Cultivating home-grown hotels

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Habtoor Hotels chief executive Rahim Abu Omar.

Habtoor Hotels chief executive Rahim Abu Omar reveals the secret behind the Middle Eastern group's success: location, value for money and the flexibility that comes with being both owner and operator.

Tell us about Habtoor Hotels; what's the company's background?

The Al Habtoor Group owns and operates hotels throughout the Middle East through its subsidiary, Habtoor Hotels. The group was established more than 25 years ago, and reflects the modernity and importance of Dubai and Beirut as commercial and leisure hubs.

The company has developed three brands, each reflecting a different market position: Habtoor Grand Hotels and Resorts are five-star plus properties offering guests ‘A Touch of Arabia' and are based in Dubai and Beirut.

The Metropolitan Palaces, also based in Dubai and Beirut, are five-star and promise ‘An Oasis of Opulence', then the Metropolitans are first-class international hotels that offer a ‘Smile of Arabia'.

Al Habtoor Group has also opened Lebanon's first, fully fledged theme park - Habtoorland, a Phoenician realm of fantasy, adventure and excitement that travels back into history and introduces visitors to legendary heroes. The park offers 27 thrill rides and attractions, four themed restaurants, a fast-food court, cafes, retail shops and a 1400-seat amphitheatre.

As CEO, and as my roots are firmly based in the Middle East, I ensure that the group builds on the regional heritage and tradition to ensure the service at all our properties reflects the wonderful hospitality traditions of the area.

What are the unique selling points of Habtoor properties?

A key factor is location - whether in Dubai or Beirut, Habtoor Hotels are always situated in prime locations.

The Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa on the renowned Jumeirah Beach is not only close to Dubai Marina, but also the Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City.

The Metropolitan Palace Hotel, The Metropolitan Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road and the Metropolitan Hotel Deira all boast prime city situations, while The Metropolitan Palace Beirut and The Habtoor Grand Hotel Convention Centre and Spa are situated in the heart of Beirut - ideal for business travellers.

Another major selling point is that our properties offer luxury with value for money, right across the board.

And ultimately, being both manager and owner of these hotels facilitates flexibility in meeting local and international market changes.

How has business progressed for Habtoor Hotels over the past few years, and have you come across any particular challenges to your development?

Habtoor Hotels have shown an annual 20% growth, in line with the market. The main challenge for us at the moment is the high turnover of heads, but this is a common problem, primarily due to the huge number of hotels opening in Dubai right now and the need to find experienced employees.

How easy has it been gaining recognition in the highly competitive Middle East market?

The Habtoor Group has become steadily more well-known over the past 25 years, so nowadays our hotels are well established and recognised in the market.

With so many hotel chains developing properties in the UAE and the region as a whole, are you worried about competition from globally recognised brands?

Demand for rooms has exceeded supply for the past few years in Dubai, and it is still considered as a very attractive emerging market. So we believe there is still a lot of room for new hotels to not only open but also successfully operate at high occupancy levels.

When independent hotels expand the brand and build more properties, how can they avoid compromising the very individuality that formed their original appeal?

Independent hotels don't need to compromise their original appeal when expanding. Each independent hotel chain follows a certain theme and character, and that should be implemented in every new property that is opened.

What are the future development plans for Habtoor Hotels?

The Habtoor Grand Palm Resort and Spa, a five-star luxury resort and spa, will be ready by 2010 on the world renowned man-made island The Palm Jumeirah.

This new property will boast 217 rooms and suites, 91 luxurious apartments, four exclusive villas, extensive conference and events facilities featuring state of the art technology, a trendy spa and gym, a shopping arcade and exciting leisure facilities. The project will also feature numerous themed and signature food and beverage outlets.

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