Which are your current operational properties based in the Middle East?
The newest is Tamani Hotel Marina, a 55 storey deluxe residential tower, with 247 spacious suites including 35 studios perfect for business and leisure.

This is currently the one in operation from Tamani. We launched this property in February 2008 and it was very successful for us.

Name the other planned Middle East portfolio signed as of January 2008?
TAMANI has two hotels to rise soon in Dubai’s premier Business Bay development. Both are due for completion in late 2010. The Tamani Hotel at Park Lane Tower has 192 deluxe guest rooms, one royal suite and 14 suites. The Tamani Arts Hotel, Artisan Cluster in Business Bay is within the Burj Dubai vicinity. It will be a five star hotel property with 250 deluxe rooms and suites. More branded and managed hotels are due for announcements in 2008.

Are there any factors that deterred your brand from expanding globally?
Tamani Hotels and Resorts are pursuing its expansion plans in the main markets beginning with Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The main feeder market is still Saudi Arabia and the region is bursting with tourism related opportunities which the company will continue to get hold of.

What can you say about the hotel industry in ME?
The hotel industry in the Middle East is still going strongly and will continue for many years to come. New types of property like ours will slowly penetrate markets which were dominated by international chains. We also noted that a lot of new projects are being launched; expansions are announced, new alliances created and the likes.