Category: Hospitality

In another technology first, Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties PJSC, has introduced panoramic, 360 virtual tours of its hotels in Dubai.

The 360 virtual tours, captured in high-definition photographs and videos, offer visitors the opportunity to experience the unique value propositions of each hotel, discover its myriad facets and make an informed decision – be it for booking hotel stays, restaurants or pampering oneself at spas.

The 360 virtual tours cover properties under the premium luxury hotel and serviced residences brand, Address Hotels + Resorts; the upscale lifestyle hotel and serviced residences brand, Vida Hotels and Resorts; and the new contemporary mid-scale hotel and serviced residences brand, Rove Hotels.

Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Introducing innovative digital experiences is part of our strategy to further enhance the guest experience. The 360 virtual tours open doors to the delightful and exceptional lifestyle offerings at our hotels, enabling visitors anywhere in the world to make informed decisions and plan their stay in vivid detail. We will continue to explore newer opportunities to strengthen our online engagement with our guests, underlining our commitment to provide value-added customer-centric experiences.”

The 360 virtual tours take visitors through the spectacular architecture that define properties under Address Hotel + Resorts, including Address Boulevard, Address Dubai Marina, Address Dubai Mall, Address Montgomerie, and Palace Downtown. The 360 virtual tours also take visitors through the exceptional ambience offered by Vida Downtown and Manzil Downtown, as well as the three Rove Hotels that are currently operational in central locations across the city – Rove Downtown, Rove City Centre and Rove Healthcare City.

To view, simply click on the hotel websites, which can be navigated via www.addresshotels.com; www.vidahotels.com; and www.rovehotels.com. The master-brand pages will take you to inpidual hotel sites, where you can take the interactive tours.

Each virtual tour, assembled through panoramic photography and videography, will provide all the features of the hotel in vivid details. From the exteriors to the interior, whether it is the lobby, restaurants, lounges, spas, event spaces, or the intricate details of rooms and suites, you can experience it all online.

The launch of the 360 virtual tours of all hotels is part of the ambitious digital transformation that Emaar Hospitality Group is bringing through several innovative initiatives. The objective is to enable visitors to become familiar with the hotels and understand the real value that awaits them. They can then simply make their bookings via the website itself, adding to their convenience.

The virtual tours can also be experienced over smartphones through the new native Apps that Emaar Hospitality Group has launched. Setting an industry-first, these Apps powered by Go Find It Technologies SA, enhance the digital lifestyle experiences of guests at Address Hotels + Resorts, Palace Downtown, Vida Hotels and Resorts, Manzil Downtown and Rove Hotels. The Apps of Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts, Palace Downtown and Manzil Downtown have gone live with the Rove Hotels App to go live shortly.

At a height of over 220 metres, Sky Bridge has three main floors featuring 8 luxurious Sky Collection duplex units, and a 70-metre long infinity pool overlooking Burj Khalifa and The Dubai FountainThe 85-metre-long, 22-metre-high Sky Bridge has a maximum width of 30 metres, and is built with 4,500 tonnes of structural steelGlobal design teams, construction and engineering professionals worked to deliver a new landmark for the nation
Dubai, UAE; May 11, 2017: Dubai now has a new architectural landmark: Emaar Properties today accomplished the challenging engineering feat of designing, constructing and lifting an iconic Sky Bridge that links the new Address Sky View hotel with the Address Residences Sky View in Downtown Dubai.

Rising at a height of over 220 metres, the 85-metre-long Sky Bridge, with a height of 22 metres and maximum width of 30 metres, has three storeys and will feature eight units of luxurious Sky Collection Duplexes, a 70-metre-long infinity pool that overlooks Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, and other amenities.

Billed to be a new touristic attraction that also adds economic value, the Sky Bridge is fabricated using 4,500 tonnes of structural steel, and was lifted in position using Strand Jacking Technology, customised for the project. A team of global experts from five different entities worked on the project that was completed in around 365 days by over 300 professionals and skilled workers.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “Building and lifting the Sky Bridge is the result of the hard work and collaboration of some of the best international experts in the field, who addressed various challenges through their innovative and creative approach. They have accomplished a remarkable engineering feat that will serve as a referral point in modern construction. Sky Bridge is an added value to Downtown Dubai, and contributes to the pride of our nation.”

The unique Sky Bridge addressed several design challenges given the extensive loads of steel and concrete, as well as the loads related to the infinity pool, pool deck and façade, it needed. The ambient temperature difference was also considered during the design stage to ensure that it suits the region’s climate. A steel frame with three levels was designed to hold the huge loads transferred to the core walls of the two towers it links.

To address the construction challenges, the main body of the bridge was pided into five elements, each weighing over 400 tonnes each. The fifth element is the MEGA truss in the middle that has a total weight of over 1,500 tonnes. High capacity cranes, not commonly used in the region, were deployed to lift the huge weights. Special high-capacity hydraulic jacks were also imported from Switzerland.

Another challenge was designing eight custom-made Boom and Derrick systems that had to be assembled at level 50 – about 200 meters high – on both towers. Laser technology was deployed for precise leveling.

To execute the seamless lifting of the Sky Bridge, each element was assembled on ground. They were then lifted using the Strand Jacking Technology over a period of four months from November 2016 to February 2017. The MEGA truss, the heaviest component, was lifted to the height of 220 metres using the high-capacity hydraulic jacks and cables.

The Sky Bridge has undergone extensive fire proofing and other safety and security tests. Each component was elaborately tested to ensure the highest standards of quality and durability. The infinity pool was designed taking into consideration the maximum comfort level of residents.

Given the proximity to Burj Khalifa Metro Station and the Metro Link, elaborate safety measures were put in place, and a clearly structured logistics plan was followed through close cooperation with the government authorities.

The super-lifting of the Sky Bridge also required tremendous planning, team work and technological perfection, especially given wind speeds of up to 80 km/hour. Each element had to be precisely lifted and erected while addressing all the required safety considerations.

A hotel, residential and serviced apartment complex linked directly to The Dubai Mall Metro station through a travellator, the 60-floor Address Sky View towers are 260 meters high, and offers spectacular 360 degree views of Downtown Dubai and the city. The launch of homes and serviced residences in the development has gained overwhelming customer response.

Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the architects of Burj Khalifa, Address Sky View has 169 luxurious hotel rooms on 12 levels with amenities including restaurants, lounges, a world-class event venue, meeting rooms, three pools including a rooftop pool and a spa. Address Residences Sky View has 551 exceptional serviced residences that are fully furnished with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views.

A dedicated lobby for Address Residences Sky View welcomes residents and guests with warmth and elegance, as distinct materials and textures, including wood, glass, stone and beautiful leathers with soft lighting, evoke a sense of luxury. For more details on Address Sky View, log on to: www.emaar.com

For footage on the Sky Bridge lifting, please click here.

Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts, Palace Downtown and Manzil Downtown Apps tailored on their guest profiles & preferences are now live; Rove Hotels App to go live shortlyIntegrated with backend systems to offer management teams crucial real time data for enhancing guest experience
In a never-before example of digital transformation in the hospitality industry, Emaar Hospitality Group has set an impressive first with the launch of five native Applications (Apps) that enhance the digital lifestyle experiences for guests.

The first-of-its-kind in the world of hospitality, the Apps stand apart for their focus on individual hotels under the Group as opposed to conventional industry practices, and assure end-to-end digital connectivity with the hotel for guests over their mobile phone.

The introduction of the new Apps is in line with the new digital strategy of Emaar to drive enhanced customer experiences. The ‘mobile first’ approach of Emaar Hospitality Group, combined with its ambition to be an industry leader in using technology to enhance guest experience, is set to be an industry game changer by delivering an innovative digital experience for guests.

The Apps are part of a series of other digital initiatives being implemented by Emaar Hospitality Group. They draw on the tremendous potential offered by the increased internet and smartphone penetration in the region. It is also aligned with the aspirations of the region’s 200 million youth population, who form the new generation of travellers and entrepreneurs.

Emaar Hospitality Group selected Go Find It Technologies SA as its partner in developing the Apps. Marking the first phase of the digital transformation across the Group, the Apps are being developed for Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts, Rove Hotels, Palace Downtown and Manzil Downtown, taking into consideration the unique guest profiles and preferences of the hotel brands and individual hotels.

Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts, Palace Downtown and Manzil Downtown Apps have gone live with the Rove Hotels App to go live shortly.

Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “This is truly historic as we pioneer a new digital trend for the hospitality sector. Now our guests have all the connectivity and convenience they need for a memorable experience at our hotels right at their fingertips.

“The five Apps are industry-defining, as they take into consideration the unique customer requirements of our three hotel brands. They will enable our guests to access a host of services on their mobile phones, while also providing us with real time data that will help us deliver value-added services to meet and exceed their expectations.”

The five Apps enjoy superior functionality. They are integrated with the hotels’ reservation systems, offer guests access to city guides, are social media friendly and push relevant information such as an invitation to join the ‘U By Emaar’ loyalty programme, special offers, relevant event information and much more.

The content offered within the Apps includes professionally produced City Guides highlighting what is happening in and around the city on a daily basis. This regularly updated information will account for around 30 per cent of the content within each App.

Additionally, individual hotels will create their own content to engage with guests in a meaningful way while making it easier for marketers to highlight relevant events as well as special offers across stays, dining, spa and more.

Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts, Palace Downtown, and Manzil Downtown Apps on iOS and Android are available for download on the App Store and Google Play; the Rove Hotels App will be available soon.

Emaar Hospitality Group becomes the first international hotel operating company to offer incentive-fee-only management agreements, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for owners and operatorsThe new contractual model removes the customary base management fee and links the operator’s fee earnings exclusively to generated profit rather than revenue
Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties PJSC, has introduced an industry-defining model for hotel management agreements.

This is a marked departure from the prevalent fee structure in the hospitality sector, where hotel operators receive a base fee as a percentage of gross revenue and an incentive fee based on the gross operating profit.

The alternative model offered by Emaar Hospitality Group is based only on an incentive fee, which is driven by the operator’s ability to generate profits rather than revenues.

In an industry where the majority of global fees earned are linked to revenue, the new model aligns the interests of the owner and operator as it focuses on profit generation, replacing the emphasis on top-line results with a focus on bottom line achievement.

Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said the new management fee model sets an industry benchmark. “There will be greater responsibility on the operator to drive operating profits that will create sustained and long-term value for hotel owners, unlike under the prevailing model, where the operator earns a base management fee regardless of operating expenses.

“The distribution landscape in the hotel industry has changed dramatically over the past years and we feel that profit is a more powerful indicator of operator performance than revenue. We are leveraging our experience both as a hotel owner and operator in developing the new model. With ten years of history in developing and operating three industry leading hotel brands, we understand the operations side of hotels, and as part of the publicly listed Emaar Properties, we are also focused on continued value creation,” said Harnisch.

“The new model brings two core strengths: One, it enhances owner-operator relationships with greater onus on the operator to drive profitability. Two, it creates lasting value for hotel owners, even in the face of challenging economic conditions as the operator will focus on minimising operating expenses and strengthening profits,” explained Harnisch.

Emaar Hospitality Group has already signed several management contracts to operate hotels in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Turkey and Egypt for other developers and hotel owners. The new model is offered in addition to standard model and gives the hotel owners the opportunity to choose between the two.

“With the new model, we are looking to expand our footprint in the UAE and other international markets to operate hotels with a clear commitment on our side to enhance operating profits. We have evaluated the market landscape in preparing the new model, and we see it as an ideal fit to all geographies,” said Harnisch.

Globally, the hospitality sector is relooking at owner-operator contracts with consideration given to how profits and revenues are apportioned. A study by CharlesRussselSpeechlys* observes that with the base fee and share of profit structure, owner and operator risk and reward are totally unaligned, “as the internal rate of return that operators generate from revenue-based fee was normally sufficient to make the contract profitable for the operator” irrespective of the hotel’s profitability.

Unlike many international hotel operating companies that are shedding their property and focusing on hotel management agreements, Emaar Hospitality Group is not only expanding its management contract expertise but also strengthening its own development pipeline with a total of 20 hotel projects – in Dubai and Fujairah – as well as in international markets including Egypt, Bahrain, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

Located on Reem Island, Vida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi and Vida Beach Residences Reem Island Abu Dhabi will add to the portfolio of Emaar Hospitality Group’s upscale lifestyle hotel brandScheduled to open in 2020, the iconic hotel and extended stay serviced residences overlook the Arabian Sea within a marina settingVida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi will feature 262 guestrooms and suites, and Vida Residences Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi will have 192 serviced residences, a varied food and beverage offering, spa and fitness centre, meeting and conference space, and other recreational facilities.
Vida Hotels and Resorts, the upscale lifestyle hospitality brand for the new generation of business executives, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers by Emaar Hospitality Group, has signed a management agreement with Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi’s leading listed property development, investment and management company, to operate a hotel within the developer’s master-planned community on Reem Island.

The hotel and serviced residences are part of a multi-faceted four-tower development overlooking the Arabian Sea. The two Vida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi towers feature 262 spacious guestrooms and suites in addition to 192 serviced residences for short or extended stay and a range of world-class amenities including speciality restaurants, business centres, conference venues and wellness retreats, details of which will be announced in due course. The development also includes 329 marina residences spread across two towers. Construction will commence this year.

Envisaged as an upscale urban lifestyle resort set in a spectacular location, Vida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi and Vida Beach Residences Reem Island Abu Dhabi will be near a premium retail destination with a choice of dining and leisure options adding to the convenience of residents and guests. Located approximately 30 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 3 km from the city centre, the hotel is expected to be operational by 2020.

Jassem Saleh Busaibe, Chief Asset Management Officer, Aldar Properties, said: “We are delighted to partner with Emaar Hospitality Group in bringing Vida Hotels and Resorts to Abu Dhabi. This new project will add significantly to the character of Reem Island, and will be like nothing currently in existence in the city. This project not only falls within our destination development strategy, but will also add significantly to our asset management business. This agreement will really help to strengthen our master planned community on Reem Island, adding market leading amenities from which both residents and visitors alike will benefit.”

Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “The management contract to operate Vida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone for Vida Hotels and Resorts, our contemporary upscale lifestyle brand that has defined its unique niche in the region’s hospitality sector. To be associated with such a prestigious development by Aldar Properties serves as a strong testament to the differentials that Vida Hotels and Resorts brings to the industry with its focus on creating smart urban hubs for a discerning clientele.”

He added: “The expansion to Abu Dhabi further highlights our strong competencies in undertaking mixed-use projects and delivering outstanding service. We will continue to explore growth opportunities in the UAE and beyond by delivering an exceptional hospitality experience focused on delivering warmth, simplicity and youthful vitality.”

Launched in 2013, Vida Hotels and Resorts operates hotels such as Vida Downtown in Dubai. Positioned as a lively and vibrant hub where inspiring minds can create, connect and come alive, its hotels are a stimulating environment where style meets convenience and interactivity. Additionally, Vida Hotels and Resorts has signed management contracts to operate hotels and serviced residences in Dubai, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Emaar Hospitality Group, which marks its tenth year in operation, now has 26 upcoming projects.Showcases its portfolio of 10 operational hotels and three serviced residences, and other new properties at the premier travel, tourism and hospitality event.
Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties, today unveiled six new hotel projects as part of its regional and international expansion plans, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017.

The new hotels and serviced residences in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Egypt add to a portfolio of upcoming properties under the three hotel brands of Emaar Hospitality Group – the premium luxury Address Hotels + Resorts, the upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels and Resorts, and the contemporary midscale Rove Hotels.

With 10 operational hotels and three serviced residences already, Emaar Hospitality Group now has a pipeline of 26 upcoming projects, a testament to the home-grown competencies of the Group and its expansion strategy to operate hotels in key locations in high-growth markets.

Announcing the new projects at a press conference in Dubai, Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said the Group’s expansion is underpinned by a commitment to deliver superior guest experiences through distinctively branded properties in key markets globally.

“We are marking our tenth decade of operation this year, and in such a short span of time, we have established our reputation as a home-grown Dubai hospitality group with a fast-growing regional and international footprint. The upcoming properties highlight our competencies as a hotel and serviced residences operator, committed to delivering guest-centric lifestyle experiences.

“We have recorded a positive growth year in 2016 and continue to build on the success, with the launch of new properties including Address Boulevard and three Rove Hotels in a span of just nine months, all in Dubai. This demonstrates our focus on not only serving the luxury hospitality market of the city but also to create distinctive brand experiences that appeal to the new millennials and next generation of travellers,” added Harnisch.

Emaar Hospitality Group’s track-record – with average daily rates and occupancy levels higher than industry average – reflects the strong growth of Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sector, said Harnisch. “The Dubai Tourism Vision and Expo 2020 Dubai are strong drivers of growth for the industry, and we will continue to drive our expansion and create a truly world-class infrastructure for visitors to Dubai.”

New projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Egypt

Emaar Hospitality Group’s new projects include Address Dubai Creek Harbour and Address Residences Dubai Creek Harbour in Dubai, which will serve as a vibrant hospitality and leisure hub within Dubai Creek Harbour, the 6 sq km mega-development anchored by the iconic new Tower, designed by Santiago Calatrava. The project opens to spectacular views of the waterfront and the Downtown Dubai skyline.

Also under Address Hotels + Resorts are the new Address Marassi Beach Resort and Address Residences Marassi Beach Resort, which are part of the beachfront Marassi master-planned development by Emaar Misr in Egypt. Emaar Hospitality Group has already signed a management contract to operate Address Marassi Golf Resort + Spa in the same master-development. These add to the upcoming projects of Address Hotels + Resorts in Dubai, Fujairah, Bahrain and Turkey.

Four new projects will be operated under the Vida Hotels and Resorts brand. These include the Vida Dubai Creek Harbour, Vida Dubai Marina and Vida Residences Dubai Marina. Further, Vida Hotels and Resorts marks its expansion to Abu Dhabi with the management contract to operate Vida Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi and Vida Residences Beach Reem Island Abu Dhabi, both for Aldar Properties.

Having already expanded with hotel management contracts in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Vida Hotels and Resorts is further strengthening its international portfolio with Vida Marassi Marina and Vida Residences Marassi Marina in Egypt.

Emaar Hospitality Group plans to expand its footprint to other high-growth markets as well as gateway cities such as India and China, and other global gateway cities for the group.

Upcoming properties in Dubai

“While we are focused on international markets, we are also growing our footprint in the UAE to meet the burgeoning demand for hotel rooms – in the luxury, upscale and midscale segments,” said Harnisch.

This is reflected in the recent opening of Address Boulevard, the first city lifestyle resort under the portfolio of Address Hotels + Resorts, and three Rove Hotels – Rove Downtown, Rove City Centre and Rove Healthcare City. The Group is on course to open Rove Trade Centre shortly as well as drive the roll-out of six more hotels in Dubai Marina and Dubai Parks and Resorts, among others.

The current portfolio of hotels by Emaar Hospitality Group in Dubai includes Address Boulevard, Address Dubai Mall, Address Montgomerie, Address Dubai Marina, Palace Downtown, Vida Downtown, Manzil Downtown, Rove Downtown, Rove City Centre and Rove Healthcare City.

“An award-winning hospitality and leisure provider, our commitment is to surpass guest expectations. In addition to expanding our portfolio, we are driving the digital transformation of our services to create added value for our guests. Our projects are showcased at ATM 2017 and we look forward to strengthening our partnerships at this premier event, and to highlight our focus on doubling our portfolio by 2020,” concluded Harnisch.

• A luxury, 72-storey curvilinear tower of sheer elegance housing a city lifestyle resort and serviced residences managed by Address Hotels + Resorts

• Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai within walking distance of Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, The Dubai Fountain and Dubai Opera

• Adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road and near Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai International Convention Centre

• 196 rooms and suites and 532 serviced residences with views of The Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai and the Arabian Sea

• An air-conditioned travellator connects the Address Boulevard to Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and The Dubai Mall Metro Station

Address Hotels + Resorts, the premium luxury hotel brand of Emaar Hospitality Group, today unveiled its new city lifestyle resort, Address Boulevard. It adds to Emaar Hospitality Group’s impressive and growing portfolio of luxury hospitality venues that have redefined the hotel industry and set new benchmarks in service standards.

Address Boulevard has 196 spacious rooms including 116 spacious Deluxe Rooms, 44 Deluxe Club Rooms, 28 One-Bedroom Suites, seven Two-Bedroom Suites and a luxurious Presidential Suite offering spectacular views of The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. In addition, there are 532 serviced apartments including duplexes and two penthouses, with short-term guests at the residences also guaranteed access to the hotel’s facilities.

Chris Newman, Chief Operating Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Address Boulevard is another statement on the ambition of Emaar Hospitality Group to set new industry standards. A celebration of the hospitality excellence that we have brought to Dubai, it is uniquely positioned as a city lifestyle resort – which integrates all the romantic charm of a resort with the convenience, amenities and appeal of a city hotel. Address Boulevard is exceptional in all its facets – from the architecture to the interiors, the unobstructed views of iconic attractions, and our uncompromising approach to superior guest service.”

With its inspiring art-deco architecture, design and décor, Address Boulevard offers a unique experience for guests and builds on the strong credentials of Address Hotels + Resorts in managing mixed-use luxury hotels and serviced residences.

The new destination is inspired by classic European finesse underlined with contemporary understated luxury. A core theme of the hotel is the notion of timeless elegance. The interiors are influenced by the era of luxurious travel while exquisite craftsmanship is evident in public areas giving the property the feel of being surrounded by someone’s private art collection making family and business guests feel perfectly at home.

Appealing to leisure and business travellers, Address Boulevard enjoys an exclusive city location that is perfect for overseas visitors who yearn to be in close proximity to retail and leisure attractions. Within walking distance of The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest retail and entertainment destination, the hotel is also on the vibrant Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, offering an extensive choice of specialty food and beverage concepts, ideal for families and young visitors.

It is also in close to Dubai Opera, the recently opened multi-format performing arts venue in Downtown Dubai, assuring guests of cultural experiences like never before. Other attractions that are in walking distance for guests include Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, SEGA Republic, the largest of its kind indoor theme park in the region, and KidZania®, a dedicated children’s city.

Business guests have the convenience of being located near the Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai International Convention Centre. The property can be effortlessly accessed from Sheikh Zayed Road and via the Dubai Metro. An air-conditioned travellator connects the Address Boulevard to Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall Metro Station and The Dubai Mall.

Mr Newman added: “While the location and amenities will be a key draw for visitors from across the globe, the value proposition and lifestyle choices offered by Address Boulevard ensure its credentials as a first-choice for discerning guests. The breathtaking view from the hotel and serviced residences, and the extensive choice of leisure and wellness pursuits differentiates it in the market.”

Art

One of the distinguishing features of the property is the incredible art installations that define the hotel’s interiors. A total of 48 artists and 251 pieces of art have contributed to delivering a remarkable set of works for visitors to enjoy. A specialist art consultancy commissioned a number of internationally-acclaimed, established and emerging artists to produce and install a wide-range of outstanding art pieces including aesthetically-mesmerising ceramic shapes, fascinating 3D maps of Dubai, a large sculpture titled ‘wings’, intriguing acrylic on mylar, silver leaf craft methods and a 46-piece bespoke collection of chandeliers inspired by diamonds and pearls and themed The Spirit of Timeless Luxury giving the venue the status of an art exhibition in a public space.

Rich Amenities

Among the differentiating features of Address Boulevard are the rich lifestyle amenities – especially in promoting wellness. The Spa at Address, set on a dedicated floor over an area of 700 sq metres, provides guests with luxurious therapies and skin care treatments. Guests can also revel in a spa pool, 10 dedicated single treatment rooms, one couple’s treatment suite and a private vitality pool. Other amenities include relaxation lounges, treatments and detoxifying packages and a modern fitness centre with multifunctional exercise facilities, along with locker rooms for men and women. There are three outdoor swimming pools including a family pool with slides, waterfall and children’s splash pad as well as an adult pool designed for visitors to the spa.

Adding to the convenience of families, the hotel has a Qix kids club, which is an exclusively designed centre that provides a holistic nurturing experience for children aged 3 to 12. Activities range from arts and crafts, games, storytelling, yoga and dynamic exercises. The outlets are operated by a team of youth experts who specialise in educational and participative engagement.

Dining choices

The signature dining space, The Restaurant at Address, simulates the experience of a luxurious European apartment of a well-travelled family in the 1920s providing classic dishes, and great food in sublime surroundings. A part of all properties under the portfolio of Address Hotels + Resorts, The Restaurant offers culinary delights and innovative beverages anytime of the day in a warm, cozy residential-styled venue with a variety of different rooms – including a Kitchen, Lounge, Living Room, and Library as popular meeting spots ideal for socialising or meetings. A stylish, considered and contemporary venue, the menu and the modular spaces have been designed to bring people together through the act of sharing, with the venue designed to create intimacy and tailored experiences through unique dining choices. Perfect for down time, the Reading Room resembles a library with wall to wall book shelves holding books on art, food, architecture, design and culture. Guests can enjoy a wide repertoire of beverages at The Library, Game Room or Music Room.

Events venues

The conference and meeting facilities at Address Boulevard are unrivalled in luxury and technology giving visitors flexibility to carry out their business or leisure activities. Creatively conceptualised spaces, offering interiors and services that influence a proactive and inspiring environment, are perfect for high-level meetings and events. From a multi-function room that can seat 80 people to intimate meeting rooms and a state-of-the-art Boardroom, Address Boulevard offers diverse choices that meet the requirements of business event planners and guests planning special events.

Address Hotels + Resorts has also marked its entry into international markets through three hotels and four serviced residences in Turkey, Bahrain and Egypt.

Through its three hotel brands – Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts and Rove Hotels – Emaar Hospitality Group today operates ten hotels and three serviced residences in Dubai. The company has a strong roster of 18 upcoming hotels and 16 serviced residences in the UAE – in Dubai and Fujairah – as well as in international markets including Egypt, Bahrain, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

For more details, please visit: addresshotels.com

Emaar Properties PJSC today announced the appointment of Olivier Harnisch as the Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, its hospitality & leisure business. Olivier brings to Emaar over 30 years of international experience in the hotel and tourism industry. He joins Emaar from Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in Brussels, where he was Chief Operating Officer, responsible for a portfolio of over 350 leased, managed and franchised hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Olivier has acquired in-depth expertise in all aspects of the hospitality business through multiple leadership roles across four continents. His experience will be a significant asset for Emaar in delivering ambitious growth plans for its hospitality business. Emaar has over 35 new hotels and serviced residences in the development pipeline in the UAE and international markets.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “Emaar Hospitality Group has created exceptional experiences for guests through its portfolio of hotels. We are now taking the operations of our hospitality group to the next level, to meet the aspirations of the next generation of travellers, and to drive Dubai’s growth as a global tourism hub. Olivier Harnisch’s significant regional and international experience in both hotel and restaurant operations will be an asset in driving our onward growth, with a focus on bringing innovative and value-added guest experiences, and managing our growing number of hotels that serve distinct market niches.”

Olivier Harnisch said: “Emaar Hospitality Group has set a high standard with its portfolio of innovative hotel brands. The brand identity of Emaar and its commitment towards offering memorable guest experiences are strong foundations to take the hospitality business to a new era of growth. Going forward, we will focus on further enhancing guest experiences, implementing new strategies that create long-term value for all stakeholders, and expanding our footprint within and outside the UAE.”

Olivier started his career in 1986, and was initially associated with individual hotels, food & beverage operations and airlines for over 13 years. This enabled him to gain strong insights in classic hospitality and in developing compelling guest experiences. He then worked at Hilton Worldwide for over 14 years where he held the position of Vice President for Northern and Central Europe, before joining Carlson Rezidor Group in 2012. Having worked across the globe, Olivier is fluent in six languages.

He holds an MSc in Organisational Labour from the University of London, an MBA in International Finance from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and a Degree in Hospitality Management from Berlin School of Hotel Administration.

Emaar Hospitality Group has defined its credentials in the hotel industry with the launch of three brands, each with a distinct niche – The Address Hotels + Resorts, a premium luxury hotel and residences brand, Vida Hotels and Resorts, an upscale boutique lifestyle hotel and residences brand and Rove Hotels, a contemporary new midscale hotel and residences brand. The leisure assets of Emaar Hospitality Group include Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Dubai Marina Yacht Club.

Building on its impressive track record of delivering a global and perse array of lifestyle dining options, Emaar Hospitality Group is adding Mexican street food to its repertoire with the upcoming opening of Brickhouse in collaboration with Maximal Concepts, a multi-award winning restaurant group in Asia.

The new restaurant from Hong Kong is located on the Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, adjacent to the boutique lifestyle hotel, Manzil Downtown Dubai, with both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace. Brickhouse promises to deliver vibrancy and community spirit that were key to the success of the original restaurant.

Brickhouse’s philosophy falls back on the fundamentals of what makes food exciting in the first place: great ingredients, sensible and simple preparation cooked by people who really care. The best ingredients will always be in style. With its focus on traditional Mexico City street food, its infectious energy and perfect location make Brickhouse a simple feel-good sanctuary to eat, network or converse with friends, guaranteeing a social as well as a unique dining experience that marks a significant addition to Emaar’s repertoire of lifestyle dining outlets.

Executive Chef Justin Haefler helms the original Brickhouse restaurant. He joined the team from Rick Bayless’ restaurants in California working closely for three years with Bayless, often referred to as one of the greatest Mexican chefs in the US. Brickhouse has been awarded as the ‘Top 5 Concept Restaurant in the World’ by the Manual, ‘Best Restaurant’ by Foodie Magazine and ‘Best Restaurant’ for four consecutive years from 2013 to 2016 by Tatler Magazine.

The venue is unique but uncomplicated, with creative designs that appeal to Dubai’s young and trendy go-getters who value vibrant and artistic surroundings. With an engaging outdoor space, a relaxed atmosphere is created, interfacing with the interior-dining ambience. Brickhouse keeps its walls alive by inviting local street artists to cover them in art, thereby promoting local and international artists.

Chris Newman, Corporate Director of Operations at Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “With over 40 restaurants already in our portfolio, launching Brickhouse in Dubai marks a new step in our expansion plans. Our objective is to introduce an eclectic yet exciting concept that combines homemade authentic food that appeals to the city’s passionate food-lovers with a design-focused interior. Brickhouse aims to be a local eatery involved with the community and part of Dubai life and artistic scene. Our outlets are associated with the highest standards in every aspect, where our F&B professionals are highly trained. We are committed to continuing outstanding service through such innovative dining-concepts that underline our strength as a home-grown hospitality company with an increasing international reputation.”

Brickhouse Dubai is set to open shortly and the timing will be weekdays from 12pm until midnight and weekends from 12pm until 1am.