Dubai’s hotel room inventory will reach 54,000 in 2010 according to Ishraq Gulf Estate Holding, a leading regional hospitality figure. This represents a 40 per cent increase over figures for 2008. CEO for Ishraq Gulf Estate Holding said the huge increase in hotel rooms will present a challenge for the hotel sector, which has been struggling during the global economic recession.
Sami Ari Ansari said 2009 has been an extremely difficult year for the hospitality industry in Dubai because room inventory increased 17 per cent and this drove the occupancy rate down 35 per cent compared to 2008. Ansari is a member of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC)’s advisory board. He said “Signs of improved demand for the remainder of 2009 are evident, nevertheless pressure continues on room rates as a result of fierce competition.”
Oslo’s City Hall (Radhuset) was inaugurated in 1950. Its quality as a building has been hotly debated, but all have come together to watch the annual Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony, which takes place within its walls. Inside, one will find stunning murals and frescoes. The building has two red-brick towers, one of which hosts a carillon that plays every hour. Guided tours of the building take pl...
This museum, housed in a colonial building dating back to the 18th century, showcases material and artefacts from the Dutch colonial rule, such as wood and ivory furniture, documents from the era, maps and photographs of the Dutch in Sri Lanka, and even crockery. Closed Fridays and all public holidays. 9AM-5PM. No 95 Prince Street, Pettah, Colombo 11. Phone: 0094112 448466. ...
One of the most intriguing places in Singapore to amble around, Chinatown is considered to be the cultural and social nucleus of the country with the wide range of temples, merchant shops and activity. Even though the place has been experiencing some reconstruction work for a long time, it nevertheless is a place which deserves a visit for people coming to Singapore for the first time. Addre...
The Smart Museum of Art is named for David and Alfred Smart, the founders of Esquire Magazine and the museum's benefactor. It was founded in 1974 and is the art museum of the University of Chicago. There are more than 8,000 works on display, split into four different collections: Asian Art, Contemporary Art, European Art, and Modern Art and Design. The Asian Art collection include...