Latest news with #AymanAshor
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Disneyland Abu Dhabi: Rents to increase; hotel rates to rise by up to 25%
Hotel rates in Abu Dhabi and other emirates are expected to rise by as much as 25% following the opening of Disneyland in the UAE capital, with rents and property prices also anticipated to experience significant growth. Industry executives say that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will especially have a strong impact on the leasing business and hotel rates as it will attract tourists and resident visitors throughout the year, having a ripple effect across the UAE. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be the region's first-ever Disney theme park and the brand's seventh resort worldwide. The park will be located on Yas Island Waterfront, joining Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and further solidifying Yas Island's status as a global entertainment hub. Ayman Ashor, Cluster General Manager, Al Bandar Rotana and Arjaan by Rotana, said that with the anticipated surge in tourism, hotel rates in Abu Dhabi are expected to experience a notable increase once Disneyland becomes operational. 'Industry experts estimate that hotel rates may rise by approximately 15 per cent to 25 per cent, driven by the heightened demand for accommodations from both local and international visitors,' he said. Ripple effect Ashor noted that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will 'significantly increase footfall to the emirate' and 'visitors will extend their stay,' benefitting hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors. Ashor added that tourists are likely to combine their visits to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, thus enhancing the overall attractiveness of the UAE as a diverse holiday spot. Iftikhar Hamdani, area general manager of Bahi Ajman Palace and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah Northern Emirates, said 'Disney Effect' will have 'ripple effects extending far beyond Yas Island.' 'Based on current market trends and the 'Disney Effect' observed globally, we anticipate a 10–15 per cent increase in hotel rates across Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, once the park becomes operational, particularly in the initial 3–5 years post-opening,' he told Khaleej Times. 'Disney's global appeal will amplify demand, attracting families from the GCC, South Asia, Europe, and beyond. Family tourism, which prioritises multi-day stays and premium accommodations, will drive up occupancy while encouraging hotels to optimise room mixes — such as suites and interconnected rooms — to cater to this demographic. This shift will elevate Average Daily Rates (ADR) as guests prioritise comfort and convenience over cost.' Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to nearly double annual visitors to 39 million, with Disneyland serving as a cornerstone. The UAE's centralised location —within a four-hour flight from one-third of the world's population— positions it to capture regional travellers who previously bypassed the UAE for distant Disney destinations. 'This influx will create sustained demand, benefiting not only Yas Island's hotels but also properties in the Northern Emirates as tourists explore the broader UAE,' added Hamdani. 'We are preparing for this surge by enhancing family-centric amenities and aligning pricing strategies with projected demand,' he said. Impact on short-term rentals, property Nada Jaouhar, Abu Dhabi Branch Director at Betterhomes, expected that property prices, rents and short-term rentals for Airbnb will also see growth. 'We expect the prices to soar –on Yas Island, especially for leasing– once we are close to the handover of Disneyland. If anyone thought Yas Island has a lot of hotels and airbnbs, that is not the case anymore as Disneyland is an all-year-round event and we will need more airbnbs to cope with the influx of year-round tourists,' she added. 'Abu Dhabi's property market has been on an upward trajectory, and the announcement of Disneyland's arrival is expected to serve as a major accelerator,' said Betterhomes, a UAE-based property management and brokerage firm. In April, the emirate recorded a 15.7 per cent increase in transactions over March, reaching Dh2.9 billion in sales. Off-plan sales dominated, and represented over 70 per cent of the total, indicating significant investor interest in new and upcoming developments. This trend underscores growing investor appetite for new developments and future-forward communities. 'A game-changer' Hotspots such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Jubail Island have already been commanding premium prices, with villas on Al Jubail selling for up to Dh10 million and leases reaching Dh400,000 annually. 'Disneyland will be a game-changer for Abu Dhabi's property landscape. We predict increased property demand on Yas Island and nearby areas, with buyers seeking high-quality, future-oriented homes, given its closeness to a major future attraction," said Jaouhar. It is estimated that the Disneyland project in the UAE capital will take between five and eight years to complete. Rohit Bachani, co-founder of Merlin Real Estate, also expects 'a significant ripple effect on nearby freehold areas.' 'The most immediate beneficiaries will likely be Yas Island itself, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, and Al Shamkha — which are already gaining traction among investors and end-users alike. These locations combine proximity to the new attraction with lifestyle appeal, beach access, and master-planned infrastructure,' said Bachani. He added that this new project will 'catalyse long-term capital appreciation across these strategic zones. Smart investors would do well to start positioning early.'
Gulf Insider
12-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Disneyland Abu Dhabi: Rents to Increase
Hotel rates in Abu Dhabi and other emirates are expected to rise by as much as 25% following the opening of Disneyland in the UAE capital, with rents and property prices also anticipated to experience significant growth. Industry executives say that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will especially have a strong impact on the leasing business and hotel rates as it will attract tourists and resident visitors throughout the year, having a ripple effect across the UAE. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be the region's first-ever Disney theme park and the brand's seventh resort worldwide. The park will be located on Yas Island Waterfront, joining Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and further solidifying Yas Island's status as a global entertainment hub. Ayman Ashor, Cluster General Manager, Al Bandar Rotana and Arjaan by Rotana, said that with the anticipated surge in tourism, hotel rates in Abu Dhabi are expected to experience a notable increase once Disneyland becomes operational. 'Industry experts estimate that hotel rates may rise by approximately 15 per cent to 25 per cent, driven by the heightened demand for accommodations from both local and international visitors,' he said. Ashor noted that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will 'significantly increase footfall to the emirate' and 'visitors will extend their stay,' benefitting hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors. Ashor added that tourists are likely to combine their visits to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, thus enhancing the overall attractiveness of the UAE as a diverse holiday spot. Iftikhar Hamdani, area general manager of Bahi Ajman Palace and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah Northern Emirates, said 'Disney Effect' will have 'ripple effects extending far beyond Yas Island.' 'Based on current market trends and the 'Disney Effect' observed globally, we anticipate a 10–15 per cent increase in hotel rates across Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, once the park becomes operational, particularly in the initial 3–5 years post-opening,' he told Khaleej Times . 'Disney's global appeal will amplify demand, attracting families from the GCC, South Asia, Europe, and beyond. Family tourism, which prioritises multi-day stays and premium accommodations, will drive up occupancy while encouraging hotels to optimise room mixes — such as suites and interconnected rooms — to cater to this demographic. This shift will elevate Average Daily Rates (ADR) as guests prioritise comfort and convenience over cost.' Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to nearly double annual visitors to 39 million, with Disneyland serving as a cornerstone. The UAE's centralised location —within a four-hour flight from one-third of the world's population— positions it to capture regional travellers who previously bypassed the UAE for distant Disney destinations. 'This influx will create sustained demand, benefiting not only Yas Island's hotels but also properties in the Northern Emirates as tourists explore the broader UAE,' added Hamdani. 'We are preparing for this surge by enhancing family-centric amenities and aligning pricing strategies with projected demand,' he said. Nada Jaouhar, Abu Dhabi Branch Director at Betterhomes, expected that property prices, rents and short-term rentals for Airbnb will also see growth. 'We expect the prices to soar –on Yas Island, especially for leasing– once we are close to the handover of Disneyland. If anyone thought Yas Island has a lot of hotels and airbnbs, that is not the case anymore as Disneyland is an all-year-round event and we will need more airbnbs to cope with the influx of year-round tourists,' she added. 'Abu Dhabi's property market has been on an upward trajectory, and the announcement of Disneyland's arrival is expected to serve as a major accelerator,' said Betterhomes, a UAE-based property management and brokerage firm. In April, the emirate recorded a 15.7 per cent increase in transactions over March, reaching Dh2.9 billion in sales. Off-plan sales dominated, and represented over 70 per cent of the total, indicating significant investor interest in new and upcoming developments. This trend underscores growing investor appetite for new developments and future-forward communities. Hotspots such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Jubail Island have already been commanding premium prices, with villas on Al Jubail selling for up to Dh10 million and leases reaching Dh400,000 annually. 'Disneyland will be a game-changer for Abu Dhabi's property landscape. We predict increased property demand on Yas Island and nearby areas, with buyers seeking high-quality, future-oriented homes, given its closeness to a major future attraction,' said Jaouhar. It is estimated that the Disneyland project in the UAE capital will take between five and eight years to complete. Rohit Bachani, co-founder of Merlin Real Estate, also expects 'a significant ripple effect on nearby freehold areas.' 'The most immediate beneficiaries will likely be Yas Island itself, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, and Al Shamkha — which are already gaining traction among investors and end-users alike. These locations combine proximity to the new attraction with lifestyle appeal, beach access, and master-planned infrastructure,' said Bachani. He added that this new project will 'catalyse long-term capital appreciation across these strategic zones. Smart investors would do well to start positioning early.' Also read: No Phones, Smartwatches: Abu Dhabi Schools Clamp Down on Mobile Use
Khaleej Times
02-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Al Bandar Rotana celebrates a week of triumphs with global accolades
It has been an extraordinary week for Al Bandar Rotana & Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana - Dubai Creek, with remarkable achievements solidifying its position as a leader in sustainability, guest satisfaction and hospitality excellence. General Manager Ayman Ashor shared insights into these prestigious recognitions and what they mean for the hotel's future: Sustainability Recognition - Silver Prize from Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp "Receiving the Dubai Sustainability Tourism Award on behalf of Al Bandar Rotana & Al Bandar Arjaan fills me with immense pride. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and our dedication to implementing best practices that align with the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai. Together, we are paving the way for a more sustainable future." said Ayman Ashor. Best Corendon Hotel Destination in Dubai Ashor continued, "Another remarkable milestone for us is being named the Best Corendon Hotel Destination in Dubai. Corendon, one of the largest tour operators in the Benelux market, has recognized our hotel for delivering an exceptional guest experience. This reinforces our strong presence in the Dutch market, making Al Bandar Rotana the most popular hotel in Dubai for travellers from Benelux. We are proud to consistently provide world-class service to our international guests." Red Star Quality Award by Der Touristik – 2nd Year in a Row! "For the second consecutive year, we have been honoured with the Red Star Quality Award by Der Touristik, one of the largest and most reputable German tour operators. This recognition highlights our commitment to exceptional service, top-tier facilities and unforgettable guest experiences. We deeply appreciate the continued trust our guests place in us." Ashor proudly stated. HolidayCheck Leading Online German Travel Platforms Adding to an already outstanding week, Al Bandar Rotana has been recognized by HolidayCheck, Germany's most renowned quality and booking website, as one of the best hotels in Dubai, boasting an overall guest rating exceeding 98%. The hotel continues to excel across major online booking platforms, with a rating above 9, earning the distinction of "Wonderful!", a top 30 ranking on TripAdvisor, and an impressive 5-star ratings on Google, reflecting unparalleled guest satisfaction. Reflecting on these achievements, Ashor stated, "These accomplishments underscore the relentless dedication, passion and commitment of our team in delivering exceptional guest experiences. Our mission is clear: to consistently exceed expectations and uphold the highest standards in hospitality. The secret behind our success lies in three core principles. Our guests always come first, ensuring their stay surpasses expectations. Community and social responsibility remain at the heart of our operations, with sustainability and positive contributions guiding our efforts. Lastly, our team is empowered to provide world-class service, making a meaningful impact on both our guests and stakeholders.' Ayman Ashor concluded, "We celebrate these outstanding achievements with immense pride and gratitude, promising to continue raising the bar for excellence in the hospitality industry. Here's to another year of success, innovation and unforgettable guest experiences at Al Bandar Rotana & Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana.'
Zawya
02-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Al Bandar Rotana celebrates a week of triumphs
Dubai, UAE – It has been an extraordinary week for Al Bandar Rotana & Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana - Dubai Creek, with remarkable achievements solidifying its position as a leader in sustainability, guest satisfaction and hospitality excellence. In an exclusive interview, General Manager Ayman Ashor shared insights into these prestigious recognitions and what they mean for the hotel's future: Sustainability Recognition - Silver Prize from Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp "Receiving the Dubai Sustainability Tourism Award on behalf of Al Bandar Rotana & Al Bandar Arjaan fills me with immense pride. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and our dedication to implementing best practices that align with the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai. Together, we are paving the way for a more sustainable future." said Ayman Ashor. Best Corendon Hotel Destination in Dubai Ashor continued, "Another remarkable milestone for us is being named the Best Corendon Hotel Destination in Dubai. Corendon, one of the largest tour operators in the Benelux market, has recognized our hotel for delivering an exceptional guest experience. This reinforces our strong presence in the Dutch market, making Al Bandar Rotana the most popular hotel in Dubai for travellers from Benelux. We are proud to consistently provide world-class service to our international guests." Red Star Quality Award by Der Touristik – 2nd Year in a Row! "For the second consecutive year, we have been honoured with the Red Star Quality Award by Der Touristik, one of the largest and most reputable German tour operators. This recognition highlights our commitment to exceptional service, top-tier facilities and unforgettable guest experiences. We deeply appreciate the continued trust our guests place in us." Ashor proudly stated. HolidayCheck Leading Online German Travel Platforms Adding to an already outstanding week, Al Bandar Rotana has been recognized by HolidayCheck, Germany's most renowned quality and booking website, as one of the best hotels in Dubai, boasting an overall guest rating exceeding 98%. The hotel continues to excel across major online booking platforms, with a rating above 9, earning the distinction of "Wonderful!", a top 30 ranking on TripAdvisor, and an impressive 5-star ratings on Google, reflecting unparalleled guest satisfaction. Reflecting on these achievements, Ashor stated, "These accomplishments underscore the relentless dedication, passion and commitment of our team in delivering exceptional guest experiences. Our mission is clear: to consistently exceed expectations and uphold the highest standards in hospitality. The secret behind our success lies in three core principles. Our guests always come first, ensuring their stay surpasses expectations. Community and social responsibility remain at the heart of our operations, with sustainability and positive contributions guiding our efforts. Lastly, our team is empowered to provide world-class service, making a meaningful impact on both our guests and stakeholders.' Ayman Ashor concluded, "We celebrate these outstanding achievements with immense pride and gratitude, promising to continue raising the bar for excellence in the hospitality industry. Here's to another year of success, innovation and unforgettable guest experiences at Al Bandar Rotana & Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana.' About Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana Al Bandar Rotana, a modern and elegantly designed five-star hotel that features 190 rooms and suites, and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana, which offers 90 fully-furnished serviced upscale apartments, are conveniently located on Baniyas Road at Dubai Creek. Situated in the heart of Dubai in close proximity to major attractions and landmarks, the two connecting hotels are the perfect retreat for business and leisure guests. The properties feature a Business Centre and six state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment. The luxurious rooms, suites and apartments, which boast stunning views of Dubai Creek and Burj Khalifa, are all equipped with high-end amenities. Both the hotels offer a wide choice of five culinary offerings including Salt & Pepper, an all-day dining restaurant offering an international daily buffet; Gusto Italian Restaurant, located on the 18th floor of the hotel with stunning views of the creek and Dubai's famous skyline offers a wide range of authentic Italian delicacies. Vanilla Lobby Lounge, an ideal spot for formal and informal gatherings over coffee and light snacks; Morgan's Gastropub, the only gastropub in the area and The Deck, an attractive pool lounge for tropical cocktails and delicious snacks. There is also a 24-hour in-room dining service. For more information on Al Bandar Rotana & Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana please call + 971 (0)4 704 2222, e-mail or visit For further information about this press release, please contact: Adriana Adil Director of Marketing and Communications Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana P.O. Box 4080, Dubai, United Arab Emirates E-mail:
