Hotels Al Aqah Mice business surges November 2003 415 Share Poolside at the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort. The Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort Fujairah has witnessed a surge in Meetings, Incentive and Conference (MICE) business since officially launching its conference and banqueting centre in July 2003. Over 40 reputable companies, including Hewlett Packard and Red Bull, have selected this facility for a variety of conferences, symposiums and team building programmes. Patrick Antaki, general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah (LMAA), announced that the MICE segment was expected to contribute a sizeable 30 per cent of the hotel’s total local business in 2004.“The trend among corporates is towards moving conferences and conventions away from the rigid confines of boardrooms and the distractions of the city to more exotic destinations, thereby transforming these hitherto mundane activities into more pleasurable experiences. Conferences are now considered an occasion for team bonding while acting as a motivational reward for employees in recognition of their proficiency.The state-of-the-art convention and banqueting facility at Le Meridien Al Aqah, set within the idyllic and scenic surroundings of the resort, is specially designed to cater to the growing demand for international standard conferencing facilities in the UAE,” he said.