Latest news with #Dh450
Al Etihad
25-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE's sustainability push sparks hospitality shift, enriches guest experiences: Expert
25 May 2025 23:08 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The UAE's increasing emphasis on sustainability is reshaping the hospitality industry, leading to greener and more distinctive guest experiences, an industry expert has told Aletihad. The country is accelerating its efforts to become a leading global tourist destination by 2031, targeting a GDP contribution of Dh450 billion and 40 million annual hotel guests. Along with this vision, however, is a nationwide commitment to environmental protection and conservation."The national focus on sustainability has served as both a mandate and an inspiration for us," Michael Schmitt, General Manager Conrad Dubai, told Aletihad."We view it not as a checkbox but as an opportunity to reimagine how a luxury hotel can operate responsibly."At the five-star Conrad Dubai, for example, single-use plastics have been removed, and fresh produce is used from its own hydroponic farm. Artificial intelligence is also utilised to cut food waste. "Last year alone, we achieved a 61% reduction in food waste, saving over 8,600 meals and preventing 14 tonnes of CO₂ emissions," Schmitt said. "These sustainability efforts are not a trade-off," he stressed. "Guests today are increasingly looking for experiences that reflect their values, but they also expect uncompromised comfort. Our approach is to ensure sustainability enhances the guest journey rather than limits it."This vision is reflected in efforts such as creating carbon-hued menus; refilling toiletries instead of using those packed in single-use containers; and putting up air-to-water hydration stations."We do not ask our guests to make sacrifices. We simply make better choices available," Schmitt said. Going green, he added, can be a smart move from a financial perspective. "When planned effectively, it can improve margins while enhancing the guest experience," he said, citing local sourcing and AI-led waste reduction as the shift in on-the-ground operations, the hospitality industry should also recognise the need to empower future-ready teams. "The foundation lies in creating a purpose-driven culture where diversity, inclusion, and empowerment are not just policies but values lived daily," the expert said. Schmitt believes that the growth of UAE tourism should not come at the expense of the environment."It is entirely possible to scale hospitality without scaling environmental impact," he added that the future of tourism in the UAE will be shaped by "cultural enrichment, digital comfort, and ethical travel". Impact on MICE The UAE's sustainability drive has also had a positive impact on the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, especially as clients have now shifted their focus "from scale to substance", said Linda Mwaffak, Commercial Director at Conrad Dubai. Clients now want highly personalised, health-aware, and sustainable experiences, she said. "Clients want to know about carbon footprint, waste management, and local sourcing." Cost-effectiveness in eco-goals is essential."Many sustainable choices - like digital menus and reusable décor - reduce waste and long-term costs," she hydroponic farm of the hotel helps minimise expenses as well as the carbon misconceptions around green events, Mwaffak said: "The main challenge is overcoming the idea that sustainable events are either limited in creativity or overly expensive. Once clients see the results, they become long-term advocates." The future of tourism and MICE in the UAE lies in designing smart, scalable, and values-aligned experiences, the expert added.
Al Etihad
04-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Bin Touq meets with tourism ministers of Spain, Croatia to enhance prospects for cooperation in sector
4 May 2025 13:34 ABU DHABI (WAM)During a European tour that included Spain and Croatia, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, met with Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Croatia; and Rosario Sánchez Grau, Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism, with the aim of enhancing cooperation in the sector. As part of the discussions, the ministers exchanged the latest experiences and practices in the field of sustainable tourism Touq expressed the UAE's desire to enhance cooperation with European markets and foster fruitful partnerships in various tourism sub-sectors and activities, thereby supporting overall economic development and creating new opportunities for shared pointed out that the tourism sector in the UAE has undergone significant development, characterized by the adoption of forward-looking national initiatives; the establishment of distinguished tourism infrastructure in line with global best practices; the development of leading destinations and tourism products, and an increase in tourist Touq said: 'The UAE continues to support initiatives and projects aimed at sustaining global tourism growth, fostering collaboration with the UN Tourism and its member states, and expanding cooperation in various tourism sub-sectors.'During discussions with the tourism ministers of Spain and Croatia, Bin Touq highlighted the importance of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and its key role in supporting the sustainability and competitiveness of the country's tourism sector over the next strategy has established a set of national objectives, which include elevating the UAE's status to become a leading global destination, increasing the sector's contribution to the national GDP to Dh450 billion, attracting tourism investments worth Dh100 billion to the country's markets, and welcoming 40 million guests by the year Minister of Economy reviewed key performance indicators of the UAE tourism sector, which include a total of Dh45 billion in hotel revenues in 2024 with a three per cent year-over-year growth. The hotel occupancy rate in the country reached 78 %, which is among the highest regionally and globally. Additionally, 16 new hotels were launched across the UAE in 2024, taking the total number of hotels to 1,251 by the end of last his meeting with Rosario Sánchez Grau, Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism, Bin Touq reviewed latest developments in the global tourism sector, the mechanisms to enable sustainable growth, as well as enhancing cooperation in various tourism fields. The two sides explored the potential for establishing new partnerships to increase mutual tourism number of Spanish tourists to the UAE reached 150,231 in 2024, representing an increase of more than 14% compared to that of 2023. The number of flights between the UAE and Spain amount to approximately 48 weekly services, operated by airlines of both Touq and Tonči Glavina discussed enhancing cooperation between tourism companies and entities in the UAE and Croatian markets, in addition to enhancing joint efforts to create new tourism and leisure programs to promote mutual tourism flows. There are currently more than 42 monthly flights between the UAE and Croatia, operated by the airlines of both countries.
Gulf News
21-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Dubai Islands' new access points - and 1,425-meter bridge - will fire up its property market
Dubai: A lot was already happening at Dubai islands and the property sub-market with it – now, the master-development has got another well-timed boost. Contracts have been awarded for direct access points between Dubai Islands from Bur Dubai, and which includes a bridge all of 1,425 meters with four lanes in each direction. Property market sources say the best position for any emerging development – and especially one in the scale of Dubai Islands – is when internal and external construction is taking place simultaneously. Investors get to see proof-of-concept within the islands and how the future of getting in and out of it shapes up. 'Each time there are announcements about a Dubai Metro line expansion or more infrastructure work happening, you can hear a buzz in adjacent freehold investment hubs,' said an estate agent. 'It should be the same with the access points for Dubai Islands.' A five-island project, Dubai Islands will cover a quite sizable 17 square kilometres. In recent months, it has been the hotspot for offplan launches in the Dubai residential property market, a process that's set to continue through this year and beyond. Dubai Islands is emerging as one of the city's most promising destinations for waterfront living. The continued focus and investment by the government in this area is a clear indication of its long-term potential. At IMTIAZ Developments, we are proud to be contributing to this visionary landscape and look forward to shaping vibrant, world-class communities in this iconic location. According to a new Reidin-GCP report, well over 7,000 homes are in construction at Dubai Islands, with last March adding to that tally with a further four launches. (Last month also had eight announcements of impending project launches at the location.) First-time investors in Dubai – and younger ones too A lot of first-time investors – and potential ones - are taking interest in what's available in the islands. Market sources say they are skewing younger, tending to be in the late 20s and early 30s, and with many of them having spent less than 3-5 years as residents in the UAE. 'Dubai Islands' property options are definitely connecting with a younger demographic, who want to get early into a project rather than an already established costlier one,' the agent added. 'There are better chances for price appreciation, given the quality of the build and support infrastructure. 'Now, with the new Bur Dubai to Dubai Islands access points, it will get more buyers interested.' How are Dubai Islands' prices stacking? Aakarshan Kathuria, CEO of the property consultancy RiseUp, says that since the second-half of 2023, the median sale price of an apartment in Dubai Islands has risen from around Dh1,800 per square foot to over Dh2,300-Dh2,400 based on Dubai Land Department data. 'That's an impressive 33% rise in about 18 months,' said Kathuria. 'Even more impressive is the 125% increase in land values there, to currently be in the Dh450 psf levels.' Clearly, the price action is clearly moving in sync with buyer demand. Dubai Islands currently has one entry and exit access point through the Infinity Bridge and Al Khaleej Street. The RTA's newly announced 8-lane bridge contract will allow a capacity of 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. (The project includes a pedestrian and cycling track connecting both ends of the bridge.) 'The development of this access point will cut down the travel time significantly, in turn giving a boost to future residents and tenants of this community,' said Kathuria. 'This will propel home sales on Dubai Islands, given that they are within a 5-10 kilometer radius from some of the major hubs of Dubai, such as Deira Gold Souq, Bur Dubai's Meena Bazaar and Deira's spice and electronics markets.' A future rental hub too Closer to the end of the decade, Dubai Islands will take its position as the place for end-user property investors – and tenants seeking mid- to upper-mid tire rents. 'It's got the best of location and draw in the overflow from Deira and Bur Dubai alike,' said an estate agent. 'A good 10,000 homes or to be ready in 5 years, and with many of them in the rental market.'
Al Etihad
13-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE offers promising opportunities for tourism investment
13 Apr 2025 11:39 ABU DHABI (WAM) The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for tourism investment, supported by an attractive investment environment, advanced infrastructure, and policies that foster sectoral UAE's tourism sector is witnessing a surge in investment opportunities across all areas — from infrastructure development to hotels, resorts, entertainment projects, and sustainable tourism initiatives aligned with the country's green economy entities continue to play a pivotal role by launching strategic initiatives to enhance tourist destinations, support innovation, and collaborate with the private sector to uphold the highest standards of quality and its National Tourism Strategy 2031, the UAE aims to rank among the world's top tourist destinations. The strategy seeks to increase the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP to Dh450 billion, attract Dh100 billion in new investments, and welcome 40 million hotel guests annually by year, the UAE recorded strong growth and significant achievements in tourism. Hotel revenues reached nearly Dh45 billion, marking a 3% increase compared to 2023. Hotel occupancy rose to 78%, one of the highest rates both regionally and UAE ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 18th globally in the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 issued by the World Economic to global consultancy Arthur D. Little, the UAE has gone beyond building luxury hotels, successfully integrating hospitality with rich cultural and entertainment officials and tourism experts affirmed that the sector still holds vast untapped potential. They emphasise that major projects — within tourism and across other sectors — are set to further stimulate tourism growth and boost the attractiveness of investment in the Al Rais, Honorary Chairman of Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group (DTTAG), and Executive Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies (Al Rais Group), stated that the UAE has witnessed numerous pioneering and exceptional projects in the tourism sector in recent years. He also emphasised that the UAE continues to strengthen its status as a premier global investment and tourism destination through major projects across its emirates — a testament to investor confidence in the sector's long-term sustainable growth Abdelhadi, CEO of Carlton Hotel and Suites UAE, emphasised that the strong momentum in the country's tourism sector reflects a clear leadership vision aimed at solidifying the UAE's position as a fully integrated global tourism and investment destination. He also noted that the ongoing expansion of tourism and hospitality infrastructure projects is boosting investor confidence and opening new avenues for growth.
Khaleej Times
11-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Reportage Group recognises top performing team for two consecutive years
Reportage Group, one of the leading private developers in the UAE, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is proud to announce that for the second consecutive year, the Adil & Shadab Team has been recognised as the Top Performing Team for 2023 and 2024. With projects spanning across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and various international locations, Reportage Group continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership and performance in the real estate industry. This recognition comes as a result of outstanding contributions and a remarkable track record of success, with the team surpassing Dh792 million in sales in 2024. In an exclusive interview, Adil Jamal Khan, sales director of Reportage Group, shared the secret behind the team's consistent success. "Our success is driven by the incredible people in our team who have managed to achieve more than Dh1.3 billion over the past two years. They possess deep market knowledge, are dedicated, hardworking and truly passionate about what they do. Their ability to connect with channel partners and clients with compassion sets them apart. Working with them never feels like work — it's a privilege." Adil further extended his congratulations to his entire team, with special recognition for Shadab and Faiq, who have consistently secured the top sales manager positions—#1 and #2 respectively, over the past years. Reportage Group extended heartfelt congratulations to the following individuals for their exceptional achievements: Faiq, Hidayat, Mohit, Shahroz, Faisal, Priyanka C., Rana, Reshmmi, Priyanka B., Kais, Youssef, Alaa, Wesam, Cherrie, Yves, and Shaikh Fiasal. Shujauddin Shadab, the top sales manager for the second consecutive year, has achieved an impressive Dh450 million in sales over the past two years. Speaking on his continued success, Shadab attributed it to the unwavering support of his channel partners and the trust his clients have placed in him over the last five years. "As an investor myself, I've consistently helped my clients achieve profitable property investments. My goal is to enhance the value of every purchase by providing the best possible deal and showing genuine empathy toward each customer," said Shadab. "The trust and support I receive from my clients and partners are truly invaluable, and it is an honor to help them achieve their goals." With the support of its dynamic team and strategic partnerships, Reportage Group continues to lead the UAE's real estate market, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the industry. Founded in Abu Dhabi, Reportage Group is one of the UAE's premier real estate developers, specialising in the development of residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and various international locations. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Reportage Group continues to contribute to the growth of the UAE's real estate sector.
