coming alliance with World of Hyatt does just that,” said Filip Boyen, chief executive officer, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™. “Our work together will allow World of Hyatt members to enjoy loyalty benefits across a wider choice of small independent luxury hotels. For SLH, our hotels are our brand, and we look forward to expected increased occupancy with significant exposure to the World of Hyatt program’s more than 10 million members.”
The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
About Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) matches independently minded guests with independently spirited hotels. The diverse collection of over 500 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world includes everything from cutting edge design hotels and city center sanctuaries to historic country mansions and remote private islands – all SLH hotels are consistently different, however, they are all united by the fact that they offer the best locations, highest quality, personalized service and a truly authentic way to discover a destination. Guests can join SLH’s loyalty program, INVITED, to receive Small Luxuries from their very first visit. Reservations for any SLH hotel can be made online at www.slh.com or via the iPhone app, by contacting a travel agent or calling a Small Luxury Hotels of the World reservations office; click here to view a listing by country.
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 14 premier brands. As of June 30, 2018, the Company’s portfolio included more than 750 properties in more than 55 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top colleagues, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Andaz®, Hyatt Centric®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Hyatt Residence Club® and exhale® brand names. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi is set in Abu Dhabi, 10 km from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The hotel has a spa centre, an olympic sized outdoor pool and water sports facilities. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site.
A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as a laptop are offered. Certain units include a seating area where you can relax. Rooms come with a private bathroom equipped with a walk in shower. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer.
Al Khayal restaurant boasts beautiful interiors where the traditional Arabic warmth and hospitality come to life.
You can play tennis at this hotel, and the area is popular for horse riding.
Yas Waterworld is 10 km from Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi, while Yas Mall is 11 km away. The nearest airport is Abu Dhabi International Airport, 10 km from the property.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Abu Dhabi! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.4 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Abu Dhabi! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
About Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 145* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. www.swiss-behotel.com
Dubai based entrepreneur Ghassan Aboud was awarded as the “Leading Hospitality Investor” during the Leaders in Hospitality Awards event organized by BNC Publishing on April 29th, 2018 at the St Regis Hotel, Dubai. Ghassan Aboud is the promoter of the multi-business conglomerate, the Ghassan Aboud Group that was established 25 years back with the UAE as the headquarters.
The annual event is hosted by the leading regional publication Hotel News Middle East to recognize and honour leading regional and international players in the hospitality sector. The winners were judged by a panel of renowned experts drawn from the hospitality industry.
The award recognized Ghassan Aboud’s pioneering foray into the hospitality sector with project commitments to the tune of AU$ 800 million, through the creation of a portfolio of luxury hotels under the brand name – Crystalbrook Collection.
Upon receiving the recognition, Ghassan Aboud said “I am honoured to be recognized at this prestigious event as an international investor. With the outstanding management team that we have, I am confident that Crystalbrook Collection will deliver exceptional customer enjoyment at some of the world’s most desirable destinations.”
Wissam Youhane, CEO-BNC Publishing said ““Once again I am humbled to be associated with this fantastic industry. It is a real honour to see so many talented people assembled in one place to share their achievements with us. At BNC Publishing we endeavor to shine a light on the prowess of those within this amazing sector and that is what the awards were all about – taking the opportunity to give something back to those who give so much to us.”
In the hospitality sector, with an initial focus on Australia, Ghassan Aboud’s investments are being deployed in acquisition, development and management of prime hospitality assets. The assets include 5-star hotels, luxury apartments, marina operations and high-end retail. In addition to the hospitality portfolio, the group has invested into a substantial pastoral business with land area of 35,000 hectares.
The ultimate ambition of Crystalbrook Collection is to become a world class brand associated with unique lifestyle destinations.
More than 238,167 Britons visited Abu Dhabi in 2016 and this year the emirate looks set to beat this, according to an official at Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
“In the first nine months of 2017 we have already seen more than 173,103 British visitors check in to Abu Dhabi hotels – a 5 percent increase year on year, “said Nabeel Al Zarouni, UK and Ireland Country Manager, DCT, at a breakfast reception held on the sidelines of the now-running World Travel Market 2017 London.
The function was attended by a large number of UK industry professionals, tour operators, travel agency representatives and media people.
”We are joined on the stand this year by 40 co-exhibitors, representing 95 companies across Abu Dhabi, so please do say hello to them while you’re here,” he added.
”The UK market continues to be of huge importance to Abu Dhabi,” he said. “The UK is our third largest overseas market, and by far our biggest in Europe. Last year, more than 238,167 Brits visited Abu Dhabi and this year we look set to beat this. In the first nine months of 2017 we have already seen more than 173,103 British visitors check in to Abu Dhabi hotels – a 5 percent increase year on year.”
“This year we’ve run road shows in Edinburgh, Manchester, London and Dublin for 330 agents, in partnership with our national airline, Etihad Airways. We even had Tess Daly from Strictly Come Dancing join us in London to chair a panel discussion about Abu Dhabi, which was incredibly well received by those who attended. We have also hosted a hugely successful ‘mega fam’ for 36 agents, with groups flying in from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin. In total 55 agents visited the destination this year. We’ve also carried out 22 training sessions for 476 agents and secured Abu Dhabi’s place in 106 tour operator programmes.”
Launching this month will be a print, digital and broadcast advertising campaign, in partnership with Etihad Airways, which will see increased visibility for the destination through to March 2018. So hopefully during this time you will see greater interest in travelling to Abu Dhabi from consumers.
”Moving into 2018, the department plans to build and increase the great work that has taken place this year, further strengthening relations with the UK trade,” he noted.
In a bid to showcase authentic Emirati cuisine to its visitors, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is set to roll-out the Emirati Cuisine & Hospitality Capacity Building Programme, where all 4 and 5 star hotels across the emirate will feature and promote Emirati culture through its cuisine.
The programme will establish a framework of regular training, monitoring and reviewing in order to ensure that Emirati culinary items are featured in food and beverage (F&B) outlets in the finest hotels and hotel apartments across the emirate. By collaborating with leading industry partners, TCA Abu Dhabi will train and accredit culinary employees with the fundamental skills required to prepare Emirati cuisine and reference the rich heritage that is paramount to its authenticity.
To maintain a consistent level of year-round engagement, TCA Abu Dhabi will also conduct competitions across participating hotels to identify the ‘Best Emirati Culinary Promotion Programme’ and the ‘Best Chef for Emirati Cuisine’.
Commenting on the initiative, HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of TCA Abu Dhabi said, “Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of cultures and the authenticity of Emirati cuisine has been somewhat lost in the contemporary renditions of traditional cuisine. Through this programme, we strive to conserve and promote the emirate’s culture, history and traditions. A key to that is using our rich cuisine to ensure optimal engagement for visitors seeking fully immersive cultural experiences.”
Vida Hotels and Resorts, the upscale lifestyle hospitality brand for the new generation of business executives, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers by Emaar Hospitality Group, has signed a management agreement with Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi’s leading listed property development, investment and management company, to operate a hotel within the developer’s master-planned community on Reem Island. The hotel and serviced residences are a core feature of Aldar’s Shams Marina project, a four-tower development announced in March this year as part of Aldar’s AED 3 billion investment programme, which overlooks the Arabian Sea.
The two Vida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi towers feature 262 spacious guestrooms and suites in addition to 192 serviced residences for short or extended stay and a range of world-class amenities including speciality restaurants, business centres, conference venues and wellness retreats, details of which will be announced in due course. The development also includes 329 marina residences spread across two towers. Construction will commence this year.
Envisaged as an upscale urban lifestyle resort set in a spectacular location, Vida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi and Vida Residences Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi will be near a premium retail destination with a choice of dining and leisure options adding to the convenience of residents and guests. Located approximately 30 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 3 km from the city centre, the hotel is expected to be operational by 2020.
Jassem Saleh Busaibe, Chief Asset Management Officer, Aldar Properties, said: “We are delighted to partner with Emaar Hospitality Group in bringing Vida Hotels and Resorts to Abu Dhabi. This new project will add significantly to the character of Reem Island, and will be like nothing currently in existence in the city. This project not only falls within our destination development strategy, but will also add significantly to our asset management business. This agreement will really help to strengthen our master planned community on Reem Island, adding market leading amenities from which both residents and visitors alike will benefit.”
Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “The management contract to operate Vida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone for Vida Hotels and Resorts, our contemporary upscale lifestyle brand that has defined its unique niche in the region’s hospitality sector. To be associated with such a prestigious development by Aldar Properties serves as a strong testament to the differentials that Vida Hotels and Resorts brings to the industry with its focus on creating smart urban hubs for a discerning clientele.”
He added: “The expansion to Abu Dhabi further highlights our strong competencies in undertaking mixed-use projects and delivering outstanding service. We will continue to explore growth opportunities in the UAE and beyond by delivering an exceptional hospitality experience focused on delivering warmth, simplicity and youthful vitality.”
Launched in 2013, Vida Hotels and Resorts operates hotels such as Vida Downtown in Dubai. Positioned as a lively and vibrant hub where inspiring minds can create, connect and come alive, its hotels are a stimulating environment where style meets convenience and interactivity. Additionally, Vida Hotels and Resorts has signed management contracts to operate hotels and serviced residences in Dubai, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Aldar Properties PJSC (‘Aldar’), Abu Dhabi’s leading listed property development, investment and management company, today announced that its hospitality portfolio has won an impressive 14 industry awards during the course of 2015 and 2016.
Aldar’s hospitality portfolio includes ten hotels, seven of which are located on the iconic Yas Island – reaffirming the destination’s position as a leading business, tourism and leisure hub in Abu Dhabi.
Showcasing cuisine from all corners of the globe, dining and lounge venues at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Crowne Plaza & Centro by Rotana received certificates of excellence for consistently achieving outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, with a number of their restaurants named as favourites of the popular publications; What’s On Abu Dhabi, Fact Abu Dhabi and Time Out Abu Dhabi Awards. In addition, the Yas Viceroy secured 4th position in the Top 15 hotels in the Middle East by Conde Nast Travellers’ Readers’ Choice Awards 2015, a survey of more than 128,000 travellers.
The Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi has also recently launched The Kids’ Zone Generation V, a new entertainment facility consisting of a brightly coloured 335 square metre Kids’ Zone. Featuring a multitude of wall cut-outs and tunnels which interlink the different spaces, the new zone will include sound tubing, wall climbing, play stations, play houses, and a soft play area. Offering parents another form of entertainment for their children is the latest example of Aldar’s efforts to build Yas Island into a family destination, not only for visitors but also for residents, whose number will grow as Aldar’s projects on the island are completed.
Hala Arjaan, operated by Rotana, won the Best Luxury Serviced Apartments award by World Luxury Hotel Awards, one of the hospitality industry’s most prestigious annual awards. Yas Island’s Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites each received 8+ ratings on Booking.com and acclamation from the Holiday Check Awards 2016, the largest independent travel portal in German-speaking countries for best hotel in the UAE.
Demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability, Radisson Blu & Park Inn secured the largest global eco-label for tourism and leisure establishments, Green Key Award 15/16 by Emirates Green Building Council. A non-governmental, non-profit and independent program, Green Key is recognized by the World Tourism Organization and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
Elsewhere in Abu Dhabi, Richard Bleakley, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center Abu Dhabi, received individual recognition in the form of the Diamond General Manager of the Year award by Marriott International. He beat almost a thousand other aspiring Marriott candidates from around the world and was applauded for his outstanding leadership towards successfully establishing the first Marriott endorsed brand in Abu Dhabi. Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center Abu Dhabi also received Marriott International’s Excellence in Delivering Guest Experience (EDGE) award for the MENA region.
Additionally, Courtyard by Marriott at WTCAD was recognised by the Hospitality Technology Awards for ‘best use of technology as marketing platform’ and its 5th Street Café was voted Fact Magazine’s Favourite Café in its 2016 Abu Dhabi Dining Awards.
Tilal Liwa, a 4-star resort located in Liwa, Abu Dhabi’s Western Region, received a number of awards including recognition from Abu Dhabi government authorities including Department of Transport, Management of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Zayed Heritage Festival, Ministry of Interior, Al Gharbia Sports Club and GHQ of Civil Defence – Abu Dhabi for its warm hospitality and exciting leisure experience.
Jahed Rahman, Director – Hospitality & Leisure division, Aldar Properties PJSC, said: “The awards that Aldar has received for its hospitality and leisure division in the past year are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our staff and our partners. Each of them strives to deliver the highest standards of service to guests and visitors at all times. Yas Island, and indeed Abu Dhabi, has become a popular location for tourists and residents alike and recognition from the industry in the form of these awards is a true testament to our commitment to providing new, innovative concepts and a first-class hospitality and leisure experience.”
MTV, the world’s premier youth entertainment brand and leading-edge Aloft Hotels, designed for the hyper connected global traveller, this week announced a partnership to create three new and exclusive MTV Live at Aloft Hotels music events featuring break-through artists at Aloft Abu Dhabi on 20th May, Aloft London Excel on 26th May and Aloft Munich on 9th June.
The partnership, brokered by Viacom Velocity International, the in-house integrated marketing team for Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) features two new platforms to support emerging artists: MTV PUSH FUTURES Live at Aloft Hotels and Club MTV Live at Aloft Hotels. Both will give fans access to rising global talent and the greatest night of dance music, respectively.
Aloft Hotels has put a spotlight on up-and-coming artists since the brand’s inception in 2008 with Live At Aloft Hotels, the signature ongoing music series offered at every one of the brand’s 100 plus hotels worldwide and MTV has a rich history of showcasing rising talent. Together they’re bringing the best of both worlds to Europe and the Middle East.
In London and Munich, MTV PUSH FUTURES Live at Aloft Hotels will feature acoustic performances from breakthrough stars Anne-Marie (Aloft London Excel) and Max Giesinger (Aloft Munich). Both intimate performances will take place at Aloft Hotels’ W XYZ bar, for approximately 150 invited music fans and competition winners.
Club MTV Live at Aloft Hotels will take place at Aloft Abu Dhabi’s vibrant rooftop, one of the UAE’s most popular party venues, and will feature a 60-minute DJ set from one of the world’s most exciting emerging electronic DJs, Jonas Blue, to an audience of around 2000 dance music fans.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Aloft Hotels whose vision of providing exciting and entertaining experiences to young fans is directly aligned to ours, through championing emerging talent and giving them a platform” said Lee Sears, Vice President of Viacom Velocity International. “MTV’s expertise lies in working with the hottest new talent, delivering live, unique music experiences for our fans and telling stories in a compelling and exciting way to our highly engaged and hyper-connected audiences. By working with targeted social influencers and leveraging our hugely popular social media platforms, we at Velocity International are able to deliver a seamless commercial campaign for our partner Aloft and a fantastic experience for music fans across both brands on all their favourite social channels,” added Sears.
“We are delighted to join forces with MTV to elevate the ‘Live at Aloft Hotels’ music series to new heights in Europe and the Middle East with innovative content that speaks to today’s hyper-connected millennials,” said Stephan Croix, Vice President of Marketing, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Both brands are passionate about supporting emerging talent and live music and we are thrilled to present these three amazing ‘MTV Live at Aloft Hotels’ events.”
MTV will deploy the full might of its international network of top performing new media and social channels to amplify all three ‘MTV Live at Aloft Hotels’ events across the UK, Germany and the Middle East. Filmed content will be packaged into short-form clips and distributed across MTV’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat), including the first ever branded content on MTV’s international YouTube channel and co-branded vignettes created for Snapchat.
In addition, two on-air 60-second vignettes will run on MTV’s channels in the UK and Germany in June following the MTV PUSH FUTURES Live at Aloft Hotels events, helping to maximise audience engagement and drive fans towards the online content.
Having previously worked and toured with Rudimental, Essex star, Anne-Marie is ready to break out on her own. With a UK headline tour earlier this year and solo singles ‘Boy’ and ‘Do It Right’ under her belt, the three-time world karate champion is confirmed to perform at the London Greenwich event following a huge victory at MTV Brand New 2016 where she received the most votes in the competition ever.
After his debut “Laufen Lernen” (“Learn To Walk“), which Max Giesinger released on his own, the young artist comes back with his second album “Der Junge, der rennt” (“The Boy Who Runs”) and his unmistakable first hit single “80 Millionen”. When you listen carefully to the new album, you will discover a mid-twenty who enjoys playing with his new found creative voice. His songs convince with their dynamic diversity, carry you away and – if suitable – put you in a thoughtful mood. “Der Junge, der rennt” was released on April 8th via BMG.
Born and raised in London, Jonas Blue is taking the music industry by storm. From pop to classic dance music, as well as delving into elements of tropical house, Jonas is crafting a sound which fills the void that so many are craving on the music scene. His debut release ‘Fast Car’ was a global smash, reaching #1 in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand and the #1 spot on the US viral chart on Spotify.
Both MTV and Aloft Hotels have built a reputation for advocating and supporting emerging artists. Music and entertainment powerhouse MTV is the only global music player with coordinated local on-air and online teams, reaching millions of music fans every day. From large-scale live shows such as MTV Crashes and MTV Brand New in the UK to MTV World Stage and MTV Push, MTV is widely recognised as a youth destination for new music.
Known for its vibrant social scene and innovative global music programming, Aloft gives guests and music-loving locals free access to emerging artists as well as some of the hottest bands at WXYZ bars. For a complete and up-to-date list of all artists, locations and performance dates, please visit LiveAtAloftHotels.com and join the conversation @AloftHotels using #AloftLive.
Further details on ticketing and social competition giveaways will follow shortly.
