Starwood Hotels & Resorts celebrates sixth annual ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative

Press release

Published June 23rd, 2015 - 08:20 GMT

Al Bawaba

As part of its ongoing commitment to the Holy Month of Ramadan, Starwood Hotels & Resorts is celebrating its sixth annual ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative at more than 40 participating Starwood hotels in the Middle East. During the hour of Iftar on Wednesday, July 8^th 2015, all cab drivers who drive through the main entrance of any of the participating Starwood hotels will receive complimentary Iftar packs to break their fast. This year, Starwood is also extending the gesture to its partner-drivers at Uber.

Conceptualized by Starwood Hotels & Resorts – the ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative has been running since 2010 and has since become an annual tradition for many cab drivers throughout the region. Last year, Starwood delivered over 3,000 Iftar packs to cab drivers across the region.

“We thank the cab drivers and our partner-drivers at Uber who support Starwood hotels and provide our guests with transportation services throughout the year,” said Guido de Wilde, Senior Vice President & Regional Director, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Middle East. “Iftar for Cabs embodies the spirit of Ramadan and we are extremely proud of our hotel teams as they unite to give back and recognise important members of our community,”

Catering teams at each hotel will prepare Iftar packs, which will include a diverse selection of food and beverage items. Associates from across various departments within the hotels, including Catering, Administration and Guest Services, will join forces on the ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative. This year Starwood will also hand Iftar packs to its partner-drivers at Uber.

“The initiative has been widely appreciated by our hotel owners, the local communities and transport authorities and we are excited to continue the tradition,” added de Wilde.

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.