ONE of the latest hospitality addresses in the UAE, The Oberoi, Dubai, which opened this June, has been keeping busy catering to a favourable response and has just celebrated its first Eid by welcoming guests who flocked in from across the UAE and GCC. TTN caught up with general manager Karim Bizid to learn how the hotel has been settling down in Dubai’s competitive market...
How has the hotel fared since its opening?
We have had a very positive response from the market, both in terms of occupancy and feedback from our guests. We have also received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and other review sites. Eid was a very busy period for us and over the long weekend we offered a range of special events including children’s activities and Arabic speciality nights in Nine7One.
What is the property’s USP?
Each of the 252 luxury rooms and suites at The Oberoi, Dubai have floor to ceiling windows which afford spectacular views of the city’s skyline. As well as our strategic location and stunning views of the Burj Khalifa, we believe that what set us apart are our people and their commitment to providing consistently excellent service. Many of our colleagues have received training at The Oberoi Centre for Learning & Development in New Delhi and we are all dedicated to maintaining extremely high levels of service across all areas of operation. With Oberoi Hotels & Resorts having just been voted the World’s Best Hotel Brand by readers of Travel + Leisure in the World’s Best Awards, 2013, this will assist us in positioning our new property at the very top of the luxury market in the region.
What investment has gone into property?
This is the first Oberoi property in the UAE. The focus is on the use of high quality materials including marble imported from Italy and Vietnam. The full lead crystal chandeliers were created in The Czech Republic and assembled on site by hand, hand tufted carpets from Saudi Arabia and a gold leaf installation in the lobby, depicting a bird in flight. The original artwork throughout the hotel is by renowned Indian artist, Mrinmoy Barua, a commission that took over two-and-a-half years to complete.
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Strategically located with spectacular views of Dubai skyline … The Oberoi, Dubai |
What are the hotel’s key features and services?
Our three signature restaurants including Ananta – a North Indian specialty restaurant, Umai – a Pan Asian restaurant and Nine7One – a world cuisine restaurant, all offer extensive menus which change on a daily basis. The personal butler service offered to guests in all our luxury rooms and suites and in-room check-in.
The butler can assist guests with all their needs including packing and unpacking, laundry services, restaurant reservations, tickets for local attractions and shows and organising appointments – just like a private concierge.
The Oberoi Spa and Fitness Centre is open 24 hours a day – a first for Dubai. The Oberoi, Dubai offers daily complimentary yoga classes at 6 am for in-house guests. Private classes can be arranged on request.
Our meeting rooms are unique in themselves as the business floor is located on 26th floor with incredible views of the Burj Khalifa and Business Bay. The nine meeting rooms and the executive boardroom, with its own private terrace, all have floor to ceiling windows and offer an abundance of height, light and space.
Also, the Oberoi is conveniently located in the heart of Business Bay, close to Dubai Mall, the World Trade Centre and DIFC.
What are your key source markets?
Very much in line with what has been reflected in the latest statistics from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the GCC and Europe continue to be key markets for us. South America and Asia are emerging new destinations and we have seen more guests staying with us from these regions.
What can guests look forward to this year?
We have a number of launches coming up, including our Friday brunch in Nine7One at the end of August, our Ladies’ Night and Seafood Cuisine night. We also have two new exciting venues opening over the next few months, including our rooftop bar. We are also planning some very exciting events for the festive season in December, including New Year’s Eve. With stunning views of the Burj Khalifa, The Oberoi, Dubai will be the place especially on “December 31!”