The Meydan, the world’s first five-star trackside hotel, opened its doors to the world in March prior to the world’s richest horse racing event, the Dubai World Cup 2010.
SHALU CHANDRAN spoke to ABDIN NASRALLA, vice president Meydan Hotels & Hospitality for Meydan City Corporation.
After much anticipation, the Meydan has finally opened its doors. What kind of feedback have you received from the regional and international markets?
The response from both has been overwhelmingly positive. The opening of The Meydan was eagerly anticipated by travel trade partners and consumers the world over, not only as a unique addition to Dubai’s already spectacular tourism and entertainment offerings, but also as a new international ‘must visit’ icon for the horse racing world. As we opened the doors just prior to the Dubai World Cup, we received many requests from people wanting to be among the first to experience the Dubai World Cup from the balcony of their Meydan room. This interest is not only from horse racing fans, but also from people from around the world who love to enjoy the better things in life. Additionally, we have been receiving a lot of interest from groups, businesses and organisations who would like to take advantage of our spectacular ballrooms and terraces for corporate conferences, events and private social functions.
The Meydan Hotel is also the company’s first hospitality brand offering. What can guests look forward to?
The Meydan is the world’s first five-star trackside hotel and it offers signature entertainment, social and sporting events to be experienced from the guest’s own room balcony. All guest rooms are more than 60 sq m in area. Additionally, the hotel is full of surprises, such as the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the racecourse.
Rooms have been designed and decorated with refined luxury finishes and we pride ourselves on our superior service and hospitality. Our gastronomic offering is also first class, best represented by our all-day dining restaurant featuring international gourmet cuisine, a steakhouse and a Japanese restaurant. With a continuous programme of events and special promotions planned, we will be a unique experience provider not only on race days but throughout the year.
For the hotel, who will be your source markets and what kind of occupancies are you targeting for 2010?
There will naturally be an interest among horse-loving nations such as the wider Middle East, Western Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong. We also see a lot of
potential from markets enjoying international social occasions and finery, such as Russia. Based on our extended programme of international entertainment and events, we expect continued interest from these markets throughout the year. Additionally, due to the property’s central location in Dubai and excellent access to the airport, we expect a significant level of business guests staying with us. As such, we plan occupancies for 2010 to be healthy and comparable with the majority of quality hotels in Dubai.
Will the hotel target the Mice sector off-season?
The space for Mice events within The Meydan hotel itself is quite expansive. As such we will naturally be seeking such events throughout the year. There will however naturally be dates that are expected to be in greater demand and this is where we will be encouraging clients to make their bookings as early as possible.
How much will a project of this size contribute to Dubai’s recuperating tourism sector?
This is a unique project which will certainly attract the interest of the horse-racing community worldwide. Needless to say, The Meydan is without a doubt another stunning pearl to Dubai’s crown of iconic attractions.
What would you identify as the biggest challenges you face?
Managing a hotel, especially a new one, means facing many challenges on a daily basis. The most important thing is having an experienced team of professionals behind you, which The Meydan has, so that guests can enjoy a smooth and pleasant stay.
What are your offerings for travel agents and tour operators?
The Meydan offers new experiences. These unique sales points and features are explained and communicated to our travel trade partners through training and education. An extensive programme of local and international activities has been implemented to this end.
The Meydan, offers 285 tastefully-appointed rooms and suites featuring equestrian themed motifs and modern luxury design finishes.
With more than 95 per cent of the rooms and suites overlooking the racecourse, it offers racing enthusiasts a relaxing and stylish way to enjoy a day at the races.
Meydan will eventually be made up of four distinct districts – Racecourse, Metropolis, Horizons and Godolphin Parks.
The hotel forms part of the Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse which will serve as a major business and conference district and a conduit for lifestyle, entertainment and sports. It houses the world’s first five-star trackside hotel, The Meydan, the Meydan Museum and Gallery, an IMAX Theatre and the Meydan Marina.
In close proximity is the Meydan Horizons – which will be a self-contained community consisting of high-end commercial and residential buildings, retail outlets and arcades with canal, waterfront and promenade views.
Another key district is the Meydan Metropolis with extensive office spaces across multiple blocks linked by an impressive mall and an expansive commercial, retail and residential mix.
Meydan Godolphin Parks district is a celebration of waterfronts as the focal point for cities of the 21st century. The exceptionally-planned district is a model for developments that will merge sustainable ecological engineering with urban lifestyle sophistication.