The next Dubai? What: The government of Jordan is at work developing a city in the south that promises luxury and Kempinski will soon unveil its local hotel.

Send to KindleTweet The Dirt: Is this image how you pictured a posh hotel in the Middle East? Welcome to the southern most region of Jordan, where European hotel giant Kempinski is among the many hospitality giants joining the locals in developing what promises to be a popular upscale destination, Aqaba. Kempinkski plans to open [...]

MidEast Property Orgy Ends, Currency Battle BeginsWhat: Dropping oil prices and a global credit crisis is hitting the Middle East too, where some states are considering a common currency.

Send to KindleTweet The Dirt:Cost cutting in a world where five-star hotels are the norm is a scary sign. The folks in the Middle Eastern city of Dubai are cutting costs and bringing the real estate development spending spree to halt, having already asked Abu Dhabi for help. Some of the folks in the Gulf [...]

The All Inclusive Airport Space + Airline Exclusivity + Luxury Shopping = The Modern Terminal What:Airports are quickly conforming to consumer interests with many major cities unveiling terminals almost entirely devoted to retail space, often via a collaboration with a specific airline carrier.

Send to KindleTweet The Dirt: The economic crisis and volatile energy prices have airport owners toying with new ways to bring in additional streams of income, mainly with high-end dining and shopping options. Such is the case with new terminals unveiled in 2008 in three popular destinations: London, England, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and New [...]

A Melting Pot Musician Mixing Arabic Sounds, Hip-Hop Beats & Europop EnergyWhat:Scandinavia-based Persian artist Arash is gaining ground around the globe, with a huge following in Russia.

Send to KindleTweet The Dirt:ArashBased in Sweden, Iranian singer Arash is gaining popularity around world after just three years on the scene, with a sound that epitomizes the notion of a melting pot. The pop star mixes elements of hip-hop, dance and contemporary Middle Eastern beats for a sound that begs repeating and can be [...]

The Ramadan Special Middle East Hotels Aim To Profit From the Holy Holiday What: The month of September marks an important Muslim holiday, Ramadan, an apparently, a big source of income for hotels in Muslim nations.

Send to KindleTweet The Dirt: While most American families prepare for the holiday weekend, Muslim families will be getting ready for the holy month of Ramadan. Commencing around September 1, the holiday obliges practicing Muslims to fast during sunrise to sunset for one month. Despite being one of the most important holidays, it seems to [...]

If You Build It, They Will ComeA Middle Eastern Budget Travel Sector EmergesWhat: Catering to a wider audience, local airlines create budget brands while Western hotel companies bring their budget lines to the Middle East.

Send to KindleTweet The Dirt: In the classis paradox, the region banking off rising oil prices is the future home of a number of budget airline and hotel brands. So, while hoteliers and airlines create luxury for the masses in the U.S., the same companies are creating travel options for those craving a visit to [...]

European Hotelier Looks To Middle East

Send to KindleTweet China is all over the news between politics and the development craze inspired by the upcoming Olympic games. However, institutional investors know that in addition to China and India, the last haven for emerging markets investments lays in the region abbreviated as MENA—the Middle East and North Africa. Enter Kempinski Hotels. They [...]

Hip Hotelier Hits The Asian Tropics

Send to KindleTweet Located in the Indian Ocean, south of India and west of Sri Lanka, the string of islands known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and proximity to coral reefs, has long been a destination for Europeans. Now, one of the most renowned contemporary hotel networks, Germany’s Design Hotels, will have two properties in [...]