imim mg_g_gg& & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & &١١١١١١١١١١١١١===fe fe e fe fe fe fe fetctctctctcttctch_h_h_h_h_h_h htytytytytype pe pe pe p=i=iimammage ge ge ge ge&aa&a&a&a_i_iid d d d&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&١٧ ١٧ ٧ ١٧ ٧ ١ ١٧ ١٧ ١٧ ١٧ ١٧ ١٧٧ ١٧ ١٧ ٧ ١٧ ١٧ ٧ ٧٦٦٦٦٦١٦١٦١٦١٦١١٦٦٦٦٦١٦٦١٦٦٦٦٦١١١٦٦٦٦٦٦٦٦٦٦٦٦٤ ٤ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥٤٤ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥ ٥٤٨٤٨٤٤٠٥٠٥٥= =ooooooooooccccccooooooooooccooooomimim m m m m m m mim m m m m m mig gng gngngfff_f_f________ffffffffffro o o ro o ro ro ro ro r r r r r roo ro r ro ro=m=m=m=m=m m m m m=m=m=m=m=m====== m=m=m= = =m=m m= =m=m=m m= =m=m=m m m m m m m ma ananananananana na a anananananan na an nvivivivivivivii i v vi vi vi v vi i vi v vi vi v vi vi vi i vi vigggagggagggaggagagagggagaggagaggaggagagaggagaagagaagaagagagaagagagggagagggge te te te te te te e te te te te te te te tee t t t te t te t te te te te te e e t te e t te te e te te te t t&rr&r&r&r&r& &r&r&r&r&r& &r r& & &r& &r& & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢==================sl s s sl sl s sl sl sl s sl sl l l__i_iiiiiiid d d d d d d d d&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&٣ ٣ ٣ ٣ ٣ ٣ ٣ ١٣ ١٣ ١٣ ١٣ ٣ ٣ ١٣ ١٣ ١٣ ٣ ٣ ١٣ ١٣ ٣ ٣ ١٣ ٣ ١٣ ٣ ٣ ٣ ١٣ ٣ ١٣ ١٣ ١ ١ ١ ١٩ ٢٩ ٢٩ ٢٩ ٢ ٢٩ ٢٩ ٩ ٩ ٢ ٢٩ ٢٩ ٢٩ ٢ ٢٩ ٢ ٢ ٢٩ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢ ٢٨٣٨٣٨٣٣ ٨٣ ٨٣ ٨٣ ٨٢٠٢٠٢٠٢٠٢٢٢٢= = = =hthtt ht ht hp p tp tp p p p ts: s: s////////mam mamamn ngn ngntteteeeeeeeeeeeeeei i i i i i .i iptptptttttptttt.c .comom/m/m/mgagagagne ne net/t/t/t/ap ap app/p// /nananvi vigagaato to tor/r///vi vi i veweweweww w_fi_fifile l.pphhh ١ ١ ١ ١ ١ ١ ١ ١ ١ ١========================e se se se se s se se se s se se s se se se s s s s s s s s s seee s s s s s s s se s s s srvrvrrrrrrrrv r rererer=n=n=n=n& &p&p&p&p& & & & &a٧a٧a٧a٧aaaaaaa٧a٧٧aaax x x x x x x x x x&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&٩٤ ٩٤ ٩٤ ٩٤ ٩٤ ٩٤ ٩٤ ٩٤ ٩٤ ٩٤ ٩٤ ٩٤٤٤٤٤٤٤٤٤٤٤٤٤٤=========us us u us us us us us userereererererererer_i i i i i i i i i i idddddddddddddddd& & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & &١١١١١١١١١١١١١=========dydydydydydydydydydy ydyd d d d d d d dnananananananananananana amimimimiimimimimimimimimimimimi i i i ic_c_ccccccccccccccr cr c cr cr cr cr cr cr cr cr cr cr cr cr cr creaaeaaeaeaeaeaeaeaeaeaeaeaeati ti i ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti i i tionooonononononononononononoonon& & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & &١٣١٣١٣١٣١٣٣١٣٣١٣١٣١٣١٣١٣١٣١١٣١٣١٣ Joseph Karam is taking Ishraq Hospitality to new heights in the Middle East In association with Ishraq Hospitality JUNE 2024 AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION expansion ExcitingAll PMS integrated Loyalty built in Revenue Consultant 24/7 Discover the Profitroom advantage. Learn more at www.profitroom.com Unlock the Future of with Profitroom HospitalityJUNE 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 3 In this issue June 2024 Features Ishraq Hospitality’s expansion Exclusive interview with the COO about the company’s growth and embracing medical tourism 20 The future of travel in the Middle East GM Tony Coveney taks about the latest developments in the Red Sea 24 Extendedstays in Doha Four Seasons The Pearl-Qatar’s GM explains how long-term stays enhance the guest experience 39 20 39 274 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / JUNE 2024 In this issue / June 2024 Regulars Checking In Emaar Hospitality Group’s new Palace 6 Trending Big hospitality news stories 8 Careers New recruits, interviews and more 12 Checking Out Inside a Santorini stunner 48 7 Lessons Gerrit Schmidt shares his wisdom 50 08 06 48JUNE 2023 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 5 This issue is absolutely packed with exclusive interviews with some of the region’s most experienced hoteliers. In May, the Hotelier team was out in force at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) meeting leaders from all over the Middle East, and some executives visiting from around the globe. The result is a series of in-depth and insightful features from the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, all of which were represented at ATM by multiple, very impressive, stands and activations. One of my favourite pieces from these pages is our chat with Tony Coveney, the GM charged with running the first resorts open on Saudi’s Red Sea, The St. Regis Riyadh and Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. His pride and excitement at breaking new ground is palpable and I can’t wait to see how his story progresses as the properties come into their own. Our cover story highlights another side of the hospitality industry, with the COO of Ishraq Hospitality, Joseph Karam. He tells us about his new role and how the company is enhancing and improving some of Dubai’s two and three star hotels, as well as breathing new life into some of the city’s most beloved properties. There’s also insight into the role of long-term stays in Doha in our interview with Mehdi Zaanoun, GM at Four Seasons Doha on The Pearl, which has a quite stunning residences as part of the off ering. We also hear from industry experts about the problems with letting AI run your communications with guests, and why contracts to run branded residences need to be watertight before any work is undertaken. The sheer breadth of skills and experience needed to run a successful hotel in this part of the world never ceases to impress me, and in this issue you will hear from some of the very best in the business and hopefully pick up some tips you can use, too. ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Editorial Director Holly Sands Editorial Group Editor Paul Cliff ord Tel: +971 4 444 3777 email: paul.cliff ord@itp.com Associate Editor Misbaah Mansuri Tel: +971 4 444 3358 email: misbaah.mansuri@itp.com Advertising Commercial Director Sally Whittam Tel: +971 4 444 3348 email: sally.whittam@itp.com Advertising Director Richard Mobbs Tel: +971 4 444 3592 email: richard.mobbs@itp.com Senior Commercial Manager Jad Karam Tel: +971 58 214 3807 email: Jad.Karam@itp.com Commercial Admin Executive Janet Comia Email: janet.comia@itp.com Art Head of Design Rita Ghantous Senior Image Editor Emmalyn Robles Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Video Editor Hana Morsy Production & Distribution Production Manager Denny Kollannoor Production Coordinator Balasubramanian P Circulation Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Marketing Senior Events & Marketing Manager Eleanor Ashton Events & Marketing Manager Olivia Keene-Smith Associate Events & Marketing Manager Kate Galaktionova Administrative Manager (Marketing) Siti Sumarsono Events Administrative Assistant Aronn Pureza ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offi ces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, London, Mumbai & Riyadh The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. Published by and © 2024 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC From the editor Paul Cliff ord, Group Editor6 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / JUNE 2024 Checking in Palace Dubai Creek Harbour The hotel features 122 rooms, world-class amenities and dining options all within the heart of Dubai’s waterfront districtJUNE 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 7 Emaar Hospitality Group has revealed the grand opening of Palace Dubai Creek Harbour. The hotel features 122 rooms, including deluxe rooms, exec- utive suites and presidential suites, designed to cater to varied guest preferences. Guests can enjoy a rooftop infi nity pool, spa treatments, and accommodations boasting spacious private balconies, luxurious furnishings, and contemporary Arabian design elements. Mark Kirby, head of Emaar Hospitality Group said: “I am honoured to lead a team dedicated to curating extraordinary moments and providing guests with an unparalleled blend of modern elegance and Arabian charm. “Our commitment is to create a haven where every stay is a unique and unforgettable experience, refl ecting the opulence and warmth that defi nes the heart of Dubai. Welcome to a world where luxury meets tranquillity, and every detail is crafted to perfection.” The culinary off erings at Palace Dubai Creek Harbour include Fai Lounge, adjacent to the infi nity pool, as well as Arabian delicacies at restaurants like Ewaan and Al Bayt, designed to be year-round destinations of choice with indoor spaces and alfresco terraces. Additional amenities include a 24/7 fi tness centre, the Qix Club for children, a boardroom, and a business centre. The spa off ers rejuvenating and invigorating treatments. Checking in8 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / JUNE 2024 Wynn Al Marjan Island reaches new milestone Wynn Resorts has released new images of Wynn Al Marjan Island, currently under construction in Ras Al Khaimah. The development is the Company’s fi rst beachfront resort and is being built on an island of almost 62 hectares jutting into the Arabian Gulf. Wynn Resorts is developing the project in partnership with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding. It is anticipated to be the fi rst integrated gaming resort in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. And it will be the first hotel in the UAE to have a casino inside, though the practice is currently not legal in the country. Overlooking its white sand beach with views of both the Arabian Gulf and the Hajar Mountains, Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature 1,542 rooms and suites, including 22 Villa Estates situated on the newly designed marina adjacent News Anantara moves into Sharjah with resort and residences Minor Hotels has unveiled plans for a new resort and residential complex in Sharjah. The Anantara Sharjah Resort and Residences is slated to open their doors in late 2027 and will be developed and owned by Arada. The new-build complex sits on the north- eastern fringe of Sharjah’s Al Heerah Beach, boasting 3.5 km of shoreline. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, said: “In recent years, Sharjah has blossomed into a cultural hub, drawing both vacationers and business visitors with its coastal charm and making it an optimal destination for our latest venture in the Middle East. “The expansion of the luxury Anantara brand into Sharjah is an opportunity to deliver our unmatched lifestyle off erings to a new audience. We look forward to working with Arada to bring this new resort and residences to market and ensuring its leadership position as one of Sharjah’s fi nest addresses.” The property’s architecture will include a distinctive gateway designed to trace the path of the sun, while inside it will house 110 guest rooms and suites, ranging from 45-120 to the resort. There will also be a poolscape adjacent to the beach with multiple swimming and wading pools, water features, private cabanas, and tropical landscaping covering 3.6 hectares. The hotel will feature 22 F&B venues combining dining, lounge and bar experiences. It will also house a theatre featuring production shows, a 15,000 sq m shopping esplanade filled with luxury boutiques, a spa, and a salon. The 7,500 sq m events centre has been designed to accommodate conventions and weddings. There will also be outdoor event terraces and lawns. Wynn Design and Development, employing more than 90 architects, designers, and creatives, is overseeing all facets of the project’s design and development. sq m. Luxurious penthouse suites will grace the upper fl oors. The development will incorporate 128 one- to four-bedroom residential units for sale, featuring four-bedroom penthouses with rooftop pools. All residences will have private balconies. The resort will have a sandy beach, infi nity pool, an Anantara Spa and gym. F&B options will include five distinctive restaurants catering to various tastes, from casual poolside fare to fi ne pan-Asian at Mekong. There will also be a 400 sq m meeting space, along with outdoor venues suitable for social celebrations.News JUNE 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 9 Four Seasons to expand Saudi presence with Madinah hotel Four Seasons and Saudi development fi rm Dar Al Omran Company have announced plans Four Seasons Hotel Madinah, anticipated to open in late 2024. The new-build hotel will be located at the heart of Madinah and steps from one of the most historic and signifi cant sites in the region: Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque (PBUH) that has a storied history, drawing millions of visitors each year to its art centres, museums and heritage sites that include the inspiring Mount Uhud and Quba Mosque, which is regarded as the oldest mosque in the world. Four Seasons Hotel Madinah will feature 246 rooms and suites, multiple restaurant and lounge concepts, meeting and event spaces, a fi tness centre, and a spa. HKS led the conceptual architectural design of the hotel, while LW Design Group will lead the interior design of guest rooms and public areas, with AvroKO leading the interior design of the lobby, reception and dining outlets. Modern design elements of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, or the Prophet’s Mosque, will be woven into the Hotel’s aesthetic, ensuring that the cultural and spiritual identity of Madinah is refl ected throughout while off ering guests a tranquil sanctuary for gathering, celebration and self-reflection. Each detail of the upcoming hotel has been curated with the guest in mind to provide an “exceptional experience powered by Four Seasons service and genuine care for guests.” The new hotel will be led by general manager Waleed Sobhy, whose Four Seasons tenure began 20 years ago as outlet manager at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. From there, Sobhy took on progressively senior roles, leading him to become director of food and beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence. Most recently, Sobhy played an integral role in the multi- million dollar renovation and enhancement project of the award-winning Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh as resort manager, introducing new accommodations, meeting and event spaces, F&B outlets, and beyond to the beloved property. Sobhy will soon begin building the preopening team that will bring the new hotel to life. Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort has opened its doors, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a blend of the Arabian Gulf and French ‘Art De Vivre’. Situated within Al Hamra Village along Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline, Kristina Zanic Consultants has infused the emirate’s first Sofitel property with French fl air, crafting interiors that celebrate Ras Al Khaimah’s history of pearling, sailing, and pottery arts. GM Karim Abdelhamid said: “We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to visitors to this region, celebrated for its breath-taking natural beauty and verdant surroundings. Ras Al Khaimah stands out as a premier destination for residential living, recreational pursuits, and tourism, and the inauguration of The Sofi tel Al Hamra Beach Resort, Ras Al Khaimah marks another milestone in the island’s expanding array of top-tier hospitality off erings.” Local architecture and art draws inspiration from the nomadic journeys across the Peninsula. The result is a fusion of French maritime history and Arabian essence, showcased in the grand lobby’s mural reminiscent of Arabesque stained-glass. With 292 rooms and 47 suites, including the Prestige One Bedroom and Two Presidential Suites, each space off ers exclusive Dyptique amenities and views of Ras Al Khaimah’s landscape. Four beachfront swimming pools overlook the Arabian Gulf, while there are also seven dining venues, Sofitel opens first property in Ras Al Khaimah: Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort including Citron at the lobby lounge, East, an all-day dining restaurant, and the French restaurant Reunion, Waka Polynesian Restaurant and Veritas Wine Bar. There’s also the Blend & Squeeze Juice Bar. The hotel’s club lounge Club Millesime is available for members, while families can enjoy the Le Petit Prince Kids Club and there is also the fi rst Sofi tel Spa with Clarins.Next >