Fitness expo to showcase the very latest in sports equipment and services.
Sportex 2008 promises to get the Middle East’s health and leisure industry off to a winning start this November, as show organizers International Expo Consults (IEC) announce the exhibition’s dates.

The premier international event for the sports, fitness, health and leisure industry in the Middle East will take place from November 3-5 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Endorsed by Dubai Sports Council and presented by Dubai Sports City, Sportex Middle East will showcase the very latest in sports, fitness, health, outdoor and stadium equipment in the region.

“Sports culture is spreading across the Middle East at an unprecedented pace, fuelling a very vibrant market for sports goods, infrastructure and services. This is supported by factors such as increasing wealth, world-class hospitality, infrastructure and lower travel costs, making the Middle east a prime destination for the sports, health and leisure industry,” said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President of IEC.

Coming to Dubai…

A lounge in which everything is made of ice is about to become the hottest destination in the United States; and, the forecast calls for Las Vegas, known for its 100-degree heat, to become a whole
lot cooler — as cold as ice. This September, New Zealand-based Minus 5 Group begins an American ice age when it opens the first permanent ice lounge experience ever in the United States at Mandalay Place, located adjacent to Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Building an ice lounge in the middle of the desert is no easy task, but
with years of knowledge and expertise Minus 5, a world renowned hospitality
group famous for their unparalleled ice lounge creations, the scorching Mojave
Desert is the perfect location to showcase this incredible experience. The
Las Vegas location will be the first of many U.S.-based Minus 5 ice lounges,
with other locations currently in the development stage in New York, Miami,
Hawaii, and Los Angeles.

Nakheel, a Dubai World company and one of the world’s largest and most innovative real estate developers, has announced a partnership with leading US food retailer Balducci’s to open the company’s first stores in the Middle East.

In conjunction with Nakheel Retail, Balducci’s will open its doors for the first time later this year in Phase 1 of Dubai Mall, with a further two stores scheduled to open in key locations in Dubai to be announced at the end of the year. In addition, Nakheel and Balducci’s plans to expand into further locations throughout the Middle East.

Balducci’s is one of the largest speciality food companies in the United States, with 10 stores on the East Coast and a heritage that dates back to 1916. The food retailer’s focus will be on having the freshest produce and exotic products not easily found in Dubai as well as their own private label, which guarantees gourmet quality at a reasonable price. From imported cheeses and seasonal vegetables to freshly made soups and speciality sandwiches made from the finest ingredients, Balducci’s is a name that is synonymous with quality cuisine.

Dubai, UAE: The Address Hotels & Resorts, the new hotel brand launched by Emaar Hospitality Group (EHG), will assume the management and operations of The Palace, The Old Town hotel within Downtown Burj Dubai. The five star hotel was earlier managed by Sofitel, the hotel management brand of French Accor Group.

Mr Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Sofitel’s contribution to developing The Palace, The Old Town as one of the premier hotels in Dubai has been invaluable. We thank them for their support and creating a direction of growth since October 2007.”

He added: “The Address Hotels & Resorts is Emaar’s home-grown five star premium hotel brand and The Palace, The Old Town is one of the prestigious hotel developments by Emaar. By integrating the hotel under The Address umbrella, as a separate collection, we aim to achieve service & operational consistency and efficiency, while enhancing the overall value offering of the hotel group.” New holiday packages are expected to be offered – including special promotions for those who want to make a vacation for Valentine’s day.

This follows a mutual agreement with Accor Group, following the conclusion of the management agreement. Sofitel Luxury Hotels is developing its own strategy and network in the luxury segment. To have The Address Hotels & Resorts assume the management of The Palace is a logical extension for Emaar, a view shared by both parties.

The current branding of The Palace, The Old Town will continue with The Address Hotels & Resorts managing all operational aspects. This reiterates EHG’s goal of having a diverse bouquet of hotels – some featuring The Address branding and others operated by the hotels company.

Mr Robert Gaymer Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Sofitel Luxury Hotels Worldwide, said: “The Sofitel team has done a very good job since the opening of The Palace, The Old Town and I want to thank them all. The Palace is one of the exemplary hotel destinations in Dubai and we are confident that The Address, Emaar’s own hotel brand will build further on the strong platform of growth we have created for the property. We wish Emaar Hospitality the very best and continued success at The Palace.”

The Address Hotels & Resorts will open three new hotels in Dubai: The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai; The Address, Dubai Mall; and The Address, Dubai Marina. The Palace, The Old Town is located within Downtown Burj Dubai and has 242 well-appointed guestrooms and suites including the imperial suite with an enchanting Middle Eastern ambience.

As observed in the beginning of 2008, the slow down of residential rent increases in Dubai continued through the second quarter as well, according to property services company Asteco’s quarterly real estate report.

According to the report, no significant residential rental increases were observed over the last three months however year-on-year average residential rents in Dubai climbed by almost 22%.

Sheikh Zayed Road continues to be one of the most coveted residential areas recording the highest annual rental growth of 51%. Bur Dubai and Ghusais areas follow close with yearly rent increases of 42% and 40% respectively.

Bur Dubai continues to hold its position as the preferred location offering a variety of conveniences, transport options and entertainment despite traffic woes. Ghusais, on the other hand, has recently grown in popularity among families due to its fast development, less congestion and accessibility to the airport, Al Khail and Emirates roads.

As observed in the beginning of 2008, the slow down of residential rent increases in Dubai continued through the second quarter as well, according to property services company Asteco’s quarterly real estate report.

According to the report, no significant residential rental increases were observed over the last three months however year-on-year average residential rents in Dubai climbed by almost 22%.

Sheikh Zayed Road continues to be one of the most coveted residential areas recording the highest annual rental growth of 51%. Bur Dubai and Ghusais areas follow close with yearly rent increases of 42% and 40% respectively.

Bur Dubai continues to hold its position as the preferred location offering a variety of conveniences, transport options and entertainment despite traffic woes. Ghusais, on the other hand, has recently grown in popularity among families due to its fast development, less congestion and accessibility to the airport, Al Khail and Emirates roads.