Delegates at the World Travel Market 2003 get preview of largest conference hotel in the Middle East

A scaled down model of the 674-room Grand Hyatt Dubai was unveiled on the Dubai stand at World Travel Market in London by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) at a special ceremony organized for the travel trade and media.

Speaking to the travel professionals and members of the international media following the unveiling, DTCM Director Operations and Marketing, Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb said: “The meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) segment is central to the development of Dubai's tourism industry because it attracts high-yield visitors and the growth of the emirate’s MICE sector has been helped by the city’s long experience in catering to business visitors.”

“Dubai’s strategic location, refined sea and airport facilities, modern communication systems, comprehensive business support capabilities, stable financial sector, coupled with multi-faceted attractions as a tourist destination have all contributed in making Dubai a popular destination for the MICE industry and the opening of the Grand Hyatt Dubai will enhance the emirate’s infrastructure.”

The hotel is positioned as a City Conference Resort and will present Dubai with a fully comprehensive one-stop conference hub, incorporating 14 food and beverage outlets, residential apartments, and a variety of leisure facilities as well as the most advanced conferencing amenities available in the city.

Hyatt International has an intensive global expansion plan. By 2006 16 new Hyatt properties will be open, creating an additional 5,578 rooms throughout 11 countries.

“Growth for Hyatt International is focusing on key locations in emerging city centers and resort destinations where we would like to have a presence,” said Peter Fulton, General Manager of Grand Hyatt Dubai.

At the forefront of the new property openings is Grand Hyatt Dubai, due to open in January 2003 and poised to become the Middle East’s leading hotel for MICE with the ability to cater for 2,000 delegates theatre-style. The opening of a hotel with the capacity Grand Hyatt Dubai enjoys will serve as a valuable addition to the City’s infrastructure.

“It is fitting that Dubai has a hotel that has the scope to compete for major conferences from around the world, especially when there is a need to lodge over 500 people,” said John Wallis, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Hyatt International. “More than four thousand square meters of conference and event space joined to a truly world class hotel gives Grand Hyatt Dubai a unique opportunity within the global market.”

Mr. Abdulla Al Falasi, DTCM Deputy Manager Overseas Promotions who was present at the launch added: “The opening of Grand Hyatt Dubai will boost Dubai’s capacity for the global conferences and incentive industry. We welcome those who share our vision of Dubai’s growth and the opening of Grand Hyatt Dubai reflects Hyatt International’s commitment to the emirate.”

As well as sharing the Dubai government’s commitment to growth, Hyatt International feels that the pride and rich heritage of its home city should be acknowledged at Grand Hyatt Dubai. The hotel stands by the shores of Dubai’s historic creek where for hundreds of years, traders and merchants have plied their wares. They came in dhows to trade and make Dubai famous for its spices, silks and pearls. Suspended from the ceiling in Grand Hyatt Dubai’s imposing atrium are the hulls of four traditional dhows, each weighing four tons, to serve as a constant reminder of the city’s trading past.

The city of Dubai also basks in its worldwide reputation for outstanding service and quality within its tourist sector, attributes that are mirrored throughout Grand Hyatt’s guestrooms and facilities that include 14 restaurants, lounges, café’s and an entertainment center.

Grand Hyatt Dubai’s international restaurants include Lebanese, Italian, Singaporean, Vietnamese and a Japanese sushi bar. Authenticity is key in all the restaurants’ cuisines; therefore, the hotel’s management scoured the world in order to place the finest indigenous chefs at the helm of each kitchen. Each restaurant is designed to reflect its own personality, and most offer al fresco dining on terraces overlooking acres of tropical landscaped grounds where the hotels superb resort facilities are to be found.

A luxurious health spa, dedicated tennis center, children’s area and one of the largest leisure pools in the city are aesthetically placed within a myriad of water features, tranquil walkways and expansive lawn areas.

Beyond the hotel, guests of Grand Hyatt Dubai, have all the amenities of this bustling vibrant city just minutes away from its door. The Airport Expo, World Trade Center and Dubai’s financial district are all within easy reach by taxi. The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is situated five minutes away as are many world-class shopping malls, restaurants and areas of cultural interest.

Dubai is ideally situated to host conferences, conventions and meetings. Placed on the cusp of East and West, just over seven hours by air from London, Paris, Frankfurt and Singapore, and only eight hours from Hong Kong, the City is a perfect central meeting point for global events. The city presents visitors a destination that is truly unique in terms of landscape and heritage as well as offering the finest levels of hospitality, service and communications to be found anywhere in the world.