Spicing up the festive season

But the extra incentive for guests will be the New Year's Eve entertainment: a performance by an Elton John tribute, apparently "second only to the man himself".

Of course it is not just outlets that must be innovative if they wish to make the most of the festive season; suppliers are also under pressure to deliver new and exciting products.

Dulsco Event Equipment Rental - a company supplying everything events-related, from service staff to tents, crockery and even portable toilets - is offering its clients tailor-made festive package deals.

Dubai-based Desert River, which specialises in events rentals and European lifestyle products, goes so far as to offer special festive-themed products such as internally-lit plastic Christmas trees, penguins and stars.

Christmas competition

For an outlet to attract a decent market share, it needs to consider its customer's needs first and foremost.

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates food and beverage manager Gerrit Thiebes believes the key lies in choice. "Our customers have a lot of options to choose from this year," he explains.

"From National Day dining promotions to festive brunches and lunches, gala dinners and dance parties, there are events to suit all ages, tastes and budgets."

Maintaining service standards in the face of increased demand is also essential, points out Al Murooj Rotana's Jossi. "Our commitment is to offer true Arabian hospitality by providing guests with distinctive standards and service from caring people - and we stick to that," he asserts.

Such measures, if properly implemented, can make the festive season incredibly lucrative for outlets - and according to DMYA's Landau, being a newcomer will not change that.

"We only opened last month, but every day we're increasing our covers and turnover," she says.

Media Rotana's F&B manager Graeme Ure has seen similar interest, with high booking figures and numerous enquiries.

Seasonal challenges

Competition between F&B outlets in the region is becoming increasingly fierce - Kempinski's Thiebes and Al Murooj Rotana's Jossi both consider the packed market place a challenge, although Jossi says this makes the season an "exciting experience" for hospitality industry professionals.

DMYA's Landau suspects the logistics of getting all the food ordered might prove a challenge for some at a busy time of year, a point of view confirmed by Media Rotana's Ure.

"A lot of the food items need to be ordered well in advance from abroad," he notes. "Our kitchen department started preparing a good four to five months prior to the actual festive period."

For suppliers as well, logistical issues can spring up at such a busy time of year.

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