JEDDAH, 22 June 2005 — In Abu Dhabi the Emirates Palace is preparing for the summer rush and also for the end of year GCC summit. “We expect a large number of visitors from within the Middle East-Gulf with possible further expansion of regional tourism this summer,” Abdo S. Kayali, director of business development at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, said. There has been a marked increase in the number of Saudi families vacationing within the region, especially in the UAE, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey and Jordan. Emirates Palace opened in February but its official opening is scheduled for later this year before the annual GCC summit in December.
Kempinski Hotels & Resorts is the international group which operates Emirates Palace. The group has considerable experience in managing such properties as the Adlon in Berlin, Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg and the Leela Palace in India. “The palatial property is a project of utmost importance and significance for the Kempinski group, not only as its Middle East flagship but as a landmark hotel worldwide,” Kayali said. The hotel’s design incorporates traditional Arabian elements such as a grand dome and 114 smaller domes spread over the building. The colors of the building reflect the different shades of sand of the Arabian desert.
“The seven or six-star ratings do not officially exist — the highest rating that can be given to a hotel is five stars. We classify Emirates Palace as just that, a palace. Its sumptuous furnishings and the regal service offered to each guests ensures the experience is one that will be remembered forever,” Kayali said.
