TIME Hotels Management is Dubai’s newest hospitality company that focuses on four-star hotels and hotel apartments. The brand announced its entry into the market with six hotel properties in the UAE, including the Time Oak Hotel & Suites in Al Barsha, and Time Grand Plaza Hotel in Al Qusais, and four hotel apartments: the Opal, Topaz and Crystal Hotel Apartments in Dubai, and the Ruby Hotel Apartments in Sharjah.
Time Hotels Management is owned by the public shareholding company Gulf General Investment Company (GGICO) and Investment Group Private Ltd (IGPL).
The concept behind the Time Hotels hospitality in the region will see a host of different properties, whether a hotel or hotel apartment under one name. Time Hotels Management believes that the launch of the new brand heralds the time for a change. At Time, the focus is on guest service, high standards and value for money besides being different.
Mohamed Awadalla, area vice president of Time says, “At Time, friendliness is the single most important principle which drives our team. The human factor is especially important at Time. Bright smiles and heartfelt greetings backed by our helpful nature is our simple promise to you. Once you have stayed with us, we hope that you will come back time and time again.”
Since its launch the brand has picked much momentum and Awadalla is happy with the feedback they received from the trade. “At Time, we offer diverse and comprehensive hospitality services which allow us to work in all market segments, be it business and leisure markets. But in particular, we target the GCC market, the frequent and individual traveller (FIT); and the airline and crew markets.”
We are also keen to tap the Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibition (Mice) market and are in the process of upgrading our meeting and conference facilities.
Since its re branding, the hotel has seen strong occupancy rates with January and February recording 87 per cent occupancy, with an average daily rate (ADR) of $113 (Dh414). Awadalla has projected an 85 per cent occupancy level for the year, with an ADR of $150 (Dh550).
Time’s entrance into the hospitality industry comes at a time when the travel and tourism, and hospitality industries are thriving in the UAE. “The four-star hotel and hotel apartment market has witnessed substantial growth in the UAE since 2008 and caters for the needs of mid-management corporate and long-staying guests as well appealing to leisure visitors, especially GCC families. As the needs of regional and international travellers continue to diversify, the four-star hospitality market is increasingly sought after,” says Awadalla.
“We are also currently in discussions with Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) about upgrading the Time Grand Plaza Hotel to a five-star property,” he adds.
At Time, there will be much emphasis on Breakfast Time. “It is the most important meal of the day and at Time, we will make extra efforts to ensure our breakfast is well-catered to all nationalities staying at the hotel,” said Awadallah.
Looking ahead Awadalla says expansion is definitely on the cards and the company hopes to announce two new properties – in Egypt and Dubai at the Arabian Travel Market to be held in Dubai from April 30 to May 3, 2012. “We are also looking at beach resorts as a potential avenue for investment in the future,” he added.