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TRAVEL &<br />
HOSPITALITY<br />
AWARDS<br />
MIDDLE<br />
EAST<br />
2
TEAM<br />
CEO<br />
Dennis Mayhew<br />
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF<br />
Katherine Lozell<br />
ART DIRECTOR<br />
Marcs Bacera<br />
DIRECTOR OF SALES<br />
Stanley Lucas<br />
AWARDS DIRECTOR<br />
Brian Anson<br />
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING<br />
Zoe Watkins<br />
SENIOR WRITERS<br />
Tasmai Dave<br />
Jacqui Irvine<br />
Joseph Wilton<br />
SENIOR DESIGNERS<br />
Antoine Jackson<br />
Dave Chen<br />
AWARDS MANAGERS<br />
Adam Cole<br />
Joseph Malabanan<br />
Zach Ford<br />
Peter Clement<br />
RESEARCH MANAGERS<br />
Costin Marcel<br />
Sarah Patel<br />
CONTIBUTING WRITERS<br />
Tracy Morgan<br />
Kim Feldmann de Britto<br />
Joseph Malabanan<br />
Aisha Ahmed<br />
Contents<br />
Criteria 6<br />
Dubai 10<br />
How to get in | Dubai 12<br />
Dubai International Hotel 14<br />
The Neighborhoods of Dubai 16<br />
Lade Mauve - Melissah Russo 24<br />
Sisters Beauty Lounge 26<br />
Metro Central Hotel Apartments27<br />
Holiday inn Al Barsha Dubai 28<br />
The Desert | Dubai 32<br />
The One to Watch | Erbil, Iraq 34<br />
Erbil International Hotel 36<br />
24 Hours in Kuwait 38<br />
Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa 42<br />
Qatar – A Rising Star 44<br />
Bahrain Top 5 48<br />
Birds Kingdom52<br />
The Beautiful City | Medina, Saudi Arabia 54<br />
Bosphorus Hotel 56<br />
An Ancient Retreat | Nizwa, Oman 58<br />
Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel 60<br />
3 4
CRITERIA<br />
Excellence in Service is an important category, as customer<br />
service can often be responsible for having guests return<br />
year after year. We look for the hotels and tour operators<br />
that go out of their way to please their guests, those that<br />
provide a personal level of service and take the time to<br />
get to know each visitor so that they might anticipate their<br />
every need. This can be something as simple as a 24-hour<br />
concierge desk, a hotel manager who offers a personal<br />
greeting or a tour guide who is happy to create bespoke<br />
private tours – but whatever it is, we are always pleased<br />
when we encounter staff that have been trained in the art<br />
of customer satisfaction.<br />
SERVICES<br />
It is no question that style and design plays a big part in<br />
selecting our awards shortlist. A guest will form an opinion<br />
about a hotel as soon as they arrive so it is important<br />
to us that all our winners make those first impressions<br />
count. We’re certainly not partial to a particular period of<br />
architecture – but whether we’re judging a gothic castle or<br />
an environmentally friendly lodge, the criteria remains the<br />
same. We consider factors such as architectural features,<br />
use of materials, creation of spaces, décor and the overall<br />
feel. We love it when we find a hotel that tells a story<br />
though its design and construction, or offers a design that<br />
is sympathetic to the natural surroundings of its location.<br />
STYLE & DESIGN<br />
Knowledge of the local area is essential for any<br />
organization, be it a hotel or a tour operator. The quality<br />
of services takes a great hit when the quality of this<br />
element is not up to the mark. Quite a few of our winners<br />
in this category are because they have displayed excellent<br />
knowledge about the surrounding areas. The criteria for a<br />
hotel is slightly lenient <strong>com</strong>pared to a tour operator, as the<br />
latter is expected to have thorough knowledge of the area<br />
in order to provide good services.<br />
Image by: Leo Manjarrez<br />
LOCAL KNOWLEGE<br />
5 6
FACILITIES<br />
Award-winning guest rooms <strong>com</strong>e in all shapes and sizes,<br />
but they all have one thing in <strong>com</strong>mon – a home-awayfrom-home<br />
feel. The <strong>com</strong>fort of the facilities on offer are<br />
of vital importance; we look for luxurious linens, stylish<br />
bathrooms and a coordinated colour scheme that work<br />
together to create a cohesive sense of relaxation. Additional<br />
touches, such as <strong>com</strong>plimentary toiletries, free wi-fi or tea<br />
and coffee making facilities are always a bonus in making<br />
us feel wel<strong>com</strong>e. We’re always impressed to find hotel<br />
rooms that embrace technology and offer amenities like<br />
tablets or smart thermostat systems, but this does not<br />
always necessarily trump the traditional – four poster beds,<br />
ornate fireplaces or antique furniture can add a touch of<br />
decadence to a hotel stay.<br />
LOCATION<br />
Location is one of the most important factors, but also one of<br />
the most subjective, as the ‘ideal’ is very much determined<br />
by the type of visitor and the type of hotel itself. However,<br />
there a few factors we take into consideration when<br />
determining the winners of location-based awards. The<br />
first is convenience; that is, hotels that are easy to travel<br />
to. Many of our winners in this category are in convenient<br />
locations, such as adjacent to airports, close to beaches or<br />
found in the heart of easy-to-navigate cities. We are always<br />
impressed when hotels go the extra mile to take the hassle<br />
out of traveling and offer such additional services as airport<br />
shuttles or car hire services. However, we’re always excited<br />
to <strong>com</strong>e across a hotel that is, to use a familiar phrase, offthe-beaten-track.<br />
A hotel that can offer something a little<br />
different, in terms of natural surroundings, can make the<br />
difference between a good holiday and an incredible one.<br />
In today’s modern age, a hotel or tour operator cannot rely<br />
on word of mouth to get their message out into the world.<br />
As social media has be<strong>com</strong>e a vital part of everyday life,<br />
we like to see <strong>com</strong>panies that go the extra mile to engage<br />
with their guests, both past and future. Attractive and<br />
informative websites and engaging and honest content<br />
and what we look for when judging a <strong>com</strong>pany’s use of<br />
marketing; how well they display their services, how upto-date<br />
their content is, how well they get their brand<br />
message across, and, most importantly, how well their<br />
marketing can tempt us to go and see what they have to<br />
offer for ourselves.<br />
What better way is there to know about an organization<br />
than by getting first hand reviews? Customers are the best<br />
judges of any service out there as they are the ones who<br />
experience them and can assess whether they were up to<br />
the mark or not. Considering reviews from hundreds of<br />
customers gives us a fair idea about the general pros and<br />
cons of any organization and also gives us valuable inputs<br />
for the other criteria as well.<br />
MARKETING<br />
CUSTOMER REVIEWS<br />
Diversity is one important aspect that needs to be taken<br />
into consideration when in the travel and hospitality<br />
industry. It is essential to have staff that has varying diversity<br />
to ensure that the organization can properly connect with<br />
their guests. Diversity is taken into account in terms of<br />
gender, nationality as well as languages spoken among<br />
other factors. Not only do we take the diversity of the staff<br />
into account but even that of the facilities and services<br />
offered; a hotel or tour operator providing a better range<br />
of services is preferred over those that do not.<br />
It is of prime importance that an organization has thorough<br />
industry knowledge. Without knowing the nit-bits of the<br />
in , it is difficult to flourish and provide services which are<br />
a class apart. Before any organization ventures into the<br />
industry, it is essential that they know how the industry<br />
is moving and how they should make changes to their<br />
methodologies in order to remain relevant and also be a<br />
top-performing organization.<br />
DIVERSITY<br />
INDUSTRY<br />
KNOWLEDGE<br />
7 8
DUBAI<br />
Image by: Aakash Singhal<br />
9 10
HOW TO GET IN | DUBAI<br />
For a long time, Dubai was nothing more than a small settlement on the shores of the<br />
Arabian Gulf, supported by fishing and precious stone trading. Nowadays, the city<br />
stands as a lodestar of modernity, with its bold architecture, artificial islands, and luxury<br />
hotels creating a contemporary mystique that draws travelers from across the globe.<br />
As a gateway of travel in the <strong>Middle</strong> <strong>East</strong>, Dubai is easily accessible either by land, air,<br />
or water.<br />
Dubai International Airport is located north of the city and is the main hub for visiting<br />
the UAE. It is one of the most modern and best equipped operating airports in the<br />
world and offers easy access to the city’s major hotel regions. The airport is located near<br />
the old part of Dubai, only 8 km from the historical center. There reliable taxi and Uber<br />
services to reach the city, but the most economical option is the subway.<br />
Port Rashid is the main link between the<br />
city and the Persian Gulf, accessible by<br />
boat from anywhere in the world. Since<br />
ferries are unusual in this region, <strong>com</strong>ing<br />
on a cruise ship or charter yacht is the best<br />
option to Dubai by sea.<br />
Due to Dubai’s location, land access is more<br />
popular if <strong>com</strong>ing from other emirates. The<br />
E11 connects the city to the capital Abu<br />
Dhabi at a distance of about 140 kilometers,<br />
which can be covered in 1 hour by a fourlane<br />
coastal highway. This road also extends<br />
to other cities and regions, such as Qatar or<br />
the southernmost emirates.<br />
11 12
United Arab Emirates<br />
DUBAI<br />
INTERNATIONAL<br />
HOTEL<br />
Airport Hotel of the Year<br />
We understand that whether you’re a<br />
solo traveller, a honeymooning couple, a<br />
loving family, busy professional, or a firsttime<br />
traveller, you need a restful oasis and<br />
someone to take care of you and help<br />
you transit in style. We are your special<br />
someone at the airport.<br />
Come to DIH and experience what it feels<br />
like to be pampered. Experience speed<br />
and ease in an environment that will<br />
captivate you. Your happiness and <strong>com</strong>fort<br />
is our privilege at DIH.<br />
Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, Dubai – United Arab Emirates<br />
Tel +9714 224 4000 ♦ dubaiintlhotels.<strong>com</strong>/<br />
Dubai International Hotel (DIH)<br />
is conveniently located within<br />
the Airport at Terminal 3. Experience<br />
our World-Class <strong>Hospitality</strong>, bringing<br />
Dubai to your doorstep. Since we<br />
understand the demands on your<br />
time, our <strong>com</strong>prehensive effort is to<br />
bring you the Best Dubai experience,<br />
without even leaving the Airport.<br />
From our Luxurious Lounges, our<br />
personalised Meet and Greet<br />
services, our super special Ahlan<br />
service to our spectacular Dining<br />
options, Spa indulgences and Stateof-the-Art<br />
Conference Centers, there<br />
is no desire left unfulfilled.<br />
Dubai Begins Here<br />
13 14
THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF DUBAI<br />
Dubai, a haven of luxury, is located in a desert area of the United Arab Emirates. The<br />
region mixes the simplicity of the old religious customs with the grandiosity of intricate<br />
skyscrapers, considered as the most modern in the world. Among the city’s attractions<br />
are the old Bastakia neighborhood; the Deira bazaars; the boat-shaped Burj al Arab<br />
Hotel; the Palms Islands artificial <strong>com</strong>plex; and the tallest building in the world, Burj<br />
Dubai, with almost 800 meters in height.<br />
There are various neighborhoods in Dubai, each with their own personality and price<br />
range. Since the city is renowned as a luxury travel destination, the most popular<br />
regions usually have higher prices for lodging. At the same time, they are the closest<br />
to the main attractions, which <strong>com</strong>es in handy for those who prefer to be well located,<br />
even if that means paying a little more. Alternatively, one can choose to stay near a<br />
subway station, as the Dubai subway caters for most of the tourist attractions, thus<br />
making it easier to get around.<br />
DEIRA<br />
The area of Deira, together with Bur Dubai, can be seen as the historical part of the<br />
city. Only a 20min drive from the airport, this neighborhood has a “double personality”,<br />
converging tradition with modernity in a subtle way. The seaside area, near the curve<br />
of Dubai Creek, is more traditional and <strong>com</strong>mercial, where old markets – like the Gold<br />
Souk and the Spice Souk – are located. This is not the most sought after area among<br />
tourists (mainly due to its lower-quality lodging options) but is still worth visiting.<br />
Alternatively, the region near the Deira City Center – the business and modern side<br />
of the neighborhood – offers an array of good and affordable ac<strong>com</strong>modation, as<br />
well as top hotels like Park Hyatt Dubai. Because of its proximity to the airport, the<br />
neighborhood can be a good alternative for those who have little time in the city.<br />
15 16
BUR DUBAI<br />
On the southern banks of the Dubai Creek, connected by bridges to north and south,<br />
is the area known as Bur Dubai. Much like its counterpart Deira, Bur Dubai is a popular<br />
neighborhood among locals and an important <strong>com</strong>mercial center. Some tourist<br />
attractions – like the Dubai Museum, different palaces of sheikhs, and several Arab<br />
markets (souks) – are located in this area. It also has a plethora of three to four-star<br />
hotels, such as the Majestic Tower and the Four Point. Bur Dubai is not far from the<br />
most famous part of the city but the rates here are cheaper than in the modern area,<br />
which makes it a great option for those who have a medium-sized budget and wish to<br />
be closer to the main attractions.<br />
DOWNTOWN DUBAI<br />
If you do decide to stay in Downtown Dubai, make sure you are ready to stretch your<br />
budget. This is a region known for having the most expensive square meters in the world<br />
– and hotel rates are not far behind. On the other hand, when staying in this area there<br />
is a great chance your room will have a view of the almighty Burj Khalifa. You will also be<br />
close to Dubai Mall – the must-see shopping mall in Dubai. The neighborhood slogan,<br />
“the center of the now,” says it all: Downtown is where things are happening. Although<br />
the region is known for luxury, it also has small hotels like The Palace Downtown, The<br />
Address Downtown & The Address Dubai Mall. Boulevard Sheikh Mohammed bin<br />
Rashid, which crosses the neighborhood, is an example of sophistication and charm,<br />
full of restaurants, cafes and people from all over the world. If the price is not an issue,<br />
this is definitely one of the best areas to stay in Dubai.<br />
SHEIK ZAYED ROAD<br />
Do you know that avenue that often appears in the postcards of Dubai with the super<br />
modern and beautiful office buildings? That is the Sheik Zayed Road, the main avenue<br />
of the city. Essentially, the road cuts through the city, but the section close to Bur Dubai<br />
is the hub of business. Here are important places like the Dubai Convention Center<br />
and the DIFC (the city’s financial center), as well as the Trade Center exhibition center<br />
where some of the largest regional fairs take place. The Sheik Zayed road also features<br />
various four to five start business hotels which, together with the great central location<br />
and access to subway stations, create enough reasons for visitors to stay in the area.<br />
17 18
AL BARSHA<br />
The neighborhood of Al Barsha is one<br />
of the most inhabited and busiest<br />
residential areas of the city, featuring<br />
a series of restaurants, shops, and<br />
entertainment options. If one of the<br />
objectives of your trip is to shop, the<br />
region of Al Barsha is a great alternative.<br />
Here is located the must-see Mall of the<br />
Emirates – a representation of Dubai’s<br />
consumer appeal and one of the most<br />
emblematic shopping malls in Dubai,<br />
famous for the ski slope inside the mall.<br />
There are several options for those who<br />
want to stay close to the mall: from a<br />
wide range of 3 to 4-star hotels, through<br />
5-star options, as well as many of Dubai<br />
cheapest, high-quality ac<strong>com</strong>modation.<br />
On top of affordable prices, the<br />
proximity to the beach (Jumeirah Beach)<br />
and pleasant Al Barsha Pond Park, make<br />
this an excellent neighborhood to stay.<br />
JUMEIRAH<br />
Jumeirah Beach is the address of several<br />
landmarks in the city: the iconic Burj Al Arab (the<br />
world’s first 7-star hotel and third tallest)t, as well<br />
as the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel, and Wild Wadi<br />
Water Park entertainment <strong>com</strong>plex. Also in this<br />
neighborhood is The Beach – one of the newest<br />
malls in Dubai, with a family-friendly atmosphere.<br />
Aside from the beach, there are several the<br />
options of what to do in the neighborhood,<br />
such as cinemas, picnics, restaurants, shopping,<br />
children playgrounds, and outdoor exercise<br />
facilities. If one of the priorities of your trip is to<br />
enjoy the beach this is a great area to stay and<br />
explore. It is also the perfect location for anyone<br />
traveling to Dubai with children. However, due<br />
to its location, Jumeirah tends to be one of the<br />
priciest alternatives.<br />
19 20
PALM JUMEIRAH<br />
A trip to Dubai is not <strong>com</strong>plete before visiting<br />
the Palm Jumeirah – a palm-shaped artificial<br />
archipelago known for its high-end (and<br />
expensive) hotels and resorts. This is surely one<br />
of Dubai’s most recognizable brand images<br />
and probably its main tourist attraction, but<br />
unless you are looking for luxury resorts with<br />
private beaches, it may not be the best place<br />
to find ac<strong>com</strong>modation. The ring island, which<br />
envelops the “branches” of the palm tree, is<br />
accessible by subway and ferry. As a fun daytrip,<br />
you can visit the Aquaventure Waterpark<br />
and explore its zip lines, slides, and kid-friendly<br />
pools. Interestingly, the Palm Jumeirah is a<br />
popular choice between party seekers as well<br />
as families, with the luxurious Atlantis being<br />
a resort hotel ideal for families with children.<br />
The islands’ romantic air also make it a popular<br />
choice among honeymooners.<br />
DUBAI MARINA<br />
Dubai Marina is widely known for its vibrancy and<br />
a great selection of four and five-star hotels. The<br />
highlight of this area is The Walk – a wooden walkway<br />
around a man-made canal and a well-arranged<br />
marina for luxury yachts from around the world.<br />
The public beach has an extremely well-maintained<br />
infrastructure, which makes this neighborhood ideal<br />
for both tourists and locals. Usually, Westerners love<br />
to stay in this area of the city, due to its similarities<br />
with the United States or Europe. Dubai Marina is a<br />
relatively new neighborhood, opened in 2008, and<br />
has that super modern architecture characteristic of<br />
Dubai. It is one of the best neighborhoods to stay<br />
in Dubai, given the easy access to the metro; the<br />
beautiful urban surroundings; leisure and shopping<br />
options; proximity to the beach; and the quality of<br />
the hotels. And for those who want to <strong>com</strong>plement<br />
the trip to Dubai with a night out, this is the right<br />
place.<br />
21 22
LADE MAUVE<br />
MELISSAH RUSSO<br />
Tel +971 50 465 3359 ♦ facebook.<strong>com</strong>/byladymauve<br />
The collection seems to have very local and somewhat<br />
urban feel. what was your inspiration behind it all?<br />
Growing up with creative parents has definitely had a huge<br />
influence on me, also living in Dubai and traveling the<br />
world has given me the confidence to believe in myself<br />
and trust all the decisions I have made when sourcing and<br />
designing for our collections. I grew up doing dancing for<br />
15 years, and have always been a creative person. I usually<br />
get inspired while traveling to remote places, and looking<br />
at my favorite artists artwork. 2 of them are Vali Myers and<br />
Frida Kahlo. 2 years ago, we launched a collection called<br />
VALI after her, the whole collection was focused on her and<br />
her lifestyle.<br />
Q&A<br />
Tell us a little about yourself<br />
Back in 2006 I went for an interview<br />
for Emirates airline in Melbourne, after<br />
receiving the great news of passing all<br />
the stages of the interview, I packed<br />
up my life there and moved to Dubai<br />
at the young age of 23 years old, to<br />
start a new adventure. After exploring<br />
the world for 4 years, I took the plunge<br />
and decided to set up Lady Mauve, as I<br />
knew there was a gap in the market for<br />
unique accessories. Working for myself<br />
was something that I always dreamed<br />
of, since I was a young girl. I’ve always<br />
had an entrepreneurial spirit and drive<br />
to want work for myself, even in high<br />
school I used to make and decorate<br />
T-shirts with my best friend, and sell<br />
them through family and friends.<br />
What made you decide to<br />
set up shop in Dubai of all<br />
places?<br />
I noticed that there was a<br />
gap in the market back in<br />
2010, so decided to start<br />
selling all my handmade<br />
products there in Dubai.<br />
Another market called<br />
Ripe started in 2012, so<br />
we moved across to that<br />
market, as it allowed us to<br />
not only sell handmade<br />
products, which allowed<br />
us to grow. We love<br />
attending it so much that<br />
we have been with them<br />
every weekend since.<br />
What are some of the most popular<br />
individual pieces or sets in your<br />
collection?<br />
Over the years the collections have<br />
grown. Initially it used to be all my<br />
own work, which I used to hand<br />
make, but as the years have gone<br />
on we have grown. Now I travel to<br />
Bali and work with a team of silver<br />
smiths who make our bohemian<br />
style silver rings. They would have<br />
to be our most popular pieces<br />
trending now. Our tribal necklaces<br />
are also popular pieces too, as they<br />
are very versatile and you can wear<br />
them with any outfit.<br />
Where would one go to buy your<br />
pieces, are they available online?<br />
During the summer season Lady<br />
Mauve is available every Sat at<br />
Times Square Centre from 9-5pm<br />
and during the winter it is available<br />
every Fri at Zabeel Park 9-4pm, with<br />
Ripe market, and soon to be online.<br />
Are there any places you’d<br />
re<strong>com</strong>mend for travellers to visit?<br />
specifically, those that reflect brand<br />
and style of lady mauve.<br />
Areas like Satwa, Deira and Bur<br />
Dubai have a soulful feel to them,<br />
and you could spend hours walking<br />
throughout the streets. I would<br />
highly re<strong>com</strong>mend trying Ostadi<br />
Special Kebab in Bur Dubai for<br />
incredible Iranian Kebab. This family<br />
run business have been serving<br />
delicious kebabs since the 70’s.<br />
Best place to grab a coffee & why?<br />
My favorite coffee place would have<br />
to be Boston lane coffee, located<br />
in the Courtyard in Al Quoz. It’s a<br />
beautiful spot with the best coffee<br />
in town.<br />
What is the best “off the beaten<br />
path” attraction?<br />
My favourite place to go to in Dubai<br />
is Global Village. Global village<br />
is opened every winter and has<br />
sections of different countries, that<br />
sell their native products from food,<br />
clothing and home wears.<br />
What would you say is the best way<br />
to get around Dubai?<br />
Taxis are super affordable in Dubai,<br />
and they are definitely the best way<br />
to get around the town.<br />
23 24
United Arab Emirates<br />
SISTERS BEAUTY<br />
LOUNGE<br />
Award for Excellence in Service<br />
UAE<br />
METRO<br />
CENTRAL HOTEL<br />
APARTMENTS<br />
Apartments of the Year<br />
The Dubai Mall, Financial Center Rd, Dubai, UAE ♦ Tel +97143398500<br />
sistersbeautylounge.<strong>com</strong><br />
Barsha Heights (Te<strong>com</strong>), Dubai ♦ Tel +971 435 4200 ♦<br />
auris-hotels.<strong>com</strong>/en/auris-metro-central-hotel-apartments<br />
Utterly efficient...<br />
boldly feminine<br />
Launched back in 2003 in the Village Mall of Dubai with a <strong>com</strong>mitment to provide the<br />
finest beauty services to women, Sisters Beauty Lounge has seven branches across<br />
the city today. This place not only brings out your inner beauty but also serves as a tranquil<br />
oasis for unwinding from dreary days. The lighting and plush furnishings of each branch<br />
are carefully selected to ensure that as soon as you enter this place, all your worries are<br />
left out and you can be at ease and get pampered by their experienced staff. Whether<br />
you’re looking for hair services, manicure, waxing or even semi-permanent make-up, they<br />
do it all with great finesse to give you your desired look. Trusted by thousands of loyal<br />
customers, this beauty lounge has gone on to be<strong>com</strong>e the go-to place for many residents<br />
of Dubai, the credit for which, without doubt, goes to their extraordinary service.<br />
If you’re visiting Dubai and want a homely apartment all to yourself, you should choose<br />
Auris Metro Central Hotel Apartments as your residence. Located in the Barsha<br />
Heights, these apartments facilitate ease of access to the major landmarks of Dubai<br />
thanks to their proximity to the Dubai Internet City Metro Station. You can choose to<br />
stay in one of the 210 apartments here which are designed to provide the finest of urban<br />
<strong>com</strong>forts for both short and long stays. Wish to cook something? The apartments <strong>com</strong>e<br />
with a fully-equipped kitchenette and boast of walk-in closets and give you breathtaking<br />
views of the city. You could dive into the swimming pool which is located on the 14th<br />
floor and get some splendid 360 degree views of the city too! They have all the services<br />
covered for you and have a concierge to help you with getting to know the city better.<br />
The hotel also features a restaurant.<br />
25 26
UAE<br />
HOLIDAY INN<br />
AL BARSHA<br />
DUBAI<br />
Eco Friendly Hotel<br />
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE ♦ Tel +971 4 323 4333 ♦ hialbarshadubai.<strong>com</strong><br />
Located on the<br />
skyscraper-filled<br />
Sheikh Zayed Road, close<br />
to the Jumeirah Beach,<br />
Holiday Inn Dubai – Al<br />
Barsha boasts of 309<br />
contemporary rooms<br />
with high-speed internet<br />
connectivity among other<br />
amenities. You could<br />
choose from a host of<br />
ac<strong>com</strong>modations with<br />
dedicated smoking and<br />
non-smoking floors,<br />
as well as single and<br />
interconnected rooms for<br />
families, and an exclusive<br />
club lounge.<br />
State-of-the-art daylight<br />
meeting rooms, a fullyequipped<br />
gym with private<br />
instructor, Spa and a rooftop<br />
pool with spectacular views<br />
of the Burj Al Arab along<br />
with the finest cocktails<br />
served from the rooftop bar<br />
are some of the facilities<br />
awaiting your arrival.<br />
With fabulous award winning dining outlets, the Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha features a<br />
variety of Thai, Arabic, Continental and Indian cuisine with a choice of live entertainment.<br />
Stay once at the Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha, and you will make it your destination in<br />
Dubai always.<br />
27 28
Roxana Jaffer,<br />
CEO - Holiday Inn Dubai –<br />
Al Barsha<br />
Born in Kenya, Roxana Jaffer began her<br />
education and career in London where she<br />
went on to be<strong>com</strong>e a seasoned professional<br />
and entrepreneurial powerhouse. She<br />
serves as the CEO Sovereign Hotels and is<br />
currently head of of the Holiday Inn Dubai<br />
- Al Barsha; an award winning hotel she has<br />
steered successfully towards be<strong>com</strong>ing<br />
a <strong>com</strong>petitive force in the hospitality<br />
forefront of Dubai.<br />
Her journey in Dubai began by managing<br />
and supervising the construction and<br />
<strong>com</strong>mission of two properties - no easy<br />
task. Unfazed by hard work Roxana’s desire,<br />
<strong>com</strong>mitment, adaptability and leadership<br />
soon began to yield positive results, with<br />
properties under her management were in<br />
full bloom and <strong>com</strong>peting with the best in<br />
Dubai.<br />
As if managing a property in Dubai wasn’t<br />
enough Roxana’s thirst to continuously<br />
improve saw her <strong>com</strong>plete an MBA in<br />
Leadership at the University of Liverpool.<br />
Which culminated in her widely quoted<br />
dissertation “Servant Leadership: A must<br />
for the 21st Century Global Leader”.<br />
After <strong>com</strong>plete her MBA Roxana, like any<br />
other confident leader, went about putting<br />
her theory of “Servant -Leadership”<br />
into practice. This in turn has led to over<br />
300 fully engaged, <strong>com</strong>mitted and loyal<br />
employees. All managed by individuals<br />
adhering to the philosophy of “Servent-<br />
Leader”, that is to lead with integrity,<br />
respect & love.<br />
“Global<br />
Inspirational<br />
Leadership Award 2015”<br />
for Outstanding Leadership<br />
at the<br />
“WOMEN LEADERSHIP<br />
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS,<br />
2015”<br />
Her social entrepreneurship led her to<br />
the formation of a Non Government<br />
Organization, abcF - “Advent in Building<br />
Human Capital”. The NGO delivers a<br />
specially formulated educational program<br />
– “English for <strong>Hospitality</strong> Professionals”<br />
to build human capital, presently running<br />
programmes in India, Pakistan, and Dubai<br />
with plans to take it to Tanzania. Graduates<br />
certified through the nearly free learning<br />
being accorded by specially trained tutors<br />
are given an opportunity for employment<br />
in the hospitality industry, both locally and<br />
in the <strong>Middle</strong> <strong>East</strong>.<br />
She is a regular panellist or a presenter<br />
at seminars and empowerment summits.<br />
Amidst all the hustle and bustle, she does<br />
not forget that a human being also needs<br />
spiritual sustenance and regular meditation<br />
is an integral part of her life.<br />
Outside of the hotel industry Roxana<br />
has managed the advent in building<br />
human capital (abcF), a non government<br />
organisation designed to deliver specially<br />
formulated Education programmes, to<br />
India, Pakistan, Dubai and soon Tanzania.<br />
Roxana is an avid bridge player, music<br />
lover, teacher and a student of meditation.<br />
In today’s, high powers and increasingly<br />
<strong>com</strong>petitive corporate world Roxana is<br />
indeed a study in exceptionalism.<br />
29 30
THE DESERT | DUBAI<br />
Dubai is surprising in many ways; not only for<br />
being one of the fastest growing cities in the world<br />
but also for the incredible mega projects that<br />
consequently make it as the business capital of the<br />
UAE. Yet, another side of Dubai, the desert, is often<br />
overlooked.<br />
As a part of the Arabian Desert, the Dubai Desert<br />
attracts travelers in search of picturesque landscapes<br />
and venturesome experiences. To catch a glimpse<br />
of the orange dunes at sunset is really a wonderful<br />
feeling, and can be an interesting way of contrasting<br />
the dynamic urban area.<br />
There are several ways to visit the desert, with the<br />
most <strong>com</strong>mon being to go on a 4x4 Safari. Most<br />
tour <strong>com</strong>panies follow similar itineraries, where<br />
passengers leave the city at around 4 pm and<br />
begin to traverse the dunes in the late afternoon.<br />
After sunset, groups reach Bedouin camps, where<br />
it is possible to go on camel rides, try sandboarding,<br />
or experience traditional activities such as<br />
haymaking. Before dinner is served, locals organize<br />
performances of belly dancing and choreographies<br />
with fire and swords. In addition to the regular<br />
itineraries, there are alternatives to spend the night<br />
in the desert to see the sunrise or have a romantic<br />
dinner in the dunes.<br />
For those looking for a more exclusive experience,<br />
the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is the ideal<br />
place to look into. This area of the desert is richer in<br />
life (popular for species like the Arabian oryx) and<br />
the grandiosity of its dunes. Within the reserve, one<br />
can stay at one the resorts in the midst of the dunes,<br />
which aside from ac<strong>com</strong>modation offer various day<br />
tours that allow an even closer look into the desert.<br />
31 32
THE ONE TO WATCH | ERBIL, IRAQ<br />
Erbil is the ancient Arbel, an important<br />
Assyrian political and religious center<br />
that is considered as one of the oldest<br />
continuously inhabited settlements on the<br />
planet. Nowadays, the city is the fourth<br />
largest in Iraq and is also the capital of Iraqi<br />
Kurdistan, an autonomous region located in<br />
the north of the country.<br />
As its most important landmark, the citadel<br />
of Erbil sits on the top of an imposing hill,<br />
with the continuous wall formed by the<br />
facades of nineteenth-century houses giving<br />
it the visual impression of an unattainable<br />
fortress that overlooks the city of Erbil. The<br />
citadel has a street layout dating back to<br />
the Ottoman period of the city and which,<br />
together with other traits, has afforded it a<br />
World Heritage Site title.<br />
Outside the citadel, a series of parks,<br />
century-old minarets, and a very active<br />
bazaar – as full of life as any bazaar in the<br />
<strong>Middle</strong> <strong>East</strong> – dot the landscape. Along<br />
the bazaar’s streets one can find everything<br />
from household, to children’s clothes, and<br />
local tobacco. On top of that, the genuine<br />
and widespread sense of wel<strong>com</strong>e floats in<br />
the air: everyone wants to know where you<br />
are from, what you think of Iraq and, above<br />
all, about Kurdistan. As you explore the rest<br />
of the city, make sure to visit on of the many<br />
tea houses, wander around the abandoned<br />
Arab quarter (Kurds are a distinct ethnic<br />
group), or simply sink into the bustling life<br />
of Erbil’s main square, where locals meet<br />
and socialize.<br />
33 34
Iraq<br />
ERBIL<br />
INTERNATIONAL<br />
HOTEL<br />
Hotel of the Year<br />
30 Meter street, Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq ♦ Tel +07502 600 600 ♦ erbilinthotel.<strong>com</strong><br />
When you’re visiting the<br />
great city of Erbil in Iraq<br />
for business meetings, you have<br />
got to stay at Erbil International<br />
Hotel. Known best as the very first<br />
business hotel in Erbil, this hotel<br />
gives you the vibe of a beautiful<br />
huge home. You can choose from<br />
167 different guest rooms and<br />
suites according to your taste of<br />
luxury. The contemporary design<br />
and plush furnishings will spoil<br />
you with their <strong>com</strong>forts.<br />
The hotel boasts of three<br />
swimming pools - two open air<br />
and one indoor. Right by the<br />
outdoor pools, a special pool<br />
bar is present too so that you can<br />
have your favorite cocktails right<br />
there. You could also relax on the<br />
day beds alongside the pools.<br />
For your gastronomic indulgence,<br />
four restaurants serve traditional,<br />
Italian, Indian and Chinese<br />
cuisines. The Loft is a great place<br />
to have meetings over drinks<br />
while enjoying the views of open<br />
sky in fresh air.<br />
If you’re looking to unwind, you should head over to Balance and Harmony<br />
Fitness Club in the hotel. This place is an oasis for relaxation with a spa<br />
consisting of 5 treatment rooms where you can get treated at the hands of<br />
the most experienced masseuses in town. Apart from the spa, the fitness<br />
club features a relaxation area, sauna and steam bath, a fully equipped gym<br />
and a special pool for kids!<br />
You can conduct your very own private event or wedding here in one of<br />
the 2 ballrooms that have a capacity of up to 600 people! For corporates,<br />
the hotel serves as a great venue for holding meetings with 2 conference<br />
rooms and a VIP meeting room! This just goes on to prove the fact that it is<br />
no regular business hotel but a lot more than that.<br />
35 36
24 HOURS IN KUWAIT<br />
Tucked away in West Asia between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Kuwait is an ultra-modern<br />
nation and one of the largest producers of oil in the world. When visiting Kuwait, there<br />
are loads of historic and modern places that you can visit to discover the country<br />
further. If you’re in the country for just 24 hours, mentioned below are the places that<br />
you must cover.<br />
1. KUWAIT TOWERS (3 HOURS)<br />
The iconic Kuwait towers are twin towers that<br />
rise up to a height of 187 meters. They have<br />
huge tanks for storing water in them but one<br />
of the towers has a revolving viewing sphere.<br />
From here, you can see Kuwait city spread out<br />
in front of you. It also has high-rise restaurants<br />
that offer fine dining experiences with the city<br />
view. From here, you can head over to the<br />
Liberation Tower.<br />
2. LIBERATION TOWER<br />
(1 HOUR)<br />
While this tower is not open for public, you<br />
definitely can view it from the outside. It rises<br />
to a height of 372 meters and was built to<br />
symbolize the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq.<br />
It is also the second tallest building in the city.<br />
3 AL HAMRA TOWER<br />
(2 HOURS)<br />
If you’re in Kuwait City, you simply cannot<br />
miss out on the towering building, Al Hamra<br />
Tower. Rising up to a height of 413 meters,<br />
this is tallest building in the country and is<br />
an architectural marvel for its construction<br />
and design. They also have a sprawling mall<br />
<strong>com</strong>plex right at the base of the tower.<br />
4. GRAND MOSQUE (3 HOURS)<br />
The Grand Mosque of Kuwait City is spread out across an area of 45,000 square meters<br />
and has a prayer hall that can hold up to 11,000 people! You can visit the mosque with<br />
guided tours and witness its beauty. The best part about the guided tours is that they are<br />
free of cost and give you in-depth details about the mosque. This is one place that you<br />
should visit to know the heritage of the country.<br />
37 38
5. KUWAIT NATIONAL MUSEUM (2 HOURS)<br />
The Kuwait National Museum brings you face to face with the past of Kuwait with ancient<br />
artefacts. Built in 1983, this museum has 5 <strong>com</strong>plexes and you can see archeological<br />
pots and a dhow here along with a planetarium. From here, the Green Island is a great<br />
place to head to for relaxing.<br />
6. GREEN ISLAND (3 HOURS)<br />
The Green Island is an artificially built island off the coast of Kuwait City and is the first<br />
one in Arabian Gulf. You can find a swimming pool and a vast expanse of garden with<br />
beaches all around the island. You could visit the tourist tower or enjoy some of the<br />
attractions there like a train ride and soap football.<br />
7. SOUQ AL MUBARAKEYA (3 HOURS)<br />
If you’re looking for a place that is bustling with activity, you should head over to the<br />
Souq Al Mubarakeya. It is one of the oldest souqs in the country and you can find<br />
all traditional things here like Persian silk carpets, perfumes, spices, dates, traditional<br />
clothes and what not! As a tourist, this is a place that you simply cannot miss when<br />
visiting Kuwait.<br />
If you can squeeze in some time to relax, do check out Al Shaheed Park where you<br />
can laze around in the lush environs of the garden or can explore the museums and<br />
the botanical gardens. They also have restaurants where you can satiate your hunger<br />
pangs.<br />
There’s so much to do in Kuwait that a day is indeed not sufficient enough to cover<br />
it. However, you can definitely get a glimpse of this country in a day and carry back<br />
truckloads of memories with you.<br />
39 40
Kuwait<br />
JUMEIRAH<br />
MESSILAH BEACH<br />
HOTEL & SPA<br />
Hotel & Spa of Year<br />
Al Ta’awun Street, Kuwait ♦ Tel +965 2226 9600 ♦ jumeirah.<strong>com</strong><br />
Moreover, the hotel houses the most<br />
prestigious spa in Kuwait - Talise Spa.<br />
This is the place where you can get<br />
some soothing treatments done in one<br />
of the 19 treatment rooms and suites.<br />
You could also get exclusive therapies<br />
done here like Hammam, together as a<br />
Jumeirah Group is well-known in the<br />
United Arab Emirates for its luxurious<br />
hotels around the country. Jumeirah<br />
Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa is this<br />
group’s first venture outside UAE in Safat,<br />
Kuwait. Built on the spot of the original<br />
Messilah Hotel, which opened in 1974, this<br />
hotel lives up to the historical value of the<br />
place. Designed with various aspects of<br />
Arabic architecture to reflect the heritage<br />
of the area, this hotel also lives up to its<br />
name, which means a low-lying area where<br />
waters merge before flowing into sea, and<br />
has water flowing throughout as streams,<br />
channels and fountains.<br />
With 407 luxuriously furnished rooms and<br />
suites to choose from, you will definitely<br />
be spoilt for choice when choosing to stay<br />
here. You can get some splendid views of<br />
the beach, which is located right next to<br />
the hotel, hotel gardens and Arabian Gulf<br />
from your rooms. If you’re looking for a<br />
larger than life experience, you can stay at<br />
the three-bedroom villas, which <strong>com</strong>e with<br />
private pools and access to private beach<br />
as well!<br />
group. Alternatively, you could go to the<br />
Himalayan Salt Room, which is one of a<br />
kind treatment room in the <strong>Middle</strong> <strong>East</strong>,<br />
where you can get treated with the purest<br />
natural salt on Earth!<br />
The hotel also features 3 restaurants and<br />
cafes each where you can indulge in a wide<br />
variety of culinary preparations. Moreover,<br />
you can relax while sipping tea in the Tea<br />
Lounge too. For an all round experience,<br />
the hotel also features a tennis court, two<br />
swimming pools, and special clubs for<br />
children.<br />
41 42
QATAR – A RISING STAR<br />
Qatar is connected to the rest of Asia by<br />
just one land border with Saudi Arabia.<br />
Slated to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup,<br />
this country has witnessed spectacular<br />
growth in the past few years. Being one<br />
of the highest oil producers in the world,<br />
Qatar has modernized to be<strong>com</strong>e one of<br />
the most modern countries in the world.<br />
With the announcement of the World<br />
Cup and the easing up of visa norms<br />
with visa on arrival facility for citizens of<br />
over 80 countries, tourism has started<br />
picking up in the country and so have its<br />
attractions.<br />
To witness the historic past of the country,<br />
you can visit the ancient outdoor market,<br />
Souq Waqif with its numerous alleys with<br />
shops selling traditional fabrics, spices,<br />
food, and souvenirs. You could also<br />
take a peek into the Islamic art at the<br />
Museum of Islamic Art, where there are<br />
art displays that are up to 1400 years old.<br />
For those who appreciate modern art,<br />
the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern<br />
Art is the perfect destination. It has<br />
thousands of works by Arab artists up for<br />
display and frequently hosts events and<br />
exhibitions.<br />
You could also visit the National Museum<br />
of Qatar, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al<br />
Thani Museum, Doha Fort, The Pearl<br />
Monument and the Barzan Towers.<br />
To see the modern side of Qatar, you<br />
can visit the upscale island, The Pearl,<br />
which is an artificial man-made island off<br />
43 44
the coast of Doha. With a spectacular<br />
waterfront and loads of activities, this<br />
place is a must-visit destination.<br />
You can stay in the Aspire Tower, the<br />
skyscraper hotel of Doha that rises to a<br />
height of 300 meters and is the tallest<br />
building in the country.<br />
To delve deeper into the culture of Qatar,<br />
you should visit the Katara Cultural<br />
Village. This place has a huge waterfront<br />
along with a museum, an amphitheater,<br />
shops selling traditional goodies and<br />
numerous eateries. Post the exploration,<br />
you could laze around on the Katara<br />
Beach that is located right next to it.<br />
For shopping, you can head over to<br />
the Villaggio Mall, that has an Italian<br />
theme and also has an indoor canal with<br />
gondolas. You can find some of the most<br />
prominent international brands here and<br />
could also go ice skating.<br />
Apart from the older destinations, Qatar<br />
is <strong>com</strong>ing up with new tourist attractions,<br />
especially for fans who are <strong>com</strong>ing to<br />
witness the FIFA World Cup!<br />
For hosting the World Cup, numerous<br />
stadiums are being erected or<br />
refurbished. The Al Rayyan Stadium will<br />
boast of 40,000 seats, which will provide<br />
the perfect environment to host the<br />
football matches. The other stadiums<br />
in construction are the Al Bayt Stadium,<br />
Khalifa International Stadium, Al<br />
Wakrah Stadium, and Qatar Foundation<br />
Stadium.<br />
The Doha Metro phase 1 will be fully operational to<br />
facilitate easy movement between the venues and will<br />
be one of the most sophisticated rail systems in the<br />
world. They are also setting up a <strong>com</strong>pletely new city -<br />
Lusail City, which will spread across four islands and will<br />
have loads of high rise buildings and leisurely activities.<br />
It will also be home to one of the main stadiums for the<br />
World Cup, Lusail Stadium.<br />
To give a boost to the historic downtown area of Doha,<br />
the Msheireb Downtown Doha project was launched. It<br />
looks to be<strong>com</strong>e the world’s first sustainable downtown<br />
area and will boast of leisurely facilities, museums,<br />
cultural and entertainment venues apart from the retail<br />
stores and hotels.<br />
With Qatar National Vision 2030 in place, the tourism<br />
industry is going to boom in the nation and you can<br />
expect loads of other tourist attractions to open up<br />
soon. Do visit Qatar during the FIFA World Cup to see<br />
it bubbling with energy at its best!<br />
45 46
BAHRAIN TOP 5<br />
The Bahrain Kingdom is a small archipelago consisting of 36 islands scattered across the<br />
Arabian Gulf, bordering the coast of Saudi Arabia. As a major trade route in antiquity,<br />
the country conceals more attractions than the traveler could think of. Manama, its<br />
modern capital, full of skyscrapers and enormous constructions, is the destinations that<br />
attract most visitors.<br />
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM<br />
If you want to understand the importance, richness, and grandeur of the history of this<br />
small territory, the national museum is a great place to start. This two-store building<br />
has several spacious and luminous rooms in which crafts (such as jewels and fabrics)<br />
are exhibited. Here, it is possible to have a glimpse of the culture of the pearls; the<br />
traditional boats (dhow); magnificent archaeological vestiges of the site of Dilmun that<br />
date back to the Bronze Age; as well as explanatory models of Bahraini architecture.<br />
THE BAHRAIN FORT<br />
Bahrain enjoys an ideal location on the route between the <strong>Middle</strong> <strong>East</strong> and Asia, and<br />
for this reason has lived under the influence of many peoples, such as the Greeks,<br />
Portuguese, and Persians. These occupants left many traces of their passage including<br />
the building of forts. The most impressive is undoubtedly the fort of Bahrain: Qalaat al<br />
Bahrain, dating back to 2300 BC it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<br />
47 48
BIRDS KINGDOM<br />
Situated on the shores of<br />
Amwaj Islands, this unique park<br />
houses various species of birds<br />
from all around the world. It was<br />
envisioned by Mr. Saud Kanoo<br />
as a way to ac<strong>com</strong>modate his<br />
father’s private collection and<br />
now works as a recreational<br />
facility as well as an education<br />
center. The site opened in 2014<br />
and since then has hosted<br />
different events, markets,<br />
parties, and exhibitions. It is<br />
a great place to relax while in<br />
Bahrain and offers a series of<br />
activities for children.<br />
THE TREE OF LIFE<br />
This ancient acacia lost in the desert to the southeast of Bahrain, about 2 km<br />
from Djebal Dukhan (the Smoke Mountain), deserves to be the highlight of<br />
the kingdom – both for its 137 meters high and the fact that its water supply<br />
remains a mystery. According to the legend, this is the only vestige of the<br />
mythical garden of Eden, which is another reason why so many visitors <strong>com</strong>e<br />
to admire this mere tree, enjoy its shade for a picnic, or touch its leaves and<br />
make a wish.<br />
THE AL FATEH MOSQUE<br />
The immense mosque of Al Fateh<br />
was built from different objects and<br />
materials brought from all over the<br />
world. It is adorned with 1000 lamps,<br />
worked wood from India, thick creamcolored<br />
carpets with arabesques,<br />
a monumental chandelier from<br />
Swarovsky (Austria), among other<br />
things. With a height of 70 meters, it<br />
opened in 1994 and can receive up<br />
to 7000 people during the prayer. In<br />
the middle of the building is a vault<br />
that dominates the entire space,<br />
considered the largest fiberglass vault<br />
in the world.<br />
49 50
Bahrain<br />
BIRDS KINGDOM<br />
Attraction of the Year<br />
Al Aziza Birds Kingdom, Jood, Amwaj Islands, Bahrain ♦ Tel +973 1603 0597 ♦<br />
birdskingdomamwaj.<strong>com</strong><br />
If you’re a person who loves birdwatching, Azizia Bird Kingdom is the perfect place<br />
for you. This private bird sanctuary of Bahraini businessman Abdul Aziz Qasim Kanoo<br />
houses more than 500 birds of over 70 different species, including critically endangered<br />
species. From the brightly coloured macaws to the California quails, this place is a treat<br />
for your eyes and ears with the melodious sounds of birds chirping around. Neatly tucked<br />
away on the shores of Amwaj Islands, this place also provides a tranquil getaway from the<br />
busy city life. It serves a dual purpose of being a recreational spot as well as a place that<br />
educates people about these beautiful creatures. The facility boasts of a nursery, gift shop<br />
as well as a cafe where you can relax after your visit. Your kids too will have a lot of fun on<br />
the rides just outside the aviary. You can also choose to have a birthday party here or even<br />
hire the venue for some private gatherings!<br />
Image by: Dan Grinwis<br />
51 52
THE BEAUTIFUL CITY |<br />
MEDINA, SAUDI ARABIA<br />
Saudi Arabia is known as the birthplace of Islam,<br />
with the city of Mecca and its Grand Mosque<br />
(Masjid Al-Haram) being the first bodies of<br />
representation for the religion. Just north of<br />
Mecca, lies Medina (literally meaning “the city”),<br />
another important place in the history of Islam.<br />
This is where Prophet Muhammad fled to after<br />
being persecuted; also where he amassed a great<br />
number of followers and spread his teachings to<br />
the rest of the world.<br />
As the most important landmark of Medina, the<br />
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque <strong>com</strong>plex is located<br />
in the very heart of the city. It was built in 622<br />
and its first structure was erected near the house<br />
of prophet Mohamed. The Al-Masjid an-Nabawi<br />
is the second holiest place in Islam, the third<br />
mosque built in history, and the second largest<br />
in the world, after Al-Haram. At the time of its<br />
construction, it also served as <strong>com</strong>munity center,<br />
court-martial, and religious school; nowadays it is<br />
an important destination for pilgrimage.<br />
Although it has undergone many reforms, the basic plant of Al<br />
Nabawi remained and inspired the architecture of several mosques<br />
around the world. The original building was uncovered – the<br />
mosque still retains many open areas, which today are covered<br />
by these giant and beautiful parasols This gargantuan structure<br />
is specifically beautiful at night, when its lights reflect on the<br />
surrounding patterned marble floors, enhancing the beauty of the<br />
intricate minarets that tower over the city. Regardless of faith or<br />
nationality, the Al Nabawi is an incredible place to visit, both for its<br />
historical and architectural significance.<br />
53 54
Saudi Arabia<br />
BOSPHORUS<br />
HOTEL<br />
The Award for Excellence in<br />
Service<br />
As Salam Rd, An Naqa, 42311 Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia ♦<br />
booking.<strong>com</strong>/hotel/sa/bosphorus.en-gb.html<br />
Located in the holy city of Medina, Bosphorus Hotel is the perfect place for all those going<br />
to Saudi Arabia for their pilgrimage. Conveniently located at a short 4-minute walk from<br />
the Prophet’s Mosque, this hotel boasts of 140 spacious and well-furnished rooms and suites<br />
with modern Arabic and Turkish touches. Wish to make a coffee during your stay or even relax<br />
and watch TV? They have those facilities as well. Even the holy Kaaba Mosque and Mount Sun<br />
are just at 15 minutes distance!<br />
Special care is taken to ensure that the guests feel at home during their stay here and for this,<br />
the front desk is open 24x7 for assisting them. Fancy some Turkish cuisine? Head over to the<br />
in-house restaurant that serves mouth-watering Turkish delights throughout the day. But more<br />
than anything, what stands out for this hotel is its courteous staff which is ever ready to assist<br />
their guests for anything and everything. So much is their <strong>com</strong>mitment at making sure that you<br />
have a great stay that right from the moment you enter the hotel and reach the reception desk<br />
to the moment you leave post your stay, each and every person goes out of their way to give<br />
you a satisfactory stay.<br />
The plush and modern furnishings of the<br />
rooms too do their bit at making your stay<br />
<strong>com</strong>fortable. You can simply sink into the<br />
plush beds and sofas of the rooms and<br />
fall into a good night’s sleep after a day<br />
of worship at the holy mosques around<br />
in Medina. With thousands of happy<br />
customers across the years, you can surely<br />
trust them with your stay in Medina.<br />
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AN ANCIENT RETREAT | NIZWA, OMAN<br />
When thinking of Oman, most people are reminded of historical Muscat, with its<br />
Portuguese forts and shopping malls. However, just south of the port city lies an<br />
influential place that not only used to be a center for Islamic learning but also the<br />
country’s old capital: Nizwa.<br />
Located in a large oasis, at the meeting point of major trade routes between north<br />
and south, Nizwa has always been an important <strong>com</strong>mercial hub. The landscapes of<br />
the region are magnificent, with deep canyons sheltering ancient villages and terraced<br />
crops. The city is easily accessible from Muscat by bus or car, in a 1,5-hour drive along<br />
a highway that passes small villages surrounded by some of Oman’s highest mountains.<br />
Nizwa’s fort, although it has been reformed, is still the city’s most important landmark.<br />
It is distinguished by its XVII century construction, with various courtyards, wide towers,<br />
and views that extend over the region and the palm groves with a close-up on the blue<br />
dome of the mosque. Aside from visiting the fort, do not miss the camel market on<br />
Friday mornings, where the locals go to buy animals and fodder; or the Nizwa souq,<br />
famous for its fresh dates, Khanjar (curved dagger), gold, and silverware – considered<br />
as the best jewelry in the country.<br />
Around Nizwa, it is possible to go for a walk, bike or donkey ride through the mountains<br />
of Jebel Akhdar; take a bath in the springs of Tanuf in the Al Hajar mountains; visit the<br />
town of Jabrin and its impressive 17th century castle; or explore the fortified town of<br />
Bahla and admire some of the region’s clearest skies.<br />
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Oman<br />
GOLDEN TULIP<br />
NIZWA HOTEL<br />
Hotel and Restaurant of<br />
the Year<br />
Hai A Thurat 611, Nizwa, Oman ♦ Tel +968 25431616 ♦ goldentulipnizwa.<strong>com</strong><br />
The hotel features one all-day dining<br />
restaurant, Birkat Al Mawz, where you can<br />
enjoy a variety of international cuisines, all<br />
under one roof. Apart from the restaurant,<br />
there are two bars, which serve a fine selection<br />
of cocktails and wines. Al Wasit Bar has live<br />
band performances in the evenings while the Sports Bar has a billiards table and<br />
darts for your entertainment. Moreover, the hotel has two cafes, one by the pool<br />
and the other in the lobby. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, want to enjoy<br />
some cocktails or a cup of coffee, these places make sure that you get the best of<br />
everything. Additionally, the hotel has a Sheesha Corner too.<br />
If you wish to conduct a meeting or a private event, the hotel will be more than<br />
happy to assist you in it and create an unforgettable experience.<br />
If you’re looking for a peaceful<br />
getaway in Oman, Golden Tulip<br />
Nizwa Hotel is a great option. Tucked<br />
away in the Hajjar Mountain range<br />
near Nizwa, this hotel provides you<br />
all the luxuries in the midst of nature.<br />
Set away from the cities, this place<br />
has 120 rooms and suites which<br />
give you some dramatic views of<br />
the mountains around. All amenities<br />
are made to ensure the utmost<br />
<strong>com</strong>fort and you can relax here<br />
and get pampered by their services<br />
throughout your stay.<br />
You can dive into the temperature<br />
controlled outdoor swimming<br />
pool and enjoy the views from the<br />
water. If you wish to keep up with<br />
your business, a 24-hour dedicated<br />
business center is present in the<br />
hotel with high-speed internet.<br />
They have a special playground and<br />
activities for children so that they can<br />
have a gala time during their stay<br />
too! You could also go to the health<br />
club for keeping up with your fitness<br />
routine or relax in the sauna.<br />
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