DUBAI — The Dubai Department of Economic Development, or DED, honoured the assessors of the Dubai Quality Award (DQA) and Dubai Human Development Award (DHDA) 2009 at a gala dinner held at the Meydan Hotel.

Meydan Hotel

The assessors were presented with certificates in appreciation of their work in assessing the applications for both awards, which included senior professionals who have significant experience in quality management, human resources and general management, coming from all business sectors in the UAE including nationals and non-nationals.

The entities worked together to ensure that each applicant is screened thoroughly in accordance with the parameters laid down by the awards. Each applicant receives a detailed feedback report, which evaluates the company’s strengths and areas of improvement.

“The dedicated efforts of assessors to ensure that quality standards are totally implemented at the various companies which applied for the awards, have gone a long way in spreading awareness and implementation of the culture of quality and excellence in the emirate,” said DED Business Excellence Executive Director Mohammed Juma Bushanain Al Amri.

“The working methodology of the assessors directly impacts the quality of assessments, and the feedback from them holds great value for companies, which can use it as a starting point for identifying areas for improvement.” Since the inception of the awards, the DED has been training over 100 new DQA and DHDA assessors every year.

“The reputation of the awards rests on the strengths and commitment of its assessors. They not only evaluate the applications on the basis of stringent criteria but also consistently convey the message of excellence to their associates and to the companies they evaluate,” Al Amri added.

business@khaleejtimes.com

The world’s first 5-star trackside hotel, the Meydan offers luxurious rooms, each including a private balcony overlooking the Meydan Racecourse.

The rooms at the Meydan are elegantly designed and include modern comforts such as free Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs. Guests can enjoy a lavish breakfast at Farriers All Day Dining Restaurant or enjoy room service in the comfort of their room.

The Meydan offers leisure facilities including an outdoor Infinity Rooftop Swimming Pool, a well-equipped fitness centre and a relaxing spa. Guests can enjoy many gourmet dining options at the Meydan, including Prime Steakhouse and Shiba, which serves Japanese cuisine. Guests can also enjoy a meal on the outdoor terrace overlooking the races.

Guests can enjoy access Wild Wadi Waterpark and beach access to Madinat Jumeirah. There are boutique shops and an IMAX theater all within walking distance.

The Meydan Hotel has an excellent location in Dubai, and is just a 10-minute drive from the Dubai International Convention Center and a 20-minute drive from the Dubai International Airport. The Meydan offers free Wi-Fi and free private parking.

With designs made from gold and silver, The Meydan Hotel in Dubai is guaranteed to impress. Hotelier Middle East finds out from the team behind the project why the Burj Al Arab has competition

THE MEYDAN

The Meydan Hotel held its grand launch at the Dubai World Cup this year, welcoming more than 80,000 race goers just weeks after its soft opening on March 4. With 285 rooms spread over eight floors, many with panoramic views of the racecourse, The Meydan is designed to impress.

While all eyes were on The Meydan during such a high-profile event, the pressure was on for the hotel to deliver, and Meydan Hotels and Hospitaltiy VP Abdin Nasralla says that the team was well aware of the impending opening date during the planning stages.

“We knew the World Cup was happening. There was no escape, it was happening on March 27,” Nasralla says. “So we said OK we want it to be March 26, we want it to be March 25, and we worked backwards. We had the team and we had to break it up. With my 40 years of experience, I’d like to advise any hotel manager and any operator: don’t take it as a big project — take it as small units and break it down. Your life will be easier.”

Aiming for the top

Nasralla’s new position heading up The Meydan meant that he had to say goodbye to his previous role as general manager of Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, where he had been working for the past six years.

“I felt sorry to leave my baby,” Nasralla says of Bab Al Shams. “But people should look forward to a challenge and a change. I am sure with Jumeirah I handed over to capable managers who inherited what I built and it will continue in the right way, so it wasn’t really sour.”

It was in this role with Bab Al Shams that Nasralla was named the general manager of the year at the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2009. And, according to Nasralla, things will only get better — he is eager for The Meydan to be counted among established names such as the Burj Al Arab.

“The sky is the limit. We always aim for the highest, the best. I want to be the best hotel. I have been selected as the best manager of the year. So now I want to be the best manager of the world through Meydan,” Nasralla asserts.

“With Meydan we are going to make a great success. I think it will take me to where I want to be. Best, of course, or greater. Among all these big giants to stand here and say I’m next to The Address or next to Burj Al Arab or next to other big hotels — I want to be one of the best. And Meydan will help me to be there.”

On board for the final two years of the project, Nasralla was initially unaware that his position with Meydan would be anything other than an advisory role during the preparatory stages of the hotel launch.

“I was involved for two years; the chairman asked me to play the role of advisor and consultant. So I was involved two years ago but I didn’t think I would come to run this place because its huge, it’s got grandstands, marina, and horse racing. I was doing the consultation but I didn’t know who would operate it. At least not in the beginning, until I was told ‘you have to come over here’”, says Nasralla.

“So it’s nice. To be associated with Meydan is a privilege — I’m very lucky to be one of the people given this opportunity. Meydan’s going to be the talk of the town, not just in Dubai, but in the region, for a long time. Dubai always surprises people with who is the best. So it is going to be one of the good units in the country and I am happy to be part of it.”

And if Meydan is to be the talk of the town, much of the conversation will surely focus on the design of the hotel. There is a clear equestrian theme throughout — unsurprising when considering the location — but what is surprising is the detail. The brunch bar is surrounded by miniature horseshoes, while images of horses can be seen in the internal brickwork of the hotel.

Design

Teo A.Khing Design Consultants managing director and architect Teo Ah Khing is responsible for the design of the Meydan; which not only encapsulates the theme of horse racing but also retains a strong Arabic influence throughout the hotel.

“The colour scheme focused on three main colours; gold, black, and silver, which convey a strong sense of “richness” and modern sophistication,” explains Khing.

“These elements were complemented by warm tones of fabric, leather, and timber materials. The combination of the textured and smoothened surfaces produced an eclectic design that is modern, timeless, and elegant,: he continues.

“Throughout the hotel interiors, onyx stone, leather, gold and silver mosaic, real horseshoe, and 3D glass blocks (with horse figure) and silver were used as main features or as accents. The modern theme was made apparent with the use of stainless steel, metal trims, and glass.”

“Arabic geometry, which is a regular design feature in the region, was represented by the regular use of horseshoe patterns in the interiors — a contextual reference to the Arabians and to the Meydan racecourse. References to horses were also used in grandstand atria which outline horse figures in concentric graphic forms when viewed from the ground level,” adds Khing.

Year round appeal

Despite its association with horse racing —which can be seen in all aspects of the hotel, from its positioning alongside the racetrack down to the intricate equestrian details in the décor —Nasralla is keen to dismiss the assumption that the Meydan may not attract customers outside of the racing season, maintaining that it is an added bonus.

“Why do people always talk about the race season? It’s like somebody asking a beach hotel ‘what will happen if the sea is empty, no one will swim’”, Nasralla says.

“I will say that we are in a position like every other hotel down town — Emirates Towers, Shangri-La, Dusit, Fairmont — these people work all year round and don’t have a rest. So the race is a plus. We are in the middle of the city, we’re downtown. The race is a good point, a good activity to have; it enhances our business in the winter and in the summer we should be like everybody else. Our hotel is a business hotel, it is a leisure hotel, it is a group hotel, it is a MICE hotel – so why worry? If we were only leisure, or a boutique, then maybe we would worry; but we can cater for all kinds of business, so we should have a nice mix and we should survive I will say.”

With all types of business catered for, The Meydan expects a mixture of clientele —from locals to overseas guests. The forecast for occupancy over the summer month is currently estimated at between 35to 45%.

“The local market will generate quite substantial revenue for us and what is good about Dubai is when there is a new kid on the block people like to try it. So this is a good habit here,” Nasralla says.

“People will come from different countries. The first customers will be British, German. We are going to focus on the Russian market. We are also concentrating on China and Japan. And we would love to have the American market.”

Operator decision

The management contract for the hotel was originally held by Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts (with whom The Meydan is currently in arbitration proceedings), but the hotel is now seeking a new operator. With the set-up and initial operation of The Meydan supported by Jumeirah Group, it seems likely that it will stay on as the management company.

“We will have an operator and Jumeirah are much considered. At the moment they are one of the very top selected,” says Nasralla.

“It’s all subject to contract and there is no hidden agenda in saying we are considering them among others. It’s a competition, this life. We’ve seen the quality, so it’s a matter of negotiating with the management of Jumeirah, but they are considered — they are very, very shortlisted.”

Abdin Nasralla tells it like it is

The Meydan offers a 24 hour stay, enabling guests to check in at any time, and check out a full 24 hours later. In addition, individual guest packages are available at The Meydan Hotel and include Wi-Fi, a buffet breakfast, and, more unusually, soft drinks from the mini-bar. Abdin Nasralla believes that providing a good service is more important than claiming back every dirham from guests.

“We included this in the rate because we thought — at the end of the day you’re not making a great money or profit — we think it’s a service. Why is the mini-bar in the room in the first place? It’s to serve people in a different way, to speed up the service so they don’t have to call room service. So we include it and we think it’s working well, we get good comments from it.

“Twenty years ago I was assistant food and beverage manager and we used to look at the seal of the bar — like people are going to steal from the bar, take a drink. And today we have no key — we have facilities. You’ve got to give people facilities and make people comfortable. They are not in a prison, they are not in a police station, and they are not here to be questioned. Today people charge for the internet — come on! We can’t do that. There is wireless everywhere. It’s about facilities — people move with their laptops. But charging so much for eight hours, so much for 24 hours. What is this restriction? I want to check my mail, what’s wrong with that? And I’m not being clever by saying all this, but I am being realistic.

“When I sit down and brainstorm, I ask what people want today. How can we fast track the check-out or check-in? You should have everything pre-registered when people come; they should not even have to wait for their key.

“So I think people today need service. We concentrate too much, or we used to in our industry, on how to control people, rather than serve people. It’s all ‘sit down, give me your passport, give me your name — is this your wife or not your wife, give me a proof.’ I think, ‘please leave me alone, I just want to come to stay and enjoy your hotel — are you accepting me or not?’ If I were the customer I would be asking these questions — ‘do you want me or shall I just walk out to next door?’”

Focus: Food and Beverage

There are four main culinary outlets at The Meydan Hotel; Shiba, an authentic Japanese restaurant; Prime, a steakhouse; Farriers, an all day dining restaurant; and The Millennium Lounge, which serves high-tea during the day and transforms in to a lounge in the evening.

With such a range on offer, The Meydan Hotel executive chef, Ashley Goddard, believes that people will come to sample the cuisine, asserting that the distance to The Meydan from the centre of Dubai is far shorter than people imagine.

“There is a perception among certain quarters that there is a distance to The Meydan,” says Goddard. “I’m guessing, however, this is predominately held by those that have not visited us yet. The Meydan hotel, located in Nad Al Sheba, is likely to be the most central location in all Dubai.”

For those who have made the journey to The Meydan, Goddard promises a culinary experience, including master chefs, gourmet food and restaurant theatre.

“The menus have been created by listening to our guests. It’s about choice, availability of the freshest and quality produce, and quality. They have also been inspired by our unique location,” Goddard says.

“Should the guest so wish, restaurant theatre is present at The Meydan to enjoy, with our numerous live cooking stations and full-view kitchen at “Farriers”, and at “Shiba” our Japanese restaurant, however, it is not obtrusive and the focus is not on our kitchens per se, but rather on the creations that come from there.”

Brunch

Like any good hotel in Dubai, The Meydan puts on a weekly brunch on Fridays — featuring dishes from some of the world’s key horse racing nations, and taking guests on a culinary journey through Asia, the Middle East, France, Japan, Australia, the US, Italy, Germany and the UK.

“Friday brunches are a Dubai institution, however, on the whole we felt they were beginning to become a bit tired of late, with nothing really refreshingly new on offer,” says Goddard. “From the outset The Meydan’s Friday Brunch has been set to challenge Dubai’s established Friday brunch scene with its commitment to providing an award winning, relaxed, family inspired brunch, where time is not a concern, quality gourmet experiences are assured and the whole family unit is considered.”

The brunch costs AED 495 (US $134) for adults, although it was initially priced at AED 550 (US $149) when first launched.

Coming soon to The Meydan Hotel

• Cookery lessons
• 9 hole golf course
• Children’s park
• Fitness club
• Masala Indian restaurant
• Travel to The Meydan by boat — a link to the creek is underway

Meydan will have its soft launch on March 4, concurring with the Dubai International Racing Carnival’s (DIRC) Super Thursday racemeeting.

With a total of 285 rooms and suites, The Meydan Hotel will start receiving guests from Thursday, March 4, which also coincides with the post-race concert by international artiste Sting. Nearly 95 percent of all rooms having clear views of the action.

The property will feature one Royal Suite, two Presidential Suites, eight Meydan Suites, 19 Panoramic Suites and 255 Balcony Deluxe Rooms.

There will also be seven restaurants and bars including a rooftop pool with a swim-up bar, lobby lounge bar with a trackview terrace, spa, gym, and business centre facilities.

Promotional rates will be available for non-race days for the month of March, subject to availability. All room rates include an international buffet breakfast, complimentary mini bar with soft drinks and free WiFi internet access.

Mr Abdin Nasralla, vice president of Hospitality and Hotels at Meydan is confident of the inimitable experience that all guests of The Meydan Hotel will experience.

The hotelier said: “We are pleased to welcome our first guests here at The Meydan Hotel on March 4 as it not only coincides with the Dubai International Racing Carnival’s Super Thursday races and Sting’s concert, but also marks a pivotal moment as we launch our first hospitality brand offering to the world.”

He added: “The Meydan Hotel is the most distinctive destination at the heart of horseracing, and it is built for global travelers with discerning tastes and standards. Raising the bar for service, style and excellence, I am very proud to say that there is no other place in the world which can offer such a unique and incomparable experience, whether enjoying the races, or as a tourist or business traveller to Dubai.”

The welcome

To be welcomed somewhere, you have to get there first.

The Meydan Hotel in Dubai Courtesy: Meydan Hotel

This was the first hurdle that presented itself with the new Meydan Hotel. How difficult can it possibly be, you might reasonably wonder, to find a hotel that’s part of a new and mammoth multi-billion dollar racecourse complex?

Pretty challenging indeed, it turns out. Several of the new roads around Meydan are abruptly cut off with cones and the signage is feeble.

“There’s one,” shrieked my friend Cam, pointing at a sign as we reversed, pulled off an off-road area of sand we had traversed in desperation and got back on to the same road for the 43rd time.

Finally, tucked just around the corner from this sign was the impressive, glassy hotel front tacked on to the main Meydan building. We were 20 minutes late, but this mattered not a jot to the staff who took our bags, told us we could check in later and ushered us towards brunch.

The neighbourhood

We’re told to call this whole area Meydan City, as in Media City, DIFC and all the rest.

It lies, easily enough, just 15 minutes or so off the Sheikh Zayed Road from exit 47. But having opened in March, there is clearly still much to do in the surrounding area before it feels complete. It should be great come the beginning of racing action (the season runs from November to March), but in the off months between, things will feel subdued.

The scene

Horsey. Carpets have little horseshoe patterns stamped in them and there are horse motifs outside every room. But then, what would you expect at the world’s most advanced racecourse?

No particularly equine feel to the crowd taking advantage of the new brunch in Farriers, though, as families in particular, along with couples and a few groups, mingled happily together. Few seemed to be staying, and later that evening things felt eerily abandoned. Imagine staying in a deserted boarding school during the summer holidays. There’s a fabulous rooftop infinity pool though, from which you call wallow in the water with a bird’s eye view of the course.

The room

The Meydan has a total of 285 rooms and suites. On the sixth floor, like most other Meydan rooms, ours featured a balcony big enough to seat two from which you have a direct view of the finishing posts.

Cam squealed on wandering into the bathroom (“the biggest bath, with a television screen”), I squealed having collapsed on the vast bed. The most comfortable hotel beds ever? Quite possibly.

The service

Exhausting. We were on a girls’ weekend; we wanted to go to the spa. Could reception send up a spa menu? Of course they could, but we had to ring back three times before being put through to the men’s salon, who told us the salon worked only on an appointment basis and then, after much hassling, that the spa wasn’t operating yet.

Could they not just have told us that at the beginning? And while lying on our bed watching a movie (after the television was fixed), there were four or five separate knocks on the door offering tea, help with the air conditioning and general room service. The hotel needs more guests to mop up this kindly but over-eager attentiveness.

The food

Brunch in Farriers (Dh495 inclusive of sparkling drinks) offers food from key racing nations around the world, so there is an Arabic station along with others from countries including Britain, Australia, Japan, France and Germany.

“No horse on the menu I hope?” I joked to our waitress. She looked back at me blankly. Apparently not, but the general spread of sushi, cheese, salad, meat, breads and obligatory puddings in dinky little glasses was cracking.

Better still was dinner that night in Prime, the hotel’s slightly gothic steakhouse. Having swallowed brunch mere hours earlier, Cam and I could only manage a modest amount of red meat. Tartare for me (made next to the table), fillet for her. Still full at breakfast the next morning, we could only manage eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes chased down with large urns of coffee.

Loved

Gorging ourselves on the food. (Did I mention that the contents of the refrigerator in every room are complimentary?) And the practical checking-out policy, which is 24 hours after you check in.

Hated

The over-attentiveness, the fact that the spa wasn’t open and the feeling that you were staying in a ghost town. But all of these should have been cleared up come racing season, which is when you really want to be there.

The verdict

A vague disappointment after everything touted about Meydan, but it’s early days yet. And if you don’t live in Dubai, or possibly even if you do, then it might be worth booking a room for next year’s World Cup now.

The bottom line

Double rooms currently cost from US$245 (Dh900) for GCC residents, $327 (Dh1,200) for everyone else. This includes breakfast and taxes.

The Meydan Hotel, Meydan City, Dubai (www.themeydan.com; 04 381 3333).