Effective October 03, Etihad Airways will introduce the Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner on its scheduled services from Abu Dhabi to Rabat, capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, replacing the Airbus A330-300 currently serving the route.
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) signed a second memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s global investment corporation REI Holding Group, to encourage bilateral investments, collaborate on industry information and expand business networks in both countries.
The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) recently welcomed the announcement made by Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism to send its own contingent to the UAE to promote the country as an attractive tourist destination for Arab travellers.
Michel Alaby, CEO, Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce
“Enjoying vibrant ties across sectors, the UAE and Brazil have long focussed on tourism as one of the strong focal points to further strengthen their economic and trade alliance. The strategic plan to send Brazilian mission to the UAE will open up more opportunities for critical tourism investments and cooperation. The proposed visit is a testament as well to both parties’ seriousness to bolster their ties in this industry as evidenced by their recent visa waiver agreement. As an organisation working to increase the trade and investment flow between Brazil and 22 Arab countries, the ABCC is more than willing to extend any kind of support to ensure the success of the planned mission. The UAE businessmen who come to Brazil for tourism will find in São Paulo the house of the Arabs in Brazil, the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters, to support them in search of trade and investment opportunities.”
Nakheel, a master developer, recent hosted the Korea Financial Investment Association (KOFIA), while they were Dubai to assess investment opportunities in the emirate.
As part of City University College of Ajman’s (CUCA) ongoing commitment to its student body, CUCA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with R Hotels.
Following the action-packed launch of WHAT SHE SAID in Dubai in March, the W Hotels’ team brings its global speaker series featuring inspirational women to W Amman on July 10.
This year’s edition of the Dubai HeliShow is all geared up for its run from November 06 – 08 at the Royal Pavilion, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai South under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler, Dubai.
Etihad Airways anticipates introducing a 299-seat next-generation Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner on its daily mid-morning schedule from Abu Dhabi to Cairo, Egypt from October 28.
ABU DHABI IS BECOMING KNOWN FOR HOSTING HIGH-PROFILE INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS. DESMOND HATTON, GENERAL MANAGER, DUSIT THANI ABU DHABI, EXPLAINS WHY THE EMIRATE IS A DESTINATION OF CHOICE.
Q& A with Desmond Hatton
GENERAL MANAGER, DUSIT THANI ABU DHABI
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: How successful was the last quarter of 2017 for your company? Please share the latest statistics if possible.
DESMOND HATTON: The last quarter of 2017 was a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges for the hotel. Overall, the business sentiments in the fourth quarter were positive and the hotels in the city competed fiercely to get their fair share of the market.
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What are your main feeder markets and what, in your opinion are the main reasons they choose Abu Dhabi as a sports destination?
DESMOND HATTON: The main feeder market for the hotel is definitely the Middle East, followed by Europe and emerging Asia. Abu Dhabi is a rising city when it comes to hosting international sports events. This is mainly attributed to the commitment of the local authorities towards sports and the allied infrastructure that is in place.
The city has successfully staged world-class sporting spectacles such as Formula One, Red Bull Air Race, HSBC Golf Championship, Abu Dhabi Cycling World Tour, Jiu-Jitsu Championship, ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi and FINA High Diving World Cup to name a few.
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: How do you believe these qualities can, and should be further developed? Are any significant projects related to this industry currently underway or in the pipeline?
DESMOND HATTON: There can be more opportunities of collaboration between the stakeholders, including hotels, airlines, travel agents and local authorities to promote the destination internationally during these sports events in Abu Dhabi. It will provide a concrete base or buffer to the city that is currently reeling under the pressure of oversupply and limited demand.
The most anticipated sporting event of the decade will be 2019’s Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi. Needless to say, the city is gearing up for the games and preparing full steam to ensure seamless logistics.
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Are there any other upcoming high profile sports-related events you would like to tell us more about?
DESMOND HATTON: Undoubtedly, the Formula One has been the most successful sporting event in the recent times for the emirates capital city. Trailing closely, Mubadala World Tennis Championship has also been able to draw crowds over the last couple of years. The likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams among other tennis stars have awed the audience in the past with their striking knocks on Abu Dhabi soil. The HSBC Golf Championship has also been a success.
Besides the sports events mentioned above, the city has or will be hosting Abu Dhabi Cycling World Tour, Jiu-Jitsu Championship, ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi and FINA High Diving World Cup.
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What are some of the other activities a visitor to Abu Dhabi, or their families, can indulge in when not actively engaged in sports or watching a match?
DESMOND HATTON: Abu Dhabi is primarily a cultural and arts hub of the Middle East. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Grand Mosque and Manarat Al Saadiyat are truly the region’s most popular cultural sites worth visiting. Furthermore, the city boasts of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and an interesting mix of mall concepts, especially Yas Mall. There’s never a dull moment in Abu Dhabi. The tourists can bask some sunshine by the beachside on Corniche, Saadiyaat or even tee off at the city’s popular golf courses. The options to indulge in Abu Dhabi are limitless.
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Is there anything else you would like to add?
DESMOND HATTON: The Abu Dhabi is poised to grow further in the coming years. In the wake of the Dubai Expo 2020 and the upcoming Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi the city is definitely on a trajectory. However, on the flip side, the industry has become excruciatingly competitive with the opening of new hotels, resulting in the softening of the rates and eventually, hitting the bottom line of the hotels.
Bracing all odds with a sense of optimism, the hotel industry leaders and veterans feel quite bullish about the Abu Dhabi market in times ahead. In the midst of the upcoming projects, the business outlook looks bright for the emirates’ capital city.
