Mandarin Oriental taps Arabian Gulf market

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Doha project is scheduled to open in 2014 and the project in Abu Dhabi is making rapid progress.
Talking to Arab News, Michael H Hobson, chief marketing officer, said the group wants to expand its elegant presence in the Gulf.
“We have plans to set up projects in the Kingdom and Dubai but it is too early to disclose,” he added.
“The region is very important for us and we have tied up with some airlines in the world, including Ittehad airlines in Abu Dhabi”.
When asked about the visitors from GCC, he said 8 to 10 percent of visitors to Mandarin Oriental hotels are from the Middle East, especially from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The Doha property, which is being developed by owners, Dohaland, is scheduled to open in 2014. Mandarin Oriental, Doha will be the Group’s second hotel in the Middle East following its announcement earlier this year that it will open Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.
“The Doha hotel will be located in Musheireb, and will feature 160 luxurious guestrooms and suites, as well as 95 serviced apartments”, he added.
“Our hotel in Turkey will be ready by next year,” he said.
“Currently we operate, or under development, 44 hotels representing over 11,000 rooms in 27 countries, with 19 hotels in Asia, 12 in The Americas and 13 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa,” he said.
The group has plans to enter to Indian market also.
“We are looking for a good locations in Mumbai and Delhi, once it is ready, we will enter to Indian market” he said.
The Abu Dhabi property is being developed by Abu Dhabi-based Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC).
Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi will feature 160 luxurious guestrooms and suites, as well as 35 serviced apartments and 50 branded Residences at Mandarin Oriental.
“Hotel guests will enjoy preferred access to the visually appealing 18-hole championship Saadiyat Beach Golf Course designed by Gary Player, which will wrap around the resort,” he said.
Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi will be located on Saadiyat Island, the natural island situated 500 meters offshore Abu Dhabi city.