Four Seasons

The construction of Four Seasons Hotel and Spa is under way in Bahrain. It will tower 201 meters above Bahrain Bay, transforming the Manama skyline. Upon completion the 43-storied structure will offer 260 guestrooms and boast a penthouse level ‘Sky Pod’ restaurant, which will command unparalleled views of the Gulf. The hotel will also house a hi-tech business center and versatile meeting and events facilities including a multi-use ballroom and banqueting hall as well as several fine dining venues. Situated on an island at the center of the Bahrain Bay, construction work on the Four Seasons site commenced at the start of summer with the preparation of foundation piles and other substructure works. The construction has now moved into a new phase with detailed design works now under way and completion scheduled before the end of 2013. The brand’s presence in Bahrain serves as a clear indicator of the country’s readiness for investment and supports its desire to become an attractive tourist destination. “The Four Seasons brand has been growing strategically in recent years with currently over 50 projects in development. The brand’s presence in Bahrain serves as a clear indicator of the country’s readiness for investment and supports the Kingdom’s desire to become an attractive tourist destination. The presence of the Four Seasons brand firmly positions the project as a leisure destination as well as a business and financial hub,” Bob Vincent, CEO of Bahrain Bay, said.
 
Air charter

Saudi Arabia commands 50 percent of the air charter business in the Middle East, according to International Air Charter (IAC), one of the world’s largest independent private jet charter brokers, now rebranded as Private Jet Charter. Businessmen in the Kingdom make 30 charter trips a year on average. According to the company, the air charter business in the Middle East is picking up again after recession forced some companies to shut down their flight operations or sell off their corporate jets, thus giving a boost to air charter business as an attractive and cost effective alternative to commercial air travel. Commenting on the rebranding, Chief Executive Hugh Courtenay, who founded the company, says: “As a 20-year-old brand representing the world’s leading private jet charter companies, we have changed our name to Private Jet Charter as we embark on a new journey into the world of charter travel under a changed business scenario.” From starting the business in the UK in 1991, Courtenay has overseen the growth of a major international aviation charter organization that has now a network of offices in the UK, Nice and a significant presence in the Middle East from a busy base in Dubai. The organization plans to open new offices in key charter hubs of Moscow and Florida in 2011. “Our growth has been due to a range of vital factors,” says Courtenay. Elie Abdo, managing partner, Middle East, added: “The Middle East market offers great long-term potential for us.”
 
Qatar Airways

For the second year in a row, Qatar Airways has been selected by readers of the US edition of Business Traveller magazine as the Best Airline in the World for International Travel. The annual survey of more than 8,000 randomly selected Business Traveller subscribers asked participants to choose their favorite airlines, hotels, airports and other business travel service providers in a total of 59 categories. The survey consisted of open-ended questions, with no suggested company names or choices provided. “We are pleased to see that business travelers across the globe are embracing our commitment to delivering the utmost in high service and standards,” said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker. “As we continue to grow our fleet and expand our routes to premier destinations throughout the world, we remain focused on delivering excellence to customers traveling in all cabin classes.” Qatar Airways is one of a select-few airlines with a Five Star Skytrax ranking for service and was recently elevated to the No. 3 airline in the world in the 2010 passenger survey that involved a poll of over 200 international carriers. Previous Business Traveller wins include the 2008 award for ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ and the 2007 award for ‘Best Business Class in the World.’ In celebration of this year’s recognition, Qatar Airways joined the other Best in Business Travel winners at Business Traveller magazine’s annual awards gala dinner held in Los Angeles.
 
Emirates

Emirates has received industry recognition in the recent 2010 GEMAS Effie (Gulf Marketing Review Effectiveness in Marketing Awards) MENA Awards. Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ divisional senior VP corporate communications, was awarded the coveted GEMAS Marketer of the Year. A 15-strong panel comprising regional and international marketing experts selected Boutros. The prestigious award recognizes the positive impact that sustained marketing exposure along with an excellent product can have on a brand. “The corporate communications department under the hands-on management of Boutros has done an excellent job of conveying the Emirates message to our consumers. Communicating with our customers and partners has been pivotal to our success and we have spared no expense in ensuring our message meets the right people at the right time. Boutros abundantly merits this important award,” said Sir Maurice Flanagan, executive vice chairman, Emirates Airline and Group. Emirates employs a full range of classic and contemporary elements in its communications mix to ensure it stays ahead of the game in a very competitive environment. “Emirates is a powerful symbol of how intelligent communication practices can transform a local brand into an international powerhouse,” said Boutros Boutros. “We have an incredibly robust Corporate Communications department which has been massively successful in promoting the Emirates business through a cohesive strategy covering public relations, sponsorships, events, advertising, merchandise, internal communications and web initiatives.
 
Air Arabia

Air Arabia, described as the first and largest low-cost carrier in the MENA region, has been named “Low Cost Airline of the Year” at the Aviation Business Awards. At the event held in Abu Dhabi, Air Arabia’s Group CEO, Adel Ali, also received a personal accolade when he won the inaugural “Hall of Fame” award. The award for “Low Cost Airline of the Year” was in recognition of the airline’s achievement in continuing to pioneer the low cost aviation model. The award acknowledged the success of Air Arabia’s new regional and international routes, its investment in aircraft, and its track record for excellence and innovation. The awards also gave a personal accolade to Air Arabia’s Group Chief Executive Officer Adel Ali Air Arabia. He was awarded the inaugural “Hall of Fame Award,” which honors a leading and respected figurehead from the Middle East aviation industry. In just seven years Ali has overseen the creation of the region’s largest LCC, which now flies to over 67 destinations across the MENA, Asia and Europe. Ali said: “We are proud to accept the award for Low Cost Carrier of the Year which is recognition of the outstanding work our employees across the region put into making Air Arabia a success. I would also like to thank the millions of passengers who fly with us each year and who continue to inspire us to offer the most reliable value-for-money air travel options in the wider region.” The awards cover 15 categories in total including the airline, airport and cargo sectors.