Dear Partners,
We are thrilled to present the latest edition of our newsletter, featuring all the latest updates and exciting news from Hospitality Management Holding (HMH).
In this issue, we take a closer look at the launch of HMH's new lifestyle brand, ECOS, and hear from the our new COO about what makes ECOS stand out.
Best regards,
Team HMH
Dear Partners,
We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders, associates, and guests for their support in 2022. We are excited to announce the latest edition of the HMH BEYOND HOSPITALITY Newsletter, showcasing our growth and ESG initiatives.
As the travel and tourism industry picks up, HMH is launching a faster, easier-to-navigate website with new features to enhance the viewer's experience. Our team continues to create value by winning awards, forming partnerships (such as with Royal Jordanian Airlines), and launching new initiatives (such as the "Be Green, Go Green" campaign).
2022 was a great year for HMH, highlighted by the launch of the ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan, a budget hotel that offers ultramodern design standards and a focus on millennial-centric travelers. Our managed hotels and team members also won several prestigious awards, including the Middle East Chef Excellence Awards and the International Hotel & Property Awards.
We welcome your input and story for the next newsletter edition. With your help, we look forward to continuing our mission of delivering hospitality excellence.
Best regards,
Patrick Antaki
COO, Hospitality Management Holding (HMH)
Patrick Antaki has joined HMH as the new Chief Operations Officer. His appointment strengthens HMH’s foundation for expansion into other regions over the next five years, as part of its New Market Expansion Program.
Patrick is a multi-award winner hospitality professional with over 35 years of hands-on experience in the industry. He has worked at a senior level with leading global brands such as upscale, design-focused international hotel brands such as Starwood, Marriot, Hilton, and Meeting Point Hotels, a subsidiary of FTI Group, the third largest tour operator in Europe.
Under Patrick’s management, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort was transformed into an award-winning hotel, setting the benchmark for hospitality on the East Coast of the UAE, and the legendary Al Maha Desert Resort achieved #12 ranking amongst best 25 hotels in the world for 3 consecutive years.
Prior to joining HMH, Patrick had established his own hospitality consultancy firm, PWA Hospitality Services, working with local tourism businesses in the region to drive performance and guest satisfaction.
Patrick has an excellent track record of optimizing revenue, managing costs and inspiring hotel teams to achieve financial and guest experience success.
Building on its resounding success, HMH launched the newest offering in its successful global portfolio - ECOS Hotels, at Arabian Travel Market 2022 on 11th May.
The hotel was officially launched under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Faisal bin Sultan bin Salem Al Qassimi (Chairman, HMH), H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal bin Sultan Al Qassimi (Vice Chairman, HMH), H.H. Sheikh Saoud bin Faisal bin Sultan Al Qassimi, H.H. Sheikh Salem bin Faisal bin Sultan Al Qassimi, with the guests of honor H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.
Guests were delighted to be greeted by ECOBOT, the hotel’s friendly robot who is happy to share a smile and assist with your order. A delightful evening of entertainment, dazzling fireworks and delicious bites followed.
A: ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan is a millennial-centric lifestyle hotel, that is offering a new perspective in hospitality, while weaving together, high standard of quality and comfort. ECOS was build around offering the guest a chance to experience the new ultramodern design, and cutting-edge technology, at affordable rates. ECOS was also built based on the four core values – Experience, Connect, Original, and Sleek. All of these put together are the essence ECOS.
We understand that state-of-the-art technology and connectivity are crucial to the millennial traveller and hence our desire was to create a destination that has a lasting impression for our guests and stakeholders. We believe that when it comes to the offering, we are ahead of the curve, technologically advanced, and innovative in comparison to many other hotel brands in the market.
We have taking great care and maintained the tone within the property to feel absolutely fresh and crisp, and always challenging the status-quo, whilst not compromising on quality and attention to details.
ECOS is lifestyle driven, and anyone who is looking for distinct experiences can be certain that we are here to make a difference.
A: We have specifically opened our doors to the millennials, keeping in mind premium and best in class hospitality destination, fulfilling their experience without compromising on quality and our aim is to enhance every aspect of their stay, while complementing their preference of latest trends, insta-worthy ambience and modern settings.Our team has worked together in creating the perfect home away from home for all our guests, city adventurers, families on a relaxing break, and business travellers seeking a contemporary hotel which is the best in its category.
A: Dubai has always been a trending destination globally and the Al Furjan locality has excellent road network connectivity, which allows easy access to all the main attractions in Dubai, such as Expo City Dubai, Dubai Marina,Ain Dubai, Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Downtown, Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport and many more.
Another advantage of where ECOS is located is the easy access to Abu Dhabi. It is just 60 minutes away from the capital city, which makes it the perfect base for exploring the diverse attractions that the U.A.E has to offer. Also, ECOS is just a short walk away from the metro making it the perfect base for exploring Dubai.
We recognize that the Al Furjan neighbourhood is a wonderful community consisting of over 4000 apartments, houses, and villas. We will be able to offer to this community delicious food that is inspired by local and global cuisine from our restaurants. We aim to create a social hub for the people of Al Furjan to spend quality time and enjoy great food with their family and friends.
We also intend to broaden this social proximity by catering to a larger ‘local’ communities in the near future. This will comprise of extending our offerings and service to the community that will come up at the Expo City Dubai site and the reprised Jebel Ali Village which is under redevelopment.
A: The future of the hotel industry will thrive on some key aspects, which are also the benchmarks that we have considered while building ECOS as a brand. Among these aspects are - smart and sustainable hotels which provide unique brand experiences to its guests without compromising on the key values of traditional hospitality. As technology advances, you will see more robots in hotels, such as AI chatbots that help with customer service and also serve as waiters.
In addition, we believe in and have already implemented digital transformation, including Paperless Check-in and Checkout, Contactless Payment, Mobile Keys to access rooms, Whatsapp Solution for In-room services, Smartboard Meeting Rooms and Opera Cloud Software keep in touch with guests, easing their journey from booking to checkout.
A: Our motto at ECOS is “Experience It!” This reflects in every aspect of food and beverage offerings - a new perspective in hospitality for the millennial guest, looking for a trendy place.
We offer a F&B direction inspired by local and global cuisine that allows us to create a diverse and interesting menu with one a common dominator: Well-being, as all the dishes in the menus also come with their calorie count.
Our signature restaurant PALETTES is set in a stunning space of light and nature, an expressive brand based on the idea that the chef is the artist and the kitchen his atelier. Its fresh and contemporary menu percolates with the energy of an all-day destination,serving delicious dishes with a special twist, like plant-based mini sliders.
COFFEA offers healthy bites, treats and superb coffee. With a focus on small batch brewing and quality of the coffee from a sourcing and roasting point of view, COFFEA is an authentic specialty bar, that allows its baristas to spend time with guests whilst preparing the perfect cup of coffee. Playing on the ‘Experience It!’ vibe.
And then there is 'MELT' a mobile cart that serves fresh fruit popsicles and healthy organic ice creams with great flavours, providing an element of fun and surprise.
A: ECOS has 304 guest rooms, modern and fun meeting rooms that cater to small and large groups. We have our signature restaurant, Palettes - it has a healthy food offering and the coffee shop, Coffea - which serves speciality coffee; Melt – a mobile cart that serves fresh fruit popsicles and healthy organic ice creams with great flavours.
We also have Vendtopia – a vending machine; Laundrette; Kid’s play area, an Infinity pool, Gaming Room – where even adults can chillout and have fun and ofcourse the Gym – for the health and fitness buffs.
A: Sustainability and the environment are at the core of all our actions and plans, and we have taken the following steps to protect the environment.
PET Bottles: We have innovative collaboration with D’Grade, converting PET waste into high-quality yarn for textiles
CAN Collection Drive: This is an initiative where we periodically collect cans and send them across to promote recycling and uphold responsibility towards the preservation of our environment.
OROC: One Root, One Communi-tree Activity One Root, One Communi-tree (ORC) is an action oriented, community-based project rolled out by EEG annually, that encompasses societal inclusion, awareness, education, afforestation, and recycling all into a package of environmental sustainability.
Additionally, we have developed an Energy Management system, as part of our DTCM sustainability management policy. Our goal is also to eliminate all one-time use plastics by the end of 2022.
We are happy to reveal that the e-Concierge solution, developed for our new ECOS brand by our innovative team, was shortlisted in the HSMAI ROC Star 2022 Awards.
HSMAI ROC has been the most compelling and comprehensive revenue optimization event for the hotel industry, convening key stakeholders to address the most critical trends affecting hotels today. With powerful educational and networking opportunities, ROC is an event where senior leaders in hotel revenue optimization connect and engage in meaningful, thought-provoking conversations about the most important strategic issues facing the business.
The future of the hotel industry will thrive on smart, adaptable and sustainable offerings which provide unique brand experiences for its guests without compromising on the key values of traditional hospitality.
At the recent Expo 2020 Dubai, HMH (Hospitality Management Holding) signed an agreement with Terminus Group, aimed at developing Autonomous Robotic Solutions for F&B throughout its hotels, to further enhance guest interaction
HMH is also leading the way in digital solutions, from paperless check-in via e-registration and iPads for check in or out anywhere in the hotel, and contactless payment and ‘Mobile’ room keys through smart phones, to WhatsApp solution for digital menus and food ordering, ticketing system, guest feedback and reviews. This even extends to post-departure, keeping in touch with guests via Opera Cloud software.
Using seamless tech to wow guests is also helping the in-room experience, from in-room control via TV, giving guests the ability to control lights and temperature, to Chromecast – TV screen mirroring. For business travellers, HUAWEI IdeaHub Smartboards are raising the bar in meeting rooms.
As part of HMH’s initiative to drive increased business for Corporate Groups, Meetings, and MICE, all HMH hotels are now listed on the Cvent online global events platform, directly connecting venues to event planners and leveraging best-in-class technology to win RFPS.
Cvent provides easy-to-use integrated technology solutions to maximize the delivery and profitability of meetings and events of all sizes, connecting an international network of marketers, planners, suppliers, and venues.
As the importance of MICE in the Middle East ramps up, Expo 2020 Dubai has also boosted this trend, with leisure and business tourism skyrocketing in 2022. HMH is committed to supporting its hotels to capitilise on such opportunities, with Cvent listing the next step in its growth plan.
For each HMH hotel, information is now directly available as a business listing, with all profiles also unified under HMH Hotel Group at Chain Level, to reinforce brand strength in the region.
New Market Expansion Program is one of the key strategic priorities for HMH during 2023 and for which a strong foundation has already been created during 2021. Proven situational adaptability and strategic planning capability, combined with internationally recognised standards and best practices, makes HMH perfectly poised to expand its ground base into other regions.
KSA is one of the top target markets for 2023-24; its hotel market has grown significantly in recent years and this trend is expected to continue. Saudi Vision 2030 is creating a boom in the KSA hospitality industry, and the robust rise in tourism presents the perfect opportunity for HMH KSA expansion.
As a leader in World Class Hospitality Management in the region, HMH is uniquely placed to deliver relevant and attractive hospitality solutions to support KSA’s growth targets.
A resounding success, the 29th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2022) held at the Dubai World Trade Centre doubled visitor numbers, in addition to attracting 1,500 exhibitors and attendees from 150 countries.
ATM 2022 focused on the themes of inclusivity, innovation and technology as the future of travel, with HMH using the opportunity to strengthen its partnership network and showcase the five distinct yet complementary hotel brands in its exciting, modern portfolio.
According to recent data shared at the event, total contribution of the travel and tourism industry to the GDP of Middle East countries is expected to reach circa $486.1 billion by 2028. As one of the strongest operators in the dry sector within the MENA region, HMH’s world-class solutions are well placed to meet demand and power growth for its stakeholders and partners.
HMH recently organized a Blood Donation Drive in support of the UAE’s frontline health workers who play an invaluable role in saving lives and protecting the community
The event was held in association with Dubai Health Authority's Blood Donation Centre on 21st June 2022, and was hosted at Coral Dubai Deira Hotel. The teams from Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan and Coral Dubai Deira Hotel joined the drive along with the HMH team and generously donated blood as part of this initiative.
As a prominent hotel management company in the region, this is another example of HMH’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, and its pledge to support local initiatives that have a positive social impact.
HMH partnered with Al Nafa Foundation for Humanitarian Work and Charity to host an iftar for 150+ orphans in honour of Zayed Humanitarian Day on 20th April.
The children enjoyed a wonderful range of activities in the spirit of the Holy Month, from Quran recitations and favourite iftar foods, to face painting, henna designs and a fun tug of war game.
HMH is committed to working with key organizations to contribute to the countries in which it operates. Al-Nafa Foundation for Humanitarian Work and Charity plays an important role in the community, offering valuable aid for the less privileged, including essential educational support to orphans and other vulnerable children. .
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah and Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel celebrated as its award-winning chefs served up success at the prestigious Middle East Chef Excellence Awards 2022, held at the luxurious Address Sky View Hotel Dubai.
Hozpitality Group’s annual popular choice awards for chefs recognizes the best of culinary talent within the industry throughout the region.
One of the key highlights of the awards is the live cook off between 5 chefs for the prestigious 'Young Chef of the Year' title, chosen from a shortlist of 16 outstanding chefs.
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah’s Chef Manish Dilip Shrestha, Commis 3, sizzled his way into the live competition, a proud moment for HMH restaurant teams.
With Chef Alegra Ejes Masaya also winning Gold in the Hospitality Excellence Sous Chef of the Year category, and Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel’s Pastry Chef Nishantha Kumara achieving Silver Winner, Hospitality Excellence Pastry Chef of the Year category, the accolades are testament to HMH’s commitment to championing talent throughout its hotels.
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah announced the launch of its trial for market leading technology to ensure that its visitors with hearing disability can fully enjoy their exciting services and facilities.
Its new Amsaan platform, implemented by Gulf People of Determination Information Technologies, allows hard of hearing guests to select any of the available sign languages on the tablet and immediately connect with an online interpreter. Phase 1, which has already been implemented, includes Ukrainian and Russian sign languages, with Arabic, British, and Pakistani sign languages to follow soon.
‘People with hearing disability can easily communicate with other hard of hearing people but communicating with the hearing world can be more complicated. Ensuring that our hotel is hard of hearing friendly and barrier free is very important to us. We are committed to removing those barriers, so that our guests with hearing disability receive the same high-quality, personalised service we deliver for all of our hotel visitors,’ commented Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager – Northern Emirates.
As one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East, HMH continues to pioneer innovative technology solutions aimed at providing memorable, quality experiences for each and every guest.
The story of Chef Manish Dilip Shrestha, Commis 3, is an inspirational testament to HMH’s commitment to nurturing and empowering talent throughout its hotels. Chef Manish joined Coral Beach Resort Sharjah as a steward on April 27th, 2021. While working as a steward, he also assisted as a kitchen trainee for more than 6 months, and was promoted to Commis 3 of F&B Kitchen on February 1st, 2022.
Just months later, Chef Manish made it through to the Top 5 cook-off for the Young Chef of the Year title at the prestigious Middle East Chef Excellence Awards 2022 in Dubai, picked from a short list of the best 16 young chefs in the region.
‘Hozpitality Group’s annual popular choice awards for chefs recognizes the best of culinary talent within the industry, and we are very proud of Chef Manish and all of our gifted restaurant teams,’ commented Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager– Northern Emirates.
HMH continues to empower its hotel teams to initiate measures to fight climate change and protect the environment. To support Dubai Sustainability, the team at Coral Dubai Deira Hotel launched its campaign against plastic waste in landfill, through its alternative disposal of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastics.
PET is a clear, strong, and lightweight plastic that is widely used for packaging foods and beverages, especially convenience-sized soft drinks, juices, and water. In collaboration with DGrade’s Simple Bottles recycling initiative, Coral Dubai Deira Hotel’s PET waste is now converted into high-quality yarn for textile production. In Q3, the hotel submitted two collections of a minimum of 60 bags, as part of its ‘commitment to convert, not throw away’ campaign.
Coral Dubai Deira Hotel offers pioneering customer service, internationally recognized safety standards and exceptional guest facilities as part of a welcoming and caring guest experience keeping in mind the environmental impact constantly.
Launched in 2006, Corp Hotels is an innovative brand of 3 & 4-star group of elegant hotels specially designed for international business travelers and guests.
A fantastic advocate for HMH’s ‘Be Green, Go Green’ initiative in Jordan, Corp Amman Hotel achieved the ‘Green Key’ award for environmental excellence, awarded by The Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan (JREDS). Green Key is the leading standard excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. As an example, the team undertook the Al Thaqafa Street cleaning project in June, to shine a light on World Environment Day.
The hotel also launched its Open Medical Day, aimed at supporting the health and well-being of its staff. In collaboration with the National Center for Occupational Health, all employees were eligible for a free diagnostic health check during working hours.
ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan was applauded for its design and won the award for the Best Restaurant - Middle East & Africa at The International Hotel & Property Awards held in Capri, Italy. The Event was hosted by Design Et Al, a leading UK interior design magazine.
A total of 5 hotel applicants, from around the world, were selected by the jury for this category.
After a rigorous 4-week online voting process, ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan was awarded the Best Restaurant - Middle East & Africa for its signature restaurant Palettes.
Opened in May 2022, ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan was designed with the objective of creating a Lifestyle Hotel that would revolutionize the hospitality industry through smart technology and spaces that efficiently engage with guests and make them comfortable while enjoying their surroundings.
HMH champions international standards and sustainable practices throughout its hotels across its portfolio.
Launched in March 2021, HMH’s ‘Be Green, Go Green’ initiative has empowered its teams to take positive action in their local communities. Showing their commitment to both ‘get green’ and ‘get active’, the Coral Jubail Hotel team planted a new garden area outside the front of the hotel with the support of the Municipality of Jubail.
With rigorous safety training regime and commitment to internationally recognized certification, the health and safety of HMH guests, customers and colleagues is always its top priority, and a rigorous monthly training plan is in place to ensure that all its teams can deliver the highest of safety and hygiene standards on a daily basis. In 2021, certified fire and safety training and first aid training was conducted for staff throughout Coral Jubail Hotel.
A principal goal of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is to shift the motor of growth from the state to the private sector, including increasing visitor numbers from 17 million to 30 million by 2025.
The government of Saudi Arabia is introducing new tourism infrastructure to increase diversity for both religious and non-religious tourists, as well as focusing on demand for Saudi Arabia hajj tourism. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that capacity for Hajj 2023 increased to one million pilgrims (both local and international travellers.
‘Saudi Vision 2030 is creating a boom in the KSA hospitality industry, with a significant increase in demand from leisure, religious and corporate visitors,’ commented Mohammed Fekry, General Manager of QSuites, Jeddah. ‘HMH is uniquely placed to deliver relevant hospitality solutions to support KSA’s growth targets, thanks to our Best-in-Class international safety and service standards and brand depth. We see this as a highly attractive market for us by 2023-24.