Business Traveller Middle East articles from July 2008

Business Traveller Middle East archives from July 2008

Mixing moments.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2008... Which idiot at BAA decided it was a good idea to mix transferring domestic passengers with international passengers at LHR Terminal 1? It means that transferring domestic passengers now have to go through two extra biometric security checks,...

City to Shannon to NY?(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2008... I applaud British Airways for taking the initiative to introduce a service from London City to New York, and it looks like many people think it is a worthwhile service. However, do people know that the aircraft has to land in Shannon prior...

Jordan offers a two-in-one experience.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2008... Your Great Escape article entitled The Past Preserved, which appeared in the May/June issue of Business Traveller Middle East (page 112) and talked about the beautiful Roman rains in Jerash, reminded me of what a great destination Jordan is for...

Emirates to launch inaugural A380 service to America.(UPfront)
July 1, 2008... Travellers will be able to experience Emirates' brand-new Airbus A380 aircraft for the first time on 1 August, when it launches its A380 service from Dubai to New York JFK. The 14-hour non-stop flight will also be the first-ever commercial...

Crowne Plaza to make Doha debut.(UPfront)(InterContinental Hotels Group PLC)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Executives on business in Doha will soon have more accommodation options close to the airport. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement to develop the first Crowne Plaza in Qatar close to Doha International Airport....

Dubai chosen for Elie Saab hotel.(Upfront)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Well-known Lebanese designer Erie Saab, whose name is synonymous with luxury and glamour, will design for the first time a signature hotel in Dubai, reiterating the city's penchant for branded accommodation. The...

Abu Dhabi to get UAE's first St Regis property.(Upfront)(Starwood Hotels and Resorts Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Starwood's luxury St Regis brand will make its UAE debut at Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The $600 million St Regis Hotel & Residences Saadiyat Island, to be built and owned by Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development & Investment Company, will be...

Etihad upgrades ground services at Abu Dhabi.(UPfront)
July 1, 2008... Etihad Airways has opened a new business class lounge at its Abu Dhabi airport hub offering business class customers entertainment and round-the-clock dining. The new Terminal 1 lounge follows the opening in January of a separate lounge...

Jumeirah Living set to welcome long-stay guests.(UPfront)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Jumeirah Living, part of Dubai-based hospitality major Jumeirah Group, is set to open its very first property in Dubai in August, offering long-stay executives more luxury options on Sheikh Zayed Road, right next to Dubai World Trade Centre and...

New premium airline to take flight in Kuwait.(UPfront)
July 1, 2008... Kuwait has unveiled the corporate identity and colours of a new premium airline due to commence services in January next year. Wataniya Airways will be a short-haul premium national airline created to meet the needs of Kuwaiti travellers....

Emirates is offering first and business class passengers flying to or via Dubai special packages until 31 August.(AIRLINE UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Emirates is offering first and business class passengers flying to or via Dubai special packages until 31 August. First class passengers receive two nights at The Palace, The Old Town or The Harbour Hotel & Residence. Business class passengers...

Singapore Airlines has introduced four more non-stop flights a week from Dubai to Singapore taking the total to 14 flights.(AIRLINE UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Singapore Airlines has introduced four more non-stop flights a week from Dubai to Singapore taking the total to 14 flights. It also operates four weekly flights from Dubai to Istanbul and three weekly services from Dubai to Moscow.

Gulf Air has joined Budget Rent-a-Car to offer a new frequent flyer deal.(AIRLINE UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Gulf Air has joined Budget Rent-a-Car to offer a new frequent flyer deal. Members of the airline's frequent flyer programme will now be awarded 500 frequent flyer miles every time they rent with Budget. Customers simply need to quote their...

Dubai's new low-cost airline, named FlyDubai, is expected to launch its first flight by mid-2009 to provide affordable air links to high-demand destinations.(AIRLINE UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Dubai's new low-cost airline, named FlyDubai, is expected to launch its first flight by mid-2009 to provide affordable air links to high-demand destinations. It will initially focus on flights within the GCC and surrounding countries and its...

Qatar Airways has increased capacity on its Doha-Bahrain route.(AIRLINE UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Qatar Airways has increased capacity on its Doha-Bahrain route with the addition of five flights a week. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The InterContinental Hotels Group is set to reopen the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat with 200 rooms and 50 suites in November, following extensive renovations.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The InterContinental Hotels Group is set to reopen the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat with 200 rooms and 50 suites in November, following extensive renovations. The iconic property, set amidst a rugged...

Corp Executive Hotels will open Corp Doha, its first hotel in Qatar, by 2011.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Corp Executive Hotels will open Corp Doha, its first hotel in Qatar, by 2011. Designed for corporate travellers, Corp Doha will feature 210 rooms, a business centre, gym, dining venues, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and...

Layia Hospitality, Dubai's new hotel management company, is set to open its first hotel property, Layia Oak Hotel & Residence, shortly.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Layia Hospitality, Dubai's new hotel management company, is set to open its first hotel property, Layia Oak Hotel & Residence, shortly. Located off Sheikh Zayed Road, it will offer 161 rooms and apartments, as well as three dining venues,...

Kempinski Hotel in the UAE emirate of Ajman has introduced 24 leisure club rooms located on the hotel's highest floors.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Kempinski Hotel in the UAE emirate of Ajman has introduced 24 leisure club rooms located on the hotel's highest floors. The experience begins with a private check-in, when a personal butler will greet each guest. Other services include...

American Express and Raffles Hotels & Resorts have launched the Centurion Suite at Raffles Dubai.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... American Express and Raffles Hotels & Resorts have launched the Centurion Suite at Raffles Dubai. The Centurion Suites are designed for jet-setting individuals who can enjoy such privileges as complimentary stays, a spa experience and flexible...

InterContinental will develop two Staybridge Suites properties in Kuwait.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... InterContinental will develop two Staybridge Suites properties in Kuwait. Staybridge Suites Salmiya, opening in November 2009, will comprise 120 suites while the second, Staybridge Suites Farnawiya, to open three months later, will feature 150...

Accor Hospitality has entered into an agreement with Chavana Spa to develop and manage spas within its Novotel, Mercure and Pullman hotels in the Middle East.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Accor Hospitality has entered into an agreement with Chavana Spa to develop and manage spas within its Novotel, Mercure and Pullman hotels in the Middle East. Chavana Spa, developed by Mandara Spa, will provide its know-how in operating the...

Dubai-based Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas has signed a contract for Coral Executive Apartments, a 144-key hotel in Al Barsha, Dubai that will be ready to welcome guests before the year-end.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Dubai-based Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas has signed a contract for Coral Executive Apartments, a 144-key hotel in Al Barsha, Dubai that will be ready to welcome guests before the year-end. The property has been designed with...

Sir Bani Yas Island, the first phase of Abu Dhabi's Desert Islands destination, is set to open in October.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Sir Bani Yas Island, the first phase of Abu Dhabi's Desert Islands destination, is set to open in October. Guests will be able to stay at the five-star, 64-room boutique Desert Islands Resort & Spa, or at its beach villas managed by Anantara....

Located on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road, The Place, a new 118-unit property including executive, deluxe and premier apartments, occupies 15 levels of the 60-storey Park Place Tower, across the road from the Dubai International Convention Centre.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Located on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road, The Place, a new 118-unit property including executive, deluxe and premier apartments, occupies 15 levels of the 60-storey Park Place Tower, across the road from the Dubai International Convention Centre....

InterContinental has opened the Holiday Inn Accra Airport, the group's first property in Ghana, Africa.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... InterContinental has opened the Holiday Inn Accra Airport, the group's first property in Ghana, Africa. The seven-storey hotel boasts 168 rooms and features six executive suites and two presidential suites. The in-house conference facilities...

Indian real estate giant Sobha Group is preparing to build and operate hotel properties across the Middle East and East Africa.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Indian real estate giant Sobha Group is preparing to build and operate hotel properties across the Middle East and East Africa. The group has plans to develop at least 10 five-star properties in the next five years, with two hotels earmarked...

Pangkor Laut Luxury Resort, Residence & Spa Village, a five-star multi-module resort property is being developed on The World.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... Pangkor Laut Luxury Resort, Residence & Spa Village, a five-star multi-module resort property is being developed on The World. The five-star resort will offer 120 rooms, 20 beachfront villas, shopping gallery, restaurants, aqua park and an...

Silverjet relaunch plan fails to get off the ground.(UPfront)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Business class-only airline Silverjet has failed in its bid to get funding to restart the cash-strapped carrier and has admitted that it has given up on further rescue efforts. The UK-based airline, which operated a daily flight from Dubai to...

Four Seasons announces a slew of new properties.(UPfront)(Four Seasons Hotels Ltd's hotels in Mumbai)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Mumbai is the first of nine new Four Seasons hotels to open this year. The 12 May inauguration was announced at a regional corporate roadshow that covered Middle East destinations such as Kuwait City, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Four Seasons...

British Airways seeks to reduce carbon footprint.(UPfront)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] UK legacy carrier British Airways chose World Environment Day to highlight its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The airline claims to have been taking steps to limit its impact on climate change for...

The Westin Mina Seyahi: hotel check--Dubai, UAE.(TRIED & tested)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] WHAT'S IT LIKE? The hotel's cream and beige-toned facade incorporates balconies and traditional-style windtowers into its impressive design. Inside, the glittering, mirrored lobby features yellow and gold seating...

Movenpick Hotel Sana'a: hotel check--Yemen.(TRIED & tested)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] WHAT'S IT LIKE? Considering the millennia worth of history found in Sana'a, the Movenpick is one of the youngest additions to the city and its modern amenities make it a welcoming retreat. WHERE IS IT? Located...

Air France business class: flight check--Paris-Dubai.(TRIED & tested)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FIRST IMPRESSIONS I landed at Paris-Charles de Gaulle from Nice's Cote d'Azur airport at 11.45am and was barely left with an hour to complete immigration for my 1.15pm flight back to Dubai, so it was all a blurry...

Hilton Beach Resort & Spa, RAK: hotel check--Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.(TRIED & tested)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHAT'S IT LIKE? This five-star complex of two-storey villas is situated overlooking the white-sand beaches on the northern tip of the UAE in Ras Al Khaimah. The general vibe is of low-key and understated luxury...

Women only: for the jet-setting female executive, it's the details that matter--even a safety pin, skirt hanger or yoga mat in the hotel room can make a world of difference. Thankfully, hotels and travel operators in the Middle East are becoming girl-savvy, offering much more than the classic ladies' room.(FEMALE TRAVELLERS)(Cover story)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] A hotel only for women run by women? "Why not?" asks Lorraine Coutinho, Executive Director of Luthan Hotel & Spa, a women-only property that opened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in March this year. "Women all over the...

Chopard ladies' floor Jumeirah Emirates Towers: hotel check--Dubai, UAE.(FEMALE TRAVELLERS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FIRST IMPRESSIONS Located on level 40 of the bustling business hotel, entry to the Chopard ladies' floor, serviced by an all-female staff, is via a glass door that can be accessed only if you have a room key. My apex...

The big idea: determined to lay the foundations for a future as prosperous as its present, Saudi Arabia is looking to diversify its economy in an effort to no longer rely on oil. The result is a destination bursting with luxury mega-hotel properties where the well-heeled come to do business. Chris Breese finds out more.(SAUDI ARABIA)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Someday, and no-one quite knows exactly when that will be, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will no longer count oil as its dominant income generator. Although the country recently agreed to up production of the black...

The heights of hospitality: the Northern Emirates region of the UAE now has a hospitality profile to match its striking topography and will soon be giving its neighbours a run for their money, discovers Dominic Ellis.(NORTHERN EMIRATES)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A genuine old fort stands on desert sand outside the modern offices of Rakeen, the government owned master developer in Ras Al Khaimah, whose foyer is now awash with all manner of futuristic developments. Across the...

The other side of the Emirates: although Dubai tends to grab the lion's share of the headlines, the other UAE emirates are also making waves when it comes to the hospitality sector.(NORTHERN EMIRATES)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Al Ain Sorouh Real Estate has signed Movenpick Hotels & Resorts to manage and operate its boutique hotel in the city of Al Ain, marking the developer's first foray into the hotel development business. Located...

Enjoy the facilities of the Somerset Jadaf serviced apartments in Dubai.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Enjoy the facilities of the Somerset Jadaf serviced apartments in Dubai, which is offering summer rates starting at Dhs600 ($166.66) a night including breakfast and housekeeping, free internet access (for an hour)...

At the Movenpick Hotel Bur Dubai, take advantage of summer rates, until 31 August.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... At the Movenpick Hotel Bur Dubai, take advantage of summer rates, until 31 August, starting from Dhs450 ($125) for a standard room or Dhs650 ($180.55) for a room on the executive floor. Call +971 4 310 4651.

Making its debut in the UAE, Angsana Hotels and Resorts has announced the soft opening of the Suites Tower of Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... Making its debut in the UAE, Angsana Hotels and Resorts has announced the soft opening of the Suites Tower of Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai, with special promotional room rates starting from Dhs888 ($246.66) including breakfast and valid until...

Fujairah's Le Meridien Al Aqah beach resort on the UAE's East Coast is offering summer rates from Dhs349 ($97) per person per night on weekdays.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... Fujairah's Le Meridien Al Aqah beach resort on the UAE's East Coast is offering summer rates from Dhs349 ($97) per person per night on weekdays. Valid until 28 September, it includes a sea view room, breakfast and buffet lunch or dinner at...

Le Meridien Hotel Abu Dhabi in the UAE capital is offering until 30 September single and double rooms on weekdays.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... Le Meridien Hotel Abu Dhabi in the UAE capital is offering until 30 September single and double rooms on weekdays for Dhs650 ($180.55) and on the weekend for Dhs550 ($152.77) per night. Call +971 2 644 6666.

Guests at the Movenpick Tower & Suites in Doha can experience spacious rooms until 31 August for QR650 ($178.57) per night including breakfast at Animato restaurant, VIP treatment upon arrival, complimentary airport transfers and shuttle services to the City Centre mall and a complimentary massage.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... Guests at the Movenpick Tower & Suites in Doha can experience spacious rooms until 31 August for QR650 ($178.57) per night including breakfast at Animato restaurant, VIP treatment upon arrival complimentary airport transfers and shuttle...

Al Murooj Rotana in Dubai has a special summer meeting package priced at Dhs170 ($47.22) per person for groups of 10 and above.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... Al Murooj Rotana in Dubai has a special summer meeting package priced at Dhs170 ($47.22) per person for groups of 10 and above. The offer includes the full-day use of one meeting room, equipment and refreshment breaks. Call +971 4 307 3450.

The Kempinski Hotel Ajman in the UAE is offering the 10@10 offer and the '7 for 5' special.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... The Kempinski Hotel Ajman in the UAE is offering the 10@10 offer and the '7 for 5' special. Guests can call in to book at 10 am (UAE time) 10 days before arrival and enjoy the first night at Dhs10 ($2.77) inclusive of breakfast for two people....

At Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, pay for three nights and stay for four until 31 August.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] At Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, pay for three nights and stay for four until 31 August. The promotion is applicable on a bed and breakfast basis. You can also book a classic single room for Dhs650 ($180.55) or...

Muscat's Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is offering a room at either Al Waha or Al Bandar hotels at nightly rates starting from RO80 ($207.77) until 30 September.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... Muscat's Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is offering a room at either Al Waha or Al Bandar hotels at nightly rates starting from RO80 ($207.77) until 30 September; you can also enjoy a second room or second night at half the price....

The Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa on the UAE's East Coast is offering a special rate of Dhs200 ($55.55) per person per night.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... The Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa on the UAE's East Coast is offering a special rate of Dhs200 ($55.55) per person per night in a twin-sharing room on weekdays and Dhs275 ($76.38) per person per night on weekends. Call +971 9 244 9888. ...

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi in Dubai has a 'Mina Magic' offer for Dhs777 ($215.83) per person based on double occupancy including dinner at Blue Orange restaurant on weekends.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi in Dubai has a 'Mina Magic' offer for Dhs777 ($215.83) per person based on double occupancy including dinner at Blue Orange restaurant on weekends. Also on offer is 'Taste of Dubai' where guests can book online at...

Until 31 August guests can enjoy the facilities at the Movenpick Hotel Bahrain.(UNDER $250)
July 1, 2008... Until 31 August guests can enjoy the facilities at the Movenpick Hotel Bahrain, with special rates starting from BD55 ($147) and BD65 ($174) for a single room and double room respectively. Call +973 174 60000.

The new Grand Millennium hotel in Dubai is offering Millennium For Free nights (valid until 30 September) including stay, breakfast at the Atrium Restaurant and all service charges.(UNDER $500)
July 1, 2008... The new Grand Millennium hotel in Dubai is offering Millennium For Free nights (valid until 30 September) including stay, breakfast at the Atrium Restaurant and all service charges. The more you stay, the less you pay. Rates start from Dhsl,020...

If you are on business in Oman and want to extend your stay, spend the weekend with family at the Grand Hyatt Muscat (offer valid until August) in two interconnecting grand rooms for RO160 ($415.55) including breakfast at Mokha Cafe.(UNDER $500)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you are on business in Oman and want to extend your stay, spend the weekend with family at the Grand Hyatt Muscat (offer valid until August) in two interconnecting grand rooms for RO160 ($415.55) including...

The InterContinental Dubai Festival City in Dubai is offering UAE residents the 'Sweet Stay, Say Suite' offer: book a one-bed suite for Dhs999 ($277.50) and receive a free breakfast at Anise or Bistro Madeleine, 50 per cent discount on selected spa treatments, shopping vouchers, complimentary 24-hour broadband internet access and late check-out.(UNDER $500)
July 1, 2008... The InterContinental Dubai Festival City in Dubai is offering UAE residents the 'Sweet Stay, Say Suite' offer: book a one-bed suite for Dhs999 ($277.50) and receive a free breakfast at Anise or Bistro Madeleine, 50 per cent discount on selected...

For Dhs999 ($277.50) a night, book a Fairmont room at the Fairmont Dubai until 31 August and receive a Dhs500 ($138.88) gift voucher that can be redeemed at Mall of the Emirates.(UNDER $500)
July 1, 2008... For Dhs999 ($277.50) a night, book a Fairmont room at the Fairmont Dubai until 31 August and receive a Dhs500 ($138.88) gift voucher that can be redeemed at Mall of the Emirates. Guests can also upgrade to a suite for an additional Dhs350...

Experience royal luxury at The Monarch Dubai for Dhs1,001 ($278.05) per night including breakfast and access to the pool.(UNDER $500)
July 1, 2008... Experience royal luxury at The Monarch Dubai for Dhsl,001 ($278.05) per night including breakfast and access to the pool. You can benefit from daily shopping shuttle services for an additional Dhsl00 ($27.77) per day. You will be treated to...

Park Hyatt Dubai is offering a park king room at rates starting from Dhs950 ($263.88) per night until 31 August.(UNDER $500)
July 1, 2008... Park Hyatt Dubai is offering a park king room at rates starting from Dhs950 ($263.88) per night until 31 August. Call +971 4 602 1234.

The Four Seasons Hotel Doha is offering a family getaway package on weekends.(UNDER $500)
July 1, 2008... The Four Seasons Hotel Doha is offering a family getaway package on weekends. Rates start from QR1,400 ($384.61) for a standard single room and QR1,500 ($412.08) for a double room and include breakfast at Brasserie on the Beach and a 25 per...

Dubai's Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is offering a Bedouin double suite for Dhs2,315 ($643.05) per night (valid until 31 August) for UAE residents including meals on full-board basis.(UNDER $1,000)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dubai's Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is offering a Bedouin double suite for Dhs2,315 ($643.05) per night (valid until 31 August) for UAE residents including meals on full-board basis. Non-UAE residents can stay in the...

The new Movenpick Hotel Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia has summer rates.(UNDER $1,000)
July 1, 2008... The new Movenpick Hotel Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia has summer rates, inclusive of breakfast, of SAR2,000 ($533.27) for a junior suite and SAR1,095 ($292) for a double deluxe room, valid until 30 September. Visit www. moevenpick-alkhobar.com.

The Chedi Muscat in Oman has a package for GCC residents starting from RO299 ($776.56) for three nights' stay including breakfast and dinner for two up to the value of RO25 ($65) per person.(UNDER $1,000)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Chedi Muscat in Oman has a package for GCC residents starting from RO299 ($776.56) for three nights' stay including breakfast and dinner for two up to the value of RO25 ($65) per person. You also enjoy a 30 per...

Invite your delegates to the Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Al Areen in Bahrain.(UNDER $1000)
July 1, 2008... Invite your delegates to the Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Al Areen in Bahrain. The property has a 'Meet & Treat' package offering conference facilities, private pool villas and treatments at the spa. The package includes two conference days...

Guests who book a room 30 days prior to arrival at any of the Habtoor Hotels in Dubai.(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... Guests who book a room 30 days prior to arrival at any of the Habtoor Hotels in Dubai (Habtoor Grand, Metropolitan Dubai, Metropolitan Palace or Metropolitan Deira) or Beirut (Habtoor Grand Convention Center & Spa and Metropolitan Palace...

Grand Hyatt Dubai has Summer Dreams rates where guests can enjoy one night free when booking for two or three room nights.(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... Grand Hyatt Dubai has Summer Dreams rates where guests can enjoy one night flee when booking for two or three room nights, or they can take advantage of a seven-night stay for the price of five, until 28 September. Call +971 4 317 1700.

The JW Marriott Hotel Dubai is offering four nights for the price of three at its executive rooms, executive suites and JW royal suites.(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The JW Marriott Hotel Dubai is offering four nights for the price of three at its executive rooms, executive suites and JW royal suites. Stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Dubai Green Community located within Dubai...

The Creekside Japanese Restaurant at Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers in Dubai has joined hands with Austrian Airlines.(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... The Creekside Japanese Restaurant at Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers in Dubai has joined hands with Austrian Airlines. Partake in the monthly Asian brunch raffle draw and you stand a chance to win a holiday in Vienna inclusive of return...

At Dubai's Burj Al Arab, until 30 September, you can reserve a minimum of 10 one-bedroom deluxe suites for your incentive group.(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... At Dubai's Burj Al Arab, until 30 September, you can reserve a minimum of 10 one-bedroom deluxe suites for your incentive group and take advantage of a special group rate starting from Dhs3,800 ($1,055) per suite per night. Call +971 4 301...

As part of the Hilton Extra Nights promotion, you can stay extra nights for free at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah or Hilton Fujairah in the UAE.(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... As part of the Hilton Extra Nights promotion, you can stay extra nights for free at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah or Hilton Fujairah in the UAE. Dependant on the length of stay, up to seven nights or more can be enjoyed for flee. Visit...

For diehard football fans, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa in Manama is offering a Million Dollar Football Legends package.(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... For diehard football fans, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa in Manama is offering a Million Dollar Football Legends package. The package includes a three-day football clinic with AC Milan living legends, a hosted VIP corporate party, one...

The Al Diar Siji Hotel, Fujairah on the UAE's East Coast is offering guests a 50 percent discount on rooms.(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Al Diar Siji Hotel, Fujairah on the UAE's East Coast is offering guests a 50 percent discount on rooms until 31 August. Call + 971 9 223 2000.

The Four Seasons Hotel Amman has a special package, valid until 31 December, for guests staying a minimum of three nights who will be taken on a tour of Petra, the Dead Sea and Amman.(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... The Four Seasons Hotel Amman has a special package, valid until 31 December, for guests staying a minimum of three nights who will be taken on a tour of Petra, the Dead Sea and Amman. The package also includes daily breakfast, a luxury car for...

Be the first to discover Atlantis, The Palm, the water-themed resort on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah.(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... Be the first to discover Atlantis, The Palm, the water-themed resort on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah. Set to open on 24 September, the new 1,539-room resort has a special Dive In package for UAE residents for Dhs2,260 ($627.77) per room per night...

Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality Group in association with Visa International has a 'four for three' summer offer that allows guests to enjoy benefits when using their Visa card (until 30 September).(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality Group in association with Visa International has a 'four for three' summer offer that allows guests to enjoy benefits when using their Visa card (until 30 September). Book four nights...

For business travellers, Swiss International Air Lines has launched summer deals starting from Dhs9,090 ($2,525) to Milan, Rome, Geneva, Vienna, Zurich, Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, Nice, Paris, London and Manchester.(Special offers)
July 1, 2008... For business travellers, Swiss International Air Lines has launched summer deals starting from Dhs9,090 ($2,525) to Milan, Rome, Geneva, Vienna, Zurich, Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, Nice, Paris, London and...

Ask Alex: Alex McWhirter answers your travel queries.
July 1, 2008... Q I recently flew with Continental Airlines flight C071 from New York Newark to Amsterdam, where I was connecting on to Turkish Airlines TK1952 between there and Istanbul. I was using separate tickets with each airline. At Newark,...

4 hours in ... Bangkok: Bangkok is 'The Big Mango', Southeast Asia's mega-metropolis, and the rip-roaring capital of Thailand. Amid the teeming commercialism, some things stand out as simply unmissable. Long-time resident Keith Mundy picks out the highlights for those with time.
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 THE TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA Bangkok's out-and-out must-see is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This is far and away the most important historical and cultural sight in the city, the embodiment of the Thai...

Rest your case: tired of work trips and living out of a suitcase? We give you some ideas on what to pack in your holiday luggage this summer.(Holiday accessories)(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2008... Damas [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Damas has unveiled a collection of Botania watches by Sarcar. The Swiss brand uses precious materials such as gold, gems and mother-of-pearl. Beautiful and bright, these watches portray the art and science...

Win a stay at a deluxe hotel in Abu Dhabi: enjoy the cultural attractions and coastal delights of the UAE's capital city by winning two nights at Al Diar Capital Hotel in Abu Dhabi.(Competition)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Owned and managed by Abu Dhabi National Hotels, Al Diar Capital Hotel is a four-star deluxe hotel located in the heart of Abu Dhabi's business district close to shopping malls and with panoramic views of the city and...

A river runs through it: when on business in Cairo, make time to visit Aswan for the best street markets and an unforgettable view of the Nile that will make you want to stay longer.(GREAT escape)(City overview)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Aswan has the loveliest setting of any town in Egypt, just where the Nile narrows between red desert hills, and the water drifts between golden sandbanks and rugged granite boulders. The river is dark and deep, its...