In brief

Swiss-Belhotel plans 10 new hotels

SWISS-Belhotel International Group plans to open 10 new hotels in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Iraq in 2015 as part of an expansion strategy in the region, the head of the group’s operations and development, Noel Massoud, has said. The group’s property portfolio is expected to reach 136 hotels in 2016.

“The group is also considering a number of offers to manage and build new hotels in Dubai, which is considered as the most important tourism market in the region.” The group has been involved in negotiations to open new hotels in Abu Dhabi, two in Riyadh, one in Makkah and one in the southern town of Abha.

“We are opening hotels in Oman, Iraq, and Qatar in 2015,” he said, also keen to enter the promising Jordanian market. “We are also interested in entering new markets including Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco in 2015.”

Aparthotel Adagio Premium opens

ACCOR Group’s latest hospitality concept, Aparthotel Adagio Premium is preparing to open its doors with a brand new property in Dubai’s Al Barsha district this month. It is the second Aparthotel Adagio Premium property in the world after Doha.

Located in close proximity to the Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, its central location, easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road, and immediate position close to the Dubai Metro, means that guests will enjoy quick transits across the city. The property features 72 one-bedroom, 76 two-bedroom, 35 three-bedroom and 15 four-bedroom serviced apartments across 41 floors.

Best Western opens in Shah Alam, Malaysia

BEST Western International has opened its first hotel in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Strategically located in the heart of this up-and-coming city, Best Western i-City Shah Alam is a modern midscale hotel, offering optimum comfort, convenience and connectivity for both business and leisure travellers.

“As the capital of the state of Selangor, Shah Alam is a key economic hub in Malaysia,” says Ron Pohl, Best Western International’s senior vice-president of brand management and development.

The 18-storey Best Western i-City Shah Alam features a total of 214 contemporary guest rooms and suites, all equipped with such modern amenities as 32-inch LCD televisions, minibars, working desks, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and high-speed complimentary wi-fi.

Best Western i-City Shah Alam is also located next to i-City Waterworld, giving guests the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of this popular theme park.

Hilton Abu Dhabi completes reclamation

HILTON Abu Dhabi has completed its Dh8 million ($2.1 million) eco-friendly beach reclamation project, which has extended the hotel’s Hiltonia Beach Club beachfront on the Abu Dhabi Corniche from 2,000 sqm to 11,000 sqm.

Smart marine expertise and the production of an underwater sea wall is behind the creation of the extended beachfront. The submerged and discreet structure has been formed using custom-designed sand-filled geo textile tubes, which have been eco-engineered to replicate natural environments for local marine life to inhabit. Now in place, the sea wall, which mimics a natural fringing reef, allows waves to break offshore to protect the beachfront from erosion. With this protection, algae are likely to grow first, which will then attract crabs, shrimps and fish overtime.