Is Fujairah the new Dubai?

The Middle East is emerging as a winner in the battle for holiday spend. Traditional holiday destinations are falling out of favour with the UK tourist as the weak pound hits their budget. As people ditch the Euro and the US dollar, Rotana predicts an explosion in visitor numbers to the Middle East in 2009.

But as Brits begin planning their 2009 sunshine breaks in the Middle East, it’s not necessarily Dubai that’s at the top of their wish-list.

Rotana is seeing a rise in interest from UK customers in its more ‘off-the-beaten-track’, lesser known destinations, including Fujairah (UAE), Beirut (Lebanon) and Latakia & Homs (Syria).

“Dubai has long been a favourite destination for sun-seeking Brits and our ten Dubai hotels are still proving very popular.” says Selim El Zyr, President & CEO of Rotana, “However, we are noticing a shift towards the lesser known destinations and predict that in 2009 Britons, in particular, will be looking to try something new and different in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi has been increasing in popularity for a while now and this will increase dramatically when the first F1 Grand Prix is held in the city."
“For visitors who are looking for an authentic Middle Eastern experience, destinations such as Syria, Lebanon or Kuwait will certainly fulfill that need more than Dubai and staying with a Middle Eastern company such as Rotana enhances that experience even more.”

Rotana says Fujairah, still a relatively unknown Emirate, will soar in popularity as UK holidaymakers realise its tranquil beaches and capacity for excellent diving. Fujairah is on the Indian Ocean, rather than The Gulf like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa is nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean in tropical landscaped gardens. The resort’s leisure facilities include a golden private beach, a large swimming pool surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, luxury beach-side massage cabanas overlooking the Indian Ocean and a selection of free water sports. The newly-opened ‘Zen the spa at Rotana’ is the largest, most modern and best equipped on the Eastern Coast of the UAE.

The Lebanese capital of Beirut has undergone major reconstruction and the British are embracing it as a holiday destination. The city’s Mediterranean atmosphere, reputation for chic and lively partying, and re-designed marina district, are making their mark and returning this city to its former popularity.

Rotana has two hotels in Beirut; the Gefinor Rotana and the Hazmieh Rotana. Gefinor Rotana is conveniently located in the heart of Beirut and has easy access to the exclusive neighborhood of Verdun, the traditional winding streets of Achrafieh and the rebuilt Downtown area. Lebanese hospitality blends with international expertise at Hazmieh Rotana, a well-located hotel with a relaxing pool area and spa facilities.

Rotana says the wealth of architecture and culture is luring visitors to Syria in 2009. The incredible ruins are on a par with sites in Greece and Rome, and the relative unknown area means visitors can explore at an unhurried pace.

Antique buildings in Damascus are being given a new lease of life with revitalising renovations and the ‘Old City’ evokes the golden days of the capital with bazaars and blind alleys, minarets, mosques and fountain courtyards, street-cart vendors and coffeehouses.

The Queen Centre Arjaan is a stylish hotel in Damascus that has recently been rebranded as Rotana introduces its “Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana” range of properties. Guests can enjoy the fitness facilities and the hotel’s great location, next to the Queen's Shopping Centre, home to 85 international deluxe brands.

Rotana has identified other areas of Syria which are increasing in popularity. Rotana is expanding its portfolio rapidly in the country with hotels planned in Latakia and Homs.

Latakia is Syria’s main sea-port on the Mediterranean and its history dates back to ancient times, when Alexander the Great transformed it into a prosperous city. The beach at Latakia has soft golden sand and unpolluted sea, and the resort benefits from a warm and sunny climate. Latakia is a perfect base for excursions throughout Syria’s coastal regions and beaches, mountains, lush countryside and archaeological sites.

Homs is also an historically significant city and it was a stop on the famed 'Silk Route'. Now Homs has many fascinating buildings and beautiful restaurants overlooking the Orontes River. Sites of cultural significance include a Crusader fortress, a tomb of a celebrated general and the Al Fadael Mosque, built in 1062.

For the best and most authentic hotel experience across the Middle East, Rotana is an excellent choice. For more information, log on to Rotana.com.