BAHRAIN, 10 July 2004 — Gulf Air started a two-moth summer program for its new batch of trainees earlier this month. Ian Waterhouse, the airline’s vice president for human resources, welcomed members of the group to Gulf Air headquarters in Muharraq. The group comprises 18 Bahrain-based trainees, 10 from Oman and two from the UAE. With the exception of four who will undergo specialized engineering and technical training, the remaining trainees have been allocated positions to gain general work experience in various areas of the airline’s operations. “We see it as part of our corporate responsibility to empower our people and facilitate their development in rewarding careers,” Waterhouse said. Gulf Air also offers training opportunities in its graduate entry management program, apprentice engineer program and cadet pilot scheme, all of which form part of the Gulf National Program. Founded in 1950, the network of Gulf Air owned by Bahrain, Oman and the UAE stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 49 cities in 32 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 35 aircraft, Gulf Air’s officials claim. The airline is in the second year of a three-year strategic recovery program, and is working toward regaining profitability by 2005.
Summer Wonders Festival Draws Hundreds
DOHA, 10 July 2004 — Four of Doha’s leading shopping malls have once again underlined their support to the ongoing Qatar Summer Wonders festival 2004 by embarking on a month-long celebration that includes attractive promotions and imaginative entertainment ideas to lure crowds to their various outlets throughout July. The Mall, Landmark Mall, Hyatt Plaza and City Center joined the festival by introducing topnotch performers from around the world, aside from festival mascot Bshara amusing onlookers with his antics. A colorful repertoire of jugglers, clowns, balloon artists, stilt-walkers and magicians combine their entertainment skills daily to create a carnival-like atmosphere in the malls. “With many entertainment activities moving indoors during the summer festival, the malls have added a brilliant new dimension to our celebration by introducing innovative entertainment ideas in their regular calendar of summer activities,” Qatar Tourism Authority CEO Fred van Eijk, said. The performers are rotated between the four malls in order to entertain all visitors all the time.
BA Launches Sleeper Service in Kingdom
JEDDAH, 10 July 2004 — A new sleeper service has been launched for British Airways’ club world passengers on overnight flights from Jeddah to London Heathrow. The service is also available on selected overnight flights from North America. The service has been created to give passengers an even better and longer night’s sleep and to maximize the use of the multi-award winning club world flat beds. Trials for the new service were conducted on selected flights from Dubai to London in January. The new style of service will cover 17 overnight flights in the Middle East and North America and includes a choice of five dining options before, during and after the flight, a more tranquil cabin with fewer announcements and complimentary spa treatments on arrival at Heathrow. Larger pillows and thicker blankets are also to be offered to all club world passengers on these flights. The new onboard catering includes a “night cap” service of a hot or cold drink and a snack such as warmed cookies, toasted sandwiches or a mezze plate. Passengers can also take advantage of the improved pre-flight supper options in the departure lounges in North America, as well as the shower, spa and full breakfast facilities at BA’s arrival lounge in Terminal 4 at London Heathrow.
Dubai’s First Conrad Hotel Coming Up
DUBAI, 10 July 2004 — Conrad Hotels, the Luxury brand of the Hilton family, has reached an agreement with the Abu Dhabi headquartered real estate company, Private Property Management (PPM), to operate and manage Dubai’s first Conrad hotel, a luxurious 350-room property located in the heart of Dubai’s commercial, business and entertainment district — Sheikh Zayed Road. The property is scheduled to open late 2007. “We’re honored to work with PPM and to have secured one of the most prestigious and visible locations in Dubai,” Jacobus Klein, board director of Conrad Hotels and president of Hilton International, Middle East and Asia Pacific, said. “This will be an extraordinary property and it’ll fit our plans to expand the Conrad brand further into the Middle East,” he added.
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Expands
DUBAI, 10 July 2004 — The expansion of Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa involves a number of features. A new Jamila Spa with a gym meets the “ever-rising expectations of the world’s most discerning travelers.” A” world-class” spa, set discreetly in a palm oasis is being integrated into the main swimming pool area, complete with restaurant services. A double massage center, attached to the hydrotherapy and Rasool therapy rooms, offers treatment for couples in total privacy. The spa stands in lush gardens with local flora, surrounded by cascading water features and a sunken Jacuzzi. A Maha management undertook an 18-month research program with German cosmetics manufacturer Babor to develop its own soothing spa treatments. The gym incorporates a comprehensive range of fitness equipment and includes sauna, steam room, interior Jacuzzi and plunge pool facilities, all with panoramic views. Besides a new state-of-the-art Al Majlis boardroom has been developed for meetings and conferences with multimedia and online video conferencing facilities. Ten additional luxury suites have raised the total to 40. Al Maha’s original 27 sq km nature reserve has also been expanded to 225 sq. km.