Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts is a luxury hotel company, which has had a distinct impact on the global hospitality market for the past two decades. Jumeirah has transformed the way luxury is defined as exemplified by its flagship hotel, Burj Al Arab. Today, Jumeirah operates 6,697 keys (excluding Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens), in 24 properties, across eight countries and employs 13,400 colleagues from 140 nationalities.
Current properties in the MENA region
- Burj Al Arab
- Jumeirah Al Naseem
- Jumeirah Al Qasr
- Jumeirah Beach Hotel
- Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf
- Jumeirah Mina A’Salam
- Jumeirah Zabeel Saray – Palm Jumeirah
- Jumeirah Creekside Hotel
- Jumeirah Emirates Towers
- Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residences
- Jumeirah At Etihad Towers
- Jumeirah At Etihad Towers Residences
- Jumeirah At Saadiyat Island Resort
- Jumeirah Royal Saray
- Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa
Upcoming properties in the MENA region
Jumeirah Group is always considering key capital cities, emerging cities and leisure addresses for new properties, with upcoming projects including Jumeirah Hotel Guangzhou in China and Jumeirah Bali in Indonesia. With regards to the MENA region, the Group is working towards the launch of Jumeirah Muscat Bay in Oman as well as Jumeirah Jabal Omar in Makkah.
Developments and programmes
Jumeirah Group provides a full suite of client-driven provisions such as the Sirius Loyalty Program, catering to repeat guests by offering rewards. In addition to this, the Jumeirah E-Butler further facilitates a seamless stay. The new 24/7 service allows guests to communicate via mobile quickly and efficiently to request room service, book spa treatments, request housekeeping services, make dinner reservations or even book a future stay. The service can be used by WhatsApp in all hotels with the exception of the hotels in China where Jumeirah E-Butler will be available through WeChat.
Environmental programmes are also a key element in the development of the brand, an example of which is Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island’s partnership with the Dubai-based water treatment company to reduce single-use plastics. Guests are offered a personal reusable bottle and can obtain locally-sourced filtered still and sparkling water from the resort’s water stations. The resort has also eliminated the use of plastic straws.
Jumeirah Group also places immense significance on its employees as it recognises the importance of guest interaction on the overall guest experience. The Group has recently brought on board Muneera Al Taher as Director of Emiratisation – Talent Acquisition and Development, with a focus on driving local talent recruitment and development across the group. Her appointment forms part of increased efforts by the company to grow and develop its local workforce and support the nation’s Emiratisation vision leading up to Expo 2020 and beyond.
Interview
Alexander Lee, Chief Commercial Officer
What are the main challenges you face in hotel management and operations?
Jumeirah is in a strong position, having built our reputation as the darling brand of Dubai with incredible locations including 2.5km of stunning beachfront in Dubai. We understand the importance of curating truly memorable experiences.
Chief Commercial Officer,
Jumeirah Group
The global economy is one we watch closely, however, while one market may become more challenging, others thrive and we’re seeing growth from markets like India and the Ukraine as well as new markets that are discovering Dubai helped by expansion of Emirates flights to destinations across the world.
In Dubai, we’re now in what we see as a maturing market with increased competition. We’re pleased to be leading the market in terms of occupancy and rate, and with the growing choice and arrival of more luxury brands into the city, we’re focused on being competitive, relevant and desirable.
What do you think are the most important criteria for a smooth flow of F&B operations?
We have two priorities that we strive to achieve. One is delivering world-class dishes our chefs are known for, on a scale that meets the expectations of our guests. The second, is consistency. We can raise the bar with signature dishes, that people will come back for, and must then deliver those consistently and at scale, day in day out.
The restaurant scene in Dubai is expanding all the time, with more than 12,000 restaurants currently operating in the city. We’re focused on getting the word out in a competitive landscape to ensure guests get to experience our culinary destinations. Our guests include hotel guests, but also the Emirati community, local expats, and other visitors who may not stay with us, but who would like to dine with us.
How do you see the future of the chain?
Our focus is to be continually working towards achieving our vision over the next five years. We’re focused on three key areas – growing our global footprint from our position as a darling brand of Dubai, further defining our luxury proposition to meet the ever-evolving needs of our guests and ensuring we create family-led social experiences and environments.
