NEWS
CRISTAL HOTELS AND RESORTS MAKE THEIR DEBUT IN QATAR
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bu Dhabi-based hospitality company Cristal Hotels and Resorts recently signed an agreement with Al Dana Development LLC,
announcing its debut in Qatar with the opening of their second international branch office. Following the launch of the company’s Lebanon office earlier this year, the development is part of the aggressive expansion plan of Cristal Group set last year to increase their portfolio and brand presence in the region. “[Te] Qatar economy has witnessed an impressive growth in the last eight years. Today it ranks first in Economy Competitiveness within the Middle East and 26th globally, based on the recent report of the World Economic Forum. As a country Qatar has become one of the key markets for [the] tourism and hospitality industry,” said Peter Blackburn, President and CEO of Cristal Hotels and Resorts. Cristal Hotels and Resorts Qatar LLC branch office will be located in Doha and overlook all the development and operations of the upcoming hotels. Te group expects to bring three new properties to its portfolio in the next
five years with the first hotel scheduled to be opened in 2013. Blackburn is confident about the group’s expansion plans, saying that Qatar’s strategic location, wealth in resources and strong economy provide an excellent basis for successful business. “With our already strong presence in the UAE hospitality market, we positively look ahead at Qatar and the great prospects within the lodging and tourism industry,” he said l
AN HOUR OF DARKNESS FOR UAE
On Saturday 31 March at 8:30pm, the UAE plunged into darkness in support of the world’s largest environmental event in history – Earth Hour. Landmarks across al seven emirates went dark to mark the event; a symbolic gesture to remind people of the importance of conserving the earth’s natural resources, such as energy. A global initiative in partnership with WWF, Earth Hour once again brought together individuals, businesses, governments and communities showing their support for the environment. In Abu Dhabi, the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque went dark for one hour while the Abu Dhabi Corniche hosted Earth Hour celebrations with music and a range of activities. Dubai residents were invited to join a candlelight march in Burj Park Downtown and participated in an array of environmental activities. Te public event was organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoom. Tousands came to watch as the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, switched off its lights to commemorate Earth Hour. In Sharjah, residents participated in a host of activities including environmental competitions at Al Majaz Park while the iconic Al Qasbah plunged into darkness. Major Earth Hour events were also held in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Dubai is the first Arab city to support Earth Hour, now in its second year. In 2012, Earth Hour has completed a record journey across more than 6,525 cities, towns and municipalities in 150 countries and territories around the world l
8 I CITYSCAPE I MAY 2012
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