What times of the year are busiest for your hotel, and what are some of the major Abu Dhabi events that bring them in?

KAMAL ZAYATI Tourist season peaks not only during winter months, but we also receive many guests in summer at Al Raha Beach Hotel when we offer special summer deals. Weekends and public holidays are also popular times for guests to book in, especially for local families. High demand also comes during the major exhibitions throughout the year, such as the Formula 1 event, Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition Conference (ADIPEC), and the World Energy Summit. We are seeing a trend toward indoor venues and mixed-use facilities as the city grows and develops as an international destination. The government of Abu Dhabi continues to develop programs that encourage the utilization of these venues and spaces. From a musical talent perspective, besides concerts for international and regional artists, DJ events are happening across the city, as well as family based shows and international sporting events.

KAMAL CHAOUI Business guests are present in Abu Dhabi year round, with the exception of the key regional holidays. The city is a venue for an increasing number of international events, such as the Third Emerging Airports Conference in February 2014 and the EcoCity World Summit in 2015, to further boost corporate arrivals. With an annual calendar of events in Abu Dhabi, the city is beginning to rival Dubai in its ability to attract MICE visitors. Abu Dhabi has developed a year-round calendar of interesting events for tourists and is witnessing a growth in arrival statistics year on year. We enjoyed a 36% increase in Chinese visitors from January-June 2013 over the same period the year before, and with events such as the Mega Golf Championship Summit in January 2014, the hosting of more than 50 GCC tour operators and travel facilitators in October 2013, and sporting events such as the Formula 1 and FIFA U17 World Cup, we look forward to the continued appeal of Abu Dhabi as a year-round destination.

What makes your hotel special in terms of the services, hospitality, and accommodation that you provide?

KZ Al Raha Beach Hotel is the ideal environment for the discerning traveller, yet with our stylish accommodation including the new wing of 144 luxurious rooms and suites equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the hotel’s appeal reaches far beyond the business world. The hotel is ideally positioned for easy access to and from all major locations in the Emirate. Guests have access to a private sandy beach, and indoor and outdoor pools with a dedicated children’s area and kids’ club. Complete spa services are available on site, while golf courses are a short drive away. Eight culinary venues offer a variety of cuisine including European fare, casual al fresco dining, and 24-hour in-room dining. While Al Raha Beach Hotel has drawn considerable interest from European guests, our meeting space and ballroom are interesting for the local market.

KC As the flagship hotel of the Thailand-based Dusit International group, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi blends Arabian grandeur with Thai hospitality within an architecturally striking building in the heart of the business district of the city. Our mission is to deliver an exceptional hospitality experience that reflects the unique artistry and culture of Thailand. Naturally, we offer an impressive range of restaurants, meeting and recreational facilities, but the Thai flavor is giving us the edge in Abu Dhabi.