Latest news with #AbdullaAlAbdulla
Trade Arabia
21-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Central Hotels & Resorts to unveil expansions, tech at ATM
Central Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing hospitality management company in the UAE, will showcase its expansion roadmap, transformative tech solutions, and strategic alliances at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. The company aims to elevate guest experiences and redefine excellence in the region's travel and tourism sector. Central Hotels & Resorts is committed to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly initiatives across its properties and integrating energy-efficient operations, responsible sourcing, and green initiatives. 'Our participation at ATM 2025 is a testament to our continuous drive to innovate and enhance the guest experience while maintaining our commitment to sustainability,' said Abdulla Al Abdulla, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Central Hotels & Resorts. 'By leveraging AI-driven personalisation, predictive analytics, and smart automation, we are transforming hospitality services to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers. Our vision is to blend cutting-edge technology with warm, authentic hospitality to create seamless and memorable stays for our guests.'
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Central Hotels & Resorts to unveil expansion plans and tech-driven innovations at Arabian Travel Market 2025
Dubai, UAE: Central Hotels & Resorts, one of the fastest-growing hospitality management companies in the UAE, is poised to make waves at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1, 2025. With a bold vision for the future of hospitality, the homegrown brand will reveal a dynamic roadmap of expansion, unveil transformative tech solutions, and spotlight strategic alliances all designed to elevate the guest journey and redefine excellence in the region's thriving travel and tourism sector. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Central Hotels & Resorts is pioneering eco-friendly initiatives across its properties, integrating energy-efficient operations, responsible sourcing, and green initiatives that align with global sustainability goals. This commitment underscores the brand's dedication to shaping a more sustainable and responsible future for the hospitality industry. 'Our participation at ATM 2025 is a testament to our continuous drive to innovate and enhance the guest experience while maintaining our commitment to sustainability,' said Abdulla Al Abdulla, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Central Hotels & Resorts. 'By leveraging AI-driven personalisation, predictive analytics, and smart automation, we are transforming hospitality services to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers. Our vision is to blend cutting-edge technology with warm, authentic hospitality to create seamless and memorable stays for our guests.' As part of its forward-thinking approach, Central Hotels & Resorts is revolutionizing hospitality with AI-powered digital transformation. By harnessing advanced technologies, the group is optimizing customer engagement through personalized recommendations, AI-driven marketing strategies, and automated operational processes. These innovations enhance efficiency while ensuring tailored experiences that cater to individual guest preferences. ATM 2025 attendees, including media representatives, investors, and travel professionals, are invited to visit the Central Hotels & Resorts stand for exclusive insights into the company's latest developments. Live demonstrations of advanced hospitality solutions, opportunities for strategic partnerships, and direct engagement with the leadership team will be key highlights of the event. Central Hotels & Resorts stand is located at Hall 2 Stand Number HC2200. About Central Hotels & Resorts: Launched in 2015, Central Hotels and Resorts – headquartered in Dubai, one of the fastest-growing Hospitality Management companies in the UAE was established to cater, to both leisure and business travellers looking to experience the best of Arabian hospitality in the heart of the city. With the competitive industry comes our continuous expansions, focused on making our service, facilities, and standards distinctive in the Gulf Region. Product diversification and innovation, sound fundamental values, commitment to excellence, quality service and expansion in key destinations are the hallmarks behind Central Hotels' amazing growth. Spread across the Middle East, the group is now poised to conquer other markets. Created and based in Dubai, Central Hotels offers a full spectrum of choice in terms of hotel categories, a comprehensive selection of accommodations, and services to suit all budgets and clientele. For more information, visit
Hi Dubai
27-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Hotels Fully Booked for Eid Al Fitr as Staycation Demand Soars
The UAE's hospitality sector is witnessing an exceptional surge in demand for staycations as residents take advantage of the extended Eid Al Fitr holidays and the lingering pleasant weather. Hotels across the country are reporting near or full occupancy, with some properties already confirming 100% bookings for the festive period. With UAE residents expected to enjoy a five-day holiday from March 29 to April 2, and public sector employees in Sharjah granted an additional day off, the demand for local leisure stays has skyrocketed. data from March 26 revealed that 77% of Dubai's accommodations were already booked for the holiday period, particularly in prime locations such as Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah. Hotels Witness Full Capacity for Eid Abdulla Al Abdulla, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Central Hotels and Resorts, confirmed that hotels under his management have been maintaining over 80% occupancy, with a guaranteed 100% full house during Eid Al Fitr. He attributed this success to strategic marketing initiatives, collaborations with online travel agencies, and attractive discounts of up to 45% across platforms. Similarly, Bahi Ajman Palace and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah are experiencing a record-breaking surge, with 95% bookings already secured and full capacity expected throughout Eid and beyond. Iftikhar Hamdani, General Manager, highlighted that despite the seasonality of Ramadan, March saw an impressive 90% occupancy rate, demonstrating sustained local interest in premium staycations. 'We regret to inform that no rooms remain available at either property for the Eid period,' said Hamdani, emphasizing that demand has far exceeded expectations. Competitive Rates & Changing Preferences The affordability of luxury stays has further fueled the staycation trend. Online travel marketplace Wego reported a 54% drop in average Dubai hotel rates during Ramadan, leading to a 3% increase in staycation searches. Notably, 4-star hotels are the top choice, accounting for 40.15% of bookings, as travelers prioritize quality and value. Additionally, the UAE's appeal extends beyond its residents. European travelers from the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, alongside visitors from neighboring GCC countries, are contributing to the high occupancy levels. Spring Break & Last-Minute Rush to Boost Bookings Thomas Kurian, Hotel Manager at Leva Hotels, noted that the timing of Eid aligns perfectly with global spring breaks, making it an attractive period for family travel. He expects a strong last-minute booking surge, with occupancy levels projected to reach 85-90% across his properties. Luxury hotels, including Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, are also experiencing heightened interest, particularly from families and residents seeking upscale celebrations. UAE's Tourism Momentum Extends Through April The pleasant weather has prolonged the UAE's peak tourism season, with strong demand expected to continue beyond Eid. Industry leaders anticipate that the trend of staycations and increased international arrivals will further solidify the UAE's status as a top-tier global hospitality destination. For those still looking to book a last-minute staycation, options are dwindling fast, with only limited availability in select locations. As the first long holiday of the year approaches, the UAE's hospitality sector is set to experience one of its most successful Eid seasons yet. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
27-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Fitr holidays in UAE: Hotels reaching ‘confirmed 100% occupancy'
Hotels across the UAE are reporting strong occupancy during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr, reaching 'confirmed 100 per cent' across some of the properties as residents increasingly opt for staycations to enjoy the extended pleasant weather. UAE residents are most likely to have a five-day Eid Al Fitr break from March 29 to April 2. While public sector employees in Sharjah may enjoy a 6-day break from March 28 to April 2. As reported by Khaleej Times earlier, peak travel and tourism duration in the UAE has extended till April due to pleasant weather. On March 26, Wednesday evening, data for Dubai showed that 77 per cent of places for stays were not available from March 30 to April 2, reflecting strong demand for staycations during the first long break of the year. With a few more days to go before Eid, occupancy will reach 100 per cent in popular hotels in prime locations such as Downtown and the Palm etc. 'The hotels are currently maintaining over 80 per cent occupancy, with a confirmed 100 per cent occupancy for Eid Al Fitr,' said Abdulla Al Abdulla, chief operating officer and general manager of Central Hotels and Resorts. He added that strategic marketing efforts, collaborations with online travel agencies and discounts, such as 45 per cent off across all platforms, were key in attracting guests during Eid Al Fitr. According to online travel marketplace Wego, average Dubai hotel rates during Ramadan have plummeted 54.04 per cent year-on-year, driving a 3 per cent increase in local staycation searches. Its data also showed that 4-star hotels dominate preferences, accounting for 40.15 per cent of bookings, as travellers prioritise quality and value. 'Guests primarily came from European markets like the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, along with a steady flow of local UAE guests, maximising our occupancy during this peak period,' Abdulla told Khaleej Times. Iftikhar Hamdani, general manager of Bahi Ajman Palace and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said they're witnessing exceptionally strong demand for staycations across both properties during Eid Al Fitr. 'Currently, our business on the books stands at 95 per cent, and we anticipate closing the Eid period and the subsequent week at 100 per cent occupancy, coupled with robust average daily rates. This surge aligns with the growing preference among UAE residents for local leisure experiences, even during traditionally quieter periods like Ramadan,' said Hamdani. Notably, the hotels, he added, maintained 90 per cent occupancy throughout March, underscoring sustained demand despite seasonal challenges. 'The Eid bookings reflect a strategic blend of staycationers seeking premium hospitality offerings and our targeted outreach to the domestic market. This initiative was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from UAE residents, with allocated inventory booked entirely within a short timeframe. Due to this exceptional response and our current trajectory toward full occupancy, we regret to share that no rooms remain available at either property for the Eid period,' said Hamdani. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, said it is also 'seeing a strong demand for staycations, particularly from families and residents looking for a luxurious setting to celebrate' Eid. Thomas Kurian, hotel manager at Leva Hotels, said this year, Eid al-Fitr falls at the perfect time, coinciding with pleasant weather in the UAE, global spring breaks, and the first extended holiday after New Year's. 'This presents a prime opportunity for the hospitality sector, with a continued rise in reservations from neighbouring GCC countries. As spring school holidays align worldwide, we also anticipate an influx of travellers from key markets such as the UK, Italy, Germany, and Spain, making it an ideal period for family travel,' added Kurian. 'With a typical booking window of 3-4 days, we anticipate a significant last-minute pickup as the holiday approaches. Our pre-booking data already shows that 50 per cent of our rooms are reserved, with occupancy projections reaching 85-90 per cent,' said Leva Hotels' manager.
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
GCC food waste leads to annual loss of $4-5 billion
Food waste in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region average 150kg per capita annually which is 14 per cent higher than the global average of 132 kg. A recent paper titled Tackling Food Waste In The GCC Grocery Market by Oliver Wyman highlighted that food waste levels in the GCC surpass those of many developed economies, exceeding European Union (EU) figures by 38 per cent and nearly doubling Japan's per capita waste. While retail food waste typically accounts for only five per cent to 15 per cent of total waste in most countries, the GCC's retail sector sees 38 per cent more waste than the global average. The paper also revealed that the retail sector in the GCC wasted approximately 1.3 million tonnes of food in 2022. This corresponds to an annual loss of approximately $4-7 billion, which is enough to provide an iftar meal for 70 per cent of all Muslims around the world throughout Ramadan. Given the GCC's heavy reliance on imported food, excessive waste further strains resources and intensifies sustainability challenges. What is UAE doing as part of its waste reduction strategy? Despite the statistics, the UAE remains committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 by reducing food loss and waste by 50 per cent by 2030 and beyond. It continues to lead the regional movement for change through the collaborative efforts of ne'ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative. Ne'ma is partnering with Taste of Dubai to enhance food waste reduction efforts within the UAE's event industry. Building on the success of their initial collaboration at Taste of Abu Dhabi 2024, ne'ma helped divert 310kg of food waste from landfills, prevented 775kg of CO2e emissions, and generated 62 kg of compost. When Khaleej Times reached out to food business operators in the UAE to understand what waste reduction strategies are implemented in their establishments, several proprietors highlighted that restaurants here systematically 'track food waste data' through digital monitoring tools and staff logs. Abdulla Al Abdulla, chief operating officer and general manager of Central Hotels and Resorts, said: 'We have a structured system for repurposing surplus ingredients into new dishes. The final destination for waste is a new 'waste-to-energy' facility introduced by the Dubai Municipality. With the help of our service partner, we systematically track food waste data through digital monitoring tools and staff logs. Trends observed include higher waste during peak seasons and buffet setups, allowing us to refine menu planning and optimize food preparation accordingly.' Tracking food waste data, optimising portion size, refining menu Based on data analysis and guest feedback, restaurants also optimise portion sizes and refined menu offerings to minimise waste, while maintaining guest satisfaction. 'Our à la carte menu includes flexible portion options, and we use seasonal ingredients to avoid excess inventory. We proactively manage ingredients nearing expiration by repurposing them into soups, sauces, and special dishes. Additionally, we donate safe and consumable food to local charities and ensure that unavoidable waste is composted or sustainably disposed of,' added Abdulla. Meanwhile, the paper also focused that finding the right balance between availability and food waste is one of the key challenges in food retail. Sagar Khanna, Operations Head, Querida, a Mexican restaurant said, 'We have done specials in the menu when we have surplus ingredients: flautas, enfrijoladas, empanadas, rice. We can make new dishes for the day and offer to our guests more variety of food. When something like this happens, we stop ordering from another dish so we can finish our surplus and not having wastage in the restaurant.' He added: 'In case it is an ingredient that we cannot work out in the menu we have a lot of nationalities in our restaurant and they for sure can make something for staff meal and we can all enjoy the delicious options from different parts of the world.' Select items across restaurants are batch-cooked and frozen for future use as well. Additionally, F&B owners pointed out that menu flexibility allows restaurants to respond to consumption trends while keeping waste low. Isheeta Sharma, Founder, Daftar DIFC said, 'We follow FIFO (first in, first out) protocols, label ingredients for accurate tracking, and design our menu to utilise common ingredients across multiple dishes. This ensures optimal usage and reduces the likelihood of spoilage or discard. Near-expiry items are repurposed into daily specials.'
