Travel & Hospitality Awards | Middle East 2019 | www.thawards.com

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TRAVEL &
HOSPITALITY
AWARDS

Casablanca Grand Hotel
Saudi Arabia
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TEAM
CEO
Rob Bruce
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ut labo. Harchiti Katherine sitios dolessiminum Lozell que coreraera vel mo bero volorrum que nus,
consent. Tur? Ipsam saped quas ipid untiis a nus.
ART DIRECTOR
Marcs Bacera
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Stanley Lucas
AWARDS DIRECTOR
Brian Anson
EDITORIAL LIAISON MANAGER
David Hyde
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Azim Aftab
SENIOR WRITERS
Tasmai Dave
Jacqui Irvine
Joseph Wilton
SENIOR DESIGNERS
Antoine Jackson
Hafiz Arslan
Contents
Criteria 6
Saudi Arabia10
Saudi Arabia | Not What You Think?13
Jeddah15
Casablanca Grand Hotel 18
Al Khobar – A Modern Masterpiece23
Ha’il29
Millenium Hail Hotel30
Qatar 32
Qatar | A Sleeping Giant35
The West Bay In The Heart Of Doha 37
Fraser Suites West Bay Doha 40
Souqs & Malls45
Diva Lounge Spa48
United Arab Emirates 50
Dubai | United Arab Emirates53
See Dubai By Air 55
Jordan 60
Jordan | Top 563
Lebanon 68
Beirut | Jewel Of The Middle East71
The Key Beirut74
AWARDS MANAGERS
Adam Cole
Joseph Malabanan
Zach Ford
Peter Clement
Joyce Lee
RESEARCH MANAGERS
Jerald Jaime
Mukul
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tracy Morgan
Joseph Malabanan
Aisha Ahmed
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CRITERIA
Excellence in Service is an important category, as customer
service can often be responsible for having guests return
year after year. We look for the hotels and tour operators
that go out of their way to please their guests, those that
provide a personal level of service and take the time to
get to know each visitor so that they might anticipate their
every need. This can be something as simple as a 24-hour
concierge desk, a hotel manager who offers a personal
greeting or a tour guide who is happy to create bespoke
private tours – but whatever it is, we are always pleased
when we encounter staff that have been trained in the art
of customer satisfaction.
SERVICES
It is no question that style and design plays a big part in
selecting our awards shortlist. A guest will form an opinion
about a hotel as soon as they arrive so it is important
to us that all our winners make those first impressions
count. We’re certainly not partial to a particular period of
architecture – but whether we’re judging a gothic castle or
an environmentally friendly lodge, the criteria remains the
same. We consider factors such as architectural features,
use of materials, creation of spaces, décor and the overall
feel. We love it when we find a hotel that tells a story
through its design and construction, or offers a design that
is sympathetic to the natural surroundings of its location.
STYLE & DESIGN
Knowledge of the local area is essential for any
organization, be it a hotel or a tour operator. The quality
of services takes a great hit when the quality of this
element is not up to the mark. Quite a few of our winners
in this category are because they have displayed excellent
knowledge about the surrounding areas. The criteria for a
hotel is slightly lenient compared to a tour operator, as the
latter is expected to have thorough knowledge of the area
in order to provide good services.
Image by: Mostafa Meraji
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
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FACILITIES
Award-winning guest rooms come in all shapes and sizes,
but they all have one thing in common – a home-awayfrom-home
feel. The comfort of the facilities on offer are
of vital importance; we look for luxurious linens, stylish
bathrooms and a coordinated colour scheme that work
together to create a cohesive sense of relaxation. Additional
touches, such as complimentary toiletries, free wi-fi or tea
and coffee making facilities are always a bonus in making
us feel welcome. We’re always impressed to find hotel
rooms that embrace technology and offer amenities like
tablets or smart thermostat systems, but this does not
always necessarily trump the traditional – four poster beds,
ornate fireplaces or antique furniture can add a touch of
decadence to a hotel stay.
LOCATION
Location is one of the most important factors, but also
one of the most subjective, as the ‘ideal’ is very much
determined by the type of visitor and the type of hotel
itself. However, there are a few factors we take into
consideration when determining the winners of locationbased
awards. The first is convenience; that is, hotels that
are easy to travel to. Many of our winners in this category
are in convenient locations, such as adjacent to airports,
close to beaches or found in the heart of easy-to-navigate
cities. We are always impressed when hotels go the extra
mile to take the hassle out of traveling and offer such
additional services as airport shuttles or car hire services.
However, we’re always excited to come across a hotel
that is, to use a familiar phrase, off-the-beaten-track. A
hotel that can offer something a little different, in terms of
natural surroundings, can make the difference between a
good holiday and an incredible one.
In today’s modern age, a hotel or tour operator cannot
rely on word of mouth to get their message out into the
world. As social media has become a vital part of everyday
life, we like to see companies that go the extra mile to
engage with their guests, both past and future. Attractive
and informative websites and engaging and honest
content are what we look for when judging a company’s
use of marketing; how well they display their services, how
up-to-date their content is, how well they get their brand
message across, and, most importantly, how well their
marketing can tempt us to go and see what they have to
offer for ourselves.
What better way is there to know about an organization
than by getting first hand reviews? Customers are the best
judges of any service out there as they are the ones who
experience them and can assess whether they were up to
the mark or not. Considering reviews from hundreds of
customers gives us a fair idea about the general pros and
cons of any organization and also gives us valuable inputs
for the other criteria as well.
MARKETING
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Diversity is one important aspect that needs to be taken
into consideration when in the travel and hospitality
industry. It is essential to have staff that has varying diversity
to ensure that the organization can properly connect with
their guests. Diversity is taken into account in terms of
gender, nationality as well as languages spoken among
other factors. Not only do we take the diversity of the staff
into account but even that of the facilities and services
offered; a hotel or tour operator providing a better range
of services is preferred over those that do not.
It is of prime importance that an organization has thorough
industry knowledge. Without knowing the nit-bits of the
in, it is difficult to flourish and provide services which are
a class apart. Before any organization ventures into the
industry, it is essential that they know how the industry
is moving and how they should make changes to their
methodologies in order to remain relevant and also be a
top-performing organization.
DIVERSITY
INDUSTRY
KNOWLEDGE
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SAUDI ARABIA
Image by: Yasmine Arfaoui
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Saudi Arabia | Not what you think?
Saudi Arabia has a difficult
reputation in the world. It’s
tourism scene might be one of
least populated, making it one of
the more interesting places to visit.
It is home of Islam, its birthplace.
Saudi Arabia actually has a plethora
of sights and sounds to enjoy.
For Muslims across the world,
the cities of Mecca and Medina,
are an absolute must. Then there
are the temples of Madain Saleh,
also known as the second Petra,
and the sophisticated rock art at
Jubbah are the Kingdom’s greatest
pre-Islamic treasures, perhaps the
biggest treasures in the Islamic
world. Then there are the other
highlights, the infamous story of
TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia),
the Hejaz Railway and the majestic
red dunes of romantic deserts.
The capital city of Riyadh is a modern marvel. It is one of the most populated cities in
the world and offers a modern insight into the Saudi Arabia of today, while Jeddah’s
World Heritage coral architecture whisks you back to the history of this bustling pilgrim
port. The inviting waters of the Red Sea are an explorers dream, an undoubted highlight
of the country, Asir, reveals breathtaking mountain scenery where mysterious and
spectacular villages wait to be discovered.
One of the most misunderstood countries in the world makes it one of the most worthy
of a visit.
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Jeddah
Jeddah is a port city on the Red Sea, it’s a brimming commercial hub and is often used
as gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities Mecca and Medina. There are
many luxury hotels to stay at and lots to do. We have chosen 10 of the best things to see
and do in Jeddah.
King Fahd’s Fountain
This incredible fountain blasts a
stream of water from the Red Sea
to an incredible height of nearly
1,000 feet in the air. The saltwater
jet is propelled upward at a speed
that can reach more than 200 miles
per hour. An impressive feature
about this fountain is that the water
used comes directly from the Red
Sea, so no fresh water is wasted.
If you were to measure the total
amount of water that was in the air
at any given moment, the weight
would equal about 18 tons.
Historic Al-Balad
The historic center of Jeddah, Al-Balad
attracts many people every year, eager
to experience the sight of old-world
architecture dating from the 7th century.
This sits alongside the leading lights of 21stcentury
commerce. Populated with historic
mosques, modern shopping malls and
traditional markets known as souks, there is
plenty to explore in Al-Balad.
Al-Shallal Theme Park
AlShallal Theme Park is spread over an area of 60,000 square meters, in an ideal location
on Jeddah Cornish. Per year they have around 1Million visitors. They went into a major
transformation over the past few years, with the aim to becoming “The best Amusement
Park in KSA. ” AlShallal, is an ideal location for the family to enjoy themselves, be it on the
thrill rides of the new Sling Shot or the Roller Coaster, or having a fun skate on the ice rink,
or taking a boat ride around the lake. They can also enjoy a dinner in our themed Chinese
and Lebanese restaurants.
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Nasseef House
Nassif House (Bayt Nassif) is situated in the old town of Jeddah on al-Alawi Street. It
was built between 1872 and 1881 by Sheikh Umar Effendi al-Nassif, famous in the city
of Jeddah. The house is also known as “the house with the tree,” for it opens onto
a square with a neem tree, the only tree in Jeddah until the 1920s. The house was
designed by a Turkish architect, and is therefore unusual when compared with other
historic Jeddah residences.
Jeddah Tower
Our final choice isn’t actually finished yet, completion of this ambitious project is set to
finish in 2020. Once it is done however, a true marvel will be introduced to the world
in the form of the world’s tallest building. When the 3,280-feet-tall (1,000-meter-tall)
Jeddah Tower, in Saudi Arabia, opens in 2020, it will knock Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa
off its throne as the tallest skyscraper in the world by 236 feet (72 meters). Construction
of the landmark is estimated to cost $1.4 billion.
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Saudi Arabia
CASABLANCA
GRAND HOTEL
Design Hotel
An Naim District, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia ♦ Tel +966 12 222 2203 ♦ casablanca-grand.com
Conveniently located in a posh suburb of Jeddah, the Casablanca Grand Hotel takes 5
star accommodation to the next level. Built with state of the art technological services,
this hotel strives hard to give you the best possible amenities. The prime location of the hotel
makes it easy for you to access the finest malls and business districts of the city. It’s also situated
just 10 minutes away from the Jeddah corniche.
Choose from Royal Suites, Executive Suites, Excellence and VIP Rooms, and regular hotel
rooms. The Royal Suites come with butler service and espresso machines. The bathrooms are
equipped with special jacuzzi with TV sets so that you can have a relaxing experience. Executive
Suites, on the other hand, have a jacuzzi, a private salon, and bedroom. It’s suites give you some
spectacular views of Jeddah city throughout your stay so that you can sit back and enjoy a cup
of coffee while seeing the beauty of the city unfold in front of you.
The hotel features a mosque and concierge services are available throughout the day for
the convenience of the guests. For all those guests who are interested in physical fitness
and activities, the hotel has a sports club that features a rooftop swimming pool and a
tennis court.
For your gastronomic indulgences, the hotel
features multiple restaurants and cafes. Ewan
Restaurant brings to you daily breakfast buffet
and a la carte food throughout the day. The
Lemongrass Restaurant, on the other hand,
offers the finest of Japanese and Chinese
delicacies to you in a brilliant Asian ambience.
The Barista Cafe is a great place to sit back and sip on some fine coffees and juices in
a laid back ambience. It also gives some distinct views of the city which further enhance
your overall experience.
The pool grill is located right next to the hotel’s swimming pool and gives you panoramic
views of the city and you can munch on your favourite Western and Eastern desserts
throughout the day here.
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Whether you wish to rent a car and explore
the city or want to go for airport pickup and
drop off service, the hotel has options for it
all. They even take care of your health care
requirements through a special medical
centre. It even helps you plan your tours
and travels across the city and around
Saudi Arabia.
The hotel also features banquet halls and
meeting rooms where corporates can
conduct meetings or host private events.
All in all, Casablanca Grand Hotel makes
your trip to Saudi Arabia even more
fulfilling.
The hotel ensures that it creates a great experience for the little guests as well. It manages
to do this through a special kids play area that’s located inside the hotel. There are special
staff and crew here to take care of your children throughout their stay in the hotel and
make sure that their experience is even more fulfilling.
For all those guests who wish to keep up with their business activities, there is a special
business centre in the hotel. It includes services for photo copying, printing, and faxes.
You can even avail secretarial services and interpreting services here.
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Al Khobar – A Modern Masterpiece
Al-Khobar is one of the gems of the Middle East. This Saudi Arabian city located
on the Arabian Gulf. Its Corniche, a large waterfront area, includes Prince Faisal
bin Fahad Sea Park, with cafes and playgrounds. Nearby, the city’s island Water Tower
offers panoramic views. The Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Science & Technology Center (SciTech)
has an aquarium, interactive displays and an IMAX theater. West, the Aramco Exhibit is a
museum exploring the Saudi oil industry. This is a city that will truly take the breath away
as its surprises you with its architecture and plethora of things to do.
The highlight of Al Khobar is the cornice, which meanders along the Arabian Gulf, offering
stunning look out spots across the water. It has a wealth of family attractions, pristine parks
and tranquil places of worship making this waterfront walkway an especially vibrant part of
a bustling and diverse city.
Standing to the north of the King
Fahd Causeway you will find the
Corniche at the start of Corniche
Road. A vast, sun baked avenue that
stretches across the coast for a two
or three miles. Take a leisurely stroll
along the palm tree-lined walkway
and you’ll catch sight of the seafront
Al Hariri mosque. This beautiful
mosque will catch the eye with its
white structure that sits perfectly
amongst the backdrop of the crystalclear
sunlit gulf during the day, and
at night the magnificent arches are
illuminated by floodlights.
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You are certain to make a stop at the Al Rashid Mall. Its position in the city is quite historic,
built in 1995 when the city needed to meet mounting development needs, Architect
Rashid bin Saad Al-Rashid was entrusted with the task of designing this huge national
project. Al Rashid Mall design adopts an architectural concept that combines Arab-
Islamic architectural heritage with the latest international techniques in construction
and processing, to reflect the architectural renaissance witnessed by the kingdom. The
design of the mall was based on extensive field research on the most important and
largest shopping malls in the world, particularly in both the USA and Europe.
While you are on the Corniche a visit to The Scitech Technology Center is a must.
Officially known as the Sultan Bin Abdul-Aziz Science and Technology Center, it is an
exciting and educational place to visit with family when in Al Khobar. Located on the
Corniche, the educational center consists of seven main halls which house over 350
exhibits related to science and technology. The exhibits are presented in an interactive
style making it interesting for kids and adults alike. There are also numerous experiments
that visitors could partake in, while at the center. The Scitech Technology Center also
houses an IMAX theater where visitors can watch educational movies about animals and
nature. The center also hosts several courses and conferences that are quite popular
amongst locals as well as the expatriate community. With so much to see and do, the
Scitech Technology Center is a remarkable place that is definitely well worth a visit when
in Al Khobar.
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Saudi Arabia
PARK INN BY RADISSON
AL KHOBAR
Business Hotel
King Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Road, Al Rawabi District, Al Khobar 34421, Saudi Arabia ♦
Tel +966 13 810 0800 ♦ radissonhotels.com
The Park Inn by Radisson
Al Khobar is the perfect
mix of business and leisure. This
modern hotel in Al Khobar lies
within easy reach of Saudi Arabia’s
3 major commercial hubs: Jubail,
Dammam and Hofuf. From the
hotel, you can walk to popular
shopping malls and the beautiful
Corniche waterfront, which
overlooks the Arabian Gulf.
Each of the148 rooms and suites
boast amenities such as Wi-Fi
and individual climate control, as
well as lovely views of the garden
or cityscape. The on-site Palms
Restaurant serves international
and regional cuisine, while the
Patio Lounge boasts an à la carte
menu highlighting Mediterranean
flavors. Have a relaxing start to
the day with a freshly brewed cup
of coffee at the Lobby Lounge.
The indoor swimming pool and
fully equipped fitness center
allow you to keep up with your
wellness routine during your stay
at our Al Khobar hotel. Ample onsite
car parking further simplifies
travel.
Planning an event in Al Khobar? This
hotel boasts 7 state-of-the-art meeting
rooms, as well as a 340 square-meter
ballroom, making it well suited for events
of all kinds. The Hotel’s home in Al Khobar,
Saudi Arabia offers easy access to major
commercial zones Proximity to the city’s
main motorway, King Faisal Bin Abdulaziz
Road, allows guests to easily reach Jubail,
Hofuf and Dammam, the area’s 3 major
commercial hubs. Our hotel’s setting in Al
Khobar, Saudi Arabia is also convenient
to leisure attractions. The Hyper Panda
shopping centre is only 30 meters away too
for your convenience.
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Ha’il
Do not miss out on the opportunity to visit the Ha’il city. This is probably the least
visited city in the whole of Saudi Arabia. What you will find here is an ancient
civilization that thrived, vivid through the city’s monuments, heritage, ancient culture and
Arabic traditions of the local population. As a visitor you will be pleasantly surprised by
the vibrant atmosphere where the locals and residents surge with great enthusiasm to
explore the surrounding desert and valleys when the weather is cool and temperate.
Other outdoor activities include mountain climbing, bird hunting, and even Hail Rally
racing! Great adventures await you in the city of Hail.
The now popular rally has been held here ever since 2006 and is sanctioned by the
FIA which gives it a respected legitimacy. This rally is the biggest rally in the country
and even rally stars like Yazeed Al Rajhi are regularly seen participating in it. The city of
Hail is surrounded by mountains so it can be hard to know which one to venture up, we
recommend The Samra Mountain because of the tremendous view of the city that one
gets from here – especially at night when it is all lit up. Another thing you will not fail to
miss is the Al Rajhi Mosque. It resembles the mosques of Turkey and dominates the Hail
skyline, you will be sure to grabbing a few pictures of this majestic bit of architecture.
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Saudi Arabia
MILLENIUM
HAIL HOTEL
Modern Hotel
What sets this property apart is the plethora
of recreational facilities it offers to the
guests. While adults can enjoy a leisurely
time at the spa or outdoor swimming pool,
children can access the playground. The
modern hotel also features a mini sports
complex and a garden.
Hail University Complex, North Hail City Road, Hail Saudi Arabia ♦
Tel +966 16 538 6111 ♦ millenniumhotels.com
Hail, a city located in the north-western part of Saudi Arabia, is a melting pot of cultural
influences. Replete with various archaeological sites, Hail is a vibrant amalgamation of
joyous people and rich heritage. It is here that you can experience traditional Arab hospitality
and generosity. If you are planning a vacation in Hail, make sure you book your stay at Millennium
Hail Hotel.
Located just opposite Hail economic city, this 5-star property offers luxury accommodation
and impeccable service. The hotel features 166 spacious rooms and 17 regal suites. All units
are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, refrigerator, coffeemaker,
and private bathrooms. Complimentary WiFi, round-the-clock room service, and a
functional business center are also available for guests.
Your stay at Millennium Hail Hotel would
be incomplete without exploring their
wide array of exquisite dining options. Al
Fairouz, the in-house restaurant, serves the
most delectable range of international as
well as local delicacies. Don’t miss some
of the most lip-smacking barbecue and
seafood dishes here. You can also sample
some delicious international dishes at the
luxurious Executive Lounge.
The best part of Millennium Hail Hotel is its
close proximity to most tourist attractions in
Hail. While the Saudi Railway Station is located
right next to the property, the Hail Regional
Airport is a short 25-minute drive away. The
property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Other attractions such as Olive Garden Park,
Prince Saud Bin Abdulmohsen Park, Jubba,
and Old City Center are located nearby. Al
Khatta Village, known for horse racing, is just
a short drive away from the hotel. Rental car
service is also available for all guests.
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QATAR
Image by: Deepak Siva
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Qatar | A Sleeping Giant
Qatar is a country that is going through a huge upswing. It is in the process of
rapid growth and Doha, the capital and main city, sees something new spring
up every month. Luxury hotels, spas, world-class restaurants, malls and architecturally
unusual buildings sprout up constantly. Sport, cultural offerings and leisure activities are
the areas, which are changing most rapidly, all this change doesn’t mean neglect for the
past though. There still remains today a respect and celebration of the past. Alongside
the cutting-edge modernity, there’s still a chance to shop in vibrant souks and markets,
explore fascinating heritage sites and attend top-class equestrian events.
Qatar isn’t just a modern metropolis in the desert; there are a heap of things to do
that don’t always spring to mind. Seeing as you are in desert country there are plenty
of desert-based adventures to undertake. The sand dunes are heart-racingly high and
breath-takingly steep, making the drive across the desert to the sea a true spectace. If
you want to take your experience further than why not spend a night in luxury Arabian
tents or pitch your own, eat local food and sleep under the stars.
For those with an interest in
Islamic history and art, look
no further than the Museum
of Islamic Art. Designed
by architect I.M. Pei, he
built it in mind to be on a
standalone island so that no
new buildings would obstruct
it. It can be found just off
the Corniche, the design
of the museum is absolute
perfection as it actually looks
like it’s floating on water
from some angles. Once
you step inside you take a
look at Calligraphy, Islamic
patterns, Jewelry and Textiles
from three continents,
with some of the items
dating from the 7th to 19th
century. The museum also
features high profile rotating
exhibits year-round. For an
impressive business lunch or
a memorable date night, try
Idam, French-born chef Alain
Ducasse’s first restaurant in
the Middle East.
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Qatar’s desert location makes the Al Thakira Mangroves stand out. This is without doubt
one of the country’s most iconic spots -- this large spot of greenery and water has
its own ecosystem. This place is a remarkable find in an otherwise sandy, scorching
desert. Here, you can observe bird life, herons and flamingos have been migrating to
the region for years. The best way to experience the mangroves is to rent a kayak and
get lost in the greenery!
The West Bay in the Heart of Doha
Doha is a thriving, bustling city – it is constantly changing and can be quite
bewildering to experience. Qatar’s government has poured billions of riyals into
its cultural infrastructure, with some incredible results. What draws people to the city isn’t
all because of its fast pace dynamism and epic construction. There’s a more modest,
historical side to Doha as well, which can be seen at markets like the Souq Waqif or the
stunning Museum of Islamic Art. At the heart of Doha though is West Bay, a futuristic
city centre that has a skyline that will catch your eye, a magnificent collection of huge
buildings to rival Hong Kong or New York.
Everyone knows the FIFA World Cup is coming to
Qatar, the biggest sporting competition is heading
here because it is one of the fastest growing places
in the middles east. New stadiums and infrastructure
are being built all over the country, truly state of the
art stadiums, they are a sight to behold. Football is
the most popular sport among the local and expat
community, but it isn’t the only sport that draws a
crowd. The ATP World Tour, which stops in the capital
every winter. The Qatar Moto Grand Prix, World
Superbikes and Qatar Masters Golf Tournament are
also annual events. So too are Qatar’s traditional sports
-- Arabian horse racing, camel racing, and falconry.
One of the standout highlights of these dazzling buildings in West Bay is the awardwinning
Burj Qatar. This is the building that will catch your eye — mostly because of its
spherical, unique shape. At nighttime, there are white light shows on its side, which look
stunning from the Corniche. It is like something out of a comic book.
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The Corniche is undoubtedly many people’s highlights when they come to Doha. The
Corniche is a waterfront promenade stretches out for several kilometres along Doha
Bay. It’s perfect for a casual stroll, or running as it offers a wonderful view of the bay and
gives you the rare chance to enjoy fresh sea breezes in an otherwise stifling city.
A must see on the Corniche for those wanting to sample and enjoy Qatari culture, head
up the Corniche to Souq Waqif. Lose yourself in the winding alleys where you will find a
plethora of things to buy, from falcons and kittens to abayas and artwork. It’s a buzzing hub
of traditional local culture and has some of Doha’s best places to eat. If you like smoking
shisha there are plenty of cafés where you can buy it in heaps of different flavours. I’m not
a shisha fan, but it certainly makes the souq smell amazing. Souq Waqif is a perfect place
to hang out with locals and practice Arabic over a mint tea, karak or shisha pipe.
As you stroll along the Corniche you will come across Sheraton Park, a nice serene, green
spot that rather fittingly for Doha actually has its own Wi-Fi access. It’s a beautiful place
to watch the sunset.
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Qatar
FRASER SUITES
WEST BAY DOHA
Luxury Hotel
5863 Al Intisar St, Doha, Qatar ♦ Tel +974 4495 5000 ♦
westbay-doha.frasershospitality.com
Apart from this, the units further include
complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi access.
The 24/7 reception caters to any urgent or
general requirements of the guests. The
hotel also prides itself in offering concierge
services to its guests. Other recreational
facilities including a fully-equipped health
club, kids room, a game room, and
conference halls are readily available too.
Tucked away in the upmarket region of West Bay, the newly established five star Fraser
Suites West Bay Doha has over 396 rooms up for grabs. The location of the luxury hotel
is such that it is close to all the important landmarks of the city, including the Corniche, popular
shopping malls, and the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).
Choose between the deluxe, one, two or three bedroom suites based on the level of luxury you
wish to have. All the rooms are fully-serviced and are spread out across 46 floors of the hotel.
Each floor houses custom-made furniture and fixtures, created by high-end designers from Italy.
All the rooms are well-appointed with distinguished and spacious living and dining areas. The
rooms also come ‘with’ a fully-equipped kitchen so that you can cook whenever you wish to.
The hotel also features a helipad from
where you can get some fantastic views of
Doha. You can choose to dine here at night
or even indulge in some refreshing Yoga
sessions in the evenings with the view of
the city.
Another primary highlight of the hotel is its
signature restaurant called The Social. The
restaurant features an indoor and outdoor
dining concept and brings the best of
authentic West, East, and Middle Eastern
cuisine to your plate. A unique breakfast
buffet spread is available every morning as
well for your indulgence. All in all, Fraser
Suites West Bay Doha ensures that your
stay in Doha is far from ordinary.
______________________________________
@frasersuiteswestbay – FB
@frasersuiteswestbay – Instagram
@fraserwestbay – twitter
41 42

Qatar
EZDAN HOTEL
WEST BAY
Building #23, 950 Al betra- Al Kharias St., Onaiza Zone 23, Doha, Qatar ♦
Tel +00974 4496 9141 ♦ reservation@ezdanhotels.qa
Ezdan Hotel, the largest
hotel in Doha, offers
affordable accommodation
ranging from single rooms to
long stay apartments. Experience
premium facilities which include
an Olympic size swimming
pool fully equipped health club
and a selection of international
restaurants. In addition, Ezdan
hotel provides a family-friendly
environment whereby children
can have fun at the outdoor
playground or kid’s swimming
pool. Conveniently located within
walking distance of the corniche,
guests are able to enjoy added
benefits in and around West Bay.
Staff at Ezdan is passionate about
providing individualized service
to guests and always readily
available for delivering excellent
service
43 44

Souqs & Malls
Doha is the capital
and most populous
place in Qatar. It is a city
that is constantly evolving
and changing as it morphs
itself into one of the world’s
most attractive cities. No
skyscrapers spring up
everyday, it is a city that
oozes confidence and style
and it should come as no
surprise that there are plenty
of shopping experiences,
modern and old-fashioned
available to enjoy here.
Another reason why Qatar
is truly one of the up and
coming places in the world
is because of the copious
shopping malls. Truth be told,
you don’t have to travel far
to reach a mall in Doha. One
of the most well known is the
Venetian-inspired Villaggio
Mall, which has over 200
stores. However its indoor
canal is its main draw. Here
you can take a gondola ride
and look up at a painted blue
sky with scattered clouds,
highlight the grandiose
and alluring nature of this
wonderful country.
Not only are there super amazing,
modern malls but you can also
appreciate the past and old traditions
by visiting one of the many Souqs
found in the country. One classic you
just have to visit is Doha’s Souq Waqif
for a true sense of the old world.
The “standing market” has been
rebuilt and renovated to evoke an
atmosphere of previous days gone
by. This legendary souq zig-zags with
shops ranging from fabric, spices,
sweets, household goods (think huge
pots) souvenirs to beautiful art. To
evoke the sense of the past, you will
also find wood carvers and tailors
working away, you’ll see for yourself
how the traditional agals Qatari men
wear to keep their head dress in
place are made.
45 46

Qatar
EZDAN PALACE
HOTEL
Al Shamal Road, PO Box: 30503, Doha -Qatar ♦ Tel + 00974 4007 1130 ♦
reservations@ezdanpalace.qa
Located in the heart of Doha,
and in close proximity to the
biggest shopping malls in Qatar,
five-star Ezdan Palace Hotel raises
the bar in service, style, and sheer
indulgence. Opened in May
2018, the Hotel features refined
Andalusian architectural design
and unique service which blends
true Middle Eastern hospitality
with international standards. The
195 lavishly appointed rooms
and suites have been carefully
designed by a renowned architect
to ensure comfort for all guests.
Three superb restaurants offer
an exquisite culinary experience
serving International, Italian and
Thai cuisine. Nestled between
old and new Doha, the hotel
offers easy access to Hamad
International Airport, as well as
to Doha’s main business and
entertainment districts, making it
the prime location to discover the
ever-growing city of Doha, the
capital of Qatar
47 48

Qatar
DIVA LOUNGE SPA
Spa
Qatar ♦ divaspaqatar.com
Diva Lounge Spa offers signature spa journeys that will take the guests into a cocoon of
peace and serenity. The journeys at Diva are based on the Earth, Fire, Air, and Water
elements that are essential to maintain the body’s balance and well-being. There are a range of
other self-care services that the centre specialises in such as the Bridal Spa, Body Scrubs, Facial,
Massage Therapy, Hammam Rituals, and Milk Baths, to name a few.
The journey based on the Earth element
specialises in restoring the individual’s
natural connection with the planet that
further restores the inner balance and
stability. The integral component of the
service is Kahraman (Amber), which is
a precious healing element known to
improve blood circulation and restore
balance by combating free radicals in the
body. The service begins with a luxurious
full body exfoliation for purification.
Following which, the body is thoroughly
massaged with the use of Amber stones
and Argan oil. Similarly, the centre’s Water
element-based spa journey specialises in
providing an exquisite relaxation time while
stimulating mental focus through the power
of hydration. The journey starts off with an
ancient Oriental Hammam experience that
will detoxify your skin from within, followed
by a relaxing aromatherapy massage and
nourishing facial treatment to deeply
moisturize the individual’s skin.
The spa journey based on the Fire element
further elevates and invigorates the
individual’s spirit through an intense hot
stone ritual which soothes the entire body,
followed by a leg and foot massage that
rids the body of harmful toxins. The final
step of the journey includes a deep facial
cleanse, a massage, and an Eastern scalp
massage. Finally, the Air element journey
gives inner stability and outer radiance.
The journey includes thorough pampering
of the face, followed by a customized facial
for your special skin type. The service is
concluded by an exquisite spa manicure
and pedicure treatment. Diva Lounge Spa
ensures that it heals your mind, body, and
soul.
49 50

UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES
Image by: Tom Chen
51 52

Dubai | United Arab Emirates
How to Get in
• Plane
• Bus
• Drive in
• By Boat
A vibrant, energetic and futuristic mega
city. Dubai will not disappoint.
Get Around
• Metro
• Tram
• Bus
• Local Taxi
• Boat
Attractions & Sights
• Burj Khalifa
• Dubai Marina
• Palm Islands
• Jumeirah Mosque
Things to do
• Water Sports
• Yacht Charter
• Desert Safari
• Shop at the Malls
Find out more – https://
www.visitdubai.com/en
53
54

See Dubai by Air
There are not many
places like Dubai.
It’s ambition to be one of
a kind has certainly been
realised with some of the
most grandiose architecture
to be found anywhere.
Whether it is record reaching
skyscrapers or audacious
palm shaped islands, this
is an area can be truly
appreciated from the air.
So why not take advantage
of the many companies
offering you some of the
most memorable flying tours
of Dubai?
As soar in the sky, take in the magnificent Burj Khalifa, the sail-shaped Burj Al-Arab
Hotel and impressive Palm Jumeirah as you fly above the city. See boats docking at
Port Rashid and traditional Abras crossing Dubai Creek as you cruise at 1500 ft in the
sky. Your flight will take you over Dubai’s golden coastline and futuristic cityscape before
gliding back down to where you began on historic Dubai Creek.
Other highlights will
include the famous Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque.
This stunning architectural
wonder is the largest
mosque in the UAE and
can hold up to an incredible
40,000 worshipers at once.
It features 82 domes,
more than 1,000 columns,
golden chandeliers, and
the world’s largest hand
knotted carpet. Admire the
incredible reflective pools
that surround the mosque,
amplifying its beauty. Al
Bateen, Abu Dhabi’s oldest
neighbourhood is yet
another architectural marvel
– the Emirates Palace Hotel.
This palatial hotel is a fine
example of traditional Arabic
architecture and features
more than 100 impressive
domes, ornate hotel rooms,
and luxury suites decorated
in gold and marble. Seeing
Dubai by Air is truly one of
the most ways to appreciate
this magnificent region.
55 56

UAE
SEAWINGS
SEAPLANE TOURS
Charter Company
Dubai creek Baniyas Rd Near Park Hyatt Dubai, UAE ♦ Tel +971 4 807 0708 ♦ seawings.ae
Launched in UAE back in 2007,
Seawings Seaplane Tours has
been operating in the country for
over 10 years. Taking off from the
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club,
the company provides its customers
with an experience unlike any other
where they can discover the thrill
of seeing Dubai from a seaplane.
Whisking passengers high up into
the skies of Dubai, the seaplane
gives you some fantastic views of the
Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al
Arab, Sheikh Zayed Road and more!
Interested travellers can choose from
a range of packages on offer, such as
the Dubai Signature Tour, the Dubai
Snapshot Tour, Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Seaplane Tour with Ferrari World,
to name a few. Each of these tours
is designed to offer sublime views of
the country’s architectural marvels.
The company is equipped with
amphibian aircrafts with the single
purpose of delivering its guests with
a luxurious experience.
One of the most popular packages that
the company offers is its Sir Bani Yas
Private Tour. Sir Bani Yas Island is located
170 kilometers away from Abu Dhabi and
is the perfect destination for a day trip as
it takes only about an hour from Dubai
if you choose to travel by a Seawings
seaplane. The island offers grand views
of the Arabian Gulf’s shimmering waters.
It’s home to the Arabian Wildlife Park,
which has over 13,000 indigenous animals
such as the Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle,
Mountain Gazelle, Giraffe, and Cheetah.
You can choose to book the trip directly
on their website or get in touch with their
representative on the phone who can assist
you with the booking.
Being the first and only seaplane tour
operator in the Middle-East, the company
offers an entirely new way of exploring
different cities where you could even book
private charters as well as transfers within
UAE and Oman. Apart from offering aerial
tours in the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi,
the company also offers trips in Ras Al
Khaimah and Fujairah.
57 58

UAE
MECHRI
TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES
Transfer Company
30th St, Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates ♦ Tel +971 2 551 3302 ♦ mechri-ts.com
As part of their continuous development and keeping
up with market trends and needs; Mechri Passenger
Transportation Services has launched a new Mobile App
allowing customers to easily book their trips with just a click
of a button. Mechri Transportation mobile application is
available on both Android and Apple, giving customers the
opportunity and easy accessibility to book their trips using
their phones. Making life quick and easy, users have the
choice of requesting immediate trips (based on availability)
or place a booking request a few days in advance. While
placing the request users can select the car and the fair
package available, their pick up and drop off location and
can leave a comment to the driver. The application also has
an extra feature where users can save their favourite location
and easily access them at any time.
Abu Dhabi is a
land known for
decadence and luxury;
it is only fitting that you
explore this land in class
and comfort. Established in
2012, Mechri Transportation
Services takes pride in
providing outstanding
transportation services to
all of its customers. Having
built up a reputation where
you can count on them
for reliability, efficiency
and punctuality. They are
the number one choice
when it comes to all your
transportation needs,
whether its limousine and
chauffeur services, bus
transportation or rentals.
Look no further than Mechri
Transportation Services.
Their team are available to
serve you 24 hours a day,
throughout the year. All
their cars provide the best
you can find on the market
concerning safety, style,
and comfort.
In order to become industry leaders in transportation services, Mechri
Transportation have had to continuously develop professional relations with
clients by providing a high quality and memorable service. Taking away all
the stress that comes with travel, leaving you to focus on fully enjoying your
beautiful surroundings.
59 60

JORDAN
Image by: Brian Kairuz
61 62

Jordan | Top 5
Jordan is a travellers dream destination. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s ancient
and natural wonders are as enchanting as its people. It truly is the jewel of the Middle
East. Jordan is surrounded by countries that are going through conflict, but Jordan is a
safe space for travellers. Here are our top 5 things to do this in this fantastic part of the
world.
Petra
Petra is truly one of the great Ancient Cities of the world. It lies half-hidden in a windblown
landscape in southern Jordan, is one of the world’s most treasured Unesco
Heritage Sites. It dates back more than 2000 years, the 3rd century to be precise. It was
built by the Nabataeans, who carved palaces, temples, tombs, storerooms and stables
from the soft stone cliffs. It was an important part of the Silk Route to China and India
but was abandoned at some time around the 12th century. It was only known to locals
for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered by the West in 1812.
Citadel
The area known as the Citadel sits on the highest hill in Amman, Jebel Al Qala’a (about
850m above sea level), and is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon. A visit here is a truly
magnificent one – it’s surrounded by a 1700m-long wall and has been occupied since
the Bronze Age, the wall has been rebuilt many times during the Bronze and Iron Ages,
as well as the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods. With so much to see you need
to make sure you take extra time to check out the Citadel’s most striking sights - the
Temple of Hercules and the Ummayad Palace.
63 64

Dead Sea
At 431m below sea level – the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth – the azure blue
waters are quite the spectacle. The Dead Sea truly is filled with salt and you can float
until your heart’s content. The Dead Sea is also an easy day trip from Amman or Madaba.
Dead Sea salts and minerals have long been exploited for their skin-friendly properties.
Jerash
History buffs head this way.
Jerash is the most wellpreserved
ancient Roman
city outside of Italy. Jerash
dates back 6500 years
and was an important city
on Rome’s ancient trade
route. Thanks to the dry
climate, it laid untouched
for centuries to understand
waiting to be explored.
Excavations began in
1925 and today it is one
of the greatest examples
of Roman architecture
outside of Rome.
Amman
Amman is a relatively
new city, mostly built in
the 20th century it is a
thriving metropolis that is
at odds with the historic
country. Here you can
enjoy a shisha at a local
bar, shop at one of the
many markets and be sure
to visit The King Abdullah
Mosque.
65 66

Jordan
JORDAN ALLURE
TOURS
Private Tour Company
Petra St, Ma’an, Jordan ♦ Tel +962 79 643 6423 ♦ jordanalluretours.com
Jordan Allure Tours is a boutique travel
agency creating personalized travel
experiences that connect travelers to
Middle East destinations in meaningful
and sustainable ways. They do this by
providing deluxe custom itineraries
and promoting cultural exchange with
local associations, workshops and
families. The company’s owners, the
Nawafleh family, are descended from
one of the prominent families in Petra
and have been involved in tourism for
generations. Their concern is always
to provide superior experiences for
the clients while supporting the local
communities as much as possible and
strengthening them with the highest
standards of professionalism required
from every business and individual
involved in the tours. Jordan Allure
Tours recognizes that the modern
luxury traveler is interested in having
unforgettable, authentic experiences
while giving back to the communities
they visit. It is a challenge to learn
about the unknown. Through their love
of country, Jordan Allure Tours invites
the traveler to treasure Jordan so that
a unique connection is made not only
with the land but with the people.
67 68

LEBANON
Image by: Piotr Chrobot
69 70

Beirut | Jewel of the Middle East
A
fast paced city where the east meets the west, a trip to Beirut can leave your head
in a spin but with an experience you will never forget. Lebanon is thriving, as it
enjoys a peaceful period and continued development. Nowhere is this more apparent
than Beirut, it is the city where everyone from all over the Middle East heads to when
looking for a party or enjoy a spot of shopping. The Lebanese people are friendly, fun,
passionate, creative, hedonistic making a trip one of the funnest on earth.
One thing you will quickly
learn in Beirut is that it knows
how to let its hair down. Rue
Gouraud, the main hub of
neighbourhood Gemmayze,
is packed every night of
the week. A stroll here and
you will find yourself on a
pub crawl where you’ll find
bars such as Torino, a small
arch of a place, with a DJ
at weekends and red neon
writing in the window. Enjoy
local Almaza beers while
you casually walk down the
street, or just chill by the
pavement. There are proper
seats outside Internazionale
further down the street,
immediately recognisable
by its blue, white and red
geometric patterns outside
and vast back-of-bar booze
selection.
71 72

Head to downtown Beirut to visit Martyrs Square. It is an area brimming with history:
named for the martyrs executed there under Ottoman rule, the square also formed the
line that split the city during the Lebanese Civil War. Today it is a shining light on religious
harmony and the togetherness which is currently enjoyed in the city and Lebanon. Then
there is also the Blue Mosque, a vast modern reincarnation of a 19th century original;
while right behind is the 19th century Saint George Cathedral.
Place d’Etoile is the place where you’ll find Beirut’s icon: the 1930s Rolex clock gifted to
the city. This important square is lined with Lebanese government buildings, so don’t be
surprised to see a heavy army presence here. Amongst the official buildings are some
lovely art deco architecture. If you’re staying locally, it’s a good (if overpriced) spot to
enjoy a steaming glass of fresh mint tea or smoke some flavoured shisha after dinner.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle look no further than Zaitunay Bay, this relatively
new promenade has become an instant classic, marvel at the expensive yachts and enjoy
a drink out at any of the relaxed alfresco cafes and restaurants open late into the night. It’s
not far from Beirut’s MusicHall too - a cabaret-style theatre.
You cannot visit Beirut without learning absorbing the wondrous culture that is engrained
in the city. The Rue Sursock that the Sursock museum sits on is flanked by extravagant
villas, all belonging to Beirut’s most influential families, and well worth a wander down to
gawp through the gates. The grandiose Sursock Museum, built by Lebanese aristocrat
Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock, is a Beirut cultural hub, with a contemporary art museum
showcasing artists from Lebanon and elsewhere.
73 74

Lebanon
THE KEY BEIRUT
Luxury Aparthotel
District, Corniche du Fleuve، Palais De Justice, Bayrut, Lebanon ♦ Tel +961 1 424 247 ♦
thekeybeirut.com
Visit central Beirut, once
referred to as the Paris of the
Middle East, this beautiful city has it
all, history, culture, great food, and a
warm welcome from the locals.
For a fabulous Beirut experience,
stay at the well located four-star
luxury Key ApartHotel, with cleverly
designed apartments for couples,
families, business or pleasure, with
light, spacious and spotlessly clean
rooms.
Whether business or pleasure, the
hotel is perfect for those wishing to
discover the various attractions of
Beirut. Take a walk to downtown
Beirut and soak up the nightlife
atmosphere in the district of
Bardaro, or visit the numerous art
galleries and historically stimulating
museums such as the Beirut National
Museum and the Sursock Museum
that offers late-night tours, talks and
performances.
For sightseeing, the hotel has bikes to
borrow, or a chauffeur-driven shuttle car
service to take you absolutely anywhere in
Beirut at no extra cost.
From the architectural elegance of the hotel
building to the calm and welcoming lobby
immediately providing relaxation from the
vibrant city outside. With ample parking,
air conditioning, soundproofing, this hotel
strives to make your stay as comfortable
and welcoming as possible.
The tastefully furnished luxury apartments
are equipped for urban style living with
a 24/7 mini market for all necessities. All
rooms feature high ceilings, muted colours
and modern and elegant furniture including
a fully equipped kitchenette, flat screen TV
and spaces to relax and work. For bigger
parties, there are family sized rooms and a
separate fully loaded laundry room located
in the basement. Moreover, for couples
celebrating a special event, there is the
Honeymoon Suite. The hotel also has a
wonderfully relaxing and rejuvenating Spa
with a range of treatments and a spacious
gym.
The Cellar restaurant is open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner, offering mouth-watering
Lebanese cuisine and fine wines with a
welcoming outdoor terrace to sit, relax,
and soak up the surroundings of the city.
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Image by: Radoslaw Prekurat