30 reasons to celebrate

How many years would it take to provides 2.8 million room nights and 17 million cups of coffee whilst polishing 1.1 million shoes and hosting over 3,000 wedding receptions? The answer is 30 years, if that service is to be to five-star standards. 

SO says the InterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s most global hotel company, while announcing that the landmark InterContinental Dubai is this year celebrating 30 years of five-star service to visitors, making it the longest serving five-star property in the UAE.
Since the hotel’s official opening 30 years ago (March 15, 1975), an event graced with the presence of HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai from 1958 to 1990, the landmark property on the Dubai Creek has accomplished some amazing achievements. The hotel – which provides luxury accommodation in its 287 guest rooms – has provided more than 2.8 million room nights and served almost 17 million cups of coffee.
Due to its prime location, the InterContinental Dubai has witnessed the phenomenal growth of Dubai and the amazing changes made as it seeks to establish itself as one of the premier cities in the world.
“The hospitality sector the world over is a competitive environment but here in Dubai the market has been growing at a phenomenal rate with new hotels being developed all over the city,” comments Tom Meyer, InterContinental Dubai’s General Manager.
“It is wonderful to see the InterContinental Dubai, which opened in March 1975, is performing exceptionally well 30 years on.’’
‘‘We are confident that the hotel’s success is firmly based on its ability to change with the times and to continually provide the ultimate levels of service and customer care,” says Denis Johnson, vice president, sales and marketing, InterContinental Hotels Group Middle East and Africa.
Understanding the needs of guests by being active in Dubai’s hotel sector since the emirate began developing, has enabled the InterContinental Dubai to maintain its position as a market leader. With a unique personal approach to dealing with customers, the InterContinental Dubai boasts members of staff that have been committed team members since the hotel’s first day.
Accustomed to setting trends, the hotel was the first in the emirates to offer transportation for guests in 4WD vehicles, and is proud to announce that it has a brand new fleet of Range Rovers.
Over the past three decades, the hotel has gained some unbeatable experience. For instance, as the premier party hotel, it has hosted 2,000 wedding receptions, 1,640 engagement parties, 236,000 birthday parties and 12,854 office parties. As well as providing more than 50,000 ‘happy hours’ across its outlets.  
One of the most romantic venues in Dubai, the InterContinental Dubai has in the past 30 years served up 197,000 intimate dinners, been the site of 56,000 wedding anniversaries and has had more than 390 babies born to members of staff.
Located at the heart of the city’s business district and just minutes from Dubai International Airport, the hotel has also been a popular site for corporate events.
In the past 30 years, 4,800 business lunches were served, 3,000 conferences were held, almost 3,000 product launches were hosted and more than 3,500 press conferences were conducted.
Offering a number of luxurious accommodation options including Diplomatic Suites, Deluxe Suites, Executive Suites, Ambassador Suites, Presidential Suites, Executive Rooms and Business Rooms, the hotel has also been popular with some of the world’s most powerful and frequently recognised people.
Since 1975, the hotel has been home to 630 movie stars, more than 1,500 singers and musicians, 1,230 ambassadors and 160 state visits.
“The success of the InterContinental Dubai has relied on its ability to adapt and meet changing market demands, while constantly demanding only excellence from every member of the team. It is an amazing achievement to be at the top of the game for 30 years and in reviewing such a wonderful history, it is no wonder that the InterContinental Dubai’s future has never looked brighter,” adds Meyer.