Latest news with #businessdevelopment
Travel Daily News
4 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Abu Dhabi to host the inaugural edition of M&I Expo in 2026
DCT Abu Dhabi partners with M&I to bring senior MICE decision-makers from 14-16 April 2026. ABU DHABI, UAE – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Worldwide Events have signed a strategic partnership to host the highly anticipated M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi from 14-16 April 2026. M&I, a leading events provider and global innovator in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector and a recognized event brand within the portfolio of Worldwide Event's, will bring to Abu Dhabi the 'MICE 1,000', a curated group of the most senior, influential decision-makers in the global MICE industry for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and business development. The exclusive event, to be hosted at the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), further cements Abu Dhabi's growing position as a global MICE hub, with the goal to strengthen collaboration and mutual value creation, while shaping a robust future for the sector in the emirate. Building on the previous success of M&I's sold-out event: M&I Fest Global, M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi will feature immersive booths, compelling branded spaces and storytelling-driven showcases attracting global exhibitors, including tourism boards, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), major hotel brands, conference centres, destination management companies (DMCs), and technology providers who will present their offerings to an audience of high-calibre industry professionals. Mubarak Al Shamsi, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau Director, DCT Abu Dhabi said: 'Hosting the M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi reinforces the emirate's strength and sustained growth as a premier destination for business events and incentive travel. Our latest achievement reflects our strategic commitment to building a world-class MICE ecosystem offering cutting-edge event venues and exceptional hospitality rooted in our core cultural values. With iconic venues such as Qasr Al Watan and Yas Marina Circuit, complemented by Abu Dhabi's diverse leisure attractions such as the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, we are confident this event will showcase the very best of what our destination has to offer.' Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global MICE destination is complemented by a diverse, value-added offering across heritage, entertainment, adventure and beyond, and driven by the strategic vision of DCT Abu Dhabi to enhance infrastructure and support event organisers and industry partners. Richard Barnes, CEO of M&I said: 'Following the success of two incredible editions of M&I Fest in 2024 and 2025, the event has naturally evolved into something bigger and bolder. M&I Expo aims to deliver more valuable connections than any show that's previously existed. We don't want to become another big faceless exhibition where quality is diluted, time is wasted, and people are lost; our focus is on quality over quantity, we aim to attract the right level of delegates: M&I Expo caters exclusively to the elite of the MICE industry; the 1,000 most influential players in the MICE industry: the MICE 1,000. We believe that 1,000 is the sweet spot, not too big, not too small. It's just the right size.' The M&I Expo programme will feature M&I's market-leading one-to-one pre-scheduled meeting format alongside a fully inclusive networking programme with hosted lunches, evening socials, and keynote speakers. In addition to the exhibition programme, buyers will have the opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi firsthand; engaging with its unique venues, culture, and hospitality offering. Hosting the M&I Expo aligns with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to establish the emirate as a global leader in culture and tourism, while serving as a catalyst for diversified economic growth. Business events such as M&I Expo are instrumental in advancing this vision, contributing to tourism sector development, promoting knowledge exchange, fostering innovation and creating lasting benefits for all stakeholders. This announcement comes as Abu Dhabi's tourism sector continues to grow in 2025, welcoming 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter alone. International visitation increased compared to the same period in 2024, with strong performance from key source markets including India, China, Russia, the UK, and the USA. This sustained success reflects Abu Dhabi's evolving and increasingly distinctive value proposition and offerings, driven by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.
Travel Daily News
5 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
TIME Hotels appoints Fares Satli as Director of Business Development
With more than two decades of industry expertise, Fares Satli joins TIME Hotels to lead commercial expansion and strategic partnerships as part of the company's rebranded portfolio and target of 100 properties by 2030. DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – TIME Hotels, the UAE-headquartered hospitality brand, has announced the appointment of Fares Satli as its Director of Business Development, strengthening the company's senior leadership during a period of growth. The announcement comes as TIME Hotels pursues a multi-brand expansion strategy, with 12 new openings planned by Q1 2026 and a long-term objective of reaching 100 properties worldwide within the next five years. A seasoned executive with over 20 years of cross-sector experience, Satli brings a unique perspective to the role. He began his professional journey in the banking industry, where he held senior roles in retail, investment, and private banking at top-tier institutions, including Standard Chartered, Barclays, HSBC, and Citibank. In 2014, he moved into hospitality, specialising in business development and taking on senior positions at leading regional and international operators such as BlueBay Hotels and Resorts, Ishraq Hospitality, and Valor Hospitality Partners. Satli will lead TIME Hotels' commercial expansion efforts, develop corporate partnerships, identify new revenue streams, and support the strategic rollout of the group's growing portfolio of brands. These include VIVI by TIME, a bold lifestyle brand; HALO by TIME, a premium upscale offering; and Rotella, TIME Hotels' luxury concept designed to deliver exclusivity, sophistication, and culturally enriched hospitality. The company is also repositioning its residential offering under three distinct tiers, TIME Residences Classic, Executive, and Premium, to serve both long- and short-stay guests better. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels, stated: 'Fares joins us during an exciting and transformative period. We are evolving from a strong regional player into a global operator with a multi-brand strategy designed to meet the diverse needs of today's travellers. His dynamic leadership, sharp commercial instincts, and track record in financial services and hospitality will be instrumental in our next growth phase.' Holding a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Satli is also a certified Investment Consultant through the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), London. His strengths in feasibility analysis, strategic negotiations, and investor relations ideally position him to support the company's ambitious expansion goals across high-growth tourism markets. In addition to his core business development responsibilities, Satli will be central in reinforcing TIME Hotels' presence across key territories. By Q1 2026, the company is set to launch 12 new properties across Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Tanzania, and the Maldives. This includes two flagship developments in the Maldives: VIVI by TIME, a contemporary 75-key lifestyle resort on Hankede Island, and HALO by TIME, a 150-key upscale property offering a mix of overwater villas and luxury rooms. These openings mark TIME Hotels' debut in the Indian Ocean region and reflect the company's long-term commitment to global expansion through carefully curated destinations. Speaking about his appointment, Satli said, 'TIME Hotels has built a strong reputation for operational excellence and guest-centric service, and as such, I am delighted to join the brand at this pivotal point in its journey. The expansion of our brand family presents new avenues for growth and innovation. I look forward to building key partnerships, delivering new opportunities, and helping TIME Hotels scale new heights in established and emerging markets.' The company operates 17 properties in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. Its pipeline will increase its portfolio to 29 hotels and more than 8,000 keys by early 2026.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Business development, expansion, retention program gets green light from Lethbridge council
Lethbridge council approved a business development, expansion and retention program, to help attract investment, support business growth and create jobs. The City of Lethbridge is taking steps to help attract investment, support business growth and create jobs. Council approved the business development, expansion and retention program at Tuesday's meeting. The grant-based program was developed with the input of local industry and informed by recent reporting and data. The program provides a grant, tied to property taxes, to businesses and other investors that spend $2 million or more in key industries. The program will focus on three industries—agri-food and agribusinesses, trade and logistics and alternative and renewable energy. 'Why we're just focused on these three is because it's just the start and it's going to get bigger. It's just we've heard through some of the different engagement sessions with the community, these are the three main ones that people have identified,' said Blaine Hyggen, Lethbridge mayor. 'They're not all of them and that was a concern that I had was, 'My gosh, we see these three but there's others that are needing support again.' That is something admin will look into over the next while.' Lethbridge council approved a business development, expansion and retention program, to help attract investment, support business growth and create jobs. Lethbridge council approved a business development, expansion and retention program, to help attract investment, support business growth and create jobs. The pilot program will run for 18 months.
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Hebden Bridge woman denies threatening to blow up man's house
A woman who allegedly threatened to blow up a man's house "while his family were inside" has appeared in court. Nichola Priestley also allegedly sent the man another email threatening to kill him in July 2023. The 46-year-old claimed her email address was hacked and denied sending threatening communications earlier at Kirklees Magistrates' Court. Ms Priestley, of Mytholm Close, Hebden Bridge, is due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on 24 June and in the meantime a psychiatric report is being prepared. Magistrates told Ms Priestly, a business development strategist who runs her own company, that she was banned from contacting the man she sent the alleged emails to "in any form". Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Trade Arabia
6 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
TIME Hotels appoints new Director of Business Development
TIME Hotels, the UAE-headquartered hospitality brand, has appointed Fares Satli as its Director of Business Development, strengthening the company's senior leadership during a period of growth. The announcement comes as TIME Hotels pursues a multi-brand expansion strategy, with 12 new openings planned by Q1 2026 and a long-term objective of reaching 100 properties worldwide within the next five years. A seasoned executive with over 20 years of cross-sector experience, Satli brings a unique perspective to the role. He began his professional journey in the banking industry, where he held senior roles in retail, investment, and private banking at top-tier institutions, including Standard Chartered, Barclays, HSBC, and Citibank. In 2014, he moved into hospitality, specialising in business development and taking on senior positions at leading regional and international operators such as BlueBay Hotels and Resorts, Ishraq Hospitality, and Valor Hospitality Partners. Satli will lead TIME Hotels' commercial expansion efforts, develop corporate partnerships, identify new revenue streams, and support the strategic rollout of the group's growing portfolio of brands. These include VIVI by TIME, a bold lifestyle brand; HALO by TIME, a premium upscale offering; and Rotella, TIME Hotels' luxury concept designed to deliver exclusivity, sophistication, and culturally enriched hospitality. The company is also repositioning its residential offering under three distinct tiers, TIME Residences Classic, Executive, and Premium, to serve both long- and short-stay guests better. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels, stated: 'Fares joins us during an exciting and transformative period. We are evolving from a strong regional player into a global operator with a multi-brand strategy designed to meet the diverse needs of today's travellers. His dynamic leadership, sharp commercial instincts, and track record in financial services and hospitality will be instrumental in our next growth phase.' Holding a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Satli is also a certified Investment Consultant through the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), London. His strengths in feasibility analysis, strategic negotiations, and investor relations ideally position him to support the company's ambitious expansion goals across high-growth tourism markets. In addition to his core business development responsibilities, Satli will be central in reinforcing TIME Hotels' presence across key territories. By Q1 2026, the company is set to launch 12 new properties across Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Tanzania, and the Maldives. This includes two flagship developments in the Maldives: VIVI by TIME, a contemporary 75-key lifestyle resort on Hankede Island, and HALO by TIME, a 150-key upscale property offering a mix of overwater villas and luxury rooms. These openings mark TIME Hotels' debut in the Indian Ocean region and reflect the company's long-term commitment to global expansion through carefully curated destinations. Speaking about his appointment, Satli said: 'TIME Hotels has built a strong reputation for operational excellence and guest-centric service, and as such, I am delighted to join the brand at this pivotal point in its journey. The expansion of our brand family presents new avenues for growth and innovation. I look forward to building key partnerships, delivering new opportunities, and helping TIME Hotels scale new heights in established and emerging markets.'
