NEWS

In preparation for the grand opening of the first Armani Hotel in the world on March 18, 2010, Armani Hotel Dubai has just unveiled their new state-of-the-art online booking system January 31st to begin processing early room reservations. Their new online booking system allows guests to search real-time room availability and book across all room types, including the highly exclusive and one-of-a-kind Armani Dubai Suite.

Hundreds of athletes from around the world have competed in the annual race to the top of the Empire State Building -- running up 86 flights of stairs. There are a total of 1,576 steps and because the stairwells are only wide enough for two people there can be quite a bit of pushing and shoving. But if you think this looks tough, imagine what skyscrapper running would be like in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa building has almost twice as many floors.

Last month's gala launch of the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai was a fitting tribute to the skill and professionalism of the assembled event production specialists, lead by Dubai-based outfit Prisme International and French fireworks contractor Groupe F. While it's hard not to imagine the scale of the launch event had the 828 metre tower opened at the height of Dubai's boom years (think Atlantis times 10), the fireworks presentation itself differed little to initial designs drawn up by Groupe F's artistic director and CEO Christophe Berthonneau more than two years ago.

A traditional Emirati restaurant in Dubai has added a new entree to its menu billed as a fat-free choice for carnivorous but health-conscious diners: the Camel Burger. The camel burger, a hit with residents and tourists, could soon also be on offer in the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower formerly known as Burj Dubai, where Local House may open a branch.

Crowds of tourists visiting the Burj Khalifa have boosted retail sales near the world’s tallest tower by as much as 30 per cent. Since the 828-metre-tall building opened its observation deck to visitors on January 4, the bustling activity has trickled down to the tills in neighbouring Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar, retailers say.

This Valentine’s Day head to The Palace – The Old Town to celebrate a romantic evening like never before. Amongst the numerous offerings the hotel has planned for couples on the day is a tailor-made package called ‘Sweet Suite Package’. The hotel, overlooking Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, will present ‘Sweet Suite Package’ to three couples only.

British engineering firm Hyder Consulting said on Tuesday that it was on track to beat profit forecasts in its full-year results, despite still being owed GBP9.4m ($14.9m) by Dubai clients.The company, which advised on Dubai’s Burj Khalifa project, said it was poised to report full year revenue and operating profit “slightly ahead” of market expectations, after absorbing operating costs of around GBP3m.

International public relations agencies have expanded their presence in the UAE in the past two years to establish direct offices and forge permanent partnerships with local agencies, given the potential of a growing market that is still in the process of comprehending the full length of communications practice as an essential element to business and to the country's image.

In case you weren’t in Dubai last month and you missed Emaar Properties’ announcement that their ‘obelisk’ Burj Khalifa, (the tallest building in the world), has reached completion, we thought we’d tell you all about the party that they threw in celebration! But is Dubai back from the brink with the launch of this tower? Well, one thing is certain, Dubai certainly isn’t going down without a fight!

Room rates at Dubai's Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa will start at AED1,700 for a night in one of 24 Armani studios, it was revealed on Sunday. The hotel, which is due to open in March, has put its online booking system live starting, with bookings able to be made at www.armanihotels.com.