Take it outside

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The region has built its sizeable tourism industry on the back of beautiful natural settings and fantastic weather — but in the face of huge competition and with another scorching summer approaching, how can outlets maximise outdoor revenue? Lucy Taylor finds out.

The Middle East is a region synonymous with three main tourist lures: sun, sand and sea. Add to that stunning natural attractions and several impressive man-made ones and you have the recipe for numerous successful al fresco F&B options.

The attraction of al fresco dining

Enjoying warm weather for much of the year — and predominantly catering to a tourist market — it is hugely beneficial for Middle East outlets to offer an outdoor component.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Spa is one such example, as director of food and beverage Anthony Ware explains.

“Every food and beverage outlet has indoor and outdoor space,” he says. “We have four restaurants here, all with outdoor dining areas. Capacity is about 100 per restaurant and an additional 75 outside, or 150 at Bussola, our largest and most prominent al fresco dining outlet. We also have three main bars, all with terraces.”

But the al fresco attraction is not limited to beachside resorts, as The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai executive assistant manager of F&B Serge Cuypers points out.

“We’re very lucky in that we have a lot of outdoor areas,” he notes. “There’s our new outdoor coffee shop, Xpresso, which is a terrace space by the lake; we have nice relaxed furniture with lots of comfortable cushions and we serve shisha, so there’s a local flavour which tourists enjoy. It’s right in front of where the area’s abra landing stage will be in future, so it’s a great spot.

“Then we have Zeta, our pool bar, where we have a large area around the pool with loungers, little cabanas and a wooden deck area that overlooks the lake. Next to that we have the Calabar terrace, a Latin bar and lounge concept which is a very relaxed space, with comfortable garden furniture and beanbags, which people love.

“We also have a nice terrace area outside Fazaris restaurant, with small waterfalls and fountains, and a similar terrace outside our lobby lounge. Then there’s our Chinese restaurant, Hukama, which has a little balcony. It’s a small space and can only take about 30 people, but it faces the Burj Dubai tower and you overlook our whole garden area and the pool, so there’s a stunning view.

“Then our final area, not open for the public everyday but more of an events space, is located on the 14th floor, where we have a terrace that can take up to 100. However the weather can be a challenge as it gets very windy up there, so we only use it every now and then.”

The Palace, The Old Town — managed by The Address Hotels and Resorts — is another property making the most of its external assets.

“Asado, our Argentinean restaurant, has a terrace overlooking the Burj Dubai, which is obviously very popular with our guests,” says executive assistant manager — food and beverage Edouard Grosmangin.

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