Dubai Hotel Travel

Malta-based CHI Hotels and Resorts (formerly Corinthia Hotels International) has signed a 10-year technical and hotel management agreement with Mainland Investment of Abu Dhabi, a wholly owned subsidiary of The National Investor. The agreement foresees the renovation, extension and operation of the current 120-room Mafraq Hotel in Abu Dhabi, to be re-launched as the 250-room Ramada Abu Dhabi Mafraq hotel in early 2010.

Designed in the Arabic style, the existing Mafraq hotel, with 120 rooms and suites, is located in the heart of a fast developing area in Mafraq, Abu Dhabi. The site is situated on the shoulder of a hill and commands a prominent position with sweeping views to the northeast.

Work on renovating the existing rooms and construction of a further 130 rooms will commence this year and is expected to finish by early 2010. When completed, the hotel will feature 250 superior rooms and suites, a multi-function conference area and business centre, an all-day diner and two speciality restaurants, an English style pub, an extensive fitness area containing separate male and female gymnasiums, saunas and steam rooms, two squash courts, tennis court, a pool area within landscaped gardens and a choice of boutiques. More Details »

As summer draws near, Air Miles, a leading multi-participant loyalty programme, is giving its cardholders in the Middle East a cool reason to go to shopping malls and brush off the heat with its ‘Double Air Miles’ rewards programme throughout June.

With more than 30 UAE-based brands participating in the initiative, cardholders can have a shopping spree with an opportunity to collect Double Air Miles every time they shop at participating partner outlets. More Details »

Dubai World Central - one of Dubai’s most strategically important infrastructure developments - has restructured its free zone to enhance the project’s operation as the new airport draws close to commencing its cargo operations.

Dubai Logistics City - a truly integrated multi-modal logistics proposition - and DWC Aviation City have been brought together within one free zone unit, creating a powerful logistics and aviation component to support the world’s largest airport - DWC-Al Maktoum International Airport. More Details »

Layia Hospitality, one of Dubai’s newest hotel management companies, is putting the finishing touches to its first hotel property, Layia Oak Hotel & Residence, ahead of its opening in Dubai this summer.

Located off Sheikh Zayed Road, between the stunning Mall of the Emirates and the Ibn Battuta Mall, the Layia Oak Hotel & Residence is 25 minutes away from the Dubai International Airport, 10 minutes away from the DIFC, the Exhibition and Convention centre, the Jebel Ali Free Zone World Central and the Emirates Golf Course. Media City, Internet City and Knowledge Village are on the opposite side of the property. More Details »

The Dubai Mall, the flagship project of Emaar Malls Group and one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations, is going to house the world’s largest indoor Gold Souk. A dazzling precinct with a collection of over 220 gold and jewellery retailers, including a selection of dedicated cafés and restaurants, the Gold Souk experience culminates at the treasury dome, a 25m x 13m atrium – a dynamic projection ceiling with ever-changing multimedia shows.

Designed by Northpoint architects, the Gold Souk recreates the traditional charm of an Arabian souk reflecting the rich regional heritage of the gold trade. Walking through its meandering corridors and themed courtyards, The Gold Souk reveals the journey of the travelling merchants crossing the desert expanse to trade gold and other commodities - the main north entrance begins the story with life-size bronze camel sculptures resting under a starry sky and an Arabian stallion in the south entrance. Accentuated with decorative gold and marble detailing, the Gold Souk’s traditional theme is a key attraction to The Dubai Mall. More Details »

Dubai’s status as a growing international aviation hub will be highlighted next week when the Airport Show, one of the largest airport construction, operations, technology and services exhibitions to be staged anywhere in the world, opens for business.

With a record line up of more than 600 suppliers from 40 countries, and over 6,000 visitors expected to attend, the show has grown by 12% this year in line with the ongoing aviation boom across the Middle East, South Asia and Africa.

Manufacturers and suppliers heading for Dubai from around the world have major incentives. According to research conducted by the show’s organisers, Streamline Marketing Group, airport projects and expansions across the region are currently valued at more than US$68 billion, with the Gulf countries accounting for US$43 billion of this growth. More Details »

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Hotel, As you gaze out across the expanses of sparkling sea and dreamy white beaches, your only care is how you are going to spend your time in paradise.

Thrill seekers can keep active with windsurfing, water-skiing or parasailing out on the Arabian Gulf, or snorkeling and scuba diving with the abundance of sea life beneath the waves. You can head into the desert on an exciting 4×4 safari or spend the day spotting some of nature’s most colorful and exotic birds.

And for beautiful plumage of your own, duty-free shopping in Dubai is fantastic - the choice and bargains have to be seen to be believed. As is our stunning freshwater pool with its swim-up cocktail bar - lie back and soak up the sun or stroll down to our amazing spa to indulge in your favorite beauty treatment. You’ll be glowing and gorgeous in time for an evening of the most exciting nightlife to be found in the Emirates. More Details »

Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel, Gaze out over Dubai Creek from the rooftop pool of the chic Hilton Dubai Creek hotel. Keep fit in the gym and pool, or spend an evening at Verre by Gordon Ramsay restaurant or Issimo Bar. Set in the Deira Business District and just 10 minutes from Dubai Airport and the Airport Free Zone.

Spoil yourself with award-winning cuisine from Verre by Gordon Ramsay. Try Mediterranean flavours at the Glasshouse Brasserie or sip martinis at Issimo Bar. With a rooftop pool and a well-equipped health club onsite, there’s plenty to do at the hotel. Don’t miss the city though - Dubai’s top shopping malls and the golf and sailing of the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club are minutes away.

All Hilton Dubai Creek hotel rooms, from Deluxe Rooms up, boast high-speed internet access. Executive Rooms offer Executive Lounge access. More Details »

The number of hotel visitors to Dubai is projected to rise to ten million by 2010, from about seven million in 2007, according to projections released by Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), at the Arabian Travel Market, which is being held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre between May 6 to 9.

The number of hotels and hotel apartments is expected to increase to 488 by 2010, up from 452 in 2007. Dubai’s room strength will also rise to 64,179, a dramatic increase from 51,168 room units in 2007. More Details »

Marriott is to manage its fourth upper-moderately priced Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Dubai at Jebel Ali under a long-term contract signed Tuesday at the Arabian Travel Market with Integra International FZCO.

When opened in early 2011, the 20-storey Courtyard by Marriott Jebel Ali will be Marriott’s 16th branded property in Dubai. It will be located on the corner of the eastern section of the US$ 12 billion Downtown Jebel Ali project along Sheikh Zayed Road, near the Jebel Ali Free Zone. More Details »