Business Traveller Middle East articles from September 2002

Business Traveller Middle East archives from September 2002

This issue.(Editorial.)(Editorial)
September 1, 2002... What makes or breaks your mood when you leave for a business trip is service and efficiency at the airport and on your flight. There's a three-stage process to sending your temper to boiling point. If there is a huge queue at check-in and you...

Dubai points the way to airport fast track.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Passengers flying into Dubai International Airport can speed through passport control using a new biometric fingerprinting scheme. Once registered with a smart card and finger scanner, passengers can pass through electronic immigration...

Emirates unveils Japanese link. .(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The first non-stop service between the Middle East and Japan will begin on October 1 when Emirates introduces direct flights between Dubai and Osaka. The 9hrs 10mins outbound flight will significantly reduce the time it currently takes...

Seaplanes lift off for Dubai and Fujairah.(www.emaratlink.com)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... If you are bored with views from the runway, then add a little adrenaline to your regular trips between Dubai and Fujairah by hopping on the new twice-daily seaplane service. The route is operated by Emarat Link using Cessna Caravan...

United States delays add to executive stress. .
September 1, 2002... Passport holders from the Gulf states are having to wait up to eight weeks to obtain visas to enter the United States. The delays are a major concern for those executives who have not been able to obtain visas in time for important meetings,...

Teed off with booking golf?(booking@dubaigolf.com)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... If you have ever had the frustrating experience of ringing round all the golf courses in the UAE to find one with a tee-off time that fits your schedule, then tear out your hair no longer. Dubai Golf has introduced a central reservations...

Vis-a-vis visa fees.(www.ukvisas.gov.uk)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Regular visitors to the UK can now obtain a new type of visa, costing 150 [pounds sterling] ($230), that covers 10-year multiple entry. The visas are valid for short business trips, but not long stays, said the UK Foreign Office. ...

Mashreq Bank. .(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Mashreq Bank cardholders can now save 20% on the published rates for all types of car rentals at Almana Rent A Car, the Hertz franchise in Qatar, on Airport Road in Doha, or at the Hertz branch at Doha airport. For reservations, call 974...

Hertz Bahrain. .(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Hertz Bahrain has expanded and upgraded its car rental fleet to include a range of 2003 models. New arrivals include the Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima, Ford Crown Victoria, Nissan Sunny and Toyota Corolla. Hertz Bahrain has its head office...

Fairmont Hotel, Dubai.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... If you hate feather pillows and always want a large bottle of mineral water on arrival, then you will appreciate the guest preference profile at the Fairmont Hotel in Dubai. Members of the hotel's frequent guest scheme, the Fairmont...

Chefs of seven nationalities are cooking up the new specialities for Oman Air's flights. .(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Chefs of seven nationalities are cooking up the new specialities for Oman Air's flights. The airline received feedback from crew and passengers about the food it was serving and will now dish up more regional dishes reflecting the destination...

Extra effort from Emirates. .(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... If you thought VIPs were the only ones to be escorted from their limos at airports with a porter at their elbow, then think again. Anyone with an Emirates business or first class ticket will be met at the door of their car and accompanied to...

Fairmont Hotel ups access.(Hotel Review)
September 1, 2002... Guests at The Fairmont hotel in Dubai no longer need to worry about dialling into local servers to access the internet. Instead, they can now connect their laptops to one of the hotel's 2,500 ethernet ports. Ports have been installed in...

Dutch masters check in. .(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... If you've missed the chance to catch some of Amsterdam's impressive Old Masters during a busy trip, then you can still get an injection of culture at the airport. Paintings by Rembrandt from Amsterdam's famous Rijksmuseum will be among...

Cool start for myhotel. .(Hotel Review)
September 1, 2002... With its Muji raincoats, meditation tips and ice-cream happy hour, the ultra chic myhotel Chelsea will stand out from the crowd when it opens in November. Instead of the traditional happy hour, this 45-room boutique hotel in central...

Flight savers: looking for the best deals around? Check out our regular column on fares.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... All flights leave from Dubai, and prices are based on a return journey. They are available until October 30, unless otherwise stated. Information supplied by BTI Dubai. Tel: 971 331 8700. Restrictions may apply Europe London,...

All keyed up. .(Teh Dorchester Hotel in London.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Business travellers have been promised much in the past when it comes to in-room technology and entertainment but at last it appears that a box of tricks at The Dorchester hotel in London has it all. In 90 of the hotel's 250 rooms are...

Suite talking Stamford. .(Hotel Review)
September 1, 2002... Not many hotels offer the chance to phone home for free, but unlimited calls to your home country are among the benefits of staying in the recently re-opened luxury of The Stamford Crest in Singapore. Residents of The Stamford Crest--a...

At your service. .(Hotel Review)
September 1, 2002... Indulge your desire to have a gentleman's gentleman at your elbow when you stay at Le Royal Meridien Bahrain. Twelve classically trained butlers are now employed to cater to every guest's whim. They can be summoned (via a button on all...

Beirut: renaissance guides Lebanon's revival.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Beirut has shrugged off its unwanted image as the city once known as the Paris of the Middle East as it drives a major revival of economic fortunes in Lebanon. The Lebanese capital is reborn, and while reconstruction of an infrastructure...

Gulf Air promises smoother ride.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Expect improved customer service, fewer baggage problems and fewer delays from a revamped Gulf Air. New chief executive James Hogan is promising an overhaul of the airline's poor record. His new vice president of customer services, Luke...

Australians claim biggest is best.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Australian flag carrier Qantas says its new international airport lounge in Sydney is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It is twice the size of its old lounge and has seven self-service bars and buffets, 15 showers, cafe-style dining...

Go Dutch for less. .(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Regular visitors to Amsterdam who fly KLM can now use lounges and business class check-in for an annual fee. For 119 [euro] ($115) or 12,500 Flying Dutchman points you can sign up for the KLM Plus card. To qualify you must be a BlueWing...

Cut-price Cairo. .(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Travellers to Cairo this autumn will find plenty of bargain hotel deals around. Stay at the swanky Four Seasons at the First Residence hotel, next to the French Embassy in Giza, during September or November and you can check in to a single...

Emirates Airlines.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Emirates is to double its daily service between Dubai and the German city of Munich with five more flights from October 27 and two more from March 31, 2003.

Lufthansa.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Lufthansa will launch three flights per week between Munich and Dubai from October 29.

Saudi Arabian Airlines. .(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Saudi Arabian Airlines has now banned smoking on all its flights after a customer survey found a majority of passengers supported a total ban.

Oman Air. .(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Oman Air has increased services to East Africa, with flights to Mombasa and Zanzibar from Muscat.

AfricaOne. Airline.(tel: 9714 2214455)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... AfricaOne has launched flights between Dubai-Entebbe-Dar-es-Salaam on Mondays and Thursdays. Returns from Entebbe start at Dh 1,690, ($460) and from Dar-es-Salam at Dh 1,750 including taxes ($476). Reservations, tel: 9714 2214455.

Qatar Airways. .(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Qatar Airways has begun flying between Doha and the Yemeni capital Sana'a, twice a week on Saturdays and Mondays.

Royal Mirage. .(Hotel Review)
September 1, 2002... First impressions: On arrival in the beautiful domed lobby of this Arabian-style hotel, I was greeted by check-in staff and taken to relax on a comfortable sofa and given a mint tea while my details were taken. Not everyone likes this style...

Gulf Air, business class. .
September 1, 2002... First impressions: I was booked on an early morning flight from Dubai's Sheikh Rashid International Terminal, Bahrain. Check-in was straightforward. I was late so I took my luggage with me and was escorted by a Gulf Air member of staff to...

Air Mauritius, economy class. .
September 1, 2002... First impressions: Despite a minor hold-up at security, there were no problems at check-in. Boarding: The call was a bit late--10 minutes before take-off--but staff were reasonably prompt processing passengers. Seat comfort: The...

Cham Palace.(Hotel Review)
September 1, 2002... First impressions: Dazzlingly opulent oriental wooden furniture inlaid with mother of pearl adorns the lobby and lift. Prime position: The Syrian-owned Cham Palace is in the heart of the main business district. The room: A calming...

Phoenicia Inter-Continental. (.(Hotel Review)
September 1, 2002... First impressions: Entering this famous city centre hotel you will see one of its more illustrious pre-war features: the stately staircase leading up to the main lobby. Check-in is efficient, with plenty of staff at the ready. Prime...

Readers' Poll 2002: stunning seascapes of the Gulf were the backdrop for the first ever Business Traveller Middle East awards. .
September 1, 2002... Senior figures from the world's leading travel companies flew into Dubai for the glittering occasion, held on the top two floors of Dubai's most famous building, the Burj Al Arab. Celebrated photographer Lord Lichfield was the guest of honour...

Le smoking: cigar smoking has become so fashionable that a new breed of lounges dedicated to enjoying this after-dinner indulgence has sprung up. Mark Frary chooses his global top ten from the old and the new, while Michael Young reviews a specialist cigar evening.(Column)
September 1, 2002... There's something that elevates cigar smoking above just puffing on a cigarette. The attraction could be down to the ritual of clipping and lighting the cigar or the fact we allot them a certain time at the end of a meal or a special place to...

Islands of adventure: expect the exotic when you head off for a picnic on a private island in the Maldives. .
September 1, 2002... You wouldn't expect to be given a drink by cabin crew wearing shorts and sporting tanned hairy legs, but the Maldivian Air Taxi Service staff are anything but typical. Buzzing over the Maldives on one of its seaplanes was clearly the best way...

Dream ticket: innovations and improved seating are on the way for long-haul and medium-haul business class passengers. .
September 1, 2002... Business class passengers are starting to see improved on-board working facilities and more flat-bed seating on airlines flying to and from the Middle East. Many carriers are adding new features to their cabins, including more spacious...

Smart state: as the newly-founded Kingdom of Bahrain finds its democratic feet, investors are being encouraged to take advantage of new opportunities. .
September 1, 2002... If you want to know what a new democracy looks like, go to Bahrain. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Gulf, this burgeoning business hub is basking in the glow of new-found freedoms following the enactment of the landmark National Action...

Win a stay for two at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Doha.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Simply answer the question below to enter a draw for a two-night stay for two people in a club level room at the stunning Ritz-Carlton Doha, plus a meal for two at your choice of one of the hotel's restaurants, plus complimentary access to...

Perth International: Australia's remotest city depends on air travel as its only palatable access to the rest of the world. Its airport, Jon Murrie reports, champions a constant battle with distance. .
September 1, 2002... Perth is closer to Singapore than Sydney, as any western Australian will tell you. It stands on Australia's south-western edge, with thousands of kilometres of desert and scrubland separating it from the political and financial centres of the...

Qantas. .
September 1, 2002... Over the past 80 years, Qantas has steadily built up a reputation for offering an open, friendly, warm service that is backed up by a strong, high-quality product and sheer professionalism. One of the world's oldest and most established...

Four hours in Abu Dhabi.
September 1, 2002... Dubai may be the United Arab Emirates' most dynamic city but the federal capital, Abu Dhabi, exudes a sun-kissed charm reminiscent of the French Riviera thanks to its spectacular corniche and lush gardens. Set on an island facing the Persian...

Hip operation: a national airline collapse, terrorist links with banks and big business fraud allegations have tarnished Zurich's pristine image recently. But, says Beverley Fearis, times are changing for the city that is rapidly gaining a reputation as the coolest place in Europe.
September 1, 2002... If anyone had to predict, at the turn of the millennium, which country would be about to suffer the collapse of its national airline, handle revelations of terrorist links with its major banks and endure accusations of fraud and conspiracy...

Rebuilding Budapest. (Insider's Guide: Zurich).
September 1, 2002... Budapest, the Queen of the Danube, is undergoing a resurgence that can only further enhance its reputation as one of Europe's truly great capital cities and a major gateway to Eastern Europe. Its stunning architecture, rich history and...

Weather: September. .(International.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Weather: September Temperature Relative humidity Rainfall Place max min am pm cm Amsterdam 19 10 86 67 7.2 Athens 29 19 ...

Public holidays: September-December. .(Weather report for September to December.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Andorra: Nov 1; Dec 8, 17, 25, 26 Argentina: Oct 12; Dec 8, 25 Australia: Dec 25, 26 Austria: Oct 26; Nov 1; Dec 8, 25, 26 Bangladesh: Oct 8, 26; Nov 2, 11 * Belgium: Nov 1, 11; Dec 25 Bermuda: Nov 11; Dec 25, 26 Brazil: Oct...

This issue.(Editorial)
September 1, 2002... What makes or breaks your mood when you leave for a business trip is service and efficiency at the airport and on your flight. There's a three-stage process to sending your temper to boiling point. If there is a huge queue at check-in and you...

Mashreq Bank cardholders can now save 20% on the published rates for all types of car rentals at Almana Rent A Car. (Qatar).
September 1, 2002... Mashreq Bank cardholders can now save 20% on the published rates for all types of car rentals at Almana Rent A Car, the Hertz franchise in Qatar, on Airport Road in Doha, or at the Hertz branch at Doha airport. For reservations, call 974...

Hertz Bahrain has expanded and upgraded its car rental fleet to include a range of 2003 models. (Bahrain).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Hertz Bahrain has expanded and upgraded its car rental fleet to include a range of 2003 models. New arrivals include the Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima, Ford Crown Victoria, Nissan Sunny and Toyota Corolla. Hertz Bahrain has its head office...

Oman Air's flights. (Oman).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Chefs of seven nationalities are cooking up the new specialities for Oman Air's flights. The airline received feedback from crew and passengers about the food it was serving and will now dish up more regional dishes reflecting the destination...

Flight savers: looking for the best deals around? Check out our regular column on fares. (Up Front).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... All flights leave from Dubai, and prices are based on a return journey. They are available until October 30, unless otherwise stated. Information supplied by BTI Dubai. Tel: 971 331 8700. Restrictions may apply Europe London,...

Gulf promises smoother ride. (Airlines).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Expect improved customer service, fewer baggage problems and fewer delays from a revamped Gulf Air. New chief executive James Hogan is promising an overhaul of the airline's poor record. His new vice president of customer services, Luke...

Cut-price Cairo. (Hotels).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Travellers to Cairo this autumn will find plenty of bargain hotel deals around. Stay at the swanky Four Seasons at the First Residence hotel, next to the French Embassy in Giza, during September or November and you can check in to a single...

Royal mirage. (Hotel check: Dubai).(Hotel Review)
September 1, 2002... First impressions: On arrival in the beautiful domed lobby of this Arabian-style hotel, I was greeted by check-in staff and taken to relax on a comfortable sofa and given a mint tea while my details were taken. Not everyone likes this style...

Gulf Air, business class. (Flight check: Dubai to Manama).(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2002... First impressions: I was booked on an early morning flight from Dubai's Sheikh Rashid International Terminal, Bahrain. Check-in was straightforward. I was late so I took my luggage with me and was escorted by a Gulf Air member of staff to...

Air Mauritius, economy class. (Flight check: Dubai-Plaisance, Mauritius).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2002... First impressions: Despite a minor hold-up at security, there were no problems at check-in. Boarding: The call was a bit late--10 minutes before take-off--but staff were reasonably prompt processing passengers. Seat comfort: The...

Cham Palace. (Hotel check: Damascus).(Hotel Review)
September 1, 2002... First impressions: Dazzlingly opulent oriental wooden furniture inlaid with mother of pearl adorns the lobby and lift. Prime position: The Syrian-owned Cham Palace is in the heart of the main business district. The room: A calming...

Phoenicia Inter-Continental. (Hotel check: Beirut).(Hotel Review)
September 1, 2002... First impressions: Entering this famous city centre hotel you will see one of its more illustrious pre-war features: the stately staircase leading up to the main lobby. Check-in is efficient, with plenty of staff at the ready. Prime...

Business Traveller Middle East Readers' Poll 2002: stunning seascapes of the Gulf were the backdrop for the first ever Business Traveller Middle East awards. (Awards).
September 1, 2002... Senior figures from the world's leading travel companies flew into Dubai for the glittering occasion, held on the top two floors of Dubai's most famous building, the Burj Al Arab. Celebrated photographer Lord Lichfield was the guest of honour...

And the winners are ... (Awards).(Business Traveller Middle East readers survey results)(Illustration)
September 1, 2002... Airlines Best Airline serving the Middle East 1. Emirates 2. British Airways 3. Gulf Air Best Asian Airline serving the Middle East 1. Singapore Airlines 2. Cathay Pacific 3. Malaysia Airlines Best European...

Le smoking: cigar smoking has become so fashionable that a new breed of lounges dedicated to enjoying this after-dinner indulgence has sprung up, Mark Frary chooses his global top ten from the old and the new, while Michael Young reviews a specialist cigar evening. (Cigar lounges).
September 1, 2002... There's something that elevates cigar smoking above just puffing on a cigarette. The attraction could be down to the ritual of clipping and lighting the cigar or the fact we allot them a certain time at the end of a meal or a special place to...

Dream ticket: innovations and improved seating are on the way for long-haul and medium-haul business class passengers. (Business Class Survey).
September 1, 2002... Business class passengers are starting to see improved on-board working facilities and more flat-bed seating on airlines flying to and from the Middle East. Many carriers are adding new features to their cabins, including more spacious...

Hip operation: a national airline collapse, terrorist links with banks and big business fraud allegations have tarnished Zurich's pristine image recently. But, says Beverley Fearis, times are changing for the city that is rapidly gaining a reputation as the coolest place in Europe. (Insider's guide: Zurich).
September 1, 2002... If anyone had to predict, at the turn of the millennium, which country would be about to suffer the collapse of its national airline, handle revelations of terrorist links with its major banks and endure accusations of fraud and conspiracy...

Weather: September. (Weather and Holidays).(Illustration)
September 1, 2002... Weather: September Temperature Relative humidity Rainfall Place max min am pm cm Amsterdam 19 10 86 67 7.2 Athens ...

Public holidays: September-December. (Weather and Holidays).(Illustration)
September 1, 2002... Andorra: Nov 1; Dec 8, 17, 25, 26 Argentina: Oct 12; Dec 8, 25 Australia: Dec 25, 26 Austria: Oct 26; Nov 1; Dec 8, 25, 26 Bangladesh: Oct 8, 26; Nov 2, 11 * Belgium: Nov 1, 11; Dec 25 Bermuda: Nov 11; Dec 25, 26 Brazil: Oct...