< Previous10 Vol. 25/03, March 2024 REAL ES TAT E Setting the gold standard in real estate Infi nity Strata Management receives gold rating from Dubai regulator being ranked as a gold company by the Real Estate Regulator y Authority (RERA), the offi cial agency that regu- lates the real estate sector in Dubai and provides land registration services. This ranking refl ects the company’s high standards of professionalism, compliance, customer satisfaction as well as its contribution to the develop- ment and sustainability of the real estate sector in Dubai. The company also invested in training and developing staff, who work effi ciently and eff ectively with all stakeholders, including unit owners, dev eloper s, o wner s committee members, suppliers and authorities. The company leverages its innovative technology and systems, such as Aqari, Amlaki, and Infinity at work, to enhance its ser vice deliver y and performance. These systems allow the company to manage its projects more Infinity Strata Management strives to maintain its competitive edge and continue to deliver high-quality services to its clients BRAND VIEW Infi nity Strata Management is one of the leading Jointly Owned Proper ty (JOP) management companies in Dubai, providing a range of services and advice to owners associations, developers and govern- ment departments. Established in 2009, the company has grown to manage over 10,000 units across vari- ous projects in Dubai. Infi nity Strata Management has recently achieved a remarkable feat by arabianbusiness.com 11 REAL ES TAT E The group is a vertically integrated service provider for the real estate sector and provides a 360-degree turnkey solutions for developers and partners within the UAE and abroad efficiently, communicate with its clients more eff ectively and monitor its compliance more accurately. The company’s vision is to become the preferred partner for JOP manage- ment in Dubai and the region and to provide value-added ser vices that improve the quality of life and the value of the properties for its clients. The company’s mission is to deliver excel- lence in JOP management through professionalism, transparency and customer focus. Infinity Strata Management is a proud member of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the Dubai Quality Group, and the Middle East Facilities Management Association. The company has also received several awards and recognitions, including the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award, the Dubai SME 100 and the Dubai Service Excellence Scheme. Infi nity Strata Management is the highest ranked independent joint- ly-owned proper ty management company. Infi nity Strata Management strives to maintain its competitive edge and continue to deliver high-quality services to its clients. The company aims to achieve the platinum ranking in the near future and to expand its portfolio of projects and markets. Infinity Strata Management is under the guidance of Vice-President of Infi nity Group, David Saba. Together with Samer Abbas (COO), and Rohit Kapoor (CFO) they have propelled growth, increased service quality, and helped to provide better value to the owners of the assets which they manage. Infinity Strata Management is a subsidiary of Infi nity Group spearheaded by Group Chairman Samuel Saba. The group has multiple companies under its umbrella. In addition to Infi nity Strata Management, it is also operating Infi nity Building Contract- ing, Infi nity Properties, Infi nity Design & Architecture, Infi nity Capital and Infi nity Developments. The group is a vertically integrated service provider for the real estate sector and provides a 360-degree turnkey solutions for developers and partners within the UAE and abroad. The most recent project being launched by Infi nity Group is a fi ve-star branded resort and residences with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of over $200m. The project is situated in the island of Zanzibar. The resort is a state-of-the-art facility fully designed, constructed and managed by the group’s entities and branded with one of the world’s leading hospitality brands. $200M The Gross Development Value (GDV) of a five-star branded resort project in Zanzibar being launched by Infinity Group Infinity Strata Management is a subsidiary of Infinity Group spearheaded by Group Chairman Samuel Saba Infinity Strata Management has a portfolio valued at over $2bn across Dubai and abroad12 Vol. 25/03, March 2024 The Kingdom of Bahrain: Empowering women as catalysts for development in tourism and beyond Aligned with Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy (2022-2026), Fatima bint Jaff ar Al Sairafi , Sara Ahmed Buhiji, and Dr. Debbie Kristiansen highlight the kingdom’s commitment to empowering women in tourism with supportive measures and policies ism establishments for sector growth, aligned with Bahrain’s Tourism Strat- egy (2022-2026), she notes. “BTEA actively organises a comprehensive calendar of tourism and entertainment events to elevate tourism’s GDP impact and underscore Bahrain’s global tour- ism stance.” Key projects like Al Ghous Waterfront and Bahrain Bay Beach are underway, with major hotel and resort developments anticipated in 2024. Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) EWB is one of the leading initiatives of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority as part of the kingdom’s commitment to attract business travel- lers, elevate business tourism, and support the diversifi cation of sustaina- ble sources of income for the kingdom. “Since its launch in November 2022, the venue has hosted several events managed and organised by national competencies, including Bahraini women determined to be creative and distinguished in the MICE industry,” says Buhiji. Women in the MICE industry Dr. Kristiansen notes the signifi cant impact of women in the MICE industry at EWB, both locally and regionally. “Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024 at EWB, we’re proud of our 40 percent female workforce and eight women in leadership roles,” she states. “Supported by the Ministry of Tourism and BTEA, EWB plans to host signifi - cant international events, including fi rst- time events in Bahrain.” BY SAADIYA AHMAD Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Bahraini Minister of Tourism Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority Dr. Debbie Kristiansen, General Manager at Exhibition World Bahrain H.E. Al Sairafi acknowledges the significant achieve- ments of Bahraini women in various sectors, crediting “The vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for the advancement of Bahraini women, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.” She highlights a historic achievement, noting the appointment of four female minis- ters for the fi rst time: Dr. Jalila Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan, Amna Ahmed Al Romaihi, Noor Ali Al Khulaif, and Fatima Jaff er Al Sairafi in key ministries. Recognising Bahrain’s commitment to empowering women in various sectors, including tourism, Al Sairafi points out, “It encourages active participation in council initiatives for national develop- ment. The MOT highlights women’s vital role in tourism, with their representation in the Ministry and BTEA at 60 percent and 51 percent, respectively.” BRAND VIEW A focus on national talents Further adding, Buhiji reveals that BTEA takes pride in having numerous Bahraini female talents in various departments and divisions, holding various critical positions. “This refl ects Bahrain’s commitment to advancing women in various economic sectors, especially in the promising tourism sector at the national level,” she says. “The authority values its national workforce, who are an integral part of Team Bahrain, and has the capability of contributing eff ectively to enhancing national development paths, ensuring the desired sustainability targets are met, and achieving continuous progress to elevate the tourism sector.” Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy (2022-2026) The BTEA aims to par tner with government, private entities and tour-14 Vol. 25/03, March 2024 HOSPITALIT Y Topgolf continues its high-fl ying drive The golf destination has taken Dubai by storm but has its eyes set on further expansion plans, says Mike Walton, Topgolf’s Director of Operations BY MATT SMITH HOSPITALIT Y 14 Vol. 25/03, March 2024arabianbusiness.com 15 HOSPITALIT Y L ife seems to be treating Mike Walton well these days. The leaner, fitter Topgolf Dubai Director of Operations has, for the past three years, overseen the running of the resort and seemingly perma- nently packed hotspot that looms over the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, a stone’s throw from Sheikh Zayed Road. Business is booming at Topgolf, it has already fi rmly established itself as one of the top sporting, social and enter- tainment destinations in Dubai. The state-of-the-art interactive driving range is the fi rst of its kind in Asia and features a three-level complex, spanning more than 60,000 sq ft, with the capacity to accommodate up to 2,000 guests at any one time and off ering interactive golfi ng, dining and leisure facilities. Walton, content grin in place, meets Arabian Business to explain the success and the “secret sauce” as he puts it, behind that success. “It was a long time in coming,” Walton says in the lavish Chairman Suite at the resort where, over three fl oors and 96 climate-controlled hitting bays, the delightfully constant ping of golf balls can be heard coming from players young and old and from all walks of life. “Chris May [CEO of Dubai Golf] introduced the project to Wasl many moons ago and he was the driving force for getting it across the fi nish line. It is the most ambitious venue for Topgolf International. We had done Australia, but Dubai was to be that fl agship – that gem. In the planning stages the venue was meant to be facing in the opposite With well-trained experts on hand, Topgolf lessons cater to all needs, ages and abilities and welcome anyone of any skillset Topgolf’s goal has been to always grow the game of golf, says Walton16 Vol. 25/03, March 2024 HOSPITALIT Y direction out towards the desert, but we decided to fl ip the whole thing to face the skyline. That took an extra six to nine months to do, but now you have the amazing sunsets over one of the best skylines in the world. So that six to nine-month delay was probably the best decision ever made.” After those teething issues, Topgolf is now thriving as one of Dubai’s most popular visitor spots. “The rest is history,” Walton continues. “It is the fi rst venue actually on a golf course, we have that great partnership with Dubai Golf and this masterclass, iconic venue.” Now back to that ‘secret sauce’ that got us to this point. “It’s simple,” Walton laughs. “This is a judgement-free zone. Our goal is always to grow the game of golf, grow the people’s interest in it. It is a beau- tiful sport. I think what people are look- ing for post-Covid is somewhere you can come together as a group and get somewhat outside, and this is it. This is your best place for a fi rst date, family outing, corporate event, a birthday – it fi ts every occasion. It is everything that fi ts the Dubai lifestyle. “As I said, judgement-free. We don’t care if you slice it left or right, and you don’t need to go look for the ball either, you just draw another ball and go hit it again. “We are an entertainment venue, but we also take golf very seriously. We have fi ve golf pros in the building that are dedicated to teaching and coaching. We have full-blown private lessons, for as little as AED65, and it could be a group lesson, or one-on-one with the pro. On top of that, the kids’ academy is on fi re. We have lessons all through the summer and school breaks and the kids are absolutely eating it up. “The beautiful thing about it is, when you have something pick up a club for the first time, there is something special that happens as you teach them and show them how to hold the club and get a swing for it. We have all had that moment of that first sweet shot, that ‘aha’ moment, that’s the beauty of us getting a club into their hands. “You will also see our coaches wandering around and, even if you don’t have a lesson, you will see them pop into a bay to pass on their expertise.” It’s not just the local crowd who are teeing it up at Topgolf – there have been some very distinguished guests visit over the past three years, from the A-list of sport, music and beyond. “Another part of the secret sauce is, with 90 bays and the six suites is, at any given time, you never know who is in your bays, from celebrities in the Arab world, Bollywood, musicians, sporting stars from F1, NBA, cricket and golf. We can say we know who is coming, but the reality is we could turn around and there are two English Premier League players, an F1 driver, and they are just doing their own thing and getting lost among the other guests. What is great about Dubai is you end up respecting other people’s private lives. The celebs feel like they can come here and not be overwhelmed by paparazzi or people wanting pictures and what not. “We have an amazing team, from my managers below me to the whole team. They are so dialled in to how we handle those VIP guests and they are able to just come out and enjoy it.” Planning for the future and growth of the property is clear to see, with improvements and additions such as the Toad in the Hole restaurant. “We looked at our empty spaces,” continues Walton. “We had a dirt patch outside, which is now The Garden, with live music and food. We also have a fully interactive arcade down below with more than 50 games. We looked at The Yard and aimed to make it one of the best sports bars around. We put in six of the biggest screens and expanded the outdoor are, adding 120 seats – with another screen. “The last piece – the one we really Topgolf Dubai hosted some of the biggest names in sport, such as NBA superstar Steph Curry (left) and English footballer James Maddison 60,000 The area in square feet of the Topgolf venue at the Emirates Golf Clubarabianbusiness.com 17 HOSPITALIT Y wanted to do – was the Toad in the Hole. Our chef James Hitchens is from Cornwall and is a big pub food fan. But we are also foodies – we love good food, it doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to be ‘good’. James tried a few roast around town and he prom- ised that his would be one of the best, and we planned the gastro pub. We added a few dart boards to add to the mentality of a pub feel. We added some screens and live music, then we went into the pub food menu – but elevated. “Great ingredients done great with a little bit of a twist. We went around town and found this place had a great pie, another had great fi sh and chips, another had a great roast, but we never found a place that had them all and presented them well. We thought if we could do that – and with our demo- graphic – it could be a home run. We hit it, starting with the roast and work- ing back. Wagyu beef, New Zealand lamb, organic free-range chicken – you are getting quality ing redients prepared in a quality way. The team is crushing it.” But there is a lot of hard work that goes into making this venue a hit, with so many guests needing to be looked after. Topgolf Dubai needed to become a well-oiled machine. “There is a goal to g ive each member of staff 12 to 14 hours of train- ing a year – basically an hour a month,” says Walton. “We spend a lot of time really coaching our team – close to 400 of what we call our ‘playmakers’. “Ever y one of our playmakers understands our core values. It starts with fun, constantly innovating, and caring for each other – each playmaker is encouraging those around them. The result is the playmakers want to feel good about themselves, the want to come to work, they want to have fun and be themselves. Too often companies try to change staff into a type of employee they want them to be, but we allow them to be who they are within the Topgolf environment and they embrace it. “Our promises to our guests and playmakers are also key. We promise to ensure you are comfortable, we want to make sure you have a good time. “I think that combination and the amount of time we train the team is where you see the return of customer satisfaction. For a venue this large, with 2,000 to 3,000 people every single night, we strive to make sure the guests have the best experience, which I don’t think you can get anywhere else on this scale.” While guests are aiming for the greens, Topgolf itself is striving to become greener, too. “We are a massive property and we use energy in this technology-based company,” explains Walton. “There are two big things we focused on. We started a recycling programme for our glass, we were already moving away from singles items – but we were going through a lot of glass – so we partnered with a local recycling company, and last year alone we recycled over 106,000kg of glass. Our other green initiative is our Topgolf Dubai is an ideal venue where everyone is welcome to celebrate birthday parties, host celebrations corporate events Celebrities feel like they can come here and not be overwhelmed by paparazzi Aston Villa’s Matty Cash is among the sporting world’s popular guests at Topgolf18 Vol. 25/03, March 2024 HOSPITALIT Y Topgolf Dubai’s success and location have been the catalyst for massive expansion of the group Dubai has been the most successful international opening in the history of Topgolf. Year-on-year growth from the start until now, has seen it more than double its revenue and exceed every expectation When something hits this part of the world, everyone wants it. We are also looking closer to home in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and a second venue in Dubai. The massive popularity of Topgolf means that sometimes customers can be waiting two hours for a bay, but by book- ing through Dubai Golf ’s Viya app, that problem can be overcome. “For those who book in advance through the Viya app will have – guaran- teed – no more than a fi ve minutes wait. That is at worst. We are at around 95 percent zero wait. The synergy with Dubai Golf has grown and the Viya app will soon go global. You will soon see more and more of those Topgolf venues appear on the app and you can go ahead and book in advance.” This article was originally featured in Sunday, Dubai’s weekly community newspaper. incredible use of electricity led us to the solar panel project. If you look at our car park, you will see that it is now entirely covered with solar panels and that has led us to taking out more than half of our energy consumption just through those panels. We are more than 50 percent solar. And we will continue to strive to make that even better.” Topgolf Dubai’s success and loca- tion have been the catalyst for massive expansion of the group. “All of Europe can come out here easily, all of South-East Asia, and that has not only infl uenced the region but also Topgolf internationally,” says Walton. “We added the European group, South-East Asia… We recently added South America and Spain and Portugal are coming on board as well, so we went truly global. “Dubai has been the most successful international opening in the history of Topgolf. Year-on-year growth from the start until now, has seen it more than double its revenue and exceed every expectation. The investors are super excited and it has also paved the path for future growth. So you will see more of these venues coming up in the future. arabianbusiness.com 19 Global oncology leaders converge as Abu Dhabi hosts its first WIN Symposium Held in partnership with Burjeel Holdings, the congress is being conducted outside Europe for the fi rst time The WIN Symposium 2024, a landmark event in precision oncology, has officially commenced in Abu Dhabi, mark- ing a significant collaboration between the Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN) Consortium and Burjeel Holdings. This two-day annual global congress of the WIN Consortium brings together over 500 physicians, researchers, and scientists in the fi eld from 30 countries to explore the latest advancements in precision oncology, with the ultimate goal of improving cancer patient care and outcomes worldwide. Nobel laureate presents latest research on immunotherapy Under the theme ‘Precision and Molec- ular Oncology: Caring for Patients and Future Generations,’ the congress kicked off with a grand opening featuring 2018 Nobel Laureate, Prof. James Allison, Regental Professor and Chair of the Department of Immunology at the MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA), whose groundbreaking work has revolutionised cancer immunotherapy. In his keynote BY ARABIAN BUSINESS STAFF lecture, Prof. Allison, presented the latest research on how immunotherapy works and the way in which treatments can be improved, tailored and combined so that they are more eff ective and safe to give to patients with various types of cancer. On the sidelines of the event, Prof. Allison, said, “We are excited to be here and hear about what is happening in the UAE. We are impressed by the infrastruc- ture being built for the development of patient care and cancer treatment, particu- larly in precision oncology, genomic medi- cine, and immunotherapy. The future is already here in terms of collaboration with various groups, including those planning infrastructure and building medical systems in Abu Dhabi, especially in clini- cal trials and the testing of new drugs.” The WIN Consortium, a non-profi t association headquartered in France, unites 31 world-class academic medical centres, industries, research organisations, and patient advocacy groups from 18 countries, aligned to launch cancer trials using omic platforms to bolster precision oncology across the world. BMC – Burjeel Medical City, the flagship facility of Burjeel Holdings, is the first and only member from the UAE and GCC. Abu Dhabi was selected as the city to host this year’s congress, marking its inaugural occurrence outside of its traditional Euro- pean venue. This decision reflects the international scientifi c community’s trust in the UAE’s vision and capabilities in advancing precision oncology. During the opening ceremony, Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research and Innovation Center at Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, outlined the DoH’s plans for precision medicine. “The Department of Health is at the forefront of integrating advanced tools and strategies at both clinical and genomic data levels. Our goal is to not just promote precision research and care but to revolutionise it, ensuring that personalised healthcare is not a luxury, but a standard,” said Dr. Asma. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman, Burjeel Holdings, highlighted the Group’s commitment to cancer care, stating, “We are committed to advancing our understanding of cancer and work towards improving patient care, not only for the current but also for future genera- tions in the UAE and region. The only way for us to do this is through fostering an engaging dialogue between international scholars and innovators and local experts to bridge theory and real-world practice and forge lasting partnerships.” SPO TLIGHTNext >