Latest news with #Hamdani
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Two cops held for abduction, extortion
Two policemen have been booked in a case, suspended from service and arrested for allegedly getting involved in abduction and extortion. The action has been taken on the orders of Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani. According to a police spokesperson, the matter came to light when a citizen submitted a formal complaint to the city police chief, alleging that two officials, posted in the Crime Control Department and at Naseerabad Police Station, had extorted money from him. The officials allegedly stopped the complainant, who was riding a motorcycle, threatened him, and forcibly took Rs85,000. The complainant accused the cops of kidnapping him and receiving money. The Potohar SP led the inquiry, which established the allegations. Taking notice of the complaint, the CPO ordered an inquiry into the matter. Following the investigation, a case was registered at the Civil Lines Police Station against the accused who were also taken into custody. Both officers have already been suspended, and departmental disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against them. CPO Hamdani says abuse of power and corruption will not be tolerated under any circumstances and has advised the Rawalpindi police to correct their conduct and otherwise those involved in crime or its facilitation will no longer remain part of the force.
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Police accuse TikToker for chaos at int'l food chain
Rawalpindi police have arrested ten individuals for storming into an international fast-food outlet under the guise of protest and harassing families and staff inside. The main suspect has been identified as a TikToker who, according to police, orchestrated the incident to gain online fame. Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO), Khalid Hamdani, during a press conference with SP Potohar Talha Wali and DSP Cantt Mirza Javed Iqbal, said that the accused disrupted public peace and created fear in the Rawalpindi Cantt area on the night of April 13. "These individuals entered the fast-food branch in the presence of women, children, and staff and caused chaos," he stated. The police tracked down the culprits using CCTV footage and human intelligence, arresting all ten within 48 hours. CPO Hamdani confirmed that the suspects have no affiliation with any political or other organisations. One of them is a contract employee at WAPDA, while the main suspect, identified as Kamran, is a TikTok content creator. The arrested individuals include Kamran, Naseem, Tauseef, Khizar, Mansoor, Zaid, Asif, Azmat, Nasir, and Hamza. CPO Hamdani emphasised that no one will be allowed to disturb peace and harass families in food courts and commercial areas. He added that security has been increased in all such areas. "We will not tolerate such behaviour in a civilised society. Awareness seminars will be held, and legal experts are being consulted to possibly prosecute such acts under anti-terrorism laws in the future."
Gulf Today
09-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE tourism earns Dhs45b in hotel revenues
Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighted the continued growth and robust performance of the UAE's tourism sector. He attributed this growth to the wise leadership's directives and forward-looking vision, which led to the development of sustainable policies, strategies, and initiatives that drive the sector's progress. Al Marri said that hotel revenues in the UAE reached approximately Dhs45 billion in 2024, reflecting a 3% year-over-year growth. Hotel occupancy rates also climbed to 78% last year, ranking among the highest both regionally and globally. Bin Touq added, 'The UAE continues to advance its national efforts to develop innovative tourism initiatives and projects, while strengthening collaboration with all relevant local and international tourism bodies. These efforts aim to elevate the UAE's status as the best tourism identity globally by the next decade, offering world-class experiences that further enhance the country's appeal to visitors from around the world.' Ayman Ashor, Cluster General Manager, Al Bandar Rotana and Arjaan by Rotana told Gulf Today that Dubai's extraordinary positioning as a global hub of innovation and luxury has led to a remarkable surge in occupancy rates and average hotel rates. 'This growth is a testament to our commitment to excellence in hospitality, attracting visitors from around the world who seek unparalleled experiences'. 'As we continue to enhance our offerings and invest in sustainable tourism, we are excited to contribute to Dubai's vision of becoming the world's most sought-after destination.' Ashor added. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager, Bahi Ajman Palace & Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said: 'We are proud to contribute to the impressive growth of the UAE's tourism sector, as highlighted by Abdullah Bin Touq Almarri. At Bahi Ajman Palace and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah. Hamdani added that they have achieved an outstanding occupancy rate of 90% year-to-date in 2024. This achievement underscores the robust demand and appeal of the Northern Emirates as a key destination for visitors. 'Our success is a testament to the commitment and excellence our teams exhibit daily, providing exceptional experiences for our guests.' Hamdani concluded.
Khaleej Times
24-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Leading a sustainable change in hospitality with innovative CSR initiatives
Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager - Norther Emirates, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, continues to drive impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, setting new industry benchmarks for environmental conservation. Hamdani, a trailblazer in sustainable hospitality, has achieved a major milestone by installing two advanced onsite water bottling plants, each utilising a different process but sharing the same mission — reducing single-use plastic bottles. With this initiative, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah and Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel are leading the way in eco-friendly water solutions in the Northern Emirates. Hamdani has further strengthened his environmental initiatives with the introduction of compost machine at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah in 2025, reinforcing his long-standing commitment to waste reduction. The compost machine efficiently processes organic waste, including food scraps, converting them into nutrient-rich compost. Excerpts from the interview: You are an industry veteran with experience of over two decades. Please describe your corporate journey and contributions to society. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, my journey has been shaped by diverse experiences across front office, sales and marketing, reservations and general management. From delivering exceptional guest experiences to driving revenue growth, I have played a key role in enhancing hotel operations and brand positioning. My career began with a deep-rooted interest in hospitality, leading me to work in various roles. Starting in the front office, I gained a deep understanding of guest service and operational efficiency. Transitioning into sales and marketing, I successfully positioned brands for growth, expanded market reach, and drove revenue. While in reservations, I implemented strategic booking solutions to maximise occupancy and profitability. My experience in hotel development allowed me to oversee property launches, create brand identities and establish strong market presence. Climbing the leadership ladder to Executive Assistant Manager to General Manager position for a decade and half. I have led teams, improved operational efficiencies, and ensured top-tier guest experiences. Beyond corporate success, I have mentored young professionals, supported hospitality education initiatives through trainings and championed sustainability in hotel operations. Moreover, on the CSR initiatives, I have focused on community engagement, environmental responsibility and promoting ethical tourism practices. You have played a significant role in sustainability and environmental protection in the UAE. What do you have in the pipeline to further intensify this campaign? The UAE has made remarkable progress in sustainability and environmental protection, especially within the hospitality sector. Looking ahead, the focus is on intensifying green initiatives through innovative solutions, stricter regulations, and industry-wide collaborations. I have played a key role in transforming the hospitality industry with groundbreaking sustainability initiatives, particularly compost machines, advanced water filtration technology and air-to-water technology. The recent compost machine has been installed in Coral Beach Resort Sharjah early 2025, this follows my first sustainability project launched in 2012, marking over a decade of leadership in eco-friendly hotel operations. The compost machine efficiently processes organic waste, including food scraps, converting them into nutrient-rich compost. I achieved a major milestone by installing two advanced onsite water bottling plants, each utilising a different process but sharing the same mission - reducing single-use plastic bottles. Such are the advanced water filtration technology, significantly reducing plastic waste by providing reusable glass bottles, preventing approximately 300,672 plastic bottles from entering the environment annually. Second is the integration of air-to-water technology, extracting moisture from the air and converting it into clean drinking water. The state-of-the-art bottling plant produces an impressive 365,000 litres of pure drinking water annually by harnessing atmospheric moisture and eliminating 431,304 plastic bottles. To further intensify the environmental and sustainability campaign with initiatives like compost machines and advanced onsite water bottling plants, a multi-faceted approach is the key. Collaborating with local governments, industry players and environmental organizations to create a unified green strategy will facilitate the widespread implementation of these initiatives. Additionally, incorporating ISO 14001:2015 into the environmental and sustainability campaign is a strategic move to intensify and formalise efforts which are on our pipeline. What do you say on the eve of Pakistan Resolution Day? Any message for strengthening the UAE-Pakistan bilateral relations? On the eve of Pakistan Resolution Day, we celebrate the spirit of determination and unity that shaped a nation. The UAE and Pakistan share deep-rooted ties built on mutual respect, economic cooperation, and cultural affinity. The UAE stands as a beacon of safety, opportunity, and prosperity, welcoming people from all backgrounds to thrive. A nation that fosters dreams, rewards hard work and champions a sustainable future for all. May this bond continue to strengthen, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and prosperity. Wishing our Pakistani friends a day filled with pride and progress. Hospitality Industry to Thrive Despite Challenges Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager - Norther Emirates, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said the UAE's hospitality industry is set for significant growth over the next five years, driven by increasing tourism, luxury and experiential travel, sustainability initiatives, and smart hotel technology. 'The UAE continues to attract millions of visitors with world-class attractions, luxury shopping and cultural landmarks, while emerging eco-tourism and adventure travel,' he said. The UAE's goal of welcoming 40 million guests by2031 is supported by visa reforms, increased airline connectivity, and major events such as Expo City Dubai, a global hub for sports and global conferences. Additionally, the rise of smart tourism - powered by AI, digital concierge services which intelligently communicate with guests over a communication platform such as a website chat window, mobile app, or text messaging; and immersive experiences - is enhancing visitor engagement. 'Sustainability is also at the forefront, with hotels, resorts and tourism operators adopting green initiatives to align with global environmental goals. As we promote the UAE as a global destination, our commitment to the CSR initiative remains in the lead, driving sustainability growth.' Hamdani, a pioneer in sustainable hospitality, said the global hospitality industry faces several challenges, including economic uncertainty and sustainability pressures. Fluctuations in inflation and interest rates may impact travel demand. 'Growing regulatory and consumer expectations for sustainability push hotels to adopt eco-friendly practices, often at a high cost.' Geopolitical instability, including travel restrictions, can disrupt tourism flows, while rapid technological advancements present both opportunities and cybersecurity risks. Additionally, changing consumer preferences favouring unique, experience-driven stays force hotels to continuously innovate,' he said. Despite these hurdles, he said the industry remains resilient, with adaptability, innovation, and sustainability being key to long-term success. By continuously participating in the international trade fairs like WTM London, ITB Berlin and International Trade Fairs led by the local tourism, as well as UAE's biggest travel & tourism exhibition – Arabian Travel Market, the UAE strengthens its position as top destination, showcasing innovation, culture, and world-class hospitality. Keeping UAE globally updated in the market.
Mid East Info
06-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Coral Beach Resort Set to Close Ramadan with 96% Occupancy and Exceptional Guest Experience - Middle East Business News and Information
The resort offers a Ramadan Iftar buffet at AED 149 per person The buffet includes a wide variety of traditional dishes and beverages Thanks to a surge in tourism and the UAE's favorable conditions, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah is poised for a successful Ramadan season. Area General Manager Iftikhar Hamdani forecasts an impressive 96% occupancy rate, with the resort becoming a top choice for visitors. Hamdani also mentioned that Coral Beach Resort, with its stunning beach, offers a special Ramadan Iftar buffet priced at AED 149 per person, featuring a wide range of international and traditional Arabic dishes, along with live cooking stations in an open-air setting, offering a breathtaking view of the sea. He continued, saying: 'Ramadan is a crucial and key period for our food and beverage and hospitality sectors. We anticipate strong growth in light of the increasing number of tourists coming to the country during this blessed month. We already have a strong occupancy base of 77%, one of the highest in the country, and with this solid foundation, we expect to close the month with an occupancy rate of 96%, making this Ramadan one of the best months for Coral Beach Resort in the first quarter of the year.' In closing, Hamdani added: 'At Coral Beach Resort, we continue to work on improving and developing our services to ensure an exceptional experience for our guests, especially during this blessed month. We always strive to offer a distinctive Ramadan atmosphere that combines comfort, luxury, and authentic Arabian hospitality. With the growing influx of local and international visitors, we are confident that Coral Beach Resort will remain one of the top tourist destinations in Sharjah, providing an unforgettable experience for all who visit us.' For bookings, call or message +971 56 118 5314 or email
