The United Arab Emirates has emerged as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations in recent years and the increased awareness amongst travelers has resulted in areas such as Al Ain regarded by many as the perfect place to relax, unwind and experience the best of Arabian hospitality and culture.
In close travelling time to the bustling cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Al Ain has quickly emerged as the ‘cultural and natural’ capital of the country. Boasting the title of the ‘Garden City’, Al Ain – which translated means “spring” – has a wide selection of attractions and activities available for culture and adventure fans. Surrounded by awe-inspiring red sand dunes, and in the shadows of an impressive mountain range, Al Ain is located inland on the country’s eastern border – a crossroads between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Truly an oasis city – Al Ain is settled on an area abundant in water springs – travelers with an enthusiasm for nature and history can enjoy exploring an area where archaeological discoveries have found links back to around 3,000BC. While traditionally popular with leisure travelers, the secluded and private city has also become a premier place for conventions and conferences. In fact, corporate retreats have quickly emerged as one of the fastest growing trends in the city’s hotel sector, said Walid Nicolas Harouni, General Manager, InterContinental Resort Al Ain.
“Al Ain is a beautiful city that is emerging as the region’s hub for premier corporate getaways,” explained Harouni. “With stunning surroundings and inspiring geography, it provides the perfect backdrop for stressed out executives to recharge their batteries.”
Corporate groups are provided five-star service from arrival, with the hotel developing individually designed tailor-made programs that can include everything from dune drives, camel rides, traditional desert dinners and poolside functions. The hotel can quite comfortably cater for every eventuality – including a business meeting for less than 10 guests to a formal banquet for more than 1,000 guests. The added bonus for business visitors is the confidence of having access to high-speed internet connectivity from each room, plus wireless connection in public areas.
The meetings and incentives market is performing well at the hotel, with a 12 per cent increase on business over the same period last year. “Most of the business that we are attracting is from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We offer 5-star service at a reasonable price – in a stunning setting.”
As corporate retreats are fast emerging as the biggest trend in Al Ain, the rush has been witnessed first-hand at the InterContinental Resort Al Ain. Harouni – who is pleased to be seeing a new market sector entering the area – said: “The InterContinental Resort Al Ain is just the place to design team-building activities such as sand-boarding, quad-biking, desert safaris and many more fun-filled adventures. If, however you decide that exhilaration is not what you’re after then this Resort offers the perfect setting to relax body, mind and spirit surrounded by luscious date palm trees with an Arabic desert sunset that will leave you with a permanent smile of content.”
With a multicultural welcome awaiting travelers at the first-class resort, situated in the stunning oasis town, the hotel – designed to ensure comfort, style and luxury – is equally as popular with holiday-makers and family groups. With many regular visitors coming from the UAE, neighboring GCC countries and Germany, the property is now also experiencing a great deal of interest from Japanese tourists.
The reason the InterContinental Resort Al Ain has become the premier destination in the Garden City is because – as its name suggests – a resort, which makes it the prime place for relaxation and indulgence. The only dedicated resort in the city, the hotel is surrounded by acres of mature gardens, with a wide range of leisure activities available for guests. The Inter•Fitness Health & Recreation Club is the only 24- hour gym in Al Ain that provides four tennis courts, two squash courts and three swimming pools.
“People staying at our property can choose to have a serious swim in our Olympic size pool or take a leisurely dip in our family pool which has its own waterfall, Jacuzzi and swim up bar. More strenuous activities can be found at our Health Club, which has a gym open 24 hours, tennis, squash, sauna, steam room and in-house masseuse. Younger guests are equally well looked after with a children’s outdoor play area, supervised children's club, soft play area, indoor crèche and a babysitting service,” said Harouni.
A very safe city, Harouni recommends all residents of the UAE and surrounding countries take time out to escape from their hectic city lifestyles to enjoy a weekend of relaxation in Al Ain. “The beauty of this is, they can come and relax – while keeping in touch with others thanks to the high-speed internet access we have just installed into all our rooms and the wireless access by the pool and in the lobby,” explained Harouni.
Boasting a wide range of restaurants and bars to suit every mood and budget, the hotel has a culinary delight for every taste bud. However, the delights of Al Ain are not restricted to within the grounds of the resort – there is a wealth of delights on offer around the city. Popular tourist attractions drawing in the crowds include: the impressive Jebel Hafeet Mountain; the lively Camel market; authentic livestock market; historic Sheikh Zayed's Fort; Al Ain Zoo & Aquarium and lush green oasis farms. “There are so many activities on offer for visitors to this city that it is clear to see why this place is always so busy with families from the UAE and other Gulf countries,” said Harouni.
Having experienced a busy period consistently, the stunning InterContinental Resort Al Ain is continuing its development and renovation plans. With a different area of the property being improved annually and with the Health Club, Horse & Jockey outlet and main kitchen all undergoing renovations in 2006, the hotel is continuing to exceed customer’s expectations.
