14 News


EMAAR’S ISLAND PARADISE IN RAK


A luxurious new US$1.8 billion (AED6.6 billion) waterfront destination is coming to Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, after Emaar Proper- ties announced its first venture in the emirate. The two million square foot project will


include high-end residential, hospitality and retail, framed against the Yanas and Jais Mountains and overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Ras Al Khaimah’s first man-made project, Al Marjan Island – a cluster of four coral-shaped islands – will have a five-star hotel with 1,500 keys and more than 2,000 serviced residential units. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Khalid Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of Al Marjan Island, and Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties. Commenting on the partnership, Sheikh Khalid Bin Saud Al Qasimi said that the agree- ment marked the“evolution”of Al Marjan Island. He added: “The hospitality and leisure devel-


opments will enhance the competitiveness of Al Marjan Island, with world-class infrastructure set in an exotic natural setting, creating short- and long-term value for all stakeholders.”


Alabbar said that the deal would “create


a new magnet for investments in the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors”, thereby support- ing the vision of the government to boost the tourism sector and create jobs. He added: “Al Marjan Island has several unique


features, including its spectacular location, which will appeal to investors from across the world. We will bring our proven competencies in hospital- ity, retail and mixed-use developments to this master-development.” Architect Abdullah Al Abdooli, Managing


Director, Al Marjan Island said that the project’s goal was “to create world-class integrated life- style amenities that meet the needs of visitors in terms of accommodation, leisure, F&B as well as retail”. Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director


of Emaar Properties added: “Ras Al Khaimah has tremendous potential for tourism and retail growth, which we are leveraging through our developments.” ——— Visit stand HC0220


HILTON’S CURIO BRAND DEBUTS IN DOHA


Marking its first foray into the Middle East, Curio – A Collection by Hilton has opened in Qatar with AlRayyan Hotel Doha. The plush hotel joins two other Hilton prop- erties in the city and is attached to the Mall of Qatar in the upscale Al Rayyan neighbourhood. It is also just steps away from Al-Rayyan


Sports Club and a short drive from Qatar National Convention Centre, Sheikh Faisal Museum and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club. Mark Nogal, Global Head, Curio – A Collection


by Hilton, said: “Doha has firmly placed itself as a city to watch, with its growing array of leisure and sporting events, cultural attractions and art scene. “AlRayyan Hotel Doha exemplifies these


attributes, with its distinctive character, prime location and opulent design perfectly suited to guests who delight in memorable hotels.” The luxurious 201-room property boasts a


stunning Presidential Suite, as well as a wide range of dining concepts. Latin American roof- top restaurant Muy Vivo offers a vibrant menu


and outdoor seating, while all-day dining venue Mezzo presents a blend of Italian, Arabic and international dishes. To unwind after a busy day in the city,


AlRayyan Hotel Doha has three outdoor swim- ming pools, a 24-hour gym, male and female wellness areas each featuring a sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam and showers, as well as a ladies’ beauty lounge and children’s play area. For business events, the hotel has five state- of-the-art meeting rooms, and a 300 square metre ballroom with private entrance. Luca Crocco, General Manager, said:


“AlRayyan Hotel Doha offers the perfect blend of authentic experiences, sophisticated accommo- dation and renowned Middle Eastern hospitality. “We are very much looking forward to


welcoming residents, travellers and all guests who are seeking to discover something distinct at our property.” ——— Visit stand HC0830


NEWS IN BRIEF


The UAE now ranks as the world’s fastest-growing theme park market as the country’s spending in the sector looks set to grow six-fold to US$637 million by 2020. Already the dominant market in the Middle East and North Africa, a recent report from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) confirms the UAE’s position as number one for growth globally. Market research firm PwC also


predicts that the UAE’s theme park visitors could provide nearly two-thirds of the UAE’s projected 30 million total visitors by 2021. The country’s theme parks are also poised to offer a smart visitor experience, making the attractions innovative market leaders.


Andrew Calthorpe, CEO at smart theme park consultancy Condo Protego, said: “Monitoring tens of thousands of daily visitors means UAE theme park operators need to have mobile apps, Big Data analytics and data storage solutions that are always available, cost-effective, and can scale up to handle millions more visitors annually.” He added: “UAE theme parks are


at the cutting-edge of leveraging real-time information management technology to enhance the overall visitor experience. “Millions of visitors will be able to


use mobile apps for ride wait times and ordering concessions, while operators can deliver dynamic peak and off-peak pricing, and enhance visitor safety and security.”


LAS VEGAS WEDDINGS MAKE IT A TOP DESTINATION


Las Vegas has been named the best place to get married in the United States, in a study by personal finance website WalletHub.com. The desert destination in Nevada is renowned


for its numerous wedding chapels and stream- lined marriage process. Couples can tie the knot in the traditional


way, plus there are plenty of quirky options for those seeking something different, from a Star Trek-themed occasion to a wedding on a gondola surrounded by pirates. WalletHub.com’s data team compared 150


of the most populated US cities to find the most affordable and convenient destinations, which also promise a memorable occasion.


In second and third place overall were


Orlando in Florida and Atlanta in Georgia. Orlando also took the top spot for facilities and services, while El Paso in Texas came up trumps for costs. Las Vegas also enjoyed a three-way first place tie with New York and Chicago for cities with the most attractions. In a separate Wallethub.com survey, Wash-


ington was named the best US destination for single people, based on three key dimensions: dating economics, dating opportunities plus romance and fun. In second and third place were Colorado and California. ——— Visit stand AM6300


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