Business Traveller Middle East articles from July 2006

Business Traveller Middle East archives from July 2006

This issue.(Editorial)
July 1, 2006... They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but sometimes it's best to stay apart from the herd and carve out your own niche. Such is the case with burgeoning tourism destination Qatar which, although seeking to grow its tourism...

Royal treatment on emirates.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... On our recent visit to Sydney from Dubai, we flew Emirates and received royal treatment. My husband was accompanying the Chevrolet Insportz under-14 cricket team comprising 16 boys, and my daughter and I were also travelling with them. The...

Changi treasure.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... I have just flown from Singapore with Qatar Airways. Arriving at the departures terminal at Changi Airport by hotel limousine or taxi, there is a clearly marked 'Premier Class' check-in entrance. I was greeted by airport staff who, having...

Indian airports a let-down.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... I read in Business Traveller (London edition) earlier this year that BA planned to upgrade its service at Indian airports and was now offering "superior ground handling" to smooth through the "various formalities". Having just left the hellhole...

Wafi hotel welcomes budget travellers.(UPFRONT)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... As a mid-market business and leisure hotel, the Arabian Park Hotel, which recently opened in Jadaf close to the Dubai-based Waft City retail complex, aims to cater to the price-conscious, short-stay business traveller. Owned and managed by...

Fairmont continues expansion.(UPFRONT)(Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Reiterating itself as a luxury brand and following the success of The Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is on course to fulfill its projects in the Middle East. The first to be ready, late next year, will be The Fairmont Cairo,...

Limo service for Etihad guests.(UPFRONT)(Limousine, Etihad Airways)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Etihad Airways' premium guests flying from Abu Dhabi to the UK can now travel to meetings in a limousine free of charge. The Etihad Chauffeur service entitles Diamond (first) and Pearl Zone (business) guests to a luxury limousine transfer...

Le Meridien Dubai has a new room category for business travellers called Art+Tech rooms featuring a 34" LCD television with laptop connectivity, espresso machines, and dedicated work areas.(HOTEL BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Le Meridien Dubai has a new room category for business travellers called Art+Tech rooms featuring a 34" LCD television with laptop connectivity, espresso machines, and dedicated work areas. Twenty-five rooms are operational; the rest will be...

Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts has re-launched its business class rooms with a Nespresso coffee machine.(HOTEL BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts has re-launched its business class rooms with a Nespresso coffee machine. In addition, the room also offers free pay movies.

The 126-unit Savoy Hotel Apartments in Bur Dubai is undergoing a two-month renovation.(HOTEL BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... The 126-unit Savoy Hotel Apartments in Bur Dubai is undergoing a two-month renovation to reposition itself as a deluxe property.

Anantara Resort Maldives, which will open on 1 August, will be a five-star boutique hideaway.(HOTEL BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Anantara Resort Maldives, which will open on 1 August, will be a five-star boutique hideaway in Maldives with beachfront villas.

Marriott International will open its third Renaissance hotel in Shanghai, the Renaissance Shanghai Yuyuan Hotel in 2008.(HOTEL BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Marriott International will open its third Renaissance hotel in Shanghai, the Renaissance Shanghai Yuyuan Hotel in 2008. The 223-unit Union Square Shanghai Pudong Marriott Executive Apartments will open this year.

Virgin Nigeria launches direct service on Dubai-Lagos route.(UPFRONT)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Virgin Nigeria has launched a three-times-a-week service to Lagos from Dubai. Commenting on the reasons for the introduction of the new route, Virgin Nigeria CEO Conrad Clifford said: "Dubai is a major business centre and popular holiday...

Luxury all the way at the Ritz-Carlton.(UPFRONT)(Ritz Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain has been ranked first in a survey of luxury hotels by US research body the Luxury Institute's Luxury Brand Status Index Survey. The award-winning hotel company took the top honours for the second year running,...

Sun International partners Red Sea resort.(UPFRONT)(Sun International Hotels Ltd.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Marketing of the first phase of a $1.2 billion multi-purpose resort on Egypt's southern Red Sea coast is to begin this month. Port Ghalib is being built along an 18 kilometre-stretch of coastline situated around 220 kilometres from the famous...

New international airport for Aqaba.(UPFRONT)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Israel and Jordan are to collaborate on the construction of a new international airport in the Gulf of Aqaba, which will replace the existing one at Eilat in Israel. The new airport will serve international carriers with two terminals, one...

Emirates opens lounges in Germany.(UPFRONT)(Emirates Airline)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... To enhance the travel experience on the ground, Emirates recently opened lounges for first and business class passengers at both Munich and Frankfurt airports. Emirates serves both cities with double daily services to and from Dubai, so...

Coral unveils mid-market hotel brand.(UPFRONT)
July 1, 2006... Reinforcing that the demand for mid-market hotels is booming, Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas has teamed with Reef Real Estate Investment Company to launch Corp Executive Hotels, a breed of smart business hotels. Over the next...

Rotana to roll out in new downtown area of Amman.(UPFRONT)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... In keeping with its strategy to have a hotel in every Middle Eastern city, Rotana Hotels is rolling out its first five-star hotel property in Jordan. The new Amman Rotana Hotel will be located on a 35-hectare plot at the new downtown...

Etihad Airways has launched six weekly flights (except Tuesdays) from Abu Dhabi to Doha.(AIRLINE BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Etihad Airways has launched six weekly flights (except Tuesdays) from Abu Dhabi to Doha. The airline has also started four weekly flights to Casablanca as well as double-daily flights to Bangkok, taking the number of weekly flights to the Thai...

Emirates has added a fifth weekly flight.(AIRLINE BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Emirates has added a fifth Weekly flight on its recently launched Abidjan route.

First class passengers to Dubai from anywhere on the Emirates' network can stay two free nights at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai, while business class passengers can stay at Emirates Towers.(AIRLINE BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... First class passengers to Dubai from anywhere on the Emirates' network can stay two free nights at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai, while business class passengers can stay at Emirates Towers. The offer includes a 96-hour visa.

The $3,875 billion Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand is ready to open this year and become an aviation hub in Asia with a capacity to take 45 million passengers annually.(AIRLINE BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... The $3,875 billion Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand is ready to open this year and become an aviation hub in Asia with a capacity to take 45 million passengers annually. The airport will also include a 500*room Accor hotel.

Air France has added two daily flights from Riyadh to Paris.(AIRLINE BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Air France has added two daily flights from Riyadh to Paris taking the number of weekly flights to seven.

Royal Jordanian is operating biweekly flights to Sulaymaniah.(AIRLINE BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Royal Jordanian is operating biweekly flights to Sulaymaniah, northern Iraq, from Amman airport.

Qatar Airways has added a fifth weekly.(AIRLINE BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Qatar Airways has added a fifth weekly flight on its Dona-Shanghai route.

Airbus delay unlikely to cause cancellations in ME.(UP FRONT)(Middle East)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The delay in production of the super jumbo A380 aircraft from Airbus is unlikely to result in Emirates cancelling its order, despite the fact that its delivery will be held up for six months. Emirates, the biggest customer for the A380, has...

Sharq Hotel set to take a bite of Qatari hospitality market.(UP FRONT)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Ritz-Carlton group is to manage a new five-star hotel in Doha that is being built in the style of a traditional Qatari village. Scheduled to open before the Asian Games start in December, Sharq Village, a 174-room waterfront property, aims...

Coral Hotels is to manage a property in the Omani capital, Muscat.(HOTEL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Coral Hotels is to manage a property in the Omani capital Muscat. The hotel is the Coral chain's eighth, and only its third outside of the UAE, although plans are underway to open hotels in Beirut, Riyadh, Kuwait and Bahrain. The 32-room...

Swissotel recently opened its latest property in Ankara, Turkey.(HOTEL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Swissotel recently opened its latest property in Ankara, Turkey. Located in the upmarket area of Cankaya, the hotel offers easy access to the city centre. The 150-room property boasts the largest presidential suite in the city to date, and also...

Kempinski Hotel at the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai has been cited as one of the hippest hotels in the world in a list compiled by the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine.(HOTEL BRIEFS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Kempinski Hotel at the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai has been cited as one of the hippest hotels in the world in a list compiled by the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine. Situated alongside the largest shopping mall in the world outside North...

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi has just completed a Dhs20 million ($5.4 million) expansion and refurbishment project, which added five new rooms, bringing the total to 234.(HOTEL BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Le Meridien Abu Dhabi has just completed a Dhs20 million ($5.4 million) expansion and refurbishment project, which added five new rooms, bringing the total to 234. The outcome of the 11-month project is said to have resulted in an Art...

Four seasons hotel: Hotel check--Damascus.(TRIED & TESTED)(Hotel review)
July 1, 2006... WHAT'S IT LIKE? Although it only officially opened in February this year, the property has already established itself as a contemporary landmark thanks to a distinctive pillared facade that has echoes of local architectural traditions. The...

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Business Class.(TRIED AND TESTED)
July 1, 2006... FLIGHT CHECK--COPENHAGEN-DUBAI FIRST IMPRESSION Despite arriving at the check-out with nearly two hours to spare, and finding the queue unsurprisingly empty, staff were prepared and in good spirits. Handy time estimates positioned on signs...

Bulgari Hotel.(TRIED AND TESTED)(Hotel review)
July 1, 2006... HOTEL CHECK--MILAN WHAT'S IT LIKE? The first of its design kind to open in the world, the Bulgari Hotel is distinguished by location, contemporary design and high-end services. Located in one of the most prestigious Milanese locations, it...

Qatar calling: The expansion of Qatar's tourism industry is a carefully managed affair that will ensure its long-term development is firmly in line with the country's cultural heritage, discovers.(QATAR)(Travel narrative)
July 1, 2006... As I head off to the Ritz-Carlton Doha, a travel-savvy friend recalls the time she spent there. "It's a stunning hotel, set out on its own little island in a really exclusive neighbourhood," she says, adding, "but that was about four years ago,...

Staying power: Benefiting from surging oil prices and steady production, Kuwait buries its strife-torn past to ensure that businesses stay and corporate travellers keep checking in.(KUWAIT)
July 1, 2006... Helmut Alber downs a bottle of Perrier and, adjusting his suede blazer, reclines to watch a game of football in the executive lounge of the just-opened Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait. It has been a long day for Alber, Managing Director of...

Resort revival: Hotels in Fujairah are set to welcome both tourists and competition, as the emirate gears up to become a full-fledged resort town.(FUJAIRAH)(United Arab Emirates)(Travel narrative)
July 1, 2006... After the 90-minute drive from Dubai to Fujairah--down roads flanked by rugged, imposing mountains--on a hot May morning, Mani is just the kind of person you want to meet. Bell boy-cum attendant-cum impromptu guide at the Hilton Fujairah...

Radisson SAS Resort, Sharjah, welcomes business travellers with a summer rate of Dhs350 ($95.10) for single business class room and Dhs395 ($107.33) for double, including breakfast and free internet access.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Radisson SAS Resort, Sharjah, welcomes business travellers with a summer rate of Dhs350 ($95.10) for single business class room and Dhs395 ($107.33) for double, including breakfast and free internet access. The resort also offers a full-day...

All through Dubai Summer Surprises (21 June to 1 September), Emirates will offer packages across 22 hotels in Dubai from as little as $43 on a per-person per-night sharing basis including all charges.(UNDER $250)(Emirates Airline)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... All through Dubai Summer Surprises (21 June to 1 September), Emirates will offer packages across 22 hotels in Dubai from as little as $43 on a per-person per-night sharing basis including all charges. The offer is available to all Emirates...

Check in to Dusit Dubai and experience the Dusit Meeting Advantage for Dhs899 ($244.29) including a one-night stay in a deluxe room with breakfast, lunch, all-day coffee breaks and use of meeting room (minimum booking of 10 rooms per night).(UNDER $250)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Check in to Dusit Dubai and experience the Dusit Meeting Advantage for Dhs899 ($244.29) including a one-night stay in a deluxe room with breakfast, lunch, all-day coffee breaks and use of meeting room (minimum booking of 10 rooms per night)....

The new Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea in Jordan is offering a superior double room for JD155 ($218.62) including breakfast.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2006... The new Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea in Jordan is offering a superior double room for JD155 ($218.62) including breakfast. All rooms boast complimentary mini-bar and high-speed internet access. Laptops and iPods are also available on...

The Movenpick Hotel Bur Dubai is offering single/double superior rooms for Dhs450 ($122.28) plus tax until 31 August.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2006... The Movenpick Hotel Bur Dubai is offering single/double superior rooms for Dhs450 ($122.28) plus tax until 31 August. The hotel's 'Banquet Summer Full Day Executive Delegate' rate is Dhs130 ($35.32) per person (inclusive of charges and for a...

Enjoy a dinner cruise aboard Bateaux Dubai for Dhs200 ($54.34) per person from 16 July to 31 August (except public holidays).(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2006... Enjoy a dinner cruise aboard Bateaux Dubai for Dhs200 ($54.34) per person from 16 July to 31 August (except public holidays). It includes a welcome drink, canapes and a four-course gourmet dinner. Boarding starts every night at 8pm. Call +971 4...

This one's for stressed-out executives.(UNDER $250)(Le Meridien Dubai)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... This one's for stressed-out executives. Check out the summer Executive Renewal Package at Natural Elements spa at Le Meridien Dubai. The two-and-a-half hour treatment, including body scrub, neck and shoulder massage and facial, costs Dhs650...

The Marco Polo Hotel in Dubai is offering its top-floor Polo Club rooms for Dhs222 ($60.32) per person on a twin-sharing basis until 31 August.(UNDER $250)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Marco Polo Hotel in Dubai is offering its top-floor Polo Club rooms for Dhs222 ($60.32) per person on a twin-sharing basis until 31 August. The offer includes express lounge check-in and checkout, use of the Polo Lounge, welcome drinks and...

Stay at the Hatta Fort Hotel near Dubai for Dhs290 ($78.80) per person per night inclusive of a complimentary dinner for two.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2006... Stay at the Hatta Fort Hotel near Dubai for Dhs290 ($78.80) per person per night inclusive of a complimentary dinner for two. Call +971 4 852 3211.

Until the end of August, the One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai is offering summer deals at the Givenchy Spa and Oriental Hammam.(UNDER $250)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Until the end of August, the One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai is offering summer deals at the Givenchy Spa and Oriental Hammam. Guests who book two treatments will benefit from a special summer saving of 25 per cent. Until the end of August, you...

Until the end of September, stay at InterContinental Hotel Group's Crowne Plaza properties across the GCC, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan and enjoy summer weekend packages from $76 per night including breakfast.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2006... Until the end of September, stay at InterContinental Hotel Group's Crowne Plaza properties across the GCC, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan and enjoy summer weekend packages from $76 per night including breakfast. Visit www.ichotelsgroup.com.

Stay at The InterContinental Dubai for a special summer rate of Dhs410 ($111.41).(UNDER $250)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Stay at The InterContinental Dubai for a special summer rate of Dhs410 ($111.41). Throw in an extra Dhs200 ($54.34) to be upgraded to a Club InterContinental room, Valid from 21 June to 21 August. All summer, diners at the hotel can take...

At the Doha Marriott Hotel, check out the Escape Dining package for QR1,100/$302.14 (single) and QR1,200/$329.61 (double).(UNDER $500)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... At the Doha Marriott Hotel, check out the Escape Dining package for QR1,100/$302.14 (single) and QR1,200/$329.61 (double). The offer, valid on Thursdays and Fridays in June and July, includes a stay in an executive room, complimentary breakfast...

Enjoy trademark Arabian hospitality at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai for rates starting from Dhs960 ($260.86) for a deluxe room in Al Qasr or Dar Al Masyaf and Dhs900 ($244.56) for a deluxe balcony room in Mina A' Salam.(UNDER $500)
July 1, 2006... Enjoy trademark Arabian hospitality at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai for rates starting from Dhs960 ($260.86) for a deluxe room in Al Qasr or Dar Al Masyaf and Dhs900 ($244.56) for a deluxe balcony room in Mina A' Salam. The promotion runs until 31...

The Ritz-Carlton Sharm El Sheikh is offering a two-night stay in a pool and garden guestroom (double) and two full-day snorkelling boat trips to Tiran Island and Ras Mohamed reserves for rates starting from $220.(UNDER $500)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Ritz-Carlton Sharm El Sheikh is offering a two-night stay in a pool and garden guestroom (double) and two full-day snorkelling boat trips to Tiran Island and Ras Mohamed reserves for rates starting from $220. A 'Signature Diving' package...

Business travellers at The Ritz-Carkon Dubai can stay in a clubroom for Dhs1,150 ($312.5) per room per night, including breakfast and access to the Club Lounge.(UNDER $500)
July 1, 2006... Business travellers at The Ritz-Carkon Dubai can stay in a clubroom for Dhs1,150 ($312.5) per room per night, including breakfast and access to the Club Lounge, which offers complimentary food, beverages and wireless internet access. Call +971...

Stay in a clubroom at the InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut with access to the club lounge complimentary breakfast, tea, cocktails and wifi for $360 plus tax, from 1 July to 20 September.(UNDER $500)
July 1, 2006... Stay in a clubroom at the InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut with access to the club lounge, complimentary breakfast, tea, cocktails and wifi for $360 plus tax, from 1 July to 20 September. Call +961 1 369 100.

This summer, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa is offering sea-facing clubrooms (single/double) for BD109 ($289) plus tax per night.(UNDER $500)
July 1, 2006... This summer, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa is offering sea-facing clubrooms (single/double) for BD109 ($289) plus tax per night. The hotel's club suite package for a sea-facing room is BD179 ($474.74). Rates include regular club lounge...

Stay six nights for Dhs2,372 ($644.56) onwards (including tax) at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers and Sheraton Abu Dhabi Resort & Towers.(UNDER $1,000)
July 1, 2006... Stay six nights for Dhs2,372 ($644.56) onwards (including tax) at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers and Sheraton Abu Dhabi Resort & Towers. Valid until 31 August, the Sheraton a la Carte package...

Stay at Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Media City, for Dhs2,110 ($573.36) per person and the offer will include a night's accommodation, breakfast and a round of golf at The Montgomerie.(UNDER $1,000)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Stay at Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Media City, for Dhs2,110 ($573.36) per person and the offer will include a night's accommodation, breakfast and a round of golf at The Montgomerie. Until the end of August, the hotel also has special room rates...

From 1 July to the end of August, UAE residents can fly from Dubai to Salalah on Oman Air and stay three nights at The Hilton Salalah Resort for Dhs2,325 ($631.79) per person including breakfast, transfers, and the return flight.(UNDER $1,000)
July 1, 2006... From 1 July to the end of August, UAE residents can fly from Dubai to Salalah on Oman Air and stay three nights at The Hilton Salalah Resort for Dhs2,325 ($631.79) per person including breakfast, transfers, and the return flight. Call...

Until 1 September, stay four nights for the price of three at any of the Marriott properties (JW Marriott Dubai, Renaissance Dubai, Courtyard by Marriott Dubai Green Community and the Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek) in Dubai.(EXTRAS)
July 1, 2006... Until 1 September, stay four nights for the price of three at any of the Marriott properties (JW Marriott Dubai, Renaissance Dubai, Courtyard by Marriott Dubai Green Community and the Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek) in Dubai. Click...

If you are staying at any of the designated 150 Hilton hotels, you can earn free room nights, extra air miles, Hilton HHonors bonus points and a 10 per cent discount when booking through MasterCard.(EXTRAS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... If you are staying at any of the designated 150 Hilton hotels, you can earn free room nights, extra air miles, Hilton HHonors bonus points and a 10 per cent discount when booking through MasterCard. Until September, a three-night stay will earn...

Stay on a Thursday night at the Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa and receive a voucher entitling you to stay weekdays at 50 per cent off the weekend rate.(EXTRAS)
July 1, 2006... Stay on a Thursday night at the Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa and receive a voucher entitling you to stay weekdays at 50 per cent off the weekend rate. Valid until 25 August. Call +971 4 832 6699.

Park Hyatt Dubai is offering a complimentary third night for guests staying two nights, and an additional two nights for those staying four nights, until the end of August.(EXTRAS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Park Hyatt Dubai is offering a complimentary third night for guests staying two nights, and an additional two nights for those staying four nights, until the end of August. Each guest room will receive a Dhs200 ($54.34) voucher for use at the...

Pay for two room nights and get one night free, pay for five nights and get two nights free (applicable for suites as well) at the Grand Hyatt Dubai until 10 September.(EXTRAS)
July 1, 2006... Pay for two room nights and get one night free, pay for five nights and get two nights free (applicable for suites as well) at the Grand Hyatt Dubai until 10 September. Call +971 4 317 1234.

Guests staying at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai can get up to 60 per cent summer discount on single and double occupancy rooms from 1 July to 31 August.(EXTRAS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Guests staying at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai can get up to 60 per cent summer discount on single and double occupancy rooms from 1 July to 31 August. Dine and receive a gift voucher to the value of Dhs75 ($20.38) per night redeemable...

The Arabian Courtyard Bur Dubai is offering 60 per cent off rack rates from 1 July to 31 August, including complimentary breakfast, use of gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and swimming pool.(EXTRAS)
July 1, 2006... The Arabian Courtyard Bur Dubai is offering 60 per cent off rack rates from 1 July to 31 August, including complimentary breakfast, use of gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and swimming pool. Call +971 4 351 9111.

Until 15 July, travellers who lease a vehicle from the Oman page of the Thrifty car rental website (www.thrifty.com) will receive a 10 per cent discount.(EXTRAS)
July 1, 2006... Until 15 July, travellers who lease a vehicle from the Oman page of the Thrifty car rental website (www.thrifty. com) will receive a 10 per cent discount on economy, compact, mid-size and full-size cars.

If you want a break from work and wish to indulge yourself, head to the mountains in Lebanon to the InterContinental Mountain Resort & Spa Mzaar and take advantage of the five-night Wellbeing Holiday rejuvenation package including 24 different spa treatments.(EXTRAS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... If you want a break from work and wish to indulge yourself, head to the mountains in Lebanon to the InterContinental Mountain Resort & Spa Mzaar and take advantage of the five-night Wellbeing Holiday rejuvenation package including 24 different...

Throughout summer, diners at Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spas restaurants (Thai Bistro, Capanna Nuova, Al Qasr, Al Khayma, Taverna and El Paso Tex-Mex Restaurant & Bar) will get a voucher to the value of 35 per cent off their total bill to be redeemed on their next visit.(EXTRAS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Throughout summer, diners at Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spas restaurants (Thai Bistro, Capanna Nuova, Al Qasr, Al Khayma, Taverna and El Paso Tex-Mex Restaurant & Bar) will get a voucher to the value of 35 per cent off their total bill to be...

If you are on business in Oman this summer and want to throw in a short holiday.(EXTRAS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... If you are on business in Oman this summer and want to throw in a short holiday, head to any one of the five properties of the InterContinental Hotels Group (Al Bustan InterContinental Muscat, InterContinental Muscat, Crowne Plaza Muscat,...

Golfing around ... Madrid: Although Spain is generally well known for golfing breaks, Madrid has been until now one of the country's best-kept secrets when it comes to courses. Kevin Pilley uncovers its true potential.(GOLF)(La Herreira, Las Lomas Bosque Villaviciosia De Oidn, Club De Campo, RSHE Real Sociedad Hipica Espanola, La Moraleja, C Marquesa Vuida De Aldama,)
July 1, 2006... Madrid boasts one of the closest golf courses to any major capital city in the Jose Rivero-designed Olivar de la Hinojosa Club. Two miles from the airport and overlooking the main airport motorway, it describes itself as "an urban inner city...

Pull your socks up: Deep vein thrombosis is a well-known health problem linked with flying, yet almost half of business travellers take no precautions in-flight. Sarah Maxwell reports on the measures you should be taking.(HEALTH)
July 1, 2006... Of all the health issues in air travel, deep vein thrombosis (DVT)attracts the most attention, with court cases against airlines regularly hitting the headlines. In the unlikely event it happens to you, it is potentially very serious, possibly...

Manchester: Manchester is best known for its industrial past and lively nightlife, but Anne Reed discovers the city's cultural side, from art and museums to stunning architecture and high-end shopping.(4 HOURS IN ...)(Travel narrative)
July 1, 2006... [1] Urbis To get acquainted with Manchester's past, present and future all in one go, start at Urbis. This modern museum in Cathedral Gardens (next to Victoria Station) explores urban culture and the cities of today and tomorrow. A glass...

Ask Alex.(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... [Q] On February 19, my daughter and I flew back in business class from Bandar Seri Begawan to London with Royal Brunei Airlines. We were appalled by the state of the cabin which greeted our arrival on board. This was obviously one of the...

Creative spirit: Despite a decidedly commercial bent, Mumbai has also been recognised for its love of expression. A Mukherjee walks around Kala Ghoda, one neighbourhood epitomising this city's artistic soul.(MUMBAI)
July 1, 2006... If you're in Mumbai in February and happen to visit the famous Jehangir Art Gallery in Kala Ghoda, you'll likely spot rows of children's paintings and drawings displayed along the road. There may even be a few curly heads bent over their latest...

Service with a smile: it is what marks out a good hotel from a bad one, but how do major brands ensure their standards are maintained? Tom Otley talks to the staff behind the rapidly growing Jumeirah group.(HOTELS)
July 1, 2006... It won't have escaped the notice of regular business travellers, but the hotel chains are expanding. As we reported in Business Traveller in July-August last year, there are good reasons for this. Individual hotels need help in selling...

Face value: Video-conferencing technology promised to allow us to conduct business without ever leaving the office again, so why do we still fly around the world to attend meetings?(VIDEO CONFERENCING)
July 1, 2006... It wasn't so long ago that experts were predicting the end of business travel. Advances in video conferencing would mean that colleagues and clients could meet and do business without leaving the comfort of their office. A decade or so later...

Business with pleasure: Be it Vertu blue, LG chocolate or Nokia pink, the season's runway colours are spilling onto mainstream mobiles. Who says your serious business device cannot look hip.(GADGETS)(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2006... Nokia E61 The Nokia E61 is slim but packed with all functions to help you work when travelling. It has a four-way joystick and a full keyboard combined with a wide colour screen. The Nokia E61 provides encrypted mobile connectivity, full...

Win two nights in a delux Dubai hotel: Enjoy two nights in a double room, including breakfast and dinner at Focaccia restaurant, at the Hyatt Regency Dubai.(COMPETITION)
July 1, 2006... Hyatt Regency Dubai, located on the Deira Corniche close to the heart of the city's business centre, has dominated the Dubai skyline for over 25 years now. With its ambitious refurbishment project just complete, the 25-storey, 414-room deluxe...

Safe haven: If you're after the kind of place where you can really get away from it all, then look no further than the Caribbean island of Nevis.(GREAT ESCAPE)(Travel narrative)
July 1, 2006... We extended our family on Nevis, much to our surprise, as it certainly wasn't planned. But nevertheless we came back from the West Indies with a new family member--and a beautiful memento of a happy fortnight in the Leeward Islands. We...