Business Traveller Middle East articles from May 2008

Business Traveller Middle East archives from May 2008

GIBTM boosts ME business travel market.(Upfront)
May 1, 2008... The second edition of the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM), held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Centre (ADNEC) in the UAE capital from 8-10 April, reinforced the potential of the business travel and...

Atlantis to raise Dubai's resort profile.(Upfront)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dubai will be home to yet another tourism icon when Atlantis, The Palm, opens on The Palm Jumeirah in September. Atlantis, a $1.5 billion Istithmar-developed project, will be the island's flagship resort and the...

New hotels set to open at Dubai World Central.(Upfront)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dubai World Central (DWC), the 140sqkm city taking shape at Jebel Ali that will be home to the $8.1 billion Al Maktoum International Airport, will have as many as 60 hotels. Without revealing details of who the...

Following the news that Emirates will start non-stop services to Los Angeles from 1 September.(AIRLINE UPDATE)(Emirates Airline)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Following the news that Emirates will start non-stop services to Los Angeles from 1 September, the airline has announced it will launch non-stop services to San Francisco, its fourth US destination, from 26...

Qatar Airways is preparing for its third US destination, Houston, on 10 November with three-a-week flights.(AIRLINE UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... Qatar Airways is preparing for its third US destination, Houston, on 10 November with three-a-week flights. The airline will also operate flights to the Indian coastal city of Kozhikode from Doha from 15 June.

SriLankan Airlines has launched SmiLes, its new frequent flyer programme that promises benefits for passengers such as pre-assigned seating and priority waitlisting.(AIRLINE UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... SriLankan Airlines has launched SmiLes, its new frequent flyer programme that promises benefits for passengers such as pre-assigned seating and priority waitlisting. The airline's previous loyalty programme Skywards, ended in March as...

Low-cost carrier Air Arabia and Nepalese airline FlyYeti.com have launched a daily service between Sharjah and Kuala Lumpur.(AIRLINE UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... Low-cost carrier Air Arabia and Nepalese airline FlyYeti. com have launched a daily service between Sharjah and Kuala Lumpur. Outbound flights depart Sharjah at 7.15am and inbound flights depart Kuala Lumpur at 4.55am.

Abu Dhabi to double hotel inventory.(Upfront)
May 1, 2008... Abu Dhabi is planning to double its hotel capacity to 25,000 rooms by 2012 to cater to more inbound visitors. The figure is 4,000 more than the original target set in 2004. The upgrade, revealed in Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)'s...

Emaar launches global hotel brand.(Upfront)
May 1, 2008... Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality Group has launched its own five-star premium hotel brand, The Address Hotels & Resorts. The brand is expected to roll out starting September this year with the opening of The Address flagship hotels in Downtown...

Lufthansa introduces Dubai-Munich business jet service.(Upfront)
May 1, 2008... Time-pressed business travellers flying to Munich now needn't wait in line for scheduled flights. Lufthansa offers six-a-week Dubai-Munich flights (until 28 October) on its A319 executive business jet. Every day, except Wednesdays, LH639...

InterContinental has announced an agreement with The Chelsea Group, part of Crimson Hotels, to develop the Crowne Plaza Dubai Business Bay, scheduled to open in 2010 and located in Business Bay with 367 rooms and a spa.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] InterContinental has announced an agreement with The Chelsea Group, part of Crimson Hotels, to develop the Crowne Plaza Dubai Business Bay, scheduled to open in 2010 and located in Business Bay with 367 rooms and a...

The new Holiday Inn Al Barsha in Dubai is set to delight visitors with its luxurious interiors, deep atrium and views of the Burj Al Arab.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... The new Holiday Inn Al Barsha in Dubai is set to delight visitors with its luxurious interiors, deep atrium and views of the Burj Al Arab. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the new five-star hotel includes 310 rooms, suites and apartments. The...

The Westin Hotel Golf & Spa, being developed by Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development & Investment Company, is expected to open next year in the UAE capital.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... The Westin Hotel Golf & Spa, being developed by Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development & Investment Company, is expected to open next year in the UAE capital. The hotel will have 146 rooms including a presidential suite overlooking the golf course,...

From 15-21 June, the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano in Egypt will host the Mediterranean Gourmet Summit.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... From 15-21 June, the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano in Egypt will host the Mediterranean Gourmet Summit celebrated with dishes prepared by master chefs from Four Seasons properties around the world.

As a busy executive, you might not have time to sit down and enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As a busy executive, you might not have time to sit down and enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast. You'll be interested to hear, therefore, that Hyatt is piloting, at Park Hyatt Dubai, a 'healthy living' breakfast...

Starwood has announced the entry of The Luxury Collection in the UAE emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Starwood has announced the entry of The Luxury Collection in the UAE emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The Luxury Collection Resort will be located within the Saraya Islands, a distinguished mixed-use destination and is expected to open in 2011. The...

Ibis Salmiya Kuwait is Accor's new budget hotel in Kuwait with 175 rooms that feature high-speed internet and wifi throughout.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... Ibis Salmiya Kuwait is Accor's new budget hotel in Kuwait with 175 rooms that feature high-speed internet and wifi throughout. The hotel's Moka Cafe is the hotel's informal lounge bar.

Swiss-Belhotel has announced the Swiss-Belhotel Dead Sea in Jordan.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... Swiss-Belhotel has announced the Swiss-Belhotel Dead Sea in Jordan. Located on the northern shores of the Dead Sea, the four-star hotel will feature 165 guest rooms and a wellness spa, and is scheduled for completion in 2010. ...

The InterContinental Hotels Group has opened its 20th hotel in Saudi Arabia.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... The InterContinental Hotels Group has opened its 20th hotel in Saudi Arabia. InterContinental Al Khobar has 120 rooms and a club floor with private access and a spa with a Moroccan-style hammam.

Starwood is introducing its W brand to North Africa with plans to debut a new hotel and residence property in Marrakech, Morocco.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... Starwood is introducing its W brand to North Africa with plans to debut a new hotel and residence property in Marrakech, Morocco. W Marrakech and The Residences at W Marrakech will include a 150-room hotel and 68 whole-ownership villas...

Qatari Diar has launched the Ibn Hani Bay Resort located near Lattakia in Syria.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... Qatari Diar has launched the Ibn Hani Bay Resort located near Lattakia in Syria. Qatar Diar's maiden project in Syria, it includes two hotels with over 200 bedrooms each, serviced apartments and a marina.

A new hotel company, Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH), has been launched in Dubai.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... A new hotel company, Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH), has been launched in Dubai. HMH consists of six independent firms, and is the parent company of four hotel management companies comprising the brands Coral International Hotels,...

The Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay in Bali was incorrectly captioned in the March/April issue.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)(Correction notice)
May 1, 2008... The Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay in Bali (below) was incorrectly captioned in the March/April issue. The 147-room property offers a dedicated meetings pavilion, plus a separate executive boardroom for up to 12 people that comes...

The Malkai, managed by GHM (of The Chedi Muscat fame), is scheduled to open in Dubai by the end of 2010 including a boutique hotel offering 41 suites, and a nine-hole golf course designed by Gary Player.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... The Malkai, managed by GHM (of The Chedi Muscat fame), is scheduled to open in Dubai by the end of 2010 including a boutique hotel offering 41 suites, and a nine-hole golf course designed by Gary Player. The project will adhere to Omani...

Emaar is planning to open its second marina within the Dubai Marina lifestyle community in mid-2008 along with a modern clubhouse built for the Dubai Marina Yacht Club.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... Emaar is planning to open its second marina within the Dubai Marina lifestyle community in mid-2008 along with a modern clubhouse built for the Dubai Marina Yacht Club. The club's chic restaurants will be open to all.

Aakar Marjan Island will develop a five-star luxury hotel and residential apartment complex in Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... Aakar Marjan Island will develop a five-star luxury hotel and residential apartment complex in Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE including a five-star hotel and residential project on Al Marjan Islands, a cluster of coral-shaped islands scheduled for...

The newly opened Golden Tulip Hotel Al Barsha in Dubai is a four-star property with 125 rooms.(HOTEL NEWS UPDATE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The newly opened Golden Tulip Hotel Al Barsha in Dubai is a four-star property with 125 rooms, a multitude of restaurants and business facilities for long and short-stay guests.

Holiday Inn embarks on major rebranding programme.(Upfront)
May 1, 2008... Holiday Inn hotels in the UAE and the wider MEA region are to receive a major makeover as part of a $1 billion global relaunch of the brand being undertaken by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Speaking at IHG's EMEA conference in...

Staybridge Suites expands into Middle East market.(Upfront)(InterContinental Hotels Group PLC)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Staybridge Suites, the long-stay accommodation product of InterContinental Hotels Group, is to open its first property in the Middle East this summer, to be located at the upscale CityStars complex in Cairo. This will be followed by a second...

Eos goes under as Silverjet raises capital.(Upfront)
May 1, 2008... It was a case of mixed fortunes for business-class only carriers in the UAE this month as Eos Airlines, which was set to launch a premium service between Dubai and London Stansted from 6 July (BMTE March/April, page 6), filed for bankruptcy...

Emirates Hotels & Resorts unveiled the latest edition to its portfolio, the Green Lakes Serviced Apartments at the Jumeirah Lake Towers precinct in Dubai.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Emirates Hotels & Resorts unveiled the latest edition to its portfolio, the Green Lakes Serviced Apartments at the Jumeirah Lake Towers precinct in Dubai. Said Tony Williams, Senior Vice-President, Resorts &...

Dusit International announced it is opening Dusit Thani Lakeview Cairo with 210 rooms on 1 June.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Dusit International announced it is opening Dusit Thani Lakeview Cairo with 210 rooms on 1 June. To be located in New Cairo, the hotel will deliver traditional Thai service and will also include 106 residences when phase two opens by the...

The Habtoor Grand Palm Resort & Spa is scheduled to open in 2010 on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah with 217 rooms and suites, 91 apartments and four villas.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Habtoor Grand Palm Resort & Spa is scheduled to open in 2010 on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah with 217 rooms and suites, 91 apartments and four villas. The resort will offer meeting rooms, a spa, a floating seafood...

Fairmont said that its 1,005-room Makkah Clock Royal Tower, a 76-storey hotel that will be among the world's tallest structures as part of the iconic Abraj Al Bait complex at Makkah in Saudi Arabia, will part-open in September.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... Fairmont said that its 1,005-room Makkah Clock Royal Tower, a 76-storey hotel that will be among the world's tallest structures as part of the iconic Abraj Al Bait complex at Makkah in Saudi Arabia, will part-open in September. The structure...

The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea in Jordan announced it is launching a 10,000sqm Anantara Spa in June.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea in Jordan announced it is launching a 10,000sqm Anantara Spa in June with 20 treatment rooms and outdoor therapy lounges.

Kempinski announced its plans to become a market leader in Africa.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... Kempinski announced its plans to become a market leader in Africa. In collaboration with Dubai World Africa, the group is currently developing four properties in Rwanda to be unveiled from 2009. The group is also opening its fourth Red Sea...

Marriott announced it will manage its fourth mid-market priced Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Dubai at Jebel Ali.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Marriott announced it will manage its fourth mid-market priced Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Dubai at Jebel Ali. When open in early 2011, the 20-storey hotel will be Marriott's 16th property in Dubai. It will...

Ecos Hotels, an environment-friendly budget brand in the Middle East, signed a property in Dubailand.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... Ecos Hotels, an environment-friendly budget brand in the Middle East, signed a property in Dubailand. Ecos Dubailand will feature 234 rooms and is expected to be ready by 2009. All rooms will be oriented inwards facing the green heart of the...

The UAE emirate of Sharjah unveiled its new branding at the show.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... The UAE emirate of Sharjah unveiled its new branding at the show. Brand Sharjah will promote the emirate's new identity and offer plenty of options for business and leisure travellers.

Regional hospitality brand Shaza Hotels signed agreements to develop signature hotels in Cairo, Bahrain, and Marrakech.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... Regional hospitality brand Shaza Hotels signed agreements to develop signature hotels in Cairo, Bahrain, and Marrakech. The Shaza Nile Douma Hotel in Cairo will be a 350-room hotel with serviced apartments while the Shaza Manama Hotel in...

The government of Dubai is setting up a new low-cost airline that will result in the formation of a new company with its own brand and identity.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... The government of Dubai is setting up a new low-cost airline that will result in the formation of a new company with its own brand and identity. The new airline will be supported by Emirates during the set-up period but will not be a part of...

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said it plans to fly to Moscow and the Kazakh city of Almaty in December and to the Belarus capital of Minsk early next year.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said it plans to fly to Moscow and the Kazakh city of Almaty in December and to the Belarus capital of Minsk early next year. Etihad has signed a contract with New York-based CIT Aerospace for the lease of two...

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker spoke about his airline's aggressive expansion highlighting orders for more than 200 aircraft worth over $30 billion.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker spoke about his airline's aggressive expansion highlighting orders for more than 200 aircraft worth over $30 billion. He said a new wave of aircraft deliveries begins this summer with the airline's third...

Banyan Tree and Angsana announced that it has resorts coming up in Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jordan and Oman, slated to open over the next three years.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Banyan Tree and Angsana announced that it has resorts coming up in Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jordan and Oman, slated to open over the next three years. Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai, to open shortly, will add 417...

Budget Rent-a-Car joined forces with Bahrain carrier Gulf Air to offer a new frequent flyer deal to its customers.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET NEWS ROUNDUP)
May 1, 2008... Budget Rent-a-Car joined forces with Bahrain carrier Gulf Air to offer a new frequent flyer deal to its customers. Members of the airline's frequent flyer programme will now be awarded with 500 air miles every time they rent with Budget.

The palace, The Old Town: hotel check--Dubai, UAE.(TRIED & tested)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHAT'S IT LIKE? An Arabian-themed resort managed by Sofitel Luxury Hotels, it's a component of Emaar's Burj Dubai project. The hotel is located literally at the base of Burj Dubai (separated by a manmade lake) and...

Mercure Grand Hotel: hotel check--Seef, Bahrain.(TRIED & tested)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHERE IS IT? Located in the heart of the rapidly-growing Seef district and across the road from the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, which is booked out for the next two years, making it handy for...

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha: hotel check--Doha, Qatar.(TRIED & tested)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHAT'S IT LIKE? There are many shiny new hotels coming up in Doha but The Ritz-Carlton is a stalwart of the hospitality scene and one of the city's most fashionable addresses. The property drips luxury: the...

The Landmark, London: hotel check--London, UK.(TRIED & tested)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHAT'S IT LIKE? This gothic Grade H-listed building has a venerable history and was built as one of the last great railway hotels during the 'golden age of steam'. Inside, the eight storey-high, glass-roofed atrium...

Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo: hotel check--Brazil.(TRIED & tested)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHAT'S IT LIKE? Opened in 2002, this is currently the only Hyatt in Brazil. The five-star property is located in the same business district as the Hilton, demonstrating the appeal the area has for business...

Marina Mandarin: hotel check--Singapore.(TRIED & tested)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHAT'S IT LIKE? Originally opened in 1986, the Marina Mandarin was designed by John Portman and underwent a $28 million refurbishment in late 2005. As with many of Portman's buildings it has a large open atrium...

The glittering prizes: the great and the good of the region's travel industry assembled once again for the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, the eighth edition of the prestigious event. Editor Colette Doyle reports on this keenly anticipated and closely contested awards ceremony.(BTME AWARDS 2008)(Cover story)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Godolphin Ballroom at Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel in Dubai was the stunning setting for this year s Business Traveller Middle East Awards. The evening was buzzing from the start when guests found out that...

Open for business: with business travel booming across the Middle East, the 15th annual Arabian Travel Market revealed a wealth of timely innovations from both the aviation and hospitality sectors.(ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to the latest Tourism Satellite Accounting research launched by the WorldTravel & Tourism Council and its strategic partner Accenture, world travel is projected to generate $8 trillion by the end of 2008,...

Cultural connection: primarily a business destination with a new glittering skyline, Doha is now investing in monumental cultural icons to preserve its identity and fulfil its ambition to become the Arab world's cultural capital.(QATAR)(City overview)
May 1, 2008... It's late March and the sun has just set over the waters of fine Corniche, now sparkling with fine lights of Doha's towering West Bay skyline. Just off the Corniche behind the Emiri Diwan, the Fahad Bin Ali Palace--which has at its entrance...

Qatar Airways: flying high.(QATAR)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A morning class is in session at one of the training suites at Qatar Airways' nine-storeyed corporate headquarters in Doha. The instructor asks the students, mostly senior cabin crew, to cite examples of leadership...

Climate of change: soaring up the economic charts after 20 years of reform, Tunisia is no longer just about beaches and bathing. Now attracting billions of dollars in investment, it is knocking on the doors of more and more members of the international business community and seems ready to set a new pace for North Africa.(TUNISIA)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As he stood to deliver an address to a packed auditorium in Rades, close to Tunis and just metres away from the Mediterranean, Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was probably a lot less nervous than he...

Wired to the world: these days the internet can provide a wealth of information about business practices around the world--not so much etiquette as 'netiquette'. Brian Johnston surfs the key sites.(BUSINESS ETIQUETTE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Why do people say: 'the world is your oyster'? It seems an odd phrase as an oyster never travels that far and isn't a very interesting creature. On the other hand, 'the world is your computer' starts to make a...

Eye to eye: with new video technology on devices from phones to laptops, watching movies on the move has never been easier. Mark Prigg gives the next generation of mobile offerings a screen test.(TECHNOLOGY)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The world of portable entertainment has perhaps undergone the most radical changes of all technology in the past five years. Whereas once the idea of watching video on the move was an impossibility, and using your...

Memory lanes: the architecture of Beijing's proud old hutongs (back alleys) whispers a lot about the former residents. Paul Mooney gets a glimpse of a bygone way of life on a stroll through the neighbourhood.(BEIJING)(City overview)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There is probably nothing more evocative of 'old Peking' than its charming hutongs, or alleyways, lined by quaint courtyard houses, and there's no better way to get a feel of the old city than to wander around...

The passage of time Baume & Mercier: for classic Swiss timepieces that don't cost the earth, this historic watchmaker could be the answer. Tom Otley takes time to find out.
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] While every watch brand likes to be thought of as value for money, Baume and Mercier has a better claim than most. Swiss based and part of the Richemond group of luxury brands which also includes Jaeger-LeCoultre,...

Boutique Budapest: a new wave of diminutive design and fashion hotels is emerging on the banks of the Danube. Lucy Fitzgeorge-Parker finds out why small is beautiful in the Hungarian capital.(BUDAPEST)(City overview)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Budapest is home to grand, sweeping architecture redolent of its Hapsburg history, but it is also now a flourishing and creative city where big isn't necessarily beautiful and is definitely not cool. Its hotel...

Higher calling: the dream--or nightmare--of mobile phones in the air is about to come true. Lucy Fitzgeorge-Parker looks forward to a new era of plane speaking.(ONBOARD PHONES)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Like it or loathe it, mobile phones on planes are about to become a reality. Passengers have been using their phones and PDAs to send text messages and download emails on Qantas domestic flights since April 2007,...

Where's my bag? From check-in to collection, Felicity Cousins lifts the lid on what happens to our luggage when we hand it over to the airlines.(LUGGAGE)
May 1, 2008... Who's responsible for my checked bag? The airline you are flying with. If your bags are delayed or lost, the airline should compensate you under the Montreal Convention, but it's not always that simple. James Fremantle, Industry Affairs...

Breakfast in Brussels: with weekday hotel prices in the Belgian capital soaring, canny business travellers are turning to a new generation of designer B&Bs. John Brunton beds down in five of the best.(BRUSSELS)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Brussels has long been one of the most expensive destinations for businessmen to stay, with hotels having a captive market from Monday to Friday. But now there is an original and inexpensive alternative, as a host...

Light fantastic: a new breed of jet looks set to bring privation aviation to a whole new market, Lucy Fitzgeorge-Parker reports on the VLJ phenomenon.(PRIVATE AVIATION)
May 1, 2008... Mention private aviation to most business travellers and the response is likely to be: "I should be so lucky" or "You must be kidding." Private jets are still seen as millionaires' playthings, the preserve of those with more money than sense,...

Ask Alex: Alex McWhirter answers your travel queries.
May 1, 2008... Q Last week I booked a British Airways seat-sale offer online using www.ba.com. It was for a return Hong Kong to London flight in Club World and I adhered to the 42-day advance booking rule. I chose to book this deal because the ticket...

4 hours in ... Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is determined to punch above its weight, and a raft of new luxury hotels bear witness to its ambition. Tom Otley tries to keep up with the breathtaking pace of change.
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [1] ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE It can be difficult to get a handle on Abu Dhabi's history, so rapid is the pace of change, but a good place to start is the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. On the breakwater, and...

Nokia.(Business with pleasure: these fashionable new gadgets and wardrobe essentials will surely transport your work trips to a higher plane)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Nokia N82 in stylish black is a multimedia computer that comes preloadecl with maps covering the GCC and some European countries, as well as three months of voice-guided navigation; It enables you to location...

MacBook Air.(Business with pleasure: these fashionable new gadgets and wardrobe essentials will surely transport your work trips to a higher plane)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... At its unveiling, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said: "When you first see MacBook Air, it's hard to believe it's a high-performance notebook with a full-size keyboard and display. But it is." The world's thinnest notebook, MacBook Air is...

Sansa Fuze MP3 player.(Business with pleasure: these fashionable new gadgets and wardrobe essentials will surely transport your work trips to a higher plane)
May 1, 2008... SanDisk's Sansa Fuze MP3 player is stylish and loaded with features to keep you entertained on the go. It comes in classic black and in addition to playing music, video, photos and radio, is packed with extras like a microSD card slot to add...

Damas.(Business with pleasure: these fashionable new gadgets and wardrobe essentials will surely transport your work trips to a higher plane)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Damas presents the new Allegra collection by Italian jeweller Fope featuring earrings, rings and necklaces that style-conscious contemporary women can wear both to the boardroom or a party. Allegra's earrings are...

Louis Vuitton.(Business with pleasure: these fashionable new gadgets and wardrobe essentials will surely transport your work trips to a higher plane)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Whether at a meeting or a cocktail party, you can never go wrong with a Louis Vuitton bag. The brand makes use of inspired designs, exclusive materials and meticulous craftsmanship to create top-of-the-line fashion pieces that are...

Oliver Goldsmith.(Business with pleasure: these fashionable new gadgets and wardrobe essentials will surely transport your work trips to a higher plane)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses, an iconic British eyewear brand since 1926, whose aficionados have included Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Michael Caine and Sophia Loren, has been instrumental in opening people's minds to the idea that sunglasses...

Moto U9.(Business with pleasure: these fashionable new gadgets and wardrobe essentials will surely transport your work trips to a higher plane)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Give the pink lip gloss in your handbag company with the new pink and purple Moto U9 handset that features a borderless external organic light emitting diode display, touch-sensitive music controls and technology...

TAG Heuer.(Business with pleasure: these fashionable new gadgets and wardrobe essentials will surely transport your work trips to a higher plane)
May 1, 2008... Women and racing don't go together? Check out the new ultra-feminine Carrera line that celebrates TAG Heuer's link with the world of motor racing. The new version of the Carrera, now available for the TAG Heuer woman who shares the brand's...

Ermenegildo Zegna.(Business with pleasure: these fashionable new gadgets and wardrobe essentials will surely transport your work trips to a higher plane)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... The Zegna man has a complete spring/summer accessories collection, including bags, shoes, ties and belts to choose from. The new Heritage line, featuring subtle contrast stitching and brushed palladium furnishings, consists of briefcases,...

Montblanc.(Business with pleasure: these fashionable new gadgets and wardrobe essentials will surely transport your work trips to a higher plane)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... The combination of writing culture and first-class jewellery is revealed in the six fountain pens of Montblanc's new 'Boheme Papillon' limited edition collection. In solid white, yellow or rose gold, studded with about 1,400 diamonds and...

Win a stay at a luxury hotel in Fujairah: explore the rocky mountains and golden beaches of the UAE's East Coast by winning two nights at the Al Diar Siji Hotel in Fujairah.(Competition)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A five-star hotel managed by Abu Dhabi National Hotels, Al Diar Siji Hotel, Fujairah, is only a five-minute drive from Fujairah International Airport and is in the heart of Fujairah's business district, close to...

The past preserved: Jordan is famous for Petra, but few know that it is also home to Jerash, a remarkably well-preserved historical town where ruins come to life.(GREAT escape)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] hen describing something in a dilapidated state, the Jordanians like to say it's 'like the ruins of Jerash'. Ruined Jerash certainly is, but visit this ancient city just outside Amman and it isn't the dilapidation...

Discover the highlights of 20 international destinations.(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... When you tell anyone that you frequently travel on business, their reaction is usually quite predictable. The phrase "It's a tough job, but I suppose someone's got to do it!" will often crop up in conversation, and all protestations that your...

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is determined to punch above its weight, and a raft of new luxury hotels bear witness to its ambition. Tom Otley tries to keep up with the breathtaking pace of change.(DISCOVER THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 20 INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [1] ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE It can be difficult to get a handle on Abu Dhabi's history, so rapid is the pace of change, but a good place to start is the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. On the breakwater, and...

Amman: Jolanta Chudy takes a whistle-stop taxi tour of Jordan's 'White City', discovering its evocative remnants of bygone times while enjoying what the modern capital has to offer.(DISCOVER THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 20 INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS)(City overview)
May 1, 2008... [1] THE CITADEL The hill on which the Citadel rests is a good place from which to begin a tour of Amman, offering as it does a near-panoramic vista of the city below. Nestled between the densely packed white and limestone blocks and...

Manama: Manama is a compact city that sits atop the tiny island kingdom of Bahrain. Richard Abbott takes a whirlwind tour.(DISCOVER THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 20 INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [1] BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT Grand Prix motor racing arrived in Bahrain three years ago, following the construction of a unique $150 million circuit in the desert at Sakhir. The venue has quickly...

Cairo: at the heart of this bustling capital lie the social and cultural assets of the Islamic quarter. In this ancient Fatimid city, Sylvia Smith unearths gems aplenty.(DISCOVER THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 20 INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS)(City overview)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [1] BAB ZUWEILA The Islamic quarter is a narrow tangle of untidy streets with tooting horns, cars backfiring and street sellers touting their wonderful wares. Here you will find everything from the last...