Free performances of two mega Arabic concerts, four international character shows, fireworks, and a back-to-school fun fair will embellish this year’s ‘Eid in Dubai’.

The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), the organisers of Eid in Dubai, will unveil the main attractions of the festivities starting on the first day of Eid.

The event will run for three days to bring together people from diverse cultures and nationalities residing or visiting Dubai to celebrate this joyous occasion.

Ibrahim Saleh, Coordinator General of Eid in Dubai, said the event had become a focal point of Dubai’s festivals, especially after the success of the past two editions.

“It also affirms Dubai’s position as a premier destination for festivals and events in the region all round the year.”

Eid in Dubai will feature free entertainment destinations, spectacular concerts, international character shows, fireworks, and shopping deals across the city.

In a span of three days, visitors — particularly families — can witness once more the two of the best-loved characters on to the stage — Ben 10 and Hello Kitty.

Ben 10 features a 25-minute live stunt action show incorporating spectacular graphics and a chance for children to see Ben Tennyson, Four Arms, and Wildmutt in action.

Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, and My Melody get together for a musical performance in the Hello Kitty show.

“One of our main aims of organising this festivity is to create a social event that brings together all cultures and nationalities to enjoy one great celebration. We have spared no effort in putting together a colorful and attractive calendar of local and international events that will be strategically distributed across the city so that everyone can participate and feel the festivity wherever they are in Dubai,”  Salleh said.

Popular dinosaur Barney joins Baby Bop and BJ for yet another scintillating show titled Barney’s Beach Party.

The show is free and followed by a ‘meet and greet’ session. Popular children’s TV programme Lazy Town also takes the stage to enthrall children.

Besides the characters shows, families can also look forward to a brilliant Aquafantasia show, including fireworks, laser lighting, and water screens.

A Dino Live Exhibition at Dubai Festival City takes visitors on a journey of dinosaurs through an exhibition, shows, character meet and greet, merchandising stands, and food stalls themed on dinosaurs and the Jurassic age.

At the Dubai Airport Expo, the biggest Back-to-School party, a comprehensive stationery exhibition will be hosted. It is combined with a fun fair featuring numerous games and attractions.

Children will find then the perfect way to celebrate Eid Al Fitr in addition to preparing for school re-opening.

The Atlantis,   also takes part in the  Eid celebration this year with amazing hotel and entertainment packages for visitors.

The Atlantis ‘Irresistible Eid Package’ includes an Atlantis Room, free access to Aquaventure – Dubai’s largest waterpark, free access to The Lost Chambers with 65,000 marine animals, preferential rates to swim with the dolphins, one day free access to Kid’s Club (11am -6pm), one day free access for teens to Club Rush, and free access to ‘Eid Cool Summer Nights’ celebrations at Aquaventure Waterpark with nightly firework display.

The package is now being offered for just Dh1,470 per night during Eid.

As part of the celebrations, Atlantis is organising the ‘Eid Cool Summer Nights’ where at the Aquaventure Waterpark visitors can not only enjoy all the rides and slides, but also experience the carnival atmosphere, DJs, night market, food and beverages from around the world, a children’s souk and spectacular firework displays. Eid in Dubai concerts are also set. Music lovers can expect to be treated to a string of concerts during Eid Al Fitr featuring some of the best Arab and Iranian pop stars.

In a two-day concert at the Madinat Arena on September 11 and September 12, Eid in Dubai brings six Arab pop sensations to the stage. Fadel Shaker, Elissa, Jannat, Hussein Al Jasmi, Mona Amrsha, and Shereen Abdel Wahab are lined up to entertain audiences.

Renowned Arab singers Fares Karam and Shaza Hasson will perform in a mega concert from 9:30pm onwards on September 12  at Al Bustan Rotana. Tickets are priced at Dh600,  Dh800, and Dh1,200.

On September 10, the Dubai World Trade Centre will host a scintillating Iranian concert featuring Iranian pop-stars Andy, Afshin, Sepideh, and Erfan. VIP tickets are priced at Dh500 and regular seats at Dh365.

The following day, September 11, Iranian artists Benyamin and Ali Ashabi will take the stage for yet another concert. Tickets are available at Dh499 for VIP and Dh299 for regular seats.

A local play will also be staged for theatre fans in UAE, who will have the chance to watch their favourite actors. As part of DEPE’s support to the local theatre community, a comedy play titled ‘Me, My Wife and Obama’ will be staged in three shows during Eid in an exclusive production.

lily@khaleejtimes.com

Dubai’s government will keep its options open for a potential sovereign debt issue later this year but it is not under pressure to do so, its finance chief said late on Sunday.

DUBAI DEBTS: Dubai government is restructuring $23.5bn in debt.(Getty Images)

“The options are open. We are not under pressure to do anything,” Abdulrahman al-Saleh, director general of Dubai’s Department of Finance, told Reuters on the sidelines of gathering of Dubai officials.

Meanwhile, the Dubai government, which is restructuring $23.5 billion in debt, will launch a roadshow for fixed income investors in Asia starting on August 26, a government statement released last week said.

The plan follows a similar program for European investors in June, as part of the government’s strategy for “providing regular updates to both existing and prospective fixed income investors around the world.” (Reuters)

Life in Ramadan

Bringing a beautiful insight into life of UAE residents during the holy month of Ramadan, this exhibition was put together by the Emirates Photography Society and showcases the work by 13 of the country’s finest photographers. The exhibition gives visitors the chance to discover a local perspective on the many unique traditions and customs that characterise this special time of the Islamic year.

There are pictures of outdoor prayers, both men and women, as well as intimate shots of family and social gatherings. The works are a mixture of colour and black and white, but the message of Ramadan remains clear throughout. The collection promotes the ever-increasing number of UAE-based photographers who are starting to make a name for themselves, 10 of whom have work on display here, as well as strengthen the connection between art and the local community.

Daily until September 18 10am-10pm, Maraya Art Centre, Al Qasba, Sharjah, 06 556 6555, www.barjeelartfoundation.com

Exhibitions

Celebrating Ramadan The work on display features both professional and amateur artists, and includes Arabic calligraphy. There is a real mixture of pieces, which have been created using oils, acrylics, watercolours and mixed media. Much of the work is for sale, making this a great opportunity to pick up a special gift, or buy yourself something to help celebrate this special time of year.

Daily until September 4, 9am-3pm, closed Thursdays and Fridays, Gallery 76, Dubai International Art Centre, Jumeirah Beach Road, Street 75b, Villa No 27, 04 344 4398

Sumayyah al Suwaidi’s Ramadan Art Bazaar This fine collection of pictures has plenty of works for sale by no less than 24 artists. And with top-end price-tag of Dh4,000, there is something available to suit a variety of budgets.

Daily until September 9, 9am-1pm and 8-11 pm (closed Fridays), Ghaf Gallery, Abu Dhabi, 02 665 5332.

That Shimmering Beast: The Capture of Urban Life Virgilio Ferreira, Miyuki Okuyama and Mehrdad Naraghi offer their own unique take on what factors give cities their unique feel and characteristics. It goes far beyond the architecture and urban planning, showing that humans cannot control the personality of a town, no matter how much they may try to.

Daily until September 9, 9am-10pm (Fridays 3pm-10pm), The Empty Quarter, DIFC, Dubai, 04 323 1210

Kalimat The word kalimat literally means “words” and while the artworks that make up the exhibition all contain elements of the written Arabic word, they embody a variety of styles, techniques and approaches in the spirit of tradition and Middle Eastern culture.

Daily until September 13, 2-10pm, Saturdays 9am-10pm (visit www.ductac.org to confirm opening hours), Manu Chhabria Arts Centre, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 04 341 4777

The Story of Islamic Art in 99 Objects Curated with Zayed University, this brilliant exhibition is historical, educational and captivating. Farhad Farjam’s extensive private collection is a joy to behold. A must-see during this special time of year. Daily until September 15, 10am-8pm, Saturdays 12pm-8pm, closed Fridays, Farjam Collection@DIFC, Gate Village 4, Dubai, 04 323 0303

Blue Skie’d and Clear This exhibition features Birgit Graschopf, Yuko Ichikawa, Maria Maeser, Jamie Baldridge, Maximillian Pramatarov and Hazem Mahdy as they look to “expand the photographic horizon”. All of them play with the notion of everyday life and try to define what this phrase means to them. Daily until September 25, 11.30am-7pm (closed Fridays), Carbon 12 Gallery, Al Quoz 1, Street 8, Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse D37, Dubai, 050 464 4392.

A Story of Islamic Embroidery in Nomadic and Urban Traditions This noteworthy exhibition was extended by two months due to its popularity. It features hundreds of textiles, some more than two centuries old, including pieces from Central Asia and Russia. Daily until September 25, 10am-2pm and 8.30pm-11.30pm, ladies only on Tuesdays 10am-2pm, Gallery One, Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi, 02 690 9000

The President of the UAE Cup Series Photography Gallery Brand Abu Dhabi and the Emirates Equestrian Federation have come together to create this superb selection of photos from the past 15 years which celebrate Arabian horses in the UAE. Many of the pictures are privately owned and have never been on public display before. A fine collection which illustrates the passion that is held for these beautiful animals in the Emirates. Daily until October 17, Gate 4, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi, www.presidentscup.ae

Peripheral Vision Paintings, photos and sculptures created by artists from Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the UAE examine unique Arab identities and the complex struggles facing different communities. The works show areas of culture not usually discussed in public circles. Daily 10am-8pm, Barjeel Art Foundation, Maraya Arts Centre, Sharjah, www.barjeelartfoundation.com

Saadiyat Island Cultural District Exhibition Take a glimpse of the future cultural plans for the capital by checking out the designs for buildings such as Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Daily until February 25, 2011, 10am-10pm, Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi, www.artsabudhabi.ae

Call for submissions

Choose Wisely Sustainable Fish Dish Challenge The Emirates Wildlife Society is holding a recipe competition to raise awareness of the declining stocks of some varieties of fish in the UAE, and promote sustainable fisheries. Visit www.choosewisely.ae
to submit recipes created using sustainable fish. Recipes will be posted online and scored by visitors, with the highest rated recipes being featured in a UAE sustainable fish dish cookbook. The contest is open until October 15.

ADIHEX The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is after applications for its heritage competitions to be held at the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition at Adnec in Abu Dhabi from September 22-25. Among the competitions are an Arab coffee brewing contest, art and poetry competitions and a saluki beauty championship. For more details visit www.adach.ae or call 02 657 61711.

Choose Wisely Sustainable Fish Dish Challenge The Emirates Wildlife Society is holding a recipe competition to raise awareness of the declining stocks of some varieties of fish in the UAE, and promote sustainable fisheries. Visit www.choosewisely.ae to submit recipes created using sustainable fish. Recipes will be posted online and scored by visitors, with the highest rated recipes being featured in a UAE sustainable fish dish cookbook. The contest is open until October 15.

Regarding Borders Shelter Maraya in Sharjah is looking for people to submit photographic or video works which celebrate the landscape of the Arabian peninsula for a forthcoming exhibition. The deadline for submissions is September 25, with the exhibition taking place from December 15 until January 16. You can enter via email at regardingborders@shelter.ae or hand in your work in at Shelter in Dubai or Sharjah, 10am-7pm, Sunday to Thursday. For more details visit www.shelter.ae
or call 06 556 6555

Museum Me the UAE If you fancy taking your first step in the world of art and want to give something back to the Emirates at the same time, then why not help out thejamjar gallery in Dubai, which is looking for 100 objects to display in the upcoming exhibition Museum ME the UAE – a brief history of one country. Submissions must be made to museumuae@thejamjardubai.com by October 1, with full details of the object and no more than 150 words on why it is important to the country. The exhibition will take place at thejamjar from October 14-21. www.thejamjardubai.com

Talks, classes & workshops

Embroidery Workshops To compliment the extended A Story of Islamic Embroidery in Nomadic and Urban Traditions (see exhibitions) comes a series of workshops where young and old can learn how to weave their own work. The classes are not daily, so visit www.artsabudhabi.ae
for details. Prior booking is essential Until September 6 Gallery One Education Room, Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi, free entry, 02 690 8207, artsabudhabi@tdic.ae

Summer Art-rageous Kids aged between 6 and 12 can unleash their creativity while learning about famous artists and art techniques. The final camp of the summer starts on September 5. Sunday-Thursday Manu Chhabria Arts Centre, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 04 341 4777

Dubai Mall Summer Camp These week-long camps offer five very different days, with ice skating, movie watching, a trip to KidZania and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo all on the schedule. The scheme runs until September 9. Sunday-Thursday 9am-3pm, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dh950, 04 448 5200.

Gastro

Emirates Palace Iftar The Ramadan Pavilion on the Ballroom Terrace can host over 1,200 guests and is one of the best places to enjoy a high-class meal during the holy month. Daily throughout Ramadan, Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi, Iftar Dh215+ taxes, suhoor Dh95+taxes, 02 690 7999

Family events

Ramadan & EidThis consumer show takes up half a dozen of Adnec’s huge halls and has plenty of shopping and gifts on offer, as well as traditional song and dance being performed. Daily until September 14, 8pm-3am, Halls 1-6, Adnec, Abu Dhabi, 800 23632

Ramadan At the Top Enjoy unparalleled scenery from the world’s highest viewing deck on top of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Daily until September 9, 5pm-midnight, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, Dh100 (Dh75 for children) in advance, Dh400 on the door, www.atthetop.ae

Sharjah Ramadan Fair A fine selection of fashion goods and perfumes are on offer at this huge shopping extravaganza, as well as plenty of entertainment for all ages. Daily until September 11, Expo Centre Sharjah, 06 577 0000.

Art & Craft Market Members of Artisans of the Emirates (ARTE) show off and sell their latest wares, from jewellery to home furnishings, all of which were made in the country. Today 6pm-midnight, Mezzanine level (near Ikea), Festival Centre, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 800 33232.

Charity events

Bag Sale Dubai Ladies Club is hosting a second-hand bags sale, so you can expect some pretty glam stuff up for grabs. All money goes to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment. Saturday 8pm-midnight, Dubai Ladies Club, Dubai, 04 349 9922.

Iftar Art Auction The Portfolio Gallery has donated Dh30,000 of works for a silent auction to raise money for a disabled student in Sharjah, but organisers, the Canadian Business Council, are still looking for more art to auction off. Monday 6.30pm, Media Rotana Hotel, Dubai, 04 359 2625.

Charity Bazaar Le Méridien hotel in Abu Dhabi is raising money for Unicef’s Schools for Africa campaign. Wednesday until September 3, 6-9pm, main lobby & Opus Lounge, Le Méridien hotel Abu Dhabi, 02 644 6666.

Sport

Iftar Games Volleyball, dodgeball, flip cup and more are on offer, as well as a tasty Iftar buffet. You can register to play from 6pm and the action begins at 8pm. Today 6pm, The softball fields next to the Metropolitan Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, www. dubai.duplays.com

Last chance

DTCM Ramadan Tent 2010 Islamic and other educational lectures are being offered to help celebrate the holy month organised by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Daily until Saturday, Al Towar, Dubai, www.almultaqa.ae

Kids Theatre Works Drama Camp Youngsters can learn how to read, write and perform their own lines. Sunday-Thursday 9am-3pm daily, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, Dh650, 04 341 4777

Color The Cuadro Fine Art Gallery has been colour-coded and divided into six different sections. Daily until August 31, 10am-8pm, Saturday (12-6pm), closed Fridays, Cuadro Fine Art Gallery, Building 10, DIFC Gate Village, Dubai, 04 425 0400

Beyond the Surface An exhibition by a group of 15 Dubai artists aged from 16 to 18. The works ask the viewer to look beyond the obvious surfaces which frame our everyday life. Daily until August 31, 10am-8pm (Friday 2-8pm, closed Sundays), thejamjar gallery, Street 17, Dubai, 04 341 7303.

Coming up

The Laughter Factory Mickey Hutton makes his second appearance of the year in the Emirates and is joined by Craig Campbell and Doc Brown for a series of live shows. September 14-23 Various venues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Dh115, 21+, www.thelaughterfactory.com
, 800 4669.

Cinema

Tekken

When the main film of the week is based on a beat-’em-up computer game then you know it’s not a vintage time for new releases at the cinema. Jin Kazama (Jon Woo) wants to avenge his mother’s death the only way he knows how – by battering his dad and grandfather in a fighting tournament. Kazama thinks it was his granddad who killed his mum, but when it’s over will the phrase “Winners don’t take drugs” flash along the bottom of the screen?

www.grandcinemas.com
, www.cinestarcinemas.com , www.cineroyal.ae

Oceans

The epic voyage to the deep has been re-released and is now in 3D. Jacques Perrin’s Disney-funded work, which took four years to complete, gives a wonderful account of life beneath the surface of the world’s five great oceans. There is the obligatory eco-warning message, but this never gets in the way of some mesmerising footage.

www.grandcinemas.com
, www.cinestarcinemas.com , www.cineroyal.ae

The Greatest

This family drama stars Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarandon as parents trying to come to terms with their son Bennett’s death in a car accident. When a young woman contacts them saying she is pregnant with Bennett’s child, the couple invite her stay. What follows is the usual mix heartache, sorrow and, ultimately, emotional healing.
www.grandcinemas.com
, www.cinestarcinemas.com , www.cineroyal.ae

Accidents Happen

Harrison Gilbertson plays a teenage boy who somehow manages to keep his family together until a car crash forces him and his closest relatives to face up to the reality of their lives. Set in Sydney, this Australian coming-of-age drama features Geena Davis as the mother whose bitterness has driven a wedge between her and her husband that Gilbertson can no longer bridge. The movie was well-received by teenage audiences on last year’s film festival circuit.
www.reelcinemas.ae

Cry of the Owl

A young woman is attracted to a man who is stalking her, but when her boyfriend goes missing, the stalker is the prime suspect. It’s a remake of a 1987 French film and this one stars Paddy Considine and Julia Stiles.
www.grandcinemas.com
, www.cinestarcinemas.com , www.cineroyal.ae

InterContinental Dubai Festival City Discover. Video. 2010

Source:  www.youtube.com

A Dubai hotel has earned the world’s highest halal ranking in a new list of Sharia-compliant hotels, showing that the emirate leads the burgeoning new sector that is halal travel.

The Jumeirah mosque in Dubai is a big draw for tourists of all nationalities and religions (FILE)

The Al Jawhara Garden Hotel in Deira is the only hotel in the world to earn seven points on the Crescentrating hotel grading system, which marks hotels on a scale of one to seven according to the availability of halal food as well as prayer rooms and mats – and the non-availability of forbidden items like alcohol and adult TV channels.

“Jawhara has taken into consideration all aspects of guest requirements to create a truly unique family-friendly environment offering traditional Islamic hospitality,” said Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of Crescentrating, which is believed to be the only company in the world that rates hotels globally for their friendliness to Muslim travellers. Its online booking portal www.crescentrating.com also promotes halal tours.

Hotels from 14 countries have now joined the growing list of Crescentrated Hotels. A total of 10 UAE hotels were given Crescenratings.

Halal travel boom

Bahardeen’s new website is a personal response to a frustration at the lack of halal-certified travel facilities. “Half of my life was spent in hotels and airplanes,” Bahardeen, a former jet-setting telecom executive, was quoted as saying by the AFP newswire. “But being a Muslim, I was getting frustrated by the travel industry or the hotels not being able to provide the right services. You don’t know what the prayer time is, where the prayer direction is, and you can’t find halal food.”

As a result, he said, ready-to-eat meals were a regular part of his luggage until he resigned his job at a major telecom firm in 2006 to set up his own company.

And he’s benefitting from a boom in halal travel, which is gaining popularity as demand for products and services permitted by Islam extends beyond food and interest-free financial instruments, and affluent Muslim travellers make their influence felt. Halal travel is expected to be worth $100 billion (Dh367bn) annually within two years, he said.

Travel commentator Yeoh Siew Hoon was quoted by AFP as saying there is a real demand for halal travel, led by tourists from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. “Take Indonesia – it is one of the fastest growing outbound markets in Asia, and is the number one source of visitors to Singapore,” said Yeoh, who operates an industry website www.webintravel.com.

Tourism Australia also produces a guide to halal restaurants due to the growing numbers of travellers from Muslim countries.

Earlier this month, Emirates24|7 reported on how travel trade in the Gold Coast and in Zurich are reaching out to Middle Eastern tourists with halal products and services.

But a fair amount of demand for halal services also comes from markets such as India and China, which have sizeable Muslim popuations. Greg Duffell, chief executive of the Bangkok-based Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), said a lot of suppliers are now amending their products to meet halal standards.

“It is a trend that started a few years ago. Since then, restaurants and resorts in Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam too have begun adapting their standards, so it’s beginning to branch out,” he said. “There are more designated halal restaurants in hotels now, and prayer facilities on the premises, especially at the airports.”

The halal food industry is worth $600 billion to $650 billion a year, according to Bahardeen and industry reports. Islamic finance meanwhile boomed when Muslims began to look for investments approved by their religion, and the sector has attracted non-Muslims too after the global financial crisis.

“The halal consciousness is rapidly going beyond food and finance,” said Bahardeen, arguing that with 1.6 billion increasingly wealthy Muslims worldwide, halal-friendly travel is likely to be the next growth area.

Muslim travellers account for seven to eight per cent of global tourism expenditure, which totalled around $930 billion in 2009, up from just three-four per cent 10 years ago, Fazal said. This share is expected to expand to 10 per cent in the next two years.

Wide ratings

Crescentrating’s hotel grading system ranges from one to seven, with a rating of one being given to a hotel with no halal facilities but whose employees are trained to answer questions from Muslim guests.

This can be raised a notch if the hotel has a list of halal-certified restaurants in its vicinity – even if it does not have one itself. The company’s highest ratings, six and seven, require a hotel to be free of alcohol, discos and TV channels showing movies unsuitable for families and children. In addition, all food and beverages must be halal.

Crescentrating also hopes to stamp halal-friendly ratings on theme parks, convention venues, cruise ships, shopping malls and hospitals used by medical tourists.

Globally, Al Jawhara Garden Hotel leads the halal ratings, with three hotels in Saudi Arabia and one in South Africa rated six on Crescentrating’s scale.

The Al Jawhara group is part of the S S Lootah Group, a diversified business segment in construction, ready-mix, and IT Solutions. “We are very happy to be the first hotel in the world to be given the highest rating of seven by Crescentrating. As a pioneer in Islamic hospitality, we have been setting benchmarking trends in shariah-compliant service offerings and are committed to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leader in the sector through Jawhara’s three-decade expertise”, commented Nasser Lootah, member of the Board of Directors of SS Lootah Group and CEO of its hospitality arms, Al Jawhara Group of Hotels and Lootah Hotel Management.

Beyond catering certified halal food, offering prayer-related facilities and an alcohol free environment, Jawhara also provides separate amenities for men and women and other shariah-compliant hospitality services in-line with the heritage of the region, catering to the privacy and family-oriented needs of the Gulf society. (With inputs from AFP)

With new eco-friendly gadgets on the market, there has never been a better time to make your hotel environmentally friendly.

Travellers’ increasing awareness of green issues has encouraged the region’s hotels to adopt a more eco-friendly approach to business. And with the introduction of new green technology, there has never been a better time for hoteliers to improve on their hotel’s eco-credentials.

Tom Lord, hotel manager of InterContinental Dubai Festival City – which has just installed LED lighting from Philips – says now is the time to invest in environmentally friendly technology.

“There is a definite shift in a lot of corporate business towards responsible business, corporate social responsibility, and so on. So if you’re a hotel in the Middle East – or indeed anywhere in the world – your clients now want you to be greener, but I think it’s also aligned with the fact that the hotel industry is only going the same way as everybody else,” Lord says.

“We are all moving towards awareness of the environment and the fact that there do need to be some changes, but also the fact that there are some fantastic green solutions out there right now means that you would be crazy not to look in to them,” he adds.

Real savings

But will the introduction of modern ‘green’ technology truly make a difference to the environment?

Louis Hakim, chairman of Philips Middle East and VP Royal Philips Electronics, believes that using new technology means that hotels do not need to resort to a complete overhaul of their building system  in order to be more eco-friendly.

“LED lighting solutions consume less power compared to conventional lighting systems, yet  give the same lighting output and generate less heat,” Hakim says.

“LED bulbs use 20% of the power of the current incandescent bulbs and last up to 25,000 hours, compared with 1000 hours for a standard bulb and 8000 for a CFL. That’s 17 years if the bulb is switched on for four hours a day. Hotels often have the lights in common areas on for most of the time,” he adds.

Solutions such as LED lighting are a far cry from larger-scale solutions such as solar panels, which have traditionally been perceived as the pinnacle of green buildings, but, says Lord, it is not necessary to adopt such solutions, as the smaller things can make a big difference.

“I think that changing existing items to more energy efficient offerings, such as using LED lighting, will be more practical and get done a lot more quickly than trying to install solar panels to run a hotel that’s been stood there for 20 years – you’ve got to be realistic about this – if you were planning to run a hotel entirely out of solar you would need a significant number of solar panels, and once your hotel has already been built, it is difficult to install,” Lord asserts.

Tarek Zakaria, ABB’s intelligent building system manager for the Gulf region, says that the use of energy efficient technology can have several desirable effects.

“First what you will have is a guest who appreciates what the hotel and the chain is doing to reduce its energy and water consumption. Many guests do want companies to promote the ‘go green’ initiative by adopting solutions that would increase comfort and also have less impact on the environment,” he says.

“A second reason why we do believe people care, even indirectly, is because of cost. If a hotel is saving 30% on energy costs, they could pass this on to the customer. It doesn’t take much to work out that people will be happier if the cost of a service is reduced, especially if there’s little distinction between comparable services, say for example two five-star hotels,” adds Zakaria.

Rajeev Abraham, buildings solutions manager – hotels, Schneider Electric EMEA, agrees that hoteliers are looking at the added benefit of the cost saving that comes with reducing energy consumption.

“Hotels have a sharp eye on return on capital investment; ideally it should be about 36-42 months. Therefore any form of energy management that can provide this kind of ROI becomes interesting to hoteliers,” he says.

The savings that hotels could stand to make could have a significant impact on their bottom line, Zakaria confirms.

“According to a study in 2009 conducted by energy consultancy firm Farnek Avireal, a typical five-star hotel in Dubai has a total energy bill of up to AED 7 million (US$1.9m) a year. With ABB technology these costs can be reduced drastically by making energy usage more efficient,” he states.

Incentives and integration

Providing a clear incentive to be more environmentally friendly is key to encouraging guests, as well as hotels and chains, to participate in green initiatives, argues cluster director of technology for Mövenpick, Issam Abbas.

“With the eco-friendly room and the guest rewards/incentive scheme, it’s all about integration between the in-room management system (e.g. inncom), the telephone system (e.g. Cisco Call Manager/Nevotek), and the property management system (e.g. Opera),” he says.

“Most of the hotels have the above mentioned systems installed, however, not integrated. A minor integration would make those systems talk to each other and come up with an “eco-friendly” room feature. This would materialise by programming a button on the guest room phone,  so that when it is pressed it dims the guest room lights and sets the AC to energy saving mode. That’s when the incentive counter on the PMS system starts ticking and the more hours the guest spends on “eco-friendly” mode the more incentive/rewards he/she gets. Those rewards could be free room nights, meals, and so on,” Abbas adds.

And making the most of the available technology can have a significant effect on a hotel’s energy output, says Rotana corporate vice president IT, Samir Abi Frem.

“When it comes to energy consumption and savings, the in-room management system is one of the most important systems we have,” says Frem.

“Using the door lock card, we are able to identify whether a staff member or a guest is in the room, and alter the settings accordingly. The system also identifies when there is no one in the room, so the air-conditioning and lights will stay off. This way we can save energy without compromising on guest comfort,” he adds.

The future

The apparent simplicity of becoming a greener hotel suggests that more hoteliers will look at adopting green technology solutions over time, argues Lord.

“I think with the emerging trends in technology there is every reason to be greener. There is a lot out there about the way that you would power a building; you would do all sorts of things in the future that we haven’t yet looked in to. We have a building and our aim is just to make it as sustainable and as responsible as possible and when you have got that kind of building, you’re limited in the amount of technology that you can bring through – it is things like waterless urinals, it’s cutting down on that water. I don’t ever think we’ll get to waterless showers over here but I think they do exist somewhere,” says Lord.

And, says Hakim, with the introduction of many smaller environmentally friendly technology products, hoteliers can easily use green solutions across their properties.

“We strive to make it easy to save energy and reduce the effects of climate change by enabling consumers to make simple choices about the products they buy and the impact they have before, during and at the end of their life cycle,” he asserts.

“Philips has a wide range of energy saving consumer lifestyle products from TVs and DVDs to irons and vacuum cleaners designed to conveniently reduce their impact on the environment without compromising on performance or design. We reported that 31% of total 2009 sales stemmed from the sale of green products compared to 22% in 2008,” Hakim adds.

Abraham believes that the ease of ‘going-green’ will prompt an increase in hotels utilising the available green technology in future.

“Of course more hotels will look at green solutions because it has proven to be a perfect business model and the ROI is clear,” he says. “It is just a matter of time before this trend will grow, and it is already off to a great start – especially with international organisations recognising such efforts and awarding hotels and executives accordingly.”

There is no question that the future will see more hotels adopting an eco-friendly stance with their technology, says Zakaria.

“There will be more hotels going green because customers are asking for this, because governments are legislating for this, and also because hotels themselves are looking to differentiate. The added bonus from ABB’s point of view is that our solutions actually increase the comfort of guests in addition to saving energy, so it’s a win-win situation from the hotel’s perspective; they save money and they improve their customer experience,” he asserts.

And with clear economic and environmental rewards and the technology to make it happen, the future, it would seem, is green.

The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) has unveiled the main attractions of three-day festivity ‘Eid in Dubai’ to mark festivities coinciding with Eid Al Fitr including concerts by Arab pop stars and musical plays.

Starting from the first day of Eid, the event will feature entertainment destinations, spectacular concerts, international character shows, fireworks, and shopping deals across the city, said a DEPE statement.

Being organized for the third consecutive year, ‘Eid in Dubai’ aims at promoting Dubai as a festive destination during Eid-Al-Fitr and Eid-Al-Adha celebrations through various entertainment events to highlight Dubai’s unique manner of celebrating this special occasion, it added.

It also aims at bringing together the diverse cultures and nationalities residing or visiting Dubai to celebrate this joyous occasion in three days of continuous festivities designed to cater to all ages.

Ibrahim Saleh, co-ordinator general of ‘Eid in Dubai’, said, “‘Eid in Dubai’ has become a main event within Dubai’s festivals especially after the success of the past two editions. It also affirms Dubai’s position as a premier destination for festivals and events in the region all round the year.”

“One of our main aims of organizing this festivity is to create a social event that brings together all cultures and nationalities to enjoy one great celebration.”

“We have spared no effort in putting together a colorful and attractive calendar of local and international events that will be strategically distributed across the city so that everyone can participate and feel the festivity wherever they are in Dubai,” Saleh noted.

“During three days, visitors can see two of the best -loved characters on the stage: Ben 10 and Hello Kitty. Ben 10 features a 25 minute live stunt action show incorporating spectacular graphics and a chance for children to see Ben Tennyson, Four Arms, and Wildmutt in action.”

“Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, and My Melody get together for a musical performance in the Hello Kitty show. To emphasize the spirit of Eid and to spread the feelings of joy and festivity, both shows are being staged by the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment for free,” Saleh said.

To add to the festive spirit, popular dinosaur Barney joins Baby Bop and BJ for yet another scintillating show titled Barney’s Beach Party. The show is free and followed by a ‘meet and greet’ session. Popular children’s television programme Lazy Town also takes the stage to enthrall children.

Besides the characters shows, families can also look forward to a brilliant Aquafantasia show including fireworks, laser lighting, and water screens, pointed out Saleh.

“A Dino Live Exhibition at Dubai Festival City takes visitors on a journey of dinosaurs through an exhibition, shows, character meet and greet, merchandising stands, and food stalls themed on dinosaurs and the Jurassic age,” he added.

As part of the event, Dubai Airport Expo too is gearing up to host what is billed as the biggest Back-to-School party. A comprehensive stationery exhibition combined with a fun fair featuring numerous games and attractions, children will have found the perfect way to celebrate Eid Al Fitr in addition to preparing for school re-opening.

Atlantis, one of the most iconic landmarks in UAE will also be part of Eid celebrations this year with amazing hotel and entertainment packages for visitors starting at Dh1,470 ($400) per night.

The Atlantis ‘Irresistible Eid Package’ includes an Atlantis Room, free access to Aquaventure – Dubai’s largest waterpark, free access to The Lost Chambers with 65,000 marine animals, preferential rates to swith with the dolphins, one day free access to Kid’s Club (11am -6pm), one day free access for teens to Club Rush, and free access to ‘Eid Cool Summer Nights’ celebrations at Aquaventure Waterpark with nightly firework display, said Saleh.

‘Eid in Dubai’ Concerts

For music lovers, DEPE is organising a string of concerts featuring some of the best Arab and Iranian pop stars such as Fadel Shaker, Elissa, Jannat, Hussein Al Jasmi, Mona Amrsha, and Shereen Abdel Wahab. The two-day concert will be held at the Madinat Arena on September 11 and September 12.

Additionally, renowned Arab singers Fares Karam and Shaza Hasson will perform in a mega concert from 9:30pm onwards on September 12th at Al Bustan Rotana. Tickets are priced at Dh600, Dh800 and Dh1200.

The Dubai World Trade Centre too will join to host a scintillating Iranian concert on September 10 featuring Iranian pop-stars Andy, Afshin, Sepideh, and Erfan. VIP tickets are priced at Dh500 and regular seats at Dh365.

The following day on September 11, Iranian artists Benyamin and Ali Ashabi take the stage for yet another concert. Tickets are priced at Dh499 for VIP and Dh299 for regular seats.

According to Saleh, ‘Eid in Dubai’ will also present theatre fans in UAE the chance to watch their favourite actors in action.

As part of DEPE’s support to the local theatre community, a comedy play titled ‘Me, My Wife and Obama’ will be staged in three shows during Eid in an exclusive production for ‘Eid in Dubai,’ he added-TradeArabia News Service

DUBAI // Residents and tourists could be zipping to nearby emirates in air-conditioned water taxis or chugging along Dubai’s lakes and canals in battery-powered abras as part of the emirate’s plan to develop its marine transport system.

The skyline forms a scenic backdrop for a water taxi parked at its station at Dubai Marina. Paulo Vecina / The National

Water taxis to Sharjah and Ajman are likely to be rolled out late next year once the service catches on in Dubai, said Khalid al Zahed, the director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) marine projects department. Wood-panelled heritage-style abras may begin operation in Dubai’s Marina and downtown Burj areas by the end of this year, he added.

“Right now we are doing full assessment work,” he said. “We have just started the water taxis so we must test it fully. Once we have a successful story and cover maximum Dubai areas, we can move to our neighbours.”

There are plans to station at least two water taxis in Sharjah once service to the emirate begins to cut waiting time. The RTA has not yet worked out the fares that would be charged between emirates.

“It’s a good idea. People enjoy travelling by water,” said Ali Alvloushis, the head of Majellaan Marine, a Sharjah-based charter service.

The authorities “must keep in mind the waves and currents, so the location of the stations will be important”, he said. “Where the stations are located will determine its success.”

The sleek vessels, which cost Dh6 million each, have already made about 200 trips to 19 destinations linking Dubai’s high-end hotels to tourist spots since their launch two weeks ago. A station will be added soon at Dubai Marina Mall.

“The numbers are very promising. We were expecting 100 trips so we have double of what we expected and we have still not launched our [advertising] campaign,” Mr al Zahed said.

The RTA will run a promotion with the title “All aboard for stress-free travel” over the next week. Advertisements will appear on double-decker buses, on taxis, in newspapers and on the radio.

More than 60 per cent of the water taxi traffic so far has come from tourists hopping between hotels in north Dubai and the downtown souks, RTA figures show.

“It’s definitely a new way for moving around for tourists and it’s a fun way to discover Dubai,” said Fabrice Ducry, the general manager of the Sofitel Hotel. “It will be a good impact for tourism.”

Other reaction to the water taxi has been mixed, with residents terming it expensive and tourists backing it as a worthwhile experience if shared with friends. In response to resident complaints, the RTA has made changes in its booking system to enable vessel captains to accept spot fares just like a regular taxi.

The minimum fare for a water taxi is Dh50 for a ride across Creek Park. The fare can touch Dh570 for journeys from Dubai Festival City to the Jebel Ali Hotel and Spa. Those costs compare with boat cruises run by private operators who charge upwards of Dh200 per person for a two-hour ride and private charters that can cost as much as Dh3,000 per hour.

“It would be popular with tourists and I would certainly use it myself,” said Scott Chambers, a Brazilian expatriate and the head of Surf Dubai. “Exploring the coastline will be a really good idea. Whichever way they do it they must also be environmentally aware about preserving Dubai’s beautiful beaches.”

The more traditional abras plying across Dubai Creek, which seat 20 people, cost Dh1 per person while air-conditioned water buses seating 36 passengers cost Dh2. Abras ferry about 50,000 commuters and water buses another 1,500 daily in downtown Dubai. The RTA plans to start an abra service in the Dubai Marina and downtown Burj Khalifa areas.

Unlike the traditional wooden abras, the new, more compact versions with a fibreglass body will carry six to eight passengers. The cost of the new vessels was not immediately available. While the old abras weigh about 10 tonnes, the new canvas-canopy boats will weigh about one tonne. Unlike the diesel boats operating in the creek, the new abras will be powered by electricity.

Fares for the new abras will cover the entire vessel and will not be billed per passenger, Mr al Zahed said. He declined to disclose the fee.

A prototype was used from November to December last year in the Global Village canal, offering a 20-minute ride for Dh50.

rtalwar@thenational.ae

Top beverage professionals met up at the InterContinental Hotel Dubai Festival City this month, to share some honest advice on exactly what it will take to bring the Middle East bar industry up to international standards.

What is the biggest challenge facing the Middle East bar and beverage industry right now?

Nick Hancock: One thing we’ve talked about before is the lack of any official bar guild in the region – and that’s still applicable. The main issue in this market is that there are more bars now and there are also less people.

On top of the effects of the downturn, it’s the summer, so people go away, and there are fewer tourists because of the weather. It’s a difficult time of year; I think quarter four is the focus for most operators.

Ghaith Zeidan: A lot of companies are looking at Q4; it should represent the best time of year for everybody.

But just going back to the issue of a bar guild, that’s definitely something we want to arrange. Myself and representatives from Monin and MMI are in touch with Derick Lee, the president of the International Bartenders Association, and we’re definitely looking at bringing the IBA here. It would bring more credibility to training, to events, and really move the industry to a different level.

Etienne Haro: I don’t think it’s too bad here – a lot of suppliers have really tried to fill that training gap, bringing specialists over and hosting events for beverage staff. Having said that, it is still too contractual and too infrequent.

What we really need to do is challenge staff to be more creative, more outgoing, because that’s what makes a bar great. That’s why competitions are so good – because they take bartenders out of the work place and let them try something new.

Giorgio Vallesi: For MMI, we see competitions as one of the most important things to do for the industry. It gives bartenders the chance to socialise, to network, to learn and share ideas.

Also I think one of the main issues we’re facing comes down to the importance bars attach to training: business was always booming here, you just opened the doors and people came in. But the reality today is totally different – customers are looking for value, and that includes great service as well as a great product.

But I think a lot of people thought the way to solve this sudden slowing of business was to offer discounts, which isn’t right or sustainable.

Sid King: Challenge-wise, forecasting is a bit of a disaster at the moment. We are facing issues in meeting the budget and are now focusing on forecast, and the only way to do this is to offer the best possible service and the best possible products. Plus we’re not sitting around idly in quiet times; we are focusing on training, making sure staff are knowledgeable and confident, so the customers we do have are getting the best possible service.

Hancock: There are two types of forecast: a bad forecast and a lucky forecast, especially in this environment. So you can’t aim too low, but you’ve got to be realistic and have confidence in the numbers you’re giving and the reasons you’re giving them.

Haro: Forecasting is key to your cost management, and that’s the biggest problem. Whether your forecast is right or wrong is not really important – what is important is that a lot of things are coming out from your forecast, so if you’re way off, and you get orders wrong, for example, that’s not good.

In the current climate, outlets have to fight for business; how are your operations driving footfall?

Quick: There are all sorts of ways to encourage footfall. People see Zuma and think it’s expensive, so deals such as taster menus or lunch time and early evening specials are a great way to get them in and show them what we’re really about.

Shaun Roesstorff: When the market became tougher, there were a lot of venues giving discounts or giving something for free – instead of doing all that, you can step up a notch with your quality, and make sure you’re really living up to, or going one better than, your price bracket.

Haro: Value is the key, certainly. It’s misleading to think that because you reduce the price of an item by two dirhams, you’re putting yourself at a competitive advantage.

Zeidan: Today, people are most likely to go somewhere they trust to give good value – and I don’t think they mind paying that bit extra if they are confident of getting that.

Quick: There do seem to be less people going out, as well. When I came to Dubai a year ago, Zuma was packed every night; now it’s still doing well in the restaurant, but the bar can be a bit quiet, because we’re used to crowds. So footfall is definitely down – but it’s spending habits too.

Hancock: I bet your food sales are not too different to last year, but alcohol is very different, right? It’s the same in our outlets. Food sales are actually up on last year, alcohol sales are down.

Vallesi: Absolutely; 2009 was the best year for MMI retail, but the on-trade went down because people are being more cautious, entertaining more at home when they would have gone out before.

Everyone’s downgrading, so people who were drinking champagne last year are now having sparkling wine; those who drank wine are having spirits; those who drank spirits are going to beer, and so on.

So the volume is still there, but the revenue has dropped because the purchase of premium goods has fallen.

Quick: We’re definitely seeing that, particularly with regards to high-end cognacs and premium whiskies. People are more cautious with their money.

Hancock: And also we’ve seen a big drop in the amount of credit card usage, with people just leaving their card behind the bar for the evening, which was typical a few years back in this market.

What trends are you noticing in the beverage field at the moment?

Haro: I’d say it’s a major return to classics. I look at what’s around and there are a lot of the traditional names – Mojitos, Cosmopolitans, all of that. A few years ago we had some really bold things; nowadays there’s a move back to the recognisable.

Zeidan: I think the trend today is to offer classics with a slight twist; but we come back to the same point – the consumer.

People are not feeling ‘brave’ enough at the moment to go out and spend money on something they might not like. But give them a slight twist on an old favourite, and they will go for that.

Roesstorff: People trust what they know. They know Mojitos, they know Caipirinhas, they know what to expect.

And that’s what they’re looking for: something they are comfortable with and know they will enjoy.

Quick: It’s a bit disheartening for bartenders though, because most of us hate doing Mojitos! When you’ve spent time developing an inventive cocktail list, you want to encourage people to try it. At Zuma, we will try to engage a customer by chatting about what they like, and giving them something a bit different and new to try; then, if they don’t like it, fair enough, they can have a round of Mojitos instead.

Zeidan: But this is the difference with an independent outlet. You have the freedom to empower your bartenders to offer different drinks to your customers, and if they don’t like it – fine, they can throw it away. No hotel in town will do that. At many places, if you don’t order from the menu, you don’t get. They won’t ask if you like it sour or sweet, or what kind of thing you’re looking for: they’re there to sell by rote. This is also why people order things they know, because they don’t want to be disappointed by it.

Haro: Well I like to think hotels are a bit more creative than you’re portraying them! There are some amazing hotel bars.

Zeidan: OK, some are good, but I’m talking about 80-90% of hotel bars out there. I’ve been here since before there was a cocktail industry, back when a Bloody Mary was unheard of, so it’s great to see it even up to where it is today. But there’s still more to be done.

And regarding trends, this really isn’t a trends market; we copy. We copy Europe, the US, Asia, whatever works there we think will work here, so we copy. We’re not a trend-setting market.

Why isn’t this a market that can lead?

Zeidan: It’s about not having the producers here, so you don’t have that invention here; so we have to rely on new ideas from outside.

Quick: Why can’t the bartenders here have new ideas though? I think if people are encouraged to be creative, then they absolutely can be, no matter where they are.

And OK, maybe in independent outlets it is easier to empower the staff to be creative in that way, but it’s not a hard-and-fast rule by any means.

Zeidan: But I think we always come back to the same point here, which is people.

Hancock: And that brings us back to the first question, on what the main challenges are; for me, it’s staff. You find some decent empowered staff, particularly in independent outlets, but still…

King: My staff are empowered – to a certain point. To throw away a cocktail, no; to promote their outlet’s speciality cocktails, yes. But there is a limit, if you’re on a small wage and the budget is tight, as they are nowadays.

What you need are people with charisma and character, which is what my bartenders have, and I think if they’re friendly and focused and get people buying, then good for them.

Quick: That is one of the main problems, though: salaries. Many outlets will hire for volume rather than skill; cheap labour rather than people with real knowledge and experience. But then I know some really good bartenders in London, and they’re on great salaries – so they would never come here.

Vallesi: To have that confidence, to recommend things and get your customers to try something different, I think you’ve got to build up your skills up behind the bar – i.e. by cleaning glasses and working the tills, rather than going straight in and having a list telling you what to put in a Cosmopolitan.

If you don’t have the basic training, you won’t be able to excel as a bartender; if you don’t learn to walk, you can’t run.

Quick: It’s also about having a bit of passion in what you’re doing, following a career path you want to. A lot of the top guys in Europe are career bartenders – look at Salvatore Calabrese, he’s a legend.

These people do it because they love what they’re doing, and that’s what we want here: people that come to be bartenders and are passionate about learning and furthering their bar career. And then if you have a few new recruits, then that’s fine: the experienced hands can train. There’s a balance to be struck.

Hancock: I think there’s a lot we can do – it’s just getting the boys in HR and finance to agree! But I look at what Zuma have done; they’ve broken that mould in Dubai where you’ve got 100 Filipinos and Indians behind the bar who aren’t particularly interested in making a career in the beverage industry and who haven’t been trained properly.

Instead, they’ve got a handful of professionals from established beverage markets, such as South Africa, and the UK, and these experienced career bartenders are there to train and help the recruits from the Philippines, or India, or any other major feeder market, who don’t have the experience. And these professionals will show them the enthusiasm and passion that can go with a bar career.

Roesstorff: It does all come back to the staffing. There are too many people coming in without the necessary required knowledge, and who then get moved up before they have really mastered the basic skills. So that initial training does need to be addressed – perhaps by offering training in the basics for anyone who works in the outlet, from the bartenders to the glass washers.

Quick: When we do our training, everybody goes – the bartenders, the bar backs, waiters, receptionists, everyone. So then everyone can up-sell and understand the product.

King: This is one of the challenges of my role; I’m in charge of beverage training for 180 front-line staff for our restaurants and bars.

We do promote from within, we never take bar staff from outside the hotel, and it is a high-demand job because tips are good. And those who are keen and come to all the trainings are the ones who are considered.

Zeidan: Do you find most people are there out of passion for the business, or is it because they want more money?

King: It’s a bit of both, definitely – and the third reason is because their manager sent them!

But you can quickly tell who is passionate and who is not, so we just have to try and get the message across as best we can.

Zeidan: Ultimately, if you don’t have passion for what you’re doing, you won’t excel.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) properties at Dubai Festival City is in the process of replacing all of their interior lighting with LED solutions. A total of 35,000 light points – in hotel rooms, suites and public areas – will be replaced with sustainable alternatives.

This is phase two of a project that has already seen the InterContinental and Crowne Plaza hotels replace all of their exterior façade lighting with LED solutions. The hotels are partnering with Philips to bring this project to fruition.

As a result of this initiative, the hotels will reduce their carbon emissions by two million kg per year, and will minimise their energy costs by some 50%, explained Tom Lord, hotel manager, InterContinental Dubai Festival City.

“We have done this for a number of reasons – one is to become a market leader in the field of green. Secondly, to be honest, the lighting that we had on the outside of the building was failing in certain areas and the existing lighting solution just didn’t have any longevity. But mainly, we did this because we thought it was the right thing to do. We are on a big drive to be a more responsible business and lighting was one area that we could really start with,” said Lord.

This new endeavour is in line with existing green initiatives at the IHG Dubai Festival City properties, which include aggressive recycling of all hotel waste, the use of a Lexus LS600 hybrid car for guest transfers, and the annual Whatever Floats Your Boat competition, which raises money for local environmental charities.

While the hospitality industry is becoming increasingly aware of its environmental responsibilities, large-scale initiatives such as those undertaken by IHG are still relatively rare, noted Louis Hakim, chairman, Philips Middle East and vice president, Royal Philips Electronics. “The hospitality industry is now more aware of the environment, whether on a local or global level. The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is currently promoting various efforts to make sure that this segment is leading the way to green.

“Philips is also active by conducting workshops and lighting audits in several hotels in Dubai, creating awareness, educating end users, and providing them with a wide variety of energy efficient lighting solutions to support their drive to be more sustainable enterprises. Having said that, so far very few have followed IHG’s footsteps and embarked on comprehensive programmes to become greener in their own right,” Hakim noted.

Apart from anything else, being green makes good business sense, Lord explained. “If you are a hotel in the Middle East, or anywhere in the world, your clients now want you to be greener. Your clients want to be linked with hotels that are responsible in that way, so I think we will see a bigger shift.

“The hotel industry is only going the same way as everybody else is. We are all moving towards awareness of the environment and the fact that there do need to be changes. But also, there are such fantastic solutions out there right now that you’d be crazy not to,” Lord pointed out.

“When you can change a halogen for an LED bulb and it lasts you 14 times longer, why wouldn’t you? You don’t have to change your light bulbs as often and you don’t spend as much money. It just makes sense,” he concluded.