Starwood Hotels & Resorts celebrates seventh edition of ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative

Press release

Published June 2nd, 2016 - 09:30 GMT

Starwood Hotels

Starwood Hotels & Resorts annual ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative, running in its seventh year, is back with the participation of 48 hotels in the Middle East. On June 21, 2016 during the hour of Iftar, all cab drivers who drive through the main entrance of any of the participating Starwood hotels will receive complimentary Iftar packs. Starwood properties have handed out over 3,000 iftar packs across the region in previous years.

Launched in 2010, the ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative has turned into an annual tradition for many cab drivers throughout the region. The initiative has also been widely appreciated hotel owners, local communities and transport authorities

For the initiative, catering teams at each hotel will prepare Iftar packs which will include a diverse selection of food and beverage items, while associates from various departments will assist with packaging and handing out the Iftar packs to cab drivers.

“We are excited to celebrate the seventh annual ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative which has become a tradition for cab drivers and our hotels,” said Guido de Wilde, Senior Vice President & Regional Director, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Middle East. “This initiative truly embodies the spirit of Ramadan and gives us the opportunity to thank cab drivers across the region for their hard work and the support they give our hotels throughout the year.”

In the UAE, 26 Starwood properties will participate in this year’s initiative, including the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, The St. Regis Dubai and the soon to open W Dubai Al Habtoor City and Westin Dubai Al Habtoor City.

Background Information

Starwood Hotels

Starwood Hotels represents one of the world's largest hotel and leisure companies. It conducts its hotel and leisure business both directly and through its subsidiaries. Its brand names include St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points, Aloft, and Element

Starwood Hotels' business emphasizes the global operation of hotels and resorts primarily in the luxury and upscale segment of the lodging industry. It seeks to acquire interests in, or management or franchise rights with respect to properties in this segment. At December 31, 2009, its hotel portfolio included owned, leased, managed and franchised hotels totaling 979 hotels with approximately 292,000 rooms in approximately 100 countries, and is comprised of 63 hotels that it owns or leases or in which it has a majority equity interest, 440 hotels managed by the company on behalf of third-party owners and 476 hotels for which it receives franchise fees.