ALTHOUGH the Middle East and Africa will see a drop in the number of new hotel projects planned for the future, industry experts agree that the region continues to retain its appeal for development and that earnest efforts are being made to ensure that ongoing hospitality projects are completed on schedule.

THE Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has launched its first property in Saudi Arabia in what was originally envisioned as a royal guest palace for visiting dignitaries and heads of state.

IN LINE with its vision of creating world-class tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi, the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is set to take luxurious hospitality to new levels with two stunning developments that are scheduled to open their doors shortly.

CONSTRUCTION work has kicked off on a luxurious 324-room hotel on the Palm Jumeirah Island in Dubai, following the decision by its developer Al Habtoor Group to relaunch the project.

ALL developers want to ensure a trouble-free handover, with a delighted client who is impressed with the professional and quality finish delivered. The need to revisit once a sale is complete adds to the cost of a new build, takes time and impedes good relations with the client too.

BAHRAIN-based Gulf Shade has added another feather in its cap with the successful completion of an amphitheatre project at Qatar’s landmark The Pearl-Qatar residential and leisure development.

HUME Cemboard Industries (HCI), a leading Malaysian manufacturer of cellulose fibre-reinforced cement boards which markets its products under the Prima brand, has seen its products used on some of the most prominent projects in the Gulf region, where they have demonstrated their durability and aesthetic appeal.

SAUDI-based Inex Wood (International Expertise in Wood Company) has gained a reputation as a top-notch specialist in interior woodwork having undertaken high-end projects for palaces, villas and seven-star hotels, including premier hotel chains such as the Hilton and Sheraton.

QUANTRAN Systems Gulf has pioneered lighting and dimming control solutions that have enhanced the ambience of various developments, ranging from hotel lobbies to palaces, while also bringing about cost and energy savings through effective management systems.

THE newly-launched Gyptone acoustic tiles and boards can give ceilings in the Middle East a fresh, new look, says Saint-Gobain Gyproc Middle East. Originally developed and manufactured in Denmark, Gyptone comprises a range of perforated gypsum tiles and boards in a choice of visually exciting surface patterns.

SILENT Gliss has raised the curtains on an extensive range of window treatments that it says will challenge and surpass the paradigms of what can be achieved in this field.

AN integrated pest management is essential to fortify buildings and luxury apartments, hotels and palaces against insect pests, with regular treatment of the premises by professional pest control managers becoming a necessity.