The first property to start operations under the Corp Executive Hotels brand has opened its doors in Dubai’s Barsha area.
Addressing an exclusive gathering of journalists, Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Zayed Saqer Al Nahyan, managing director, Reef Real Estate Investment Company said, “Business tourism is a powerful economic engine driving Dubai in particular and the Middle East in general. The industry is really spiralling at the moment and with Corp we aim to create an experience that offers something different from the status quo. Better service and cutting-edge technology are the main ingredients necessary to ensure a brand’s success and these are the cornerstones of hospitality at Corp.”
Corp Al Barsha, Dubai, has been built at a cost of Dh120 million ($32.6 million) and is foremost a business hotel in the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood. A perfect combination of relaxed, understated luxury and hi-tech gizmos, the hotel is conveniently located on Sheikh Zayed Road within walking distance of the Mall of the Emirates. Dubai Convention Centre and the financial district DIFC as well as Dubai Media City, Internet City, Knowledge Village and Jumeirah beach are just minutes away.
Incorporating innovative design, Corp Al Barsha is equipped with all modern facilities including sophisticated interactive TV system featuring movies and music on demand, message system and game console. High speed Internet can be accessed via both the TV screen and through a Wi-Fi network connection in the room. The flat screen TVs can connect to laptops too.
“Corp is essentially a hotel for corporate travellers. With a greater emphasis on technology we are able to offer our guests a higher level of convenience. The goal is to combine the design sensibility and character of a boutique hotel with the marketing and operational advantages of a strong brand,” said Sheikh Ahmed.
The rooms are cheerful and inviting. Warm soothing hues dominate the colour palette. Cosy ambient lighting and textured materials create a contemporary look. The space is clearly designed for maximum flexibility. The hotel also offers a fully-equipped fitness centre, a beautiful swimming pool and enough space to chill out including the trendy 24-hour restaurant ‘Mood’ and a lovely little lounge at the roof-top called ‘Snug’.
Corp has aggressive expansion plans. Speaking about the development strategy Michel Noblet, managing director, Corp Executive Hotels and Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas, said: “Corp already has another stunning property in the works at the Business Bay. In addition, we are currently considering 5 to 6 different markets. Our aim is to put a hotel in every commercial district in the Middle East and Asia. In fact, we are open to projects in any part of the world.”
Elaborating on the market prospects of Corp Executive Hotel, Al Barsha, he continued, “At the moment the Dubai hotel industry looks red hot. The existing hotels don’t seem to be enough. Dubai keeps building them and visitors keep filling them. Business travel seems to be quite strong and we continue to see this for the rest of the year into next year. We chose Al Barsha for our first property as it is one of the fastest growing areas in the UAE. Occupancies are at present between 82 per cent and 85 per cent and are expected to rise further in the high season. This definitely holds good promise for Corp Al Barsha.