Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2012
The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) is the region’s leading forum that brings together the key decision makers from the hotel investment industry.
Through these tough times the hotel investment industry has seen a steady decline of the less reputable developer, but what has been left are more substantial organisations with a stronger commitment to the on-going expansion in the MENA regions. View full AHIC programme
Live Updates From AHIC
Egyptian tourism is rebounding says minister
Sector suffered a downturn due to protests in 2011
AHIC told that business competition is intensifying in Middle East
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Algeria offer the best opportunities for companies in 2012
Carlson Rezidor to set up new hotel in Riyadh
Property will open in 2015
Mexico to develop direct flights from the Gulf
Wants to double tourism numbers
‘Weak economics’ of Middle East hotel projects exposed by financial crisis and Arab uprisings
Too many developments relied on associated residential and commercial projects, AHIC told
Property company chairman optimistic about Egyptian tourism
‘Stabilised chaos’ will return to normality soon, Orascom chairman tells AHIC
Jumeirah Group has strong start to 2012
Focusing on opportunities in Middle East and Asia
Impact of Arab uprisings continues to lift Dubai hotels
High growth for revenue per available room in the emirate while Egypt’s halves
Saudi market one of the fastest growing in the world
Businesses in the kingdom experience 30 per cent rise
News
Arab uprising presents opportunities for hotel chains
Independent hotels turn to familiar brands to operate assets
Intercontinental to manage $90m Muscat golf resort
Hotel will have 250 guest rooms
GCC tourism revenues to rise to $44bn in 2012
World Travel and Tourism Council predicts 27 per cent increase in Gulf tourism receipts
Al-Habtoor Leighton wins Dubai hotel contract
New hotel will replace the existing Metropolitan hotel on Sheikh Zayed road
Analysis
Gulf uses sport to build brands
Investments are aimed at creating international reputations and driving tourism
GCC tourism
Six individuals heading key government departments in the Gulf
Supplement
Leisure & Tourism MEED Project of the Year 2012
The GCC is home to a number of high-calibre leisure and tourism projects
Delays stall Abu Dhabi's tourism ambitions
Mounting debt has forced Abu Dhabi to delay schemes including its Guggenheim museum. But if the emirate wants to become a centre for cultural tourism, it needs to push ahead with projects
Company Profiles
Aamal Company
The diversified Qatari company is listed on the Qatar Exchange and operates across various industries including retail, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and trading
Al-Hokair Group
A family owned hotel and leisure firm founded by Sheikh Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz al-Hokair in Saudi Arabia in 1965, it has a portfolio of hotels, water parks, spas and restaurants
Kawar Group
Founded by Amin Kawar in 1925, it has remained a family business. Its industries include shipping, travel, energy and mining, healthcare, trade and project development and IT
Kingdom Holding Company
Investment firm that is majority owned by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, with 6 per cent of its shares listed on the Tadawul, it is the largest company in the kingdom
Kingdom Hotel Investments
Set up as Middle East Hotels Company in Riyadh, it went public in 2006, listing on the Dubai International Financial Exchange
MA Al-Kharafi & Sons
A merchant dynasty in Kuwait, the group of companies was founded by Mohammed Abdulmohsin al-Kharafi, who was also involved in the creation of National Bank of Kuwait
Ominvest
One of Oman’s largest firms, with a diversified portfolio of investments in banking, financial services, commercial and industrial sectors
Commentary
Hoteliers still see potential in Dubai
The stable emirate has bucked the regional trend and continues to attract tourists in high numbers
AHIC Video
Biographies
Wael al-Lawati
Wael al-Lawati is chief executive officer, Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran)
Ahmed Abdulla al-Nuaimi
Ahmed Abdulla al-Nuaimi is chairman, Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (QTEA)
Mohamed Najia
Mohamed Najia is secretary general, Kuwait Hotel Owners Association
Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud
Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud is chairman, Saudi General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA)
Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon al-Nahyan
Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon al-Nahyan
