Latest news with #JumeirahHotel
Observer
10-07-2025
- Observer
In Oman, Summer Becomes the Season of Staycation With Roll Out of Creative Deals
As the summer months settle in Oman, many residents and expatriates alike take advantage of the country's diverse landscape to escape the sweltering heat. Typically regarded as the low season for tourism and hospitality, summer in Oman has traditionally seen a lull in activity, with many opting to head abroad or retreat to cooler mountain destinations like Jabal Akhdhar. However, this year, a wave of innovative offers from local hotels and resorts is redefining the summer season as an ideal time for staycations and daycations — all at affordable prices. In Oman, summer often signals a temporary pause in leisure travel, as the soaring temperatures make outdoor pursuits less appealing. Many expatriates and locals alike take this opportunity to unwind closer to home or seek respite in the mountain air. Marilyn Alvarez, an expatriate residing in Muscat, recalls, 'In the past, renting farms was one of our go-to activities during summer. They usually came with pools and plenty of amenities, perfect for cooling off. But lately, hotels have upped their game, offering more compelling packages that make summer staycations really attractive.' This shift in offerings is transforming the low season into a buzzing period of relaxation and adventure, thanks to a surge in creative marketing strategies by Oman's hospitality sector. In Oman, Summer Becomes the Season of Staycation With Roll Out of Creative Deals Luxury and Mid-Range Options: Tailored for Every Traveller One of the standout campaigns this summer is JW Marriott Muscat's 'A Summer to Remember,' which captures the essence of a wholesome family getaway. Starting at just OMR 65 (approximately USD 170), the offer includes staycation packages, inventive children's activities, and a range of flavoursome dining options, all designed to foster connection and joy. The hotel's initiative also features discounted rates during weekdays, encouraging travellers to enjoy a peaceful escape during off-peak days. Adding to the trend of combining relaxation with activity, JW Marriott has introduced daycations. Guests now have the option to purchase day passes that grant access to room facilities, swimming pools, gyms, and resort amenities, making it a perfect choice for a quick yet rejuvenating break. Meanwhile, Jumeirah Hotel's 'Pool and Beach Day Pass' offers visitors a chance to indulge in various resort facilities. For OMR 20 (around USD 52), guests can enjoy access to pools, private beach areas, kayaking, and wellness activities like yoga sessions. The hotel also encourages visitors to explore culinary delights through its 'Dive into the Summer Flavours' campaign, which features special menus that complement their summer experience, adding both flavour and fun to their stay. Luxury properties are not missing out on the summer action. St. Regis Muscat has introduced a pool access deal for just OMR 25 (USD 65), inclusive of OMR 15 worth of food credits. This provides an indulgent yet affordable way to cool off while enjoying fine dining and world-class amenities. Similarly, Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is offering a day pass at OMR 20 (USD 52), which includes access to its infinity pools, private beach, and food & beverage credits. These offers demonstrate that luxury Oman stays are accessible even during the peak heat months when booking is typically at its lowest. In Oman, Summer Becomes the Season of Staycation With Roll Out of Creative Deals Cool Mountain Retreats: Practical Benefits While coastal resorts cater to sun-seekers and city dwellers, the mountains continue to be a haven for those craving cooler climes. Alila Jabal Akhdar remains a top choice with its '15 Degrees Cooler' campaign, enticing guests with scenic stays amidst rugged peaks and lush greenery. Guests receive 30% resort credit back on their bookings, making luxury experiences more affordable. Likewise, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar offers a daily resort credit of OMR 20, which can be redeemed at Jala Spa for rejuvenating treatments or at the resort's restaurants, ensuring a comprehensive mountain retreat. Experts say that these innovative summer offers serve multiple purposes. Not only do they help hotels and resorts maintain occupancy during the typically slow months, but they also create opportunities for families and individuals to explore Oman's rich landscape and culture without the peak-season prices. Additionally, these offers foster local tourism, supporting the hospitality sector and local economies. Furthermore, the reduced prices and tailored packages encourage a broader demographic, including young families, professionals, and retirees, to indulge in leisure activities. This diversification helps Oman's tourism industry build resilience and adapt to changing market dynamics. Experts say that these innovative summer offers serve multiple purposes. Not only do they help hotels and resorts maintain occupancy during the typically slow months, but they also create opportunities for families and individuals to explore Oman's rich landscape and culture without the peak-season prices. Additionally, these offers foster local tourism, supporting the hospitality sector and local economies. Furthermore, the reduced prices and tailored packages encourage a broader demographic, including young families, professionals, and retirees, to indulge in leisure activities. This diversification helps Oman's tourism industry build resilience and adapt to changing market dynamics. Oman's approach to summer tourism exemplifies its resilience and innovation within the hospitality sector. By offering compelling staycation and daycation packages, the country is turning the traditionally slow season into an opportunity for relaxation, adventure, and discovery. Whether enjoying a lavish poolside afternoon at a Muscat hotel or marveling at the mountain vistas in Jabal Akhdar, visitors are encouraged to seize the chance to experience Oman's summer offering — a season that proves being cool isn't just about the weather, but also about the hospitality and hospitality Oman has to offer. As Marilyn Alvarez aptly puts it, 'Summer in Oman used to mean staying indoors or heading abroad. Now, with these fantastic offers, there's a whole new way to enjoy the season right here at home.'
Biz Bahrain
26-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
BENEFIT Underscores Bahrain's Fintech Excellence in Shaping Future-Ready National Visions
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at BENEFIT and Vice President of the Bahrain Public Relations Society, participated in the Public Relations and Diplomacy Conference held at the Jumeirah Hotel in Kuwait. During the event, Ms. Hasan has delivered a presentation titled 'The Role of Public Relations Diplomacy in Advancing National Development Goals: Bahrain as a Benchmark,' emphasizing the strategic significance of Bahrain's financial sector in driving the Kingdom's Economic Vision 2030. The presentation highlighted the sector's alignment with the Financial Services Sector Development Strategy (2022–2026), its role in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, and its status as the fastest-growing sector in Bahrain—marked by its contribution to GDP and its capacity to employ national talent. Emphasising Bahrain's leadership in digital transformation, Ms. Hasan drew attention to the Kingdom's success in integrating innovation across the financial sector. The presentation outlined how financial institutions have achieved significant progress in delivering accessible and intuitive digital services—from efficient payment and transfer systems to advanced online and mobile banking platforms. These advancements have not only enhanced operational efficiency but also elevated the overall banking experience for customers. A key segment of the presentation focused on BENEFIT's own trajectory as a homegrown fintech success story. Ms. Hasan illustrated how the company's strategy is deeply intertwined with national economic plans and forward-looking digital agendas. Through continuous investment in innovative solutions and a commitment to operational excellence, BENEFIT has positioned itself as a driver of digital transformation and financial inclusion in Bahrain. Its suite of advanced services and platforms serves as an internationally recognised model for digital banking and fintech excellence. Furthermore, Ms. Hasan also underscored the critical importance of the Gulf region's evolving financial infrastructure—particularly Bahrain's—in fostering a business environment conducive to foreign direct investment. The region's cutting-edge infrastructure, modern banking systems and regulatory flexibility offer investors an appealing and competitive landscape, particularly in fintech.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Faisal Al-Gharabally highlights transparency and collaboration as keys to success at third Kuwait Public-Private Partnership Conference
Gulf Bank concluded its platinum sponsorship and active participation in the third Kuwait Public-Private Partnership Conference, held at the Jumeirah Hotel, under the patronage of Her Excellency Eng. Noora Al-Fassam, Minister of Finance, Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs, and Chair of the Higher Committee for PPP Projects. Themed 'Partnership Projects: A Promising Start to a New Era,' the event gathered key stakeholders to discuss the shifting dynamics and growing importance of Public-Private Partnerships in driving Kuwait's development agenda. On the second day, speaking during a panel discussion titled 'Shaping the Future of Partnership Projects in Kuwait to Ensure Success' Mr. Faisal Al-Gharabally, General Manager of International Banking at Gulf Bank, emphasized the importance of public sector confidence in proposed projects as a key enabler for banking sector engagement. He emphasized that encouraging all parties to participate in open and transparent discussions about concerns and solutions fosters trust and lays a solid foundation for successful financing. Mr. Al-Gharabally also pointed to other critical factors influencing banks' willingness to finance Public-Private Partnerships, including project payment structures, legal and contractual frameworks, and risk allocation – emphasizing that the party managing the risk must also bear it. Transparency, he noted, remains the cornerstone of successful partnerships, along with granting banks the right to intervene if significant developments arise. Adding to the conversation, Ms. Shamayel Al-Marzouq, Assistant General Manager of Corporate Banking at Gulf Bank, delivered a presentation titled 'Beyond Financing: How Banks Can Lead the Digital Future of Public-Private Partnership Projects.' She advocated for the banking sector to shift its role from conventional financing to becoming a catalyst for innovation, digital advancement, and sustainable growth, fully aligned with the vision and goals of Kuwait Vision 2035. Ms. Al-Marzouq stressed that the next phase of infrastructure development calls for banks to evolve from 'silent funders' into active digital partners in national infrastructure projects. She highlighted the necessity of integrating banks within the digital ecosystem of Public-Private Partnerships to enable smooth digital connectivity, drive innovation, and boost operational efficiency. She also outlined key strategic actions banks can take in collaboration with government entities, including aligning financing approaches with national priorities – particularly for major projects like Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and the Al-Dabdaba Renewable Energy Project. Other initiatives include establishing centralized digital platforms for bidding and project management, adopting real-time monitoring and reporting solutions, applying data analytics to guide decision-making, and leveraging technology to enhance risk management and ensure greater transparency. Ms. Al-Marzouq also highlighted the significance of financing sustainable projects, citing examples like the Al-Dabdaba Power and Shagaya Renewable Energy project. She highlighted the vital role technology plays in advancing inclusivity and good governance by providing accessible digital infrastructure. She concluded by highlighting the vast opportunities across sectors such as transportation, healthcare, education, and housing. Ms. Al-Marzouq called for the mandatory use of unified digital platforms, increased investment in digital capacity building, training on partnership models, and collaboration with technology firms and government bodies to establish a comprehensive digital ecosystem for Public-Private Partnerships. 'There is a unique opportunity today for Kuwaiti banks to take a leading role in shaping the future of digital transformation and sustainable development,' she said. 'By doing so, we can reinforce Kuwait's position as a smart, modern financial and commercial hub.' Gulf Bank continues to dedicate itself to driving Kuwait's national development and shaping the future of its financial sector through innovation, teamwork, and strong leadership.
Kuwait Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Al-Gharabally highlights transparency and collaboration as keys to success
Gulf Bank official speaks at 'Third Kuwait Public-Private Partnership Conference' KUWAIT: Gulf Bank concluded its platinum sponsorship and active participation in the third Kuwait Public-Private Partnership Conference, held at the Jumeirah Hotel, under the patronage of Noura Al-Fassam, Minister of Finance, Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs, and Chair of the Higher Committee for PPP Projects. Themed 'Partnership Projects: A Promising Start to a New Era,' the event gathered key stakeholders to discuss the shifting dynamics and growing importance of Public-Private Partnerships in driving Kuwait's development agenda. On the second day, speaking during a panel discussion titled 'Shaping the Future of Partnership Projects in Kuwait to Ensure Success.' Faisal Al-Gharabally, General Manager of International Banking at Gulf Bank, emphasized the importance of public sector confidence in proposed projects as a key enabler for banking sector engagement. He emphasized that encouraging all parties to participate in open and transparent discussions about concerns and solutions fosters trust and lays a solid foundation for successful financing. Al-Gharabally also pointed to other critical factors influencing banks' willingness to finance Public-Private Partnerships, including project payment structures, legal and contractual frameworks, and risk allocation – emphasizing that the party managing the risk must also bear it. Transparency, he noted, remains the cornerstone of successful partnerships, along with granting banks the right to intervene if significant developments arise. Adding to the conversation, Shamayel Al-Marzouq, Assistant General Manager of Corporate Banking at Gulf Bank, delivered a presentation titled 'Beyond Financing: How Banks Can Lead the Digital Future of Public-Private Partnership Projects.' She advocated for the banking sector to shift its role from conventional financing to becoming a catalyst for innovation, digital advancement, and sustainable growth, fully aligned with the vision and goals of Kuwait Vision 2035. Al-Marzouq stressed that the next phase of infrastructure development calls for banks to evolve from 'silent funders' into active digital partners in national infrastructure projects. She highlighted the necessity of integrating banks within the digital ecosystem of Public-Private Partnerships to enable smooth digital connectivity, drive innovation, and boost operational efficiency. She also outlined key strategic actions banks can take in collaboration with government entities, including aligning financing approaches with national priorities – particularly for major projects like Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and the Al-Dabdaba Renewable Energy Project. Other initiatives include establishing centralized digital platforms for bidding and project management, adopting real-time monitoring and reporting solutions, applying data analytics to guide decision-making, and leveraging technology to enhance risk management and ensure greater transparency. Al-Marzouq also highlighted the significance of financing sustainable projects, citing examples like the Al-Dabdaba Power and Shagaya Renewable Energy project. She highlighted the vital role technology plays in advancing inclusivity and good governance by providing accessible digital infrastructure. She concluded by highlighting the vast opportunities across sectors such as transportation, healthcare, education, and housing. Al-Marzouq called for the mandatory use of unified digital platforms, increased investment in digital capacity building, training on partnership models, and collaboration with technology firms and government bodies to establish a comprehensive digital ecosystem for Public-Private Partnerships. 'There is a unique opportunity today for Kuwaiti banks to take a leading role in shaping the future of digital transformation and sustainable development,' she said. 'By doing so, we can reinforce Kuwait's position as a smart, modern financial and commercial hub.' Gulf Bank continues to dedicate itself to driving Kuwait's national development and shaping the future of its financial sector through innovation, teamwork, and strong leadership. Shamayel Al-Marzouq: Banks are strategic partners in leading the digital transformation of public-private partnership projects.
Kuwait Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Gulf Bank announces ‘platinum sponsorship' of 3rd PPP conference
KUWAIT: Gulf Bank has announced its participation as a Platinum Sponsor of the third Kuwait Public Private Partnership (PPP) Conference, taking place on May 18 and 19, 2025, at the Jumeirah Hotel. The event, themed 'Partnership Projects: A Promising Start to a New Era,' is organized under the patronage of Her Excellency Eng Noora Al-Fassam, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs, and Chair of the Higher Committee for PPP Projects. The conference acts as a strategic platform to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors, highlighting best practices and sharing expertise in financing and executing major projects that support the New Kuwait 2035 vision. It brings together government leaders and private sector representatives to discuss ways to drive sustainable development across the country. As part of the conference agenda, Mr. Faisal Al-Adsani, General Manager of Corporate Banking at Gulf Bank, will deliver a keynote speech on the first day. On the second day, Faisal Al-Gharabally, General Manager of International Banking, will join a panel discussion titled 'Shaping the Future of Partnership Projects in Kuwait to Ensure Success' while Shamayel Al-Marzouq, Assistant General Manager of Corporate Banking, will speak on 'Beyond Financing: How Banks Can Lead the Digital Future of Public-Private Partnership Projects.' Faisal Al Gharabally Shamayel Al-Marzouq The Third Kuwait PPP Conference is anticipated to promote increased cooperation among stakeholders, offer a platform for knowledge sharing, and play a key role in advancing sustainable development goals while driving economic growth. Gulf Bank's ongoing participation in this annual conference highlights its steadfast commitment to supporting Kuwait's key development projects. The Bank has been actively involved in numerous strategic initiatives and remains dedicated to enhancing public-private partnerships, driven by the strong belief that collaborative efforts are essential for achieving sustainable progress. Since its establishment, Gulf Bank has been an integral part of Kuwait's urban, cultural, and economic development. As a key player in the country's past, present, and future, the Bank has contributed to financing numerous major development projects, either through direct funding or partnerships with other banks. It has further supported Kuwait Vision 2035 by investing in various projects across key sectors, especially oil, construction, and infrastructure. Gulf Bank aims to be Kuwait's leading bank, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace to deliver exceptional customer service while contributing sustainably to the community. Through its extensive branch network and innovative digital services, the Bank empowers customers to conduct banking transactions conveniently and efficiently, ensuring a seamless experience. In alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035, "New Kuwait," and its commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships, Gulf Bank is dedicated to driving robust sustainability initiatives across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. The Bank is committed to implementing strategically selected and diverse sustainability programs both internally and externally.
