OCTOBER 2017 $5.00 Airline joint ventures Carriers fuelled by partnerships

Second city in first gear Birmingham buoyed by Emirates’ A380s

Capital cuisine The best F&B in Abu Dhabi

Get creative Cool cameras for trips

UAE DHS10 OMAN RO1 BAHRAIN BD1 SAUDI ARABIA SR10 Stay at the Bay KUWAIT KD1 JORDAN JD2 stack up in dynamic Dubai district SOME DREAMS CAN’T WAIT

www.virginlimitededition.com OCTOBER 2017

6 I UPFRONT Airline and news worldwide

18 I TRIED & TESTED Washington DC Lafayette Square; Hong Kong Airlines business class

ON THE COVER 22 I BAY CITY ROLLERS Dubai’s rapidly changing Business Bay district is catching the eye of everyone from hotel operators to Lonely Planet readers, reports Dominic Ellis

34 40 62

28 I MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE 52 I A FEAST FOR THE EYES Airlines are pursuing more joint Samantha Wood tries out a ventures, reports Jenny Southan selection of Abu Dhabi’s finest 28 34 I SECOND CITY IN FIRST GEAR restaurants Birmingham is blending old and new and enjoying greater connectivity with 56 I 4 HOURS IN… Emirates shortly adding a second daily What to see and where to go A380 service, reports Dominic Ellis in Astana

40 I MADRID RISING 58 I GET CREATIVE The Spanish capital is back on its feet The must-have devices for creatives thanks to foreign investment and buoyant or those simply looking to enhance tech scene, writes Marisa Cannon their video and photo skills

46 I JET SET FUTURE 62 I ESCAPE TO INDIA Private jets are no longer the domain Amar Grover leaves behind of the elite thanks to the growth in Bengaluru for a long weekend in consumer-friendly apps historic Hampi

50 I SYDNEY HOTELS 66 I SNAPSHOT A frenzy of new hotels is giving the Amsterdam Schiphol chalks up popular city fresh hospitality impetus 50 years and plans for the next 50 4 I Check-in

re you an installments fan? I’m not one who likes payments hanging over me, but Aequally recognise the appeal of ‘buy now, pay later’, which you see on everything from home Business Traveller Middle East is jointly published furnishings to luxury cars. by Motivate Publishing and Panacea Publishing So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see it crop MOTIVATE PUBLISHING up in the travel arena. Etihad’s tie-up with 17 Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer banks in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt is an Managing Partner and Group Editor Ian Fairservice interesting move. As it covers all cabins, Editorial Director Gina Johnson theoretically the airline has widened its premium Group Editor-Business Guido Duken class appeal to those who wouldn’t have been able Editor Dominic Ellis to afford first or business previously, while at the Senior Art Director Tarak Parekh same time providing Guest members with more Editorial Co-ordinator Londresa Flores Contributors Jenny Southan, Valerian Ho, Marisa Cannon, flexibility. It will be interesting to see if other Tom Otley, Craig Bright, Samantha Wood, Jeremy Tredinnick, airlines follow suit. Steve Dinneen, Amar Grover, Alex McWhirter Payment was definitely a recurring subject in General Manager – Production S Sunil Kumar Production Manager Murali Krishnan September. Assistant Production Manager Binu Purandaran With the clock ticking towards the introduction of VAT across the GCC in January, it’s a hot topic Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Milne of conversation in hotel offices, newsrooms and Publisher Jaya Balakrishnan Senior Sales Manager Dane Hills trade shows. The 5 per cent levy, in itself, seems manageable (particularly when you compare it PANACEA PUBLISHING with 20 per cent in the UK) but on top of the Managing Director Julian Gregory municipality tax, service charge and tourism fee Associate Publisher Middle East Rania Apthorpe – and let’s not forget F&B costs too – there are Global Editor-in-Chief Tom Otley understandable concerns. Operators are widely expected to pass on VAT to guests in the new year but, in time, likely to absorb most of the overall VAT burdens amounting to a SUBSCRIPTIONS © 2017 Panacea Publishing Ltd cumulative sum of $1.9 billion over the next five email subscriptions@ and Motivate Publishing years, according to Euromonitor. motivate.ae Privately, hoteliers have told me they aren’t too tel +971 4 427 3542 worried about VAT but more interested in how it Panacea Publishing will impact the perception of Abu Dhabi and International Ltd, Dubai as international destinations, and whether 41-43 Maddox Street London more incentives and packages might be needed to W1S 2PD offset these charges; certainly all travel Tel +44 (0)20 7821 2700 stakeholders will need to work together to ensure businesstraveller.com travellers keep coming (air transport is zero rated), but this is at a time when airline yields are Panacea Asia Pte Ltd Spaces City Hall pressurised, RevPars continue to slide and market 410 North Bridge Road forecasts are far from certain. Singapore 188726 The UAE is already the 11th largest hotel market Tel: +65 6407 7300 Fax: +65 6407 7251 globally, eclipsing Thailand, Australia, India and Brazil, which is extraordinary for a country its size, and with Expo 2020 on the horizon, the omens look favourable. But with rising supply and new charges, there could be testing times ahead on Head Office: Media One Tower Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Dubai Media City Tel: +971 2 677 2005, both sides of the reception desk. PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE Fax: +971 2 677 0124, Tel: +971 4 427 3000, E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +971 4 428 2270, E-mail: [email protected] London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, Dubai Media City: Office 508, London NW1 3ER, UK, 5th Floor, Building 8, Dubai, UAE E-mail: [email protected] Dominic Ellis Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Editor

OCTOBER 2017 Smile all the stay.

All our hotels are in dreamlike settings, but if we can go the extra step, rest assured that we have what it takes to surprise you, over and over again, so you’ll keep wondering what’s next?

MAURITIUS • RÉUNION • MALDIVES • CHINA • TURKEY • VIETNAM • U.A.E 6 I Upfront

however, and bracing themselves for the imminent introduction of VAT across the GCC in January. “Every hotel and restaurant has to implement the 5 per cent, so it’s a level playing field – we won’t be absorbing the 5 per cent,” added Jones. “Clearly it will place a slight burden on pricing, any increase will impact consumers’ thought processes on where they eat and stay, but we don’t see it as impacting the business as such.” Other prominent upcoming launches include the St. Regis Cairo, which is targeting a December opening, Edition Abu Dhabi (2018), W Amman (early next year) gears up for and W Palm Jumeirah (early 2018). Jones said he was pleased with the “pace two premium launches in Dubai of the integration” following the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts and work OCTOBER WILL be a double-launch unique opportunity for that hotel.” was continuing behind the scenes with month for Marriott International in The 298-room Downtown property in combining IT infrastructure and Marriott Dubai with Bvlgari Resort and Residences Business Bay (pictured) features interior Rewards and SPG rewards programmes. Dubai preparing to ‘soft open’ and designs by WA International and F&B Today Marriott International operates Renaissance Downtown Hotel targeting includes Bhar (contemporary Middle East), 34 hotels in Dubai (21 in the pipeline) a mid-month launch. Grounded (coffee shop), Basta! (Italian), and 19 brands across MEA – and it plans Neal Jones, Marriott International’s Chief Bleu Blanc (French) and Morimoto Dubai to add another four regionally in the next Sales & Marketing Officer for Middle East (Japanese). An all-suite spa concept from few years. “We don’t think 30 brands are & Africa (MEA), was confident Bvlgari Six Senses is due to open in December. too many, as long as each brand appeals will “carve out its own niche” within the Online opening rates start from AED828.75 to a certain type of consumer. We may ultra-luxury sector. The Bvlgari Resort will for a Deluxe King water view room, rising to well grow with an extra brand or two.” officially open in December. “At that level, AED1,425 for a Club Room with Burj Khalifa renaissancedowntowndubai.com, the price point is often not the number one view and Club Lounge access. bvlgariresidences.ae consideration, it’s more about the offering, Both high-end hotels launch as hoteliers Turn to page 22 to read more on Business experience and brand itself. We see a continue to grapple with declining RevPars Bay hotels

Pay for Etihad tickets Le Méridien Dubai unveils Hub lobby in installments LE MÉRIDIEN DUBAI Hotel and ETIHAD AIRWAYS has added Conference Centre has marked the some welcome flexibility to the re-opening of its lobby featuring ticket-booking process by claiming the brand’s Hub concept. The to be the first airline regionally ‘palm tree’ pillars have been to accept credit card installment painted white and new seating, 3D payments. The tie-up with PayFort local art-themed installation and and 17 banks provides passengers sharply designed Latitude 25 bar with the option of paying over augment the contemporary feel. three to 60 months when booking Guests can access desktops in one through etihad.com. The Abu area and Gourmandises coffee Dhabi carrier said the move shop has also been redesigned. is part of its ongoing digital General Manager Shaun transformation and innovation Parsons said: “It’s a complete strategy and will assist “low to transformation. The new lighting is medium income travellers”. critical and the use of the mirrors makes the space feel a lot broader.”

OCTOBER 2017

8 I Upfront

Qantas switches to Singapore THE KANGAROO tailfin will soon be skipping Dubai’s skies as Qantas plans to change its current A380 Sydney-Dubai-London service via Singapore from next March, as part of an extended partnership with Emirates (subject to re-authorisation from regulators). Additionally London-Perth-Melbourne services will replace London-Dubai-Melbourne flights, meaning Qantas will no longer offer any services to Dubai on its own metal. Emirates and Qantas have been working together on flights between Europe and Australia for the last five years, and said that the changes “will see the airlines better leveraging each other’s networks, by providing three options to Australia from Europe – via Dubai and Singapore, and direct to Perth”. Turn to page 26 to read more on airline joint ventures

Lufthansa to drop Doha TESLA TAXIS TURN INTO DUBAI DUBAI HAS added 50 Tesla electric vehicles GERMAN AIRLINE Lufthansa will end its to the limo fleet of the Dubai Taxi Corporation. Frankfurt-Doha service, which it launched Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) 24 years ago, from October 28 after recently took delivery of the cars as part of a struggling to make the route commercially deal for 200 Tesla vehicles signed in February viable. Last year it linked Kuwait to try on the sidelines of the World Government and raise loads and yields (this leg will Summit 2017. “Accordingly, 75 vehicles will continue, according to routesonline.com). be supplied in 2018, and 75 others are to be delivered in 2019,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Passengers with affected bookings have director general and chairman of the RTA. been informed and rebooked.

Air Baltic boosts Latvian links AIR BALTIC will launch a new route between Riga and Abu Dhabi from October 29, operated by the carrier’s new Bombardier CS300 aircraft. The four times weekly service will depart Riga on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2335, landing into Abu Dhabi at 0725 the following day, and the return leg will leave the UAE capital at 0945, landing back into Ping your KLM boarding pass on Whatsapp Riga at 1400. Prices for the six-hour WHATSAPP AND KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have begun testing a new service where flight start from ¤129 one-way, and passengers receive booking confirmations, check-in notifications, boarding passes, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways will flight status updates and information in 10 different languages through the WhatsApp codeshare on the route. Business application. KLM is one of the first companies and first airline worldwide with a verified WhatsApp business account.

Emirates boss calls for APD cut TWO OF the world’s largest airlines said that cutting the tax would “benefit have joined calls for a “significant cut” consumers, stimulate more leisure and in the UK’s Air Passenger Duty, ahead business travel, and send a strong signal of the November Budget. Emirates and that the UK is serious about building ever American Airlines have joined the ‘A stronger international air and trade links, Fair Tax on Flying’ campaign, which is particularly in the post-Brexit world”. backed by ABTA, the Airport Operator’s • Emirates will add three flights a week Association, Airlines UK, and the Board to Stockholm from December 8 on three- of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR class B777-300ERs (Fridays, Saturdays and UK). Emirates’ President Sir Tim Clark Sundays), complementing its daily services.

OCTOBER 2017 A Captivating Location, Luxury Redefined

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi soars to new heights of splendour and service beyond expectation. Located at the vibrant heart of Abu Dhabi with a 200 metre stretch of pristine beach, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf which is home to the Nation Riviera Beach Club at the finest address in the city.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates t. +971 2 694 4444 stregisabudhabi.com ©2016 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates. of Marriott International, Inc., the trademarks and their logos SPG, St. Regis Guest, are Preferred All Rights Reserved. ©2016 Marriott International, Inc.

Stay exquisite at more than 40 St. Regis hotels and resorts worldwide. @stregishotels 10 I Upfront

Etihad rings loyalty programme changes ETIHAD GUEST Members who gain this is now restricted to members whose first Airport. This is subject to available capacity, Silver, Gold or Platinum Tier status will flight is with Etihad Airways, Air Serbia or so during peak periods guests will be now retain their status for one year, as Air Seychelles. There will also be an increase offered access to the Al Reem Lounge in part of a number of changes to its rewards in miles required for upgrades. Terminal 1. programme from October. Members flying on Etihad Airways The airline is increasing the number of Previously, members who flew with operated flights will be eligible to use the Etihad Guest Miles being awarded. J class another partner airline for the first time Etihad Airways Business Class Lounge in will go to 200 per cent and F will go to 275 would receive 500 welcome bonus miles but Terminal 1 and 3 at Abu Dhabi International per cent (from January 15).

IHG’s Avid targets mid-market growth

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS Group has announced its Citizen M on the march new midscale brand, Avid Hotels, will operate under a franchise LIFESTYLE BRAND Citizen M is set to launch properties model and be positioned beneath Express (priced in 15 cities worldwide by 2020. Speaking to Business Traveller, about $10-15 less). Rooms will be a mix of 220sq ft King (65 per chief marketing officer Robin Chadha said that the group has cent) and 275sq ft Queens (35 per cent), featuring a built-in work ambitious expansion plans in North America, Asia and Europe, space, open closet storage with luggage shelf, shower and smart following the launch of its third Paris property at Gare du Lyon. TV. Public spaces will be designed for travellers looking to spend In the US, the group has secured two properties in Los 30-45 minutes in the lobby working, socialising or enjoying a Angeles and another two in San Francisco, a second property complimentary breakfast. in New on the Bowery, one in Seattle, Boston and The group originally announced plans for the new brand in another in Washington DC, located between the national mall June (then going under the working title of Project Horizon), with and the waterfront. A second site in Seattle and another in plans “to target more than 14 million guests in a vastly under Miami are in the works but not yet confirmed. served segment of the US midscale market, estimated to be worth $20 billion in annual industry revenues”. IHG says that over 150 owners have expressed an interest in the Avid brand, with the first properties slated to open in early 2019. Changi T4 to launch this month • Hilton will bring its Hilton Garden Inn brand to Jeddah in 2021 THE NEW Terminal 4 building at Singapore’s Changi Airport (the 155-room hotel will be located on Hamad al Jaser Street) is set to commence operations on October 31. Construction and a DoubleTree by Hilton will open in Sharjah’s Tilal Mall in on the new terminal was completed earlier this year, and the same year. while trial operations have been conducted, a confirmed opening date had previously not been announced. Airlines gearing up to move over to the new terminal include Cathay Uber parked in London Pacific, Korean TRANSPORT FOR London’s decision not to Air, Vietnam renew Uber’s licence has once again put the Airlines, Cebu ride-hailing app on a collision course with Pacific, Spring regulators. TfL said the operator was not “fit and proper” Airlines and all to hold its licence but the decision prompted more than four of Air Asia 785,000 to sign the ‘Save Your Uber In London’ petition on Group’s individual Change.org. Uber has 21 days to appeal the decision. carriers. “Ni Hao,”From China Southern Airlines

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Upfront I 13 TRAVEL IN NUMBERS 14.87 MILLION Dubai’s international overnight visitors in 2016

$56 BILLION Projected spend on UAE tourism by 2022 8.2 MILLION DXB passenger throughput in August 100 The number of 100 A380s shortly in AccorHotels’ Middle Emirates’ fleet, 4 East portfolio breaks with the milestone The number of Emirates’ into three figures delivery scheduled daily services to Sydney for November from March 25 next year

The number of Chinese guests staying in Sharjah 62,000 hotels in the first half of 2017

OCTOBER 2017 LOVE FOOTBALL? SO DO WE FourFourTwoArabia.com online now

motivatepublishing.com Upfront I 15

HOTEL NEWS

• MILLENNIUM PLAZA DUBAI aims to complete its new lobby by the third week of October. The open-plan design will connect reception to other areas and an individual pod allows front desk staff to be more interactive, while business travellers will have a quiet corner for checking emails and making calls.

• MAFRAQ HOTEL in Abu Dhabi has introduced a Rewards Card providing One Business Centre expands in Dubai 10 per cent credit on total transactions ONE BUSINESS CENTRE has opened its “Let’s say someone’s coming for holiday in within the four-star hotel (scan a QR code to enrol). Points can be exchanged second branch in Dubai, on the 38th floor of Dubai and maybe they want to try the market. for night stays, meals and use of leisure Media One Tower. We can create packages per hour depending facilities. The 360-degree layout features two on their needs, we’re very flexible.” She said co-working spaces, meeting room and 50 monthly prices range from AED1,800 for • ALOFT CITY CENTRE DEIRA DUBAI offices, which line up each side – overlooking co-working and AED2,000 for a work station, has topped out and on schedule to open Palm Jumeirah on one side and Media City/ and clients receive 20 per cent discount in Q1 2018. Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) on the other. all restaurants and facilities in Media One Centre Manager Marietta Soufi said it is 10 Hotel. The first branch is located nearby in JLT. • Emaar Hospitality Group has per cent occupied so far. onebusinesscentre.com announced the 202-unit ADDRESS HARBOUR POINT will be developed at Dubai Creek Harbour. Kempinski opens in Riga • VICEROY HOTEL GROUP plans to GRAND HOTEL KEMPINSKI manage the Ombria Resort in the Algarve RIGA will open its doors in October. in 2019, marking its first property in Located next to the Latvian Europe. National Opera House, the 141- room hotel contains two restaurants • MARRIOTT REWARDS’ Megabonus and bars, six meeting rooms, Grand promotion is underway (registration until Ballroom, and spa and wellness November 30 and earning until January facility. Rooms start from 37sqm 15). Members who complete two paid stays at any participating hotel or resort for Superior Rooms and go up to worldwide will earn a free night and the 278sqm for the Presidential Suite. opportunity to unlock more offers. SPG Explore More offers 1,000 Starpoints on eligible stays.

Face-to-face meets ‘essential’ • MANDARIN ORIENTAL QIANMEN, BUSINESSES CONTINUE to view face-to-face meetings as essential, despite the advances BEIJING will open in 2018. Located in teleconferencing technologies. in a traditional hutong quarter, close to Over three quarters of those UK individuals surveyed in a new business travel survey – Tiananmen Square, the hotel contains conducted by You Gov for American Express – said that face-to-face meetings are “essential to landscaped courtyard suites and provides an experience of traditional achieving business objectives”. Beijing life in one of the city’s oldest More than half of respondents said that quarters. reducing current levels of business travel would give competitors an advantage, and a • ROSEWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTS third said that if business travel was curbed has announced its second London they would expect revenue to decrease by 25 property. Located in Mayfair’s Grosvenor per cent or more. Square, the hotel will be housed in the The survey also looked at workers personal building that currently serves as the US views of business travel, with 71 per cent saying Embassy with 137 rooms and suites, five that it made their job more interesting, and restaurants, six retail spaces, a ballroom that can hold 1,000 people and the over half stating that travelling for business “has luxury hotel brand’s signature spa. made them consider working abroad”.

OCTOBER 2017 16 I Lifestyle

Sony unveils business-centric gadgets THE WORLD’S BIGGEST tech a future-looking wireless speaker with companies descended on Berlin last Google Assistant built-in that is poised to month to showcase their latest gadgets revolutionise your office and home. Able to and consumer products at IFA 2017 and synchronise seamlessly with your existing none had a bigger showing than Sony, Google account, it will allow you to set reports Mike Priest. The Japanese electronics calendar appointments, check flight and manufacturer unveiled a suite of new weather information and playback high devices, many of which are well-suited fidelity music in 360-degree sound – all towards the discerning business traveller. with your voice. Leading the charge was a trio of On the smartphone front, the Xperia headphones that took an upgraded XZ1 was announced as the company’s approach to the company’s already newest flagship mobile device. This exemplary noise-cancelling tech. Each 5.2in handset boasts a Full HD display model, be it the classic headband-style with HDR compatibility, Hi-Res audio, WH-1000XM2, round-the-neck WI-1000X, environmental noise filters through and a 19-megapixel camera complete or truly wireless WF-1000X earbuds, is without needing to take them off. with Sony’s advanced Motion Eye tech. equipped with what Sony has dubbed For something a little closer to The perfect companion for any working ‘Adaptive Sound Control’ that manages the home, Sony also threw its hat into the professional, it’s all wrapped in a sleek level of noise cancellation so that boarding smart speaker ring this year with the matte-finished version of the Xperia line’s announcements and other important announcement of the LF-S50G, iconic oblong design.

Maldives magnet for five-star brands The high-end units continue to stack up in the Maldives with Waldorf Astoria set to make its debut on South Male Atoll in Q1 2019. The new-build resort will contain 130 rooms and 10 F&B outlets and marks Hilton’s second hotel in the Indian Ocean islands, complementing the Conrad Rangali Maldives resort. Emaar Hospitality Group will also enter the market with Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa, containing 80 beach and over-water villas, due to open on Ethere Madivaru private island in 2020.

Louvre Abu Dhabi gears up for launch AIRLINE NEWS

LOUVRE ABU DHABI • GULF AIR will raise its Moscow services will open its doors to daily from the end of October and start on Saadiyat Island daily flights between Bahrain and Istanbul on November 11, from early November. displaying a permanent collection of more • QANTAS’ first B787-9 Dreamliner than 600 artworks and recently rolled out of the paint shop ahead 300 masterpieces on of its delivery and debut on domestic routes, before flying its first international loan from 13 French route from Melbourne to Los Angeles in galleries which will December. be rotated throughout the year. UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh • BRUSSELS AIRLINES has chosen the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Smurfs for its A320 livery next March. Zayed Al Nahyan inspected art installations prior to opening.

OCTOBER 2017 Lifestyle I 17

Aloft in harmony Premium transfers with British Airways with local talent BRITISH AIRWAYS has launched a new service for premium customers, designed to FROM OCTOBER 1-14, aspiring eliminate missed connections at Heathrow. The Premium Transfer Drive service offers musicians in the UAE are invited to submit eligible passengers a car transfer from their domestic flight to an onward BA short or original songs to aloftstaruae.com for a long-haul service. The service is available to passengers connecting onto a short-haul chance to win Project: Aloft Star and kick flight in Club Europe; passengers connecting onto a long-haul flight in either Club World start their music career with a distribution or First; and Silver or Gold Executive Club members. deal from Sony Music Entertainment.

Bürgenstock reaches new heights Go behind the scenes at Dubai Opera THE LUXURY BÜRGENSTOCK Hotel in Switzerland has YOU’VE SEEN THE shows and now you can head back stage at opened its doors. The newly built hotel, with its modern Dubai Opera to see how artists, crews and designers prepare for architecture and contemporary design, boasts 102 rooms and performances. One-hour tours start each day at 10.30am and cost suites and targets Middle East travellers. The spa and Waldhotel AED75 for adults and AED40 for children. Health & Medical Excellence will be inaugurated late autumn. Email: [email protected] A pearler from Aston Martin ROLL UP to your meeting in style with the Aston Martin Vanquish S Pearl Limited Edition. The opulent model is restricted to 15 cars and exclusive to the Middle East (wings on the front and rear are laid with mother of pearl).

OCTOBER 2017 18 I Tried & Tested Hotel

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

BACKGROUND Part of Accorhotels, the five-star Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square opened in 2002 as a conversion of a landmark 1930s building. It was renovated in 2015, with inspiration taken from the art deco period. My Luxury corner room had a city view (some WHAT’S IT LIKE? The rooms look internally). It was very light, which hotel’s entrance is marked was great, but having to adjust the blinds for all by French and American the windows was a bit fiddly (in the evening there flags and, on arrival, polite is turndown service so staff get it ready for the and polished doormen night). The signature Sofitel SoBed was extremely A conversion rush to help with luggage. The long reception hall comfortable. All bathrooms have a separate tub and is flanked by a turquoise leather banquette facing walk-in shower. Junior Executive suites and above of a landmark the lifts, which is handy when you are waiting for have a living room and sofa bed, plus coffee and tea, 1930s building, someone. It took a few minutes to receive my room which I missed in my room. it was renovated key as someone else had arrived with a couple of in 2015 with small dogs, which was resulting in some form filling. RESTAURANTS AND BARS Just off the lobby is inspiration taken Le Bar, which proved a handy place to pop in for a WHERE IS IT? An excellent location on 15th Street free takeaway filter coffee early in the morning and from the art NW, one block from the White House and 42km from to charge my laptop in the afternoon before heading deco period Washington Dulles International airport. It’s easy for the airport. Opposite is ICI Urban Bistro, which to get around the city with Ubers but it’s also very I visited one morning for breakfast. I had a French walkable, although distances can be deceptively long. press (US$6) and a three-egg omelette (US$17), which was very good. Staff were fantastic – very warm ROOMS There are 237 rooms (including 17 suites) and welcoming. It had a good buzz about the place across six categories – Superior and Luxury rooms, – Le Bar was more lively in the evenings. In warmer and Junior, Junior Executive, Prestige and weather you can sit out on the street-side terrace and Presidential suites. Entry-level Superior rooms in order a lunch of French onion soup (US$8), salade this 12-floor hotel start from 34 sqm, while suites Lyonnaise (US$14) or steak frites (US$35). start from 40 sqm. Apart from the Presidential suite, which is MEETING FACILITIES The 150 sqm Paris ballroom decorated in blue, all rooms have the same red, black, holds 180 delegates theatre-style. Five smaller rooms white and grey décor. It’s smart and contemporary. seat from ten in a boardroom layout to 75 people Standard facilities include desks, 55-inch HD TVs, theatre-style. minibars, safes, Bose radios and irons/ironing boards. Wifi was free LEISURE FACILITIES There is a decent fitness but didn’t work centre with cardio equipment, weights, medicine well – on one balls and a Kinesis machine. While there is no spa, occasion I had in-room massages can be arranged. Jenny Southan to go to a nearby café. There didn’t seem to be a VERDICT The poor wifi PRICE Internet rates for paid-for high- had a detrimental effect a flexible midweek stay in November started from speed option – I on my stay but otherwise US$258 for a Superior room. could use email it was a very comfortable and Facetime business hotel in a CONTACT 806 15th Street Audio but not superb location near the NW; tel +1 202 730 8800; video-call. White House. sofitel.com

OCTOBER 2017 Tried & Tested Flight I 19

Hong Kong Airlines A330-300 Business Class Gold Coast–Hong Kong (via Cairns) A light breakfast (drinks and a muffin) was served on the short Gold Coast-Cairns leg, before the flight landed in Cairns at 1220. All passengers were required BACKGROUND Hong Kong got its first direct service to disembark before boarding again at 1305. to Australia’s Gold Coast in January last year, when My seat was prepared with refreshed amenities, Hong Kong Airlines launched a three-times-weekly including a new pillow, blanket, headset and an service. The return flight includes a stopover in Cairns. attractive Hong Kong-inspired amenity kit with L’Occitane products. CHECK-IN I arrived at Gold Coast International I revisited the extensive IFE system and was happy Airport (OOL) at 6.45am for my 0940 HX16 flight. to find the movie I had started en route to Cairns was Despite there being separate business and economy paused where I’d left it. We took off again at 1350. lines, the staff directed all passengers to one queue. Drinks and nuts were brought round, and it was Fortunately, I completed the process within ten minutes. great to see special hometown options, including Hong As Hong Kong Airlines doesn’t operate a lounge Kong-style yuan yang (a mixture of milk tea and coffee). at OOL, I was given two A$15 (US$12) vouchers to Lunch was served soon after: the prawn cocktail redeem at the terminal restaurants. I moved to the starter was okay – though nothing special. For the main second security scan for international departures at dish I chose grilled beef tenderloin with a demi-glace 0845. The immigration check was an impressively sauce and gratin potato. The beef was a bit overcooked speedy affair, thanks to high-tech electronic self-scan and soaked in too much sauce, though the potato was passport stations – even for foreign passport holders. tasty. The meal was completed with delicious Maggie Beer burnt fig, honeycomb and caramel ice cream. BOARDING Boarding was called at 0905. Again, After doing some work, I reclined into a fully flat the demarcation between business and economy position. Though it was a tight fit for my 190cm frame, passenger lines was ignored. There are no air bridge the semi-open footwell did give my feet plenty of room. facilities at OOL, so we had a five-minute walk on I slept comfortably for about two hours before the tarmac to reach the aircraft. waking at 4.30pm for another meal of seasonal fruit, chicken lasagne and chocolate cake. The chicken was THE SEAT There are 32 business seats arranged in a very tasty – a big improvement over lunch. staggered 1-2-1 configuration. My window seat 18A offered plenty of privacy. ARRIVAL We touched down at 1855 – ten minutes There was a generous amount of legroom, but ahead of schedule. Immigration was quiet and fairly not much storage space: the compartment under quick, however I was slightly annoyed to find my the armrest (the only holder) was big enough for “priority tagged” luggage did not emerge until most of BUSINESS my glasses and an iPad – if I removed the bottled the economy passengers had retrieved theirs. ECONOMY water and headset. The work/dining table was solid DEPARTURE TIME BED LENGTH and balanced and an international power socket is VERDICT The new route is 0940 74.5in/189cm conveniently situated under the armrest. a fantastic addition to give JOURNEY TIME PRICE A highlight was the built-in seat massage function. travellers direct connectivity 11 hours 55 minutes Internet rates for a return between Hong Kong and the (1 hour 30 minutes’ business class ticket WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE Australian MICE and leisure stopover in Cairns) from Gold Coast to Hong Every passenger is Kong in mid-October afforded direct aisle access, however window seats A hotspot. I loved the local Hong AIRCRAFT TYPE start from HK$14,294 Kong touches, but felt the A330-300 (US$1,832) including and K give more privacy than their C or H counterparts taxes and surcharges as the side table acts as a buffer to the aisle. I would overall F&B quality could be CONFIGURATION avoid rows 11 and 20, as they are close to the galley. improved. The service on board 1-2-1 CONTACT hongkongairlines.com was excellent, but the ground SEAT RECLINE THE FLIGHT I stowed my belongings in the empty handling of priority passengers 180 degrees overhead compartment and settled into my seat with left something to be desired. an orange juice and water before we took off at 1000. Valerian Ho

OCTOBER 2017 20 I Advertising feature

Magnificent MICE meets luxury leisure The Palazzo Versace Dubai isn’t solely a unique luxury lifestyle property but a year-round magnet for discreet and major corporate events

salmon. Plenty of natural light illuminates the rooms eminiscent of a 16th century Italian and suites, and serene views of the Dubai Creek or Palace, Palazzo Versace Dubai – Culture Village can be enjoyed from a private balcony R located in the heart of Culture Village or terrace. The bathrooms feature handcrafted mosaic and close to Dubai International Airport – is a and Carrara marble tiling that provide a balance of Neoclassical masterpiece with subtle traces of detail and simplicity – the ultimate backdrop to your Arabian architecture. Featuring a striking entrance, walk-in rainforest shower. high ceilings, landscaped gardens and a range of The Versace brand may be synonymous with well-crafted Italian furnishings, the hotel is truly luxury but this stunning Creekside hotel offers far symbolic of the Versace lifestyle. It is a member of more than a memorable lifestyle experience. Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection. Elegant event spaces will leave a lasting Steeped in classic Italian design, each of the impression on your guests. Gala banquets, hotel’s 215 luxury accommodations reflect the true meetings and private receptions can be organised essence of the Versace brand. Here, ‘luxury’ lies in to individual needs, in lavish venues that can the material – parquet flooring, a canvas of elaborate accommodate between 10 and 600 guests. white and cream boiseries, and a pastel palette of silk The magnificent Gala Ballroom provides the furnishings that make it truly unique. perfect setting for exclusive events, from wedding The hotel’s 150 rooms and 65 suites are furnished and award functions, to fashion shows and with the Versace Home Collection that feature corporate gala dinners. The ultimate venue for uplifting colours of turquoise, blue, beige, gold and the most perfect events or celebrations, the lavishly

OCTOBER 2017 Advertising feature I 21

The magnificent Gala Ballroom provides the perfect setting for exclusive events, from wedding and award functions, to fashion shows and corporate gala dinners

– ideal for conferences, breakouts and luncheons. The Business Center offers all administration and secretarial support to ensure every aspect of your meeting is covered. Audio-visual services play an important role in the overall success of any event. The hotel's AV partners maintain an office on property and offer the technical expertise and equipment necessary to flawlessly deliver a spectacular event. Their services include, but are not be limited to, experienced staff and professional technicians; 3D designs and on-site renderings; event consultation and show supervision; LED, decorative and intelligent lighting; Superior sound systems; video conferencing, webcasting and event archiving; technical and creative set design; computer data display; and projection specialists. Wireless internet is available in all public spaces to allow guests to remain connected throughout the duration of the event. n

decorated Gala Ballroom – which hosted the Business Top: Ballroom Traveller Middle East Awards in 2016 and 2017 – Above: Venezia can entertain up to 900 guests under the glittering meeting room Right: Palazzo centerpiece chandeliers. Versace Dubai The immaculately carpeted purple ballroom is exquisite in its decoration and has natural daylight and a lovely patio to complement this luxurious experience. The Pre-Function area measuring 593sqm is directly connected to the Gala Ballroom and meeting rooms. It is the perfect venue for exhibitions, coffee or lunch breaks and/or pre-dinner cocktails. Meeting spaces can accommodate between 16 and Below: Business 50 guests and are located next to the Gala Ballroom, Center in a private, self-contained area. The rooms have a spectacular outdoor terrace overlooking Dubai Creek and feature plenty of natural daylight. For enhanced privacy, there are three Executive Meeting Rooms discreetly located on the first floor within the Business Center. They, too, are surrounded by a beautiful terrace overlooking the Dubai Creek and offer plenty of natural light. The stylish yet functional rooms are perfect for your intimate and private meetings with a capacity of up to 16 guests. The meeting spaces are equipped with state-of-the- art AV equipment, from in-built ceiling speakers, LED TV Screens and iPad for systems control in order to host a successful event. In addition, the self-contained Conference Center area features a variety of versatile function spaces

OCTOBER 2017 22 I Business Bay

The city’s rapidly changing BAYcentral district is catching the CITY eye of everyone from hotel operators to Lonely Planet readers, reports Dominic Ellis

ubai has always had ‘that district’, the THE ST REGIS DUBAI, W DUBAI, WESTIN supercharged, always-in-fast-forward DUBAI AL HABTOOR CITY one where it’s hard to keep up with Alongside the elegant St. Regis and hip W is the all the changes. Palm Jumeirah, huge Westin – and while it promises to be a key Dubai Marina and Downtown have season for all three, the corporate-friendly high rise Dall laid claim to the mantle over the years, but now will need to pull out all the stops to fill its 1,004 it’s Business Bay’s turn in the spotlight. rooms amid universal rate challenges. But the three- Its profile recently soared to another level in-one complex can draw on the collective strength when Lonely Planet named it among the top 10 of Marriott International, whose distribution power neighbourhoods to live in globally, alongside districts is unrivalled. such as Sunset Park in New York, Botafogo in Rio de WHAT’S NEW This season sees Al Habtoor City Janeiro and London’s Tooting – and it’s only going fly into a new lifestyle realm with the aqua-based to keep escalating as more hotel supply comes on spectacle, La Perle by Dragone, being performed stream. Here is an update of hotels in the vicinity, twice daily at 7pm and 9.30pm (Bronze AED400, covering the establishedRollers five-stars, new properties Silver AED600, Gold AED800 and VIP AED1,600). and ones to look out for in the next few years. St. Regis Dubai’s Versailles Evolution Brunch at

OCTOBER 2017 Business Bay I 23

BQ French Kitchen & Bar will feature 72-hour WHAT’S NEW Asian street food is flavour of the slow-cooked beef carved at your table and foie gras month, what with Mr Miyagi’s on Level 9 of Media trolley (AED650 for brunch buffet, house beverages One Hotel and now Miss Tess recently opening here. and bubbly). THE OBEROI DUBAI JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL DUBAI It’s hard to believe the Oberoi has been up and The landmark towers have been synonymous with running four years, yet longevity doesn’t mean Business Bay from the outset and together with complacency, and this is one district where you need the three Starwood-absorbed properties, Marriott to keep making your voice heard; in this respect, International now boasts an unrivalled 3,212 rooms, room and F&B offers continue to target loyalists making it the natural choice for big groups and while reaching out to newcomers. conventions. Additional volume-building synergies WHAT’S NEW Its Suite Surprise package comprises are provided by owner Emirates Group but Marquis a stay in a Deluxe suite, airport transfers, breakfast execs know they can’t rely on scale; new F&B for two, early check in/late check-out (valid until changes illustrate the need to stay relevant and fresh December 28). Nine7One has a Karnival Brunch amidst all the novelty. and BBQ nights on Thursdays, and for an authentic WHAT’S NEW Making the most of the canal views, Indian touch, Ananta has a lunch promotion inspired Café Artois by Bridgewater Tavern is a relaxed by tiffin boxes. al fresco venue ideal for those seeking a chilled afternoon in the sun, with casual barbecue food, DOUBLETREE BY HILTON DUBAI wide beer selection and a mix of picnic tables and NEW BUSINESS BAY comfortable lounge seating. Saray Spa has launched General Manager Remco Werkhoven a men’s menu with seven “reinvigorating treatments” told me “we are for the many, not the few”, for the modern man. which given DoubleTree’s positioning, may not sound remarkable, but in a district which remains TAJ DUBAI predominantly high end, it’s a point worth Another Indian luxury brand which has built up a reiterating – although such is the plethora of loyal following and benefited from the neighbouring mid-market units now being rolled out (eg Rove’s Downtown dynamic, given its proximity to Burj Main: Dubai Canal city-wide charge), the “many” are becoming was inaugurated in

Khalifa, Dubai Opera and Dubai Mall. November 2016. increasingly well served. ▼

OCTOBER 2017 24 I Business Bay

WHAT’S NEW The 238-key hotel’s arrival in Bay Clockwise Square looks a breath of fresh air and the hotel from top: The will now be hitting its straps after opening in July. Opus; The Atria in Business bay; The first PizzaExpress Live restaurant outside of Doubletree by the UK combines a popular Italian menu with live Hilton Dubai performances including music, stand-up comedy and Business Bay King Deluxe room sport and watch out for Le Petit Belge (Belgian brews years ago, and its Bay-meets-Downtown location, and and classic Belgian staples) which is due to open in Q4. ability to blend aesthetics with functionality, are clear attributes. It’s yet to reach its full potential though STEIGENBERGER HOTEL BUSINESS BAY – I heard plans for water-based corporate events The Steigenberger helped set the Business Bay but they’ve yet to set sail – and with new five-star hospitality wheels in motion when it opened two competition coming, it will need to be on its A game. WHAT’S NEW Brothaus Bakery-Bistro is celebrating all things German throughout October with an à la carte menu in the week and Friday brunch. Look out for The Secret Terrace (too much of a secret to divulge now, sadly).

SOUTH BAY HOTEL FROM DEYAAR Dubai developer Deyaar launched a new Dhs1bn mixed-use project, South Bay, in Business Bay, during last month’s Cityscape exhibition. The 63-storey tower will contain 133 serviced apartments and 345 hotel units “operated by a multinational brand” as well as 926 residences and cover a built-up area of more than 1.3m sq ft. It has also signed an agreement with Millennium & Copthorne which will manage The Atria in Business Bay (pictured above right).

OCTOBER 2017 Business Bay I 25

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DUBAI WATERFRONT Scheduled opening November RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DUBAI CANAL VIEW Scheduled opening Q1 2018 Radisson Blu is entering the district at the double with the 432-room Dubai Waterfront hotel – due to open mid-November – complemented by the 188-room Dubai Canal View property (and 16 suites), which is scheduled to open early next year. MICE will be larger at the former, with 1,000sqm of meeting and conferencing space (10 meeting rooms), compared with 341sqm banquet hall at Dubai Canal View. The Waterfront will offer free wifi and night owls will head to the Gotha ‘super club’ – the Cannes export is set to make a splash before the year is out. Other F&B includes Makar Scottish bar, a Cocktail Bar and the FireLake Grill House, Republik restaurant from Beirut.

THE OPUS Scheduled opening 2018 This eye-catching architectural showpiece (designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid) features two glass towers linked by a four-storey podium and asymmetric steel and glass bridge. It remains a work in progress but a tour several RENAISSANCE DOWNTOWN months ago illustrated the scale, and 12 venues are NEW HOTEL DUBAI earmarked. For all the grandeur, and 56,000sq ft of Scheduled opening mid-October office space, the hospitality component is small with A key launch from Marriott International, this 298- just 93 rooms (and 60 apartments). room hotel showcases the new-look Renaissance brand which now has more emphasis on lifestyle, DAMAC TOWERS BY PARAMOUNT HOTELS design (WA International) and discovery (look out & RESORTS for ‘hotel navigators’). Evening programmes will Scheduled opening 2018 have a strong local tie-in with artist performances, This supersized project, featuring Hotel and interactive painting, cooking classes and grape Above: Radisson Residences (540 keys) and 1,000 serviced hotel Blu Hotel, Dubai tastings. Look out for ‘hotel navigators’ who will help Waterfront residences, is rapidly taking shape off Al Khail Road. guests discover hidden gems in line with the brand’s Below: Miss Tess, Other Damac-branded properties in the vicinity ‘discovery’ ethos. Taj Dubai include Cour Jardin, Bay’s Edge and De Ville Breeze.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES BUSINESS BAY Scheduled opening Q4 2019 This 65-storey tower will comprise 800 serviced hotel apartments and facilities will include a chef’s kitchen for privately catered functions and cooking classes and leisure deck with four pools and a sunset terrace. Gemstone Real Estate Development, the property arm of Saudi Arabia’s Al Rajhi Holding Group, has selected Kempinski to manage and operate the apartments.

JUMEIRAH BUSINESS BAY Scheduled opening 2020 Dubai Holding-owned hotel group Jumeirah has entered a partnership with property investment company RP Global to manage the firm’s $1bn mixed-

use tower development in Business Bay. Jumeirah ▼

OCTOBER 2017 26 I Business Bay

HOTELS IN BUSINESS BAY

Langham Place by Omniyat Scheduled opening 2020 Steigenberger JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Business Bay Hotel Dubai Taj Dubai

The Opus Renaissance Downtown Scheduled The St Regis Hotel Dubai Dubai, opening 2018 Scheduled opening W Dubai, mid-October Westin Dubai Al Habtoor City

The Oberoi Dubai DoubleTree by Kempinski Residences Radisson Blu Hotel, Hilton Dubai Business Bay Dubai Waterfront Business Bay Scheduled opening Scheduled opening Q4 2019 November Damac Towers by Paramount Hotels & Resorts Scheduled opening 2018

Business Bay will include a 200-room luxury hotel, 350 serviced apartments and 290 residences. Architectural and engineering firm Atkins Global, designer of Burj Al Arab, is overseeing its design.

LANGHAM PLACE BY OMNIYAT HOTELIERS MUST ‘RAISE Scheduled opening 2020 THEIR GAME’ AS SUPPLY One of the ‘next wave’ launches, the Hong Kong RISES IN CENTRAL DUBAI operator and Omniyat are busying working on a Bill Keffer, General Manager of JW Marriott two-in-one with an 167-room hotel complemented Marquis Dubai, says: “I think we are by 271 serviced apartments (pictured). Langham is conscious of the new competition as we one of a number of high-end brands making the have been following the hotel growth plans journey from local obscurity to city-wide recognition for Dubai for the last four-to-five years, with The Langham Palm Jumeirah also on the anvil particularly with Dubai being awarded – much like the path Four Seasons created, and EXPO 2020. I believe that competition Mandarin Oriental will follow suit too – although we is good and helps bring out the best in await development updates on the resort. n operators; you have to raise your game to rise above the crowd. The rates at this time are very dynamic and market- driven and it’s up to the hotel operators to fine tune their businesses with the new market conditions.”

28 I Airline joint ventures

OCTOBER 2017 convenience Marriage of it meansfortravellers joining forces andwhat on whyairlinesare Jenny Southanreports among legacycarriers. the secret tosuccess Polygamy hasbecome E airlines, many. Marcel Fuchsis consolidation willcontinue. 50 percent. Whatever happens, experts believe itcouldreach immunised jointventure.” Some haul traffic couldbepartofan 35 percentofallgloballong- increasingly popular. By2021, ‘virtual mergers’ willbecome of allsizesisinevitable, andthat integration betweenJVpartners it states: “We believe thatdeeper Maximise the Value ofJoint Ventures Together in2017:How AirlinesCan its report ReachingNewHeights end of2016itwas 25percent. In traffic adecadeago, yet by the cent ofgloballong-haulairline firm LEK, JVsmadeuponly5per global managementconsulting infidelity onthe way. there’s beenafairamountof bells have rungnonstop, although 1997, andsincethenthewedding Northwest Airlines andKLMin joint venture (JV)was between weaker thanamerger, thefirst Stronger thanacodeshare but become more andmore popular. knot-tying ceremonies have What are thebenefits? For According toresearch from for airlines, strategic among people, but is notcommon with your arch rival xchanging vows

greater variety offares are all schedules, more choice, anda San Jose inCostaRica2018. from Frankfurt toSanDiegoand upcoming jointventure routes partnership withUnited, withnew the benefitsofatransatlantic which isgoodforcustomers.” competition incertainmarkets, Airlines. They alsoensure better joint businesswithAmerican Austin] are [San Jose, New Orleansand launched services totheUS example, someofourrecently operated by onecarrier–for would notbeviableifonly launch new routes thatotherwise “Joint ventures allowcarriersto all customers.” we provide muchbetteraccessfor benefits inthese relationships, closely andsharingtheeconomic to by ourselves. than wewould otherwisebeable to offermany more travel options marketing andcustomerservice co-ordinate ourschedules, sales, approved partnerships, wejointly “Through thesegovernment- New ZealandandLufthansa. has jointventures with ANA, Air Pacific salesforUnited, which vice-president of Atlantic and New routes, co-ordinated Lufthansa isequallyreaping A spokespersonforBA agrees: Airline jointventures I29 asaresult ofour Byco-operating OCTOBER 2017

▼ 30 I Airline joint ventures

JV advantages for travellers, says a transfer customer moving saw almost 80 per cent of Ignazio Strano, vice-president, between the two airlines at one available seat kilometres across the head of joint ventures and of the big hub airports such as North Atlantic flown by airlines in Star Alliance for the Lufthansa London Heathrow or New York joint ventures. Group. “We are able to offer the JFK, then there are dedicated We’ve listed ten significant JVs consumer a whole range of fares facilities and global support teams on page 26 (for the full list, see irrespective of whether they are on hand.” businesstraveller.com) but it is a flying with United or Lufthansa. Strangely, for airlines that spend fast-moving space. To take one In a codeshare environment, when so much marketing their distinctive example, in 2012, Virgin sold a you put the Lufthansa code on a brand, in a JV you often don’t 49 per cent stake to Delta; this Thai Airways flight, for example, know which airline you are flying year it handed Air France-KLM an I can only offer what Thai offers on. Known as “metal neutrality”, additional 31 per cent of the pie me to sell. In a JV, you are talking for trade body IATA, this is in return for £220 million, leaving to each other about prices and “perhaps the defining feature of Virgin with only 20 per cent, and tying up contracts that allow each a JV; the airlines involved share no majority control. (To complete other to actually sell from the revenue and costs on a given route the circle, Delta is buying a 10 per highest to the very lowest prices. no matter which is doing the cent stake in Air France-KLM.) This gives more opportunity to actual flying”. What does this mean for customers to travel on low fares It has been estimated that last travellers? Shai Weiss, chief on both airlines.” year’s summer flight schedule commercial officer for Virgin

GREATER FLEXIBILITY Like marriages, not all JVs are the ‘Joint ventures allow customers to mix and match same. In fact, whisper it, they are bookings on a wider network to best suit their needs’ not always the marriage of equals. They can be major, headline- grabbing tie-ups between airlines – such as Qantas and Emirates, which between them have the biggest fleets of A380 superjumbos in the world and a combined network of 2,000 routes – or they can be smaller, more strategic partnerships between the likes of Delta and Korean Air, for example. For the passenger, they promise “anywhere to anywhere” tickets, with connections available on multiple airlines through just one booking channel, as well as reciprocal frequent flyer benefits such as lounge access and miles earning and redemption. BA says: “Joint ventures allow customers to mix and match bookings on a wider network to best suit their travel needs. For example, if you are searching for a flight from London to New York on ba.com, it will give you up to 16 choices of flights between BA and AA – this allows you to get the best possible combination of airport, flight times and price. “Once you purchase a ticket, you can use either of the airlines’ websites to check in. If you are

OCTOBER 2017 Airline joint ventures I 31

JV JARGON BUSTER

ALLIANCES – there are three airline alliances, Oneworld, Star Alliance and Skyteam. Although these allow for partnerships between member airlines, they don’t have the same regulatory approval as joint ventures so relationships don’t go as deep.

ANTITRUST IMMUNITY – status granted by authorities such as the US Federal Aviation Authority that ensures joint ventures don’t create a monopoly and remain in the customer’s interests.

CODESHARES – a weaker agreement whereby two or more airlines market and sell the same flight. For example, you could fly on a BA plane booked on aa.com, earning the same points and paying the same price as on ba.com. The code for this flight shows up as both BA6138 and AA6138. Joint ventures often include codeshares.

These marriages of convenience are also a INTERLINE AGREEMENTS – JVs allow reaction to competition from low-cost carriers passengers to buy connecting flights with partner airlines in the same booking. Both or all airlines have shared duty-of-care responsibilities towards Atlantic, says: “Before the Delta “Delta has helped us the traveller so if the first flight from Frankfurt joint venture we were simply a considerably with feed from to Chicago with Lufthansa is severely delayed, point-to-point carrier between America, but because we don’t for example, then United guarantees to get you the UK and North America. Post- have more slots at Heathrow or on your onward connection to Detroit for free. transaction, we can connect to Gatwick we’re unable to enjoy Airlines call this “seamless connectivity”. over 200 destinations in the US feed from Europe or provide out of the major hubs both in New extra onward journeys for those METAL NEUTRALITY – within a joint venture, it York, Atlanta and newly launched customers we are now carrying doesn’t matter which airline’s aircraft (or “metal”) Portland, Seattle, San Francisco to London. Today, I’m delighted you physically fly on. Prices, schedules, frequent and Los Angeles. For Virgin and to say that we’ve agreed with flyer miles, routes and connections are all aligned, Delta consumers, we will also Air France-KLM and Delta our and the airlines share the revenue. be the first JV airline to offer wifi collective intention to form an across all its long-haul fleets.” enhanced joint venture, including OPEN SKIES – government agreement made in Despite losing majority control Alitalia, which will be extremely 2008 to allow EU airlines to fly without restriction of his airline, Sir Richard Branson beneficial to our airline, our to any city in the US, and vice-versa. was clear about the effect for customers and the brand.” travellers. In an open letter on RECIPROCAL BENEFITS – passengers are virgin.com on July 27, he wrote: LOW-COST RIVALS granted the same frequent flyer miles and “One of the best moves we made While JVs have been used to lounge access rights regardless of the airline nearly five years ago was tying up combat competition from Gulf they actually fly on. with Delta Air Lines, to create a airlines for some years, they are joint venture across the Atlantic. now also a reaction to rivalry from WING-TO-WING FLIGHTS – when flights with Part of the rationale was to provide low-cost carriers, which have two different airlines depart at the same time. a competitive alternative to BA been eating into the profits of Within a codeshare, airlines can’t work together and American Airlines’ alliance traditional airlines for some years. to avoid this, but within a joint venture they can. and it has created a strong More recently, the emergence of They can optimise their schedules so flights platform for us to promote and low-cost long-haul operations depart at different times throughout the day to support our brand in this highly across the Atlantic has created give passengers more choice. ▼ competitive market. even more of a shake-up, with the

OCTOBER 2017 32 I Airline joint ventures

likes of Norwegian, Westjet and Iceland’s Wow siphoning off customers who might otherwise have flown with BA or Virgin Atlantic, for KEY AIRLINE instance, to the US. JOINT VENTURES The battle is set to continue as budget airlines seek out their own partners. Ryanair announced a VIRGIN ATLANTIC + DELTA + tie-up with Air Europa earlier this year, allowing AIR FRANCE-KLM + ALITALIA customers to connect to 20 destinations from This five-way love affair covers more than 200 the Spanish airline’s long-haul network of destinations in North America, six in the UK, destinations (including Boston, Miami and New and 100 in Europe. There are nine daily flights York) via Madrid, and make Air Europa bookings between London and New York, 39 flights a on ryanair.com. day between the UK and North America, and Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said: more than 300 flights a day between Europe “This partnership is the latest enhancement as and the US. Air France-KLM, Delta and Alitalia we continue our journey to becoming the are members of Skyteam. Virgin Atlantic prefers ‘Amazon of travel’. We continue to speak to to maintain its independence and is not a a number of other long-haul airlines about member of an alliance. potential connecting flight partnerships and we look forward to offering our 130 million AIR FRANCE-KLM + DELTA + customers an even greater choice and range of ALITALIA long-haul services in 2018.” The Italian airline joined the Air France- Meanwhile, Norwegian has announced a new The KLM-Delta JV in 2010 to create a three- relationship with Easyjet to get feeder flights from way partnership. Together, they offer 250 across Europe on to its low-cost services to US emergence transatlantic flights, with 300 destinations in cities such as Las Vegas, LA and Oakland-San of low-cost North America and 250 in Europe, Asia and Francisco. In the East, low-cost airline Air Asia Latin America combined. It operates out of has now signed a memorandum of understanding long-haul seven key hubs – Amsterdam, Atlanta, Detroit, with Air China to launch a new budget carrier operations Minneapolis, New York JFK, Paris CDG and called Air Asia China. Air Asia chief executive Tony Rome Fiumicino – together with Cincinnati, Salt Fernandes was reported as saying: “This Chinese across the Lake City and Seattle. Skyteam shareholders venture represents the final piece of the Air Asia Atlantic has approved the sale of a 10 per cent stake in Air puzzle” as it “closes the loop” in the region. France-KLM to China Eastern in September. Whether it is the last marriage of convenience created even remains to be seen, but for airlines, while there BRITISH AIRWAYS + IBERIA + may be an occasional mention of love, signing more of a AMERICAN AIRLINES + FINNAIR that bit of paper is all about business. n shake-up Not content with all being part of Oneworld, this enhanced British-Spanish-American- Finnish four-way covers more than 160 cities in Europe and 240 in the US. It offers 120-plus transatlantic flights a day, including up to 17 between London and New York. BA, Iberia and AA put a ring on it in 2010. Finnair was invited to the party in 2013. Together they have hubs at Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Helsinki, London Heathrow, Madrid and New York JFK.

BRITISH AIRWAYS + JAPAN AIRLINES + FINNAIR + IBERIA British Airways entered into a Siberian joint venture with Japan Airlines, also a member of the Oneworld family, in 2012. After feeling left out in the cold, Finnair was welcomed with a warm embrace two years later, followed by Iberia in 2016. The four airlines now align prices and schedules on flights between Europe and Japan.

OCTOBER 2017 Airline joint ventures I 33

The battle is set to continue as budget airlines now start to seek out their own partners

LUFTHANSA + AUSTRIAN + SWISS + ANA knot in 2016 with a polyamorous route- and revenue- The German and Japanese carriers were given sharing deal between Europe and China that started antitrust immunity to allow them to join hands in 2011, this summer. If they wanted to get any closer, they but the following year decided they wanted Austrian and would have to merge. Swiss to get in on the action too, and their plans were formalised in 2013. Today this JV covers all 196 weekly LUFTHANSA + SWISS + SINGAPORE flights on 11 of the participating airlines’ routes between AIRLINES Japan and Europe. They are all part of Star Alliance. Papers were signed for this union back in 2015. Today, the joint venture provides passengers with LUFTHANSA + AUSTRIAN AIRLINES + 20 codeshare routes from Zurich and Munich to South SWISS + BRUSSELS AIRLINES + UNITED East Asia and the South West Pacific. + AIR CANADA This is a veritable spider’s web of a JV, with the QANTAS + EMIRATES Lufthansa Group joining forces with North American These two airlines set up a mutually beneficial carriers United and Air Canada. It came about from partnership in 2013 and now have a combined network relationships between Air Canada, Lufthansa and of 2,000 routes via three hubs – Perth, Singapore and United in 2009 (Austrian, Brussels and Swiss came Dubai. Today it is reapplying to extend its JV for another later), and now encompasses 10,000 daily flights to 570 five years, with 2018 plans for the reintroduction of destinations. London to Australia via Singapore in March. From Europe, passengers can fly to Adelaide, Brisbane, LUFTHANSA + SWISS + AUSTRIAN + Melbourne, Perth and Sydney via Dubai. Also in March AIR CHINA 2018 will be the world’s longest nonstop Dreamliner After two years of wrangling, these four airlines tied the B787-9 flight, from London to Perth.

OCTOBER 2017 34 I Spotlight on... Birmingham

Second City in

FIRSTBirmingham is embracing change while retaining itsGEAR traditions – and enjoying greater connectivity with Emirates about to fly a second daily A380, reports Dominic Ellis

OCTOBER 2017 Spotlight on... Birmingham I 35

naking around the makeshift We stayed the first night in the 90-room AC Hotel pedestrianised walkways near by Marriott, which opened in May last year, next to Centenary Square as work continues a plethora of trendy restaurants and offices in The on its £10 million revamp – which Mailbox district (pictured), which have breathed new is due to finish next summer – it’s life around the canals (the city’s 35 miles of waterways clearS Birmingham is in the midst of change. Much are said to be more than Venice) and International like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, England’s second city is Convention Centre (ICC). We dined at the Spanish in visionary mode and the Birmingham Development Bar Estilo, where the bill for three was a reasonable Plan 2031 aims to spearhead growth in six economic 50 pounds, and enjoyed a sun-kissed lunch on the zones across the city. terrace of Red Peppers. With the sun shining, it had an Unlike Gulf cities though, this is a city where old unmistakable continental feel – which is not a phrase, and new must coexist, illustrated by plans to convert historically, I would have associated with the city. the Victorian Grade 1 listed Curzon Street station into Walking beyond Victoria Square onto Colmore a visitor centre and office space for HS2, the ambitious Row, we stopped off at 200 Degrees where the high-speed rail project which aims to connect London, intimate venue was swarming with corporates – we Midlands and the north. were assigned the last table and it was only 10.30am. You can’t escape the modern and traditional. The The pair behind had clearly settled in for the day with eye-catching stepped public library, close to the files and laptops, and plenty more were engrossed in square, looks like something transported from Dubai conversation. With Indonesian coffee on the menu, and retains its avant-garde sheen four and small fresh baguettes, bagels and soft cakes laid years after opening. out on the counter, including a tasty pear and ginger,

OCTOBER 2017 36 I Spotlight on... Birmingham

this was a sliver of ‘chic Brum’. The manager told us Clockwise from cold Nitro coffee was so popular during the hot spell above: The Library that people queued round the block. of Birmingham; Park Nearby Principal Hotel Company (PHC) – owners Regis Birmingham reception; Canadian of the Principal and De Vere brands – is redeveloping Geese at Resorts the 180-room Grand hotel, which is housed within World; Canal House a Grade II listed building on Colmore Row and bar; Queen Victoria statue. operated as a hotel since the late 19th century until it closed in 2002. Following extensive refurbishment, the hotel is scheduled to reopen in early 2019. Back in the AC Hotel, the fluid lounge space beyond reception is equally appealing to on-the- go executives. With its brown leather seating, bookshelves and mandatory LCD, it’s the kind of ‘bleisure’ space you find the world over but it’s been well executed. The bar displays juices in the morning, and cocktails in the evening. It’s a remarkable hotel in that I only spotted one other amenity, a small gym in the basement; it was my first experience of the brand and its ‘European modernism’. Moreover, it’s a reminder that ‘mega Marriott’ following the Starwood Hotels acquisition than the white exterior suggests. The split-level arrival, can do small rather well too. where you take a lift up to the spacious reception, is a It’s a distinctive offering relaxing introduction and food and beverage are neatly in a city centre where separated either side of a linear walkway towards the there are no shortage of lifts. We stayed in a corner 10th floor room overlooking beds with , the roundabout and a classical-looking Marriott (also and four stars). At breakfast the next morning, there was the convenient Hyatt hardly a spare seat, filled with cricket fans heading to Regency, which adjoins Edgbaston for the first ‘day-night’ test in the country, the ICC, and more marking another innovation. options can be found on In between both city hotels, we ventured out nearby Broad Street, such to The Genting hotel at Resorts World, a multi- as Jury’s Inn, Hampton by entertainment complex with restaurants, IMAX Hilton and Park Regis. cinema and adult entertainment that’s sprung up The interiors of the four- next to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). The star Park Regis, another large lake is a magnet for Canadian geese, and it’s new addition last year, an attractive, convenient space, certainly if you’re on are a lot more impressive conference business. My partner unwinded with a

OCTOBER 2017

38 I Spotlight on... Birmingham

massage at the Santai Spa and we visited Dinosaurs in the Wild, an innovative exhibition featuring 3D graphics and ‘Chronotex’ time-travel storyline, which took us back 67 million years and brought the dinosaurs startlingly to life.

HIDDEN GEMS Clockwise from As with most English cities, Birmingham has its fair above: Victoria share of history. But today, during a two-hour tour of Square; Custard Factory in Digbeth; the Jewellery Quarter, I discover it’s a living history. view from AC Hotel We are escorted up and down narrow staircases to by Marriott room; see craftsmanship in action; it’s a fascinating step back coats of arms in the jewellery in time, seeing everything from intricate rings to college quarter. coat of arms carved and stamped, continuing traditions established by goldsmiths and silversmiths who congregated in the city from the mid 18th century. Much may have changed since, with jewellery now mass produced in India and China, but this district is testament to its quality – it continues to account for 40 per cent of all UK jewellery production, and is home to the world’s largest Assay office, which hallmarks around 12 million items a year. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, where most tourists visit, is built around the historic workshops of a family-run company, Smith & Pepper. Many of the displays provide a tangible link with the past but try and sneak into a real workshop if you can. We rounded off with a whistle-stop tour of the Pen Museum (£5 entrance) where, with guidance through three machines, we made our own nib. If vinyl is making a comeback, could traditional writing too? When I returned to the hotel, I dipped it in the ink bottle and wrote away, enjoying hearing the nib scratch on the paper and reconnecting with the authors of old.

OCTOBER 2017 Spotlight on... Birmingham I 39

Reconciling demand with capacity is an ongoing challenge, however. On successive trips over the summer, the ‘snaking queues’ were expanded before Clockwise security, adding to delays, and the subsequent from above: three-lane queue to the machines, after the boarding Birmingham Museum & pass scan, was funnelled into single file. Departing Art Gallery; passengers should factor in additional time. Winterbourne House & Garden; Emirates A380; TRANQUIL RETREAT typewriter in Within minutes, we’ve swapped Broad Street’s Jewellery Quarter traffic for beautiful tree-lined avenues as we head Museum. into the heart of University territory and visit the Edwardian Winterbourne House and Garden. This seven-acre oasis contains an astonishing 6,000 plant species – and there can’t be many major cities which EMIRATES ADDS SECOND A380 boast such a pocket of verdant tranquillity. Take a It’s not just the trams, trains and proximity to key leisurely afternoon tea on the terrace while admiring motorway networks where Birmingham scores highly panoramic views and enjoying generously filled in the transport stakes. sandwiches and cakes on the stand. Birmingham International Airport continues to winterbourne.org.uk grow rapidly (it handled 10.2 million passengers in 2015) and bolster its international connectivity with SIKH MIGRATION IN FOCUS Emirates adding a second daily A380 service from The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is Dubai from October 29 (replacing EK39/40, a B777 exhibiting My Story, Our Journey: Sikh Migration service). Since the first A380 service was launched on into Birmingham and the Black Country until October March 27 2016, more than 300,000 passengers have 22. Birmingham Museums Trust houses a wide flown on the aircraft between the two cities. Both range of Pre-Raphaelite art and The Ancient Egypt services are operated by two-class A380s, with 58 Gallery features artefacts spanning 3,000 years. business class and 557 economy class seats. birminghammuseums.org.uk Nordic carrier Primera Air plans to launch transatlantic routes from Birmingham (as well as REGUS TARGETS REMOTE WORKERS Stansted and Paris CDG) next year. The airline will Regus has announced plans for two new UK centres, offer daily flights to New York Newark from all three located in the Birmingham suburb of Rubery and the bases starting next April, as well as four flights per Buckinghamshire town of Aylesbury. The new 12,650 week to Boston. square foot Birmingham facility, situated within the Longbridge regeneration scheme, is scheduled to open later this year. The centre will feature over 160 workstations, as well as 75 offices, and meeting / virtual office facilities. Watch Canals, Curries and Connectivity on youtube.com n

OCTOBER 2017 40 I Business in... Madrid

t’s late afternoon when I arrive in Madrid and, heaving my case up the Metro steps, I’m welcomed by a blast of hot, musty air and the toot of a trumpet somewhere not too far away. A group of burly men stroll past, and, hoping to get my bearings, I follow themI towards the sound of swelling chatter. As we approach the square of Puerta del Sol, with its surrounding buildings draped in flags, it dawns on me that I’ve arrived for a week of open-air concerts, flotilla parades and street parties. Madrid Back in 2008, these celebrations might have been tainted by the grim reality of the global financial crisis. Spain was hit particularly hard, prompted by the collapse of its property market, which had boomed ever since the launch of the euro in 1999. Austerity followed, along with a series of bank failures and a spike in unemployment, at its height in 2013 reaching 26 per cent. Today, the darkest days of recession are over thanks RisingAfter almost a decade of to a combination of quantitative easing, falling oil prices and growing exports from large Spanish companies recession, the Spanish such as Inditex, owner of Zara and Massimo Dutti, capital is back on its feet and infrastructure firm Ferrovial, which developed thanks to foreign investment Heathrow’s T5 and new T2 and is now working on a and a flourishing tech joint venture with London’s Crossrail. Above: Puerta Smart government policies have also helped to attract scene, says Marisa Cannon del Sol foreign investment – from e-commerce giants Alibaba and

OCTOBER 2017 Business in... Madrid I 41

Amazon, alongside digital and fintech providers such as seven of these, from a grocery shopping and delivery UST Global, Ebury and Ria, among others. app to one that monitors your fertility if you are The capital has done particularly well in appealing trying to conceive. Since opening, Campus start-ups to overseas investors, drawing as much as €51 billion have created 2,500 jobs and raised more than ¤37 in foreign direct investment between 2012 and 2016. million in funding. “Ever since Spain and Madrid left the economic crisis behind, investment has grown rapidly,” says FOSTERING INNOVATION Rocio Guemes, director of government agency Invest Last year, the European Commission oversaw the in Madrid. “In 2016, Madrid received investment launch of a pilot initiative called Madrid Startup worth ¤11.5 billion, up 11.5 per cent on the previous House, which is working to establish a one- year. This was 47.5 per cent of the total investment stop-shop to provide support and guidance for received in Spain.” fledgling enterprises. It has been mobilised by Much of this funding has been ploughed back into communications agency Hugin and Munin and real estate, financial services and construction, as investment facilitator Socios Inversores, whose investor confidence grows in the property sector. The directors established the project. country’s GDP is now rising steadily, up 0.7 per cent Asier Basterretxea-Gomez and Victor Teodosio at the end of last year compared with the first quarter co-founded Madrid Startup House in 2016. “While of 2017, while unemployment has fallen to a post- we know there is a lot of growth and investment, crisis low of 18 per cent. Madrid’s start-up scene is dispersed – you have something here and there, instead of a nice, thick START-UP HOTSPOT Below: Google gravy where you can see who is part of the ecosystem Before the effects of the extra cash could be felt, Campus and community,” Basterretxea-Gomez says. Bottom: Plaza

glimmers of hope began to emerge from the city’s tech Mayor The foundation is working to integrate these parts, ▼ scene. While the downturn ravaged Madrid’s housing and construction sectors, young entrepreneurs capitalised on the low rents and living costs. Support for start-ups began to appear in the capital, with Spanish telecoms group Telefonica opening its global small business accelerator Wayra in 2012, followed by the 2015 launch of Google’s third European outpost for entrepreneurs (after London), offering a space for people to work and collaborate. “Spain has always been a country of entrepreneurs, but the crisis was a wake-up call,” says Sofia Benjumea, head of Google’s Campus Madrid and co-founder of the South Summit start-up conference. “Since 2012, the start-up ecosystem has developed tremendously, both in Madrid and Barcelona, along with new hubs like Valencia and Malaga.” At that time, Google Campus was present only in London and Tel Aviv (it now has hubs in Warsaw, Seoul and Sao Paulo), so why did it choose Madrid next? “The answer is, why not?” Benjumea says. “Spaniards are not the best at selling themselves, but we have a high level of engineers, a great quality of life, access to talent, and our start-ups have received interest from a lot of major venture capital funds.” Now in its third year, Campus Madrid has amassed 32,000 members from across Spain, Europe, the US and Latin America, all of whom can use it to work, meet, and host demo days and workshops, for free. Housed in a 19th-century battery factory, the space is bright and airy with colourful murals, a café and clusters of Scandi furniture where pairs of 20- and 30-somethings huddle over their laptops. The top floor is reserved for late-stage start-ups that have gained residency – there are currently

OCTOBER 2017 42 I Business in... Madrid

along with the first team outside of the US that develops software for Amazon Business, the group’s B2B marketplace. A new Amazon logistics centre is also due to open next year in Illescas, Toledo, 40km south of the capital, and is expected to create more than 900 jobs in its first three years.

TOURISM TRENDS Despite growing security concerns across the continent, tourism here remains strong, with just over nine million visitors in 2016, up almost 2 per cent on the year before. Brands such as Hyatt, W and Four Seasons are set to open hotels in the next two years, while recent city-centre launches include properties from Only You, Melia and NH Hotels. Monica Torres is general manager of the 83-room NH Collection Palacio de Tepa, which is housed in an as well as to create useful tools such as a start-up Above: San Miguel 19th-century palace that was once home to the last community map, an events platform and advice market viceroy of Spain in Mexico. “The next few years are Below: Google on funding. It has also recently joined Startup City Campus going to be quite challenging, with the opening of Alliance Europe (SCALE) – an alliance of 19 start- Four Seasons and W nearby, so this area is going to up organisations in 11 cities aimed at creating a be a hot spot,” she says. broad ecosystem while offering support to firms that Meanwhile, an ambitious regeneration project in are ready to scale up and leverage their European northern Madrid is likely to up the ante for many neighbours. Members include Amsterdam, Helsinki, businesses when it eventually sees the light of Paris, Rome and London. day. Designed to rival international financial hubs Young start-ups with a great idea but no cash are such as Canary Wharf and La Défense in Paris, the in luck. One of the foundation’s key programmes Madrid Nuevo Norte project plans to transform aims to improve the often demoralising and 268 hectares of industrial wasteland into a business restrictive process of finding investors. Basterretxea- zone also encompassing homes, parkland and a Gomez says that they are creating an online stage metro extension. where the country’s most popular crowd-funding While this should be cause for excitement, no platforms can facilitate their projects, tap into capital one is holding their breath for a timely delivery – and get in touch with private investors. the project was first announced in 1994 and has “This has uncovered a huge amount of talent,” he adds. “We presumed this existed in Spain and Madrid, but it was hidden because [new start-ups] couldn’t find ways to fund themselves.” But it isn’t only start-ups that have found fertile ground in Madrid’s tech sector. Since launching in Spain in 2011, Amazon has opened new locations across the country each year, and, in 2016, unveiled a technology centre in the capital. At the launch, Terry Hanold, vice-president of technology for Amazon EU, said: “Over the past five years we have proven that Spain is an ideal place to innovate. We have found professionals with incredible talent.” Andreu Castellano, corporate communications manager at Amazon Spain, says: “This year, Amazon will create more than 600 new fixed jobs in Spain, which means that in just one year, its workforce will increase by more than 50 per cent.” This autumn, the group’s Spanish headquarters plans to relocate to a larger 12,000 sqm space in downtown Madrid with capacity for more than

1,000 staff. The new tech hub will also move here, ▼

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All of this will aid Madrid in its attempts to attract UK business as Brexit draws near

been held up by years of bureaucratic and political Clockwise from top: Nuevo Norte wrangling. This summer, a revised version of the development; Only project was finally approved and, when work begins You Atocha; NH Collection Palacio late next year, it will be one of the largest urban de Tepa; the new Amazon HQ; Calle regeneration projects in Europe, with proposed de Alcala; funding in the region of ¤6 billion. “We have studied other projects in Europe to decide which features to replicate and errors to avoid,” says a project spokesperson. “Several studies indicate that there is a lack of high-quality offices here. We want big companies to choose Madrid as their headquarters. All companies will be welcome.” Although in its early stages, the project has allocated 149 of the 268 hectares to commercial use, and expects to build close to 11,000 new homes. All of this will aid Madrid in its attempts to attract UK business as Brexit draws near. Invest in Madrid’s Rocio Guemes says that the Madrid Nuevo Norte development will be one of the most advanced business zones in Europe. “We are perceiving interest in the project from foreign companies and, once it is launched, there will be excellent opportunities for investment,” she says. Having weathered the storm, it’s clear that, today, Madrid is open for business. n

OCTOBER 2017 MOTIVATE CONGRATULATES THE WINNERS

GULF BUSINESS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD GULF BUSINESS BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR His Highness Sheikh Ahmed COMPANY OF THE YEAR H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Mashreq Bin Saeed Al Maktoum DarkMatter

BANKING BUSINESS LEADER HEALTHCARE BUSINESS LEADER MEDIA AND MARKETING OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR COMPANY OF THE YEAR H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Mashreq David Hadley, Mediclinic Middle East OSN

REAL ESTATE BUSINESS LEADER RETAIL BUSINESS LEADER HEALTHCARE COMPANY OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR H.E. Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar Colm McLoughlin, Dubai Duty Free Aster DM Healthcare

ENERGY BUSINESS LEADER REAL ESTATE COMPANY OF THE YEAR RETAIL COMPANY OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR Danube Souq.com Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar ENERGY COMPANY OF THE YEAR CSR INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY Masdar ActiveLife by Daman BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR SME OF THE YEAR H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, DCTCM TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY COMPANY OF THE YEAR NOW Money AVIATION AND TRANSPORT RAK Tourism Development Authority BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR Sima Ved, Apparel Group Magnus Olsson & Mudassir Sheikha, AVIATION AND TRANSPORT Careem COMPANY OF THE YEAR INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR Dubai Airports HUB1006 TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR BANKING COMPANY OF THE YEAR ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Faisal Al Bannai, DarkMatter Emirates NBD Nayla Al Khaja, D-Seven/The Scene

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JET SET FUTURE

Private jets are the reserve of the elite – or are they? Tom Otley, Jenny Southan and Craig Bright report on companies making it easier and cheaper to book

OCTOBER 2017 Private jets I 47

here’s a tiny, twin- engine aircraft waiting for me on the tarmac. Inside, a luxury cream interior holds just four leatherT seats. I sit back, relax, and think: “So this is what it’s like to fly on a private jet.” Except I’m not about to fly anywhere. I’m grounded in a hangar at Hong Kong International Airport for an inspection of the new 13-metre Honda Jet on its debut appearance in the city. I bring out my smartphone and type “Honda Jet cost” into the search bar – US$4.5 million. And just like that, my dreams of VIP travel dissolve. However, for many high-end business travellers, flying on a private jet is starting to get tantalisingly close to reality. “disruptors” such as Stratajet “Owning a business jet is more (stratajet.com), Victor (flyvictor. accessible now because of all the com) and Privatefly (privatefly. options business travellers now com) have been quick to copy the have: they can charter, become a idea in a bid to become the “Uber fractional owner, or buy their own of private jets”. private jet,” says Luciano Froes, Stratajet has quickly expanded senior vice president of marketing in Europe and the US. It claims for Embraer Executive Jets. “We that it was set up “to address the believe the charter and fractional major issues of inefficiency and markets are very good for the wastage in private aviation”. That advancement of business aviation, inefficiency comes about because especially in Asia where the at any moment there are thousands market is slowly maturing.” of jets waiting to be chartered, but they may be in the wrong place and APP IN THE AIR need flying to the right one. These If the price is right, chartering “empty legs” can be an answer for an aircraft can be a tempting passengers seeking a cost-effective proposition – not only do you get private flight. to feel like a VIP but you can also According to the company, avoid long queues at check-in, the average booking through its depart when you want to and land app, launched in April last year, is in an airport that isn’t miles from US$7,800. Bearing in mind that you see is the price you pay. We your meetings. Put it like that and this could mean chartering an spent over four years building the it actually makes business sense. entire aircraft, it might perhaps technology behind it so we could Chartering a jet can be as demonstrate that there is scope quote instantly and accurately, simple as picking up the phone, for a wide range of people to have taking into account all the variables.” but in recent years advanced access to private jets. Coupled with He explains that when you technology – including consumer- the fact that one-third of flyers are charter a jet, “there are 15 different friendly apps – has made the first-time flyers, it suggests that sets of fees, 14 of which are business of finding the right there’s the possibility of this being outside the operators’ control and aircraft much easier and, in many a growth market. Opposite and change [depending] on the time above: Embraer’s cases, considerably less expensive. Jonny Nicol, founder and chief Legacy 500; Victor of day, day of week and level of passengers; and Many of us have experience executive of Stratajet, says: “When the Victor Private emissions, and those differences of using Uber, and private jet you download the app, the price Jet Charter app can be thousands of pounds.”

OCTOBER 2017 48 I 48Private I Private jets jets

SUBSCRIPTION FEES deals with all the major brokers, for boutique broker Skytime As well as new technology, welcomes the rise of these internet Jets, which launched in 2012. there have also been new intermediaries. Nevertheless, he Some 60 per cent of its business business models. Companies has concerns about targeting new comes from Europe, 30 per cent such as Jetsmarter (jetsmarter. segments. “There are questions over from the US and 10 per cent com) and Surf Air (surfair.com) the volume of people who could from the Middle East and Asia. not only have an app but also a potentially fly and the price they James Shotton, its co-founder business model not unlike a gym are prepared to pay, and that’s the and director, says: “We work with membership. You pay a one- crunch. Apart from empty legs, the individuals who appreciate that off “initiation” fee and then a price of private flying is not cheap.” buying a private jet card is not the monthly charge afterwards. cheapest way to fly but who want Seats are on a first-come, PRIVATE JET CARDS very high-quality, personalised first-served basis and on some In the US, if you fly more than 400 service. Customers can either routes it is only a once-per- hours a year on a private jet, you’re negotiate on every single week service. Other routes are better off buying your own aircraft. charter trip and have multiple available, but might come at an But if that’s not doable, a “jet conversations about price, or extra cost (London to New York card” may be the right alternative. have a fixed price agreed at the or Dubai), or are normal charters. These enable travellers to prepay beginning so they know exactly Both the subscription model and for a block of hours or load up an what they are getting.” the technology might be seen account with credit to use as and as democratising the private when they like on a predetermined FIRST OFF jet market by making it more aircraft of their choice. THE BLOCKS accessible to a wider net of people. If you decide this is right for Sentient Jet claims to have been Still, Neil Harvey, director of you, you’ll require a chunk of cash the inventor of the private jet executive aviation at broker Hunt upfront (this is not for travellers card, with 100 per cent of its and Palmer (huntandpalmer.com), who prefer a pay-as-you-go revenue coming from this model questions how many people will approach to jet charter). The even after 20 years. Its president be prepared to pay an initiation benefits of a subscription will mean and CEO, Andrew Collins, says: fee. “They sell it as an advantage you get to lock in a fixed hourly rate “About 60 per cent of our flights but with us there is no upfront (you only pay for scheduled flight are related to business and 40 payment needed at all – you can time – not diversions, delays, fuel, per cent to leisure. Whether it’s ring for advice, talk prices, and landing fees, de-icing or aircraft a top executive looking to make nothing is paid until just before the positioning, for example). You also an important board meeting, or flight,” he says. have guaranteed availability, there a family member looking to get Patrick Margetson-Rushmore, Clockwise from are no peak-hour restrictions and home in time for the holidays, top left: The chief executive of Luxaviation UK Piaggio Aerospace the booking process is speedy. flying private is a viable way to Avanti Evo; interior (luxaviation.com), which operates a of a Citation Private jet cards represent beat the clock.” fleet of more than 250 aircraft and Latitude 20-25 per cent of charter revenue How quickly can you go from

OCTOBER 2017 Private jets I 49

booking to boarding? Carol Cork, marketing director and co-founder of Privatefly, says: “We had a jet card customer go from enquiry to airborne in 31 minutes last week from Miami to Chicago. On average, almost a third fly within 24 hours of booking, and 66 per cent within a week. “In general, jet cards came about as a natural evolution of the private jet market. First, you could Clockwise from top own your own private aircraft, right: The Honda Jet then fractional ownership was and its interior; Sentient Jet interior; inside created for those who wanted a Luxaviation’s Embraer share in a specific fleet, then a jet Legacy 600; and Skytime Jet’s Embraer card became desirable, offering a Legacy 500

help position business jets as a productivity tool rather than block of flying time, but without simply a luxury item. “The the full or part-share financial ride-share and membership- investment of the aircraft asset.” based models are an exciting Journalist and jet expert development in business aviation, Doug Gollan says doing making the accessibility of your research is essential, business jets even greater,” he which is why he founded says. “With just a few clicks, the privatejetcardcomparisons.com, latest mobile apps enable users a site designed to help you work to book a flight on a private jet out what suits you best. He says: quickly, while giving the operators “Do rich people really buy these the opportunity to optimise programmes without reading the use of the private jets. We the fine print? All the time. What believe these models, which were happens? They get very upset introduced primarily in North after they see their first invoice.” America, have the potential to Embraer’s Froes is optimistic grow to other markets, of course, that these developments will including Asia.” n

OCTOBER 2017 50 I Hotel update

Sydney Ongoing development of the CBD, particularly around Darling Harbour, has increased pressure on rooms and sparked a frenzy of new hotels

NEW 2016, following a major A$250 and grab-and-go options. Daily In 2015, a swarm of new boutique million (US$200 million) rates (including breakfast) start hotels infiltrated Sydney, injecting refurbishment of the former from A$195 (US$155) per night – an element of quirkiness into Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, though an opening offer of A$159 the slightly stagnant hotel scene. Darling Harbour. As part of (US$126) is available including This included the dive-bar- the expansion, a new 24-storey 1GB of internet access per day and turned-modern-gem The Old tower saw the addition of 222 welcome drink voucher. Clare Hotel in the Chippendale guestrooms, making Hyatt Officially opening its doors on suburb, and the promise of Regency Sydney one of the largest September 1, the new “refreshingly “barefoot luxury” at the glamorous in Australia with a total room simple” Travelodge Hotel Sydney beachside 69-suite QT Bondi. count of 892. Other highlights Airport features 209 rooms Heritage lovers welcomed the of the hotel include the open-air (with king, twin or triple bed Primus Hotel on Pitt Street, rooftop bar Zephyr, plus 3,700 configuration options), T’s Bistro with its celebration of 1930s Art sqm of event space including two (all-day dining with an alfresco Deco glamour, along with Hotel ballrooms and 21 meeting rooms. courtyard), a late-night bar, luggage Palisade, housed in a century-old Two new airport hotels have storage and a shuttle service. An building and boasting a rooftop opened at Sydney Airport. In opening offer is available with 25 with envious views over the July, the 136-room Mantra Hotel per cent discount plus breakfast for harbour and Barangaroo. Two opened near Terminals 2 and 3. A$164 (US$130) per night. Ovolo hotels also opened (one All rooms are Studio King variety Last month also saw the in Darling Harbour, and one in (with varying view options) and opening of Skye Hotel Suites Wooloomooloo) offering their come with wifi (for an additional Parramatta, an all-suite property unique modern take on hospitality. fee) and rain showers. The 24-hour with 72 apartment-style units. Last year, the bigger players reception promises an “express took their turn. Hyatt Regency checkout”, while the on-site COMING SOON returned to Sydney in November restaurant offers buffet, à la carte This month, the hotly anticipated

OCTOBER 2017 Hotel update I 51

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour of the “new generation” of DOWN THE LINE will open its doors. Located Vibe Hotels, which include A number of hotly anticipated opposite the new International inspiring guestrooms, public properties are in the works with Convention Centre Sydney spaces designed for socialising, proposed 2019 opening dates. (ICC), the luxury hotel will and free wifi. A 300-capacity These include talks to install offer 590 rooms displaying the Creative Conferencing facility will a 402-room W Hotel into the brand’s signature blend of French also address demand for more glamorous A$700 million (US$550 elegance with contemporary dedicated meeting and event million) The Ribbon project at design. The hotel will also feature space. This will be followed by Darling Harbour; rumours of St three bars, a restaurant, club the Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Regis and Bulgari openings; lounge and outdoor infinity pool. Harbour in 2019. plus designs being released for an Just down the road will be Also in 2018, Marriott is set to architecturally extravagant Ritz- 65 Sussex Street – a midscale open both the Four Points by Carlton to be installed at The Star property from M&L Hospitality Sheraton Parramatta and the entertainment hub. scheduled to open by the end of Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, More certain, however, is the the year. Designed by architects Central Park. The former will offer return of IHG’s . A Fitzpatrick and Partners, the 271 rooms close to the Parramatta management agreement has been eight-storey property will have a CBD, an indoor swimming pool, signed for a 160-room property distinctive geometric façade, 182 fitness centre and conference and at Darling Harbour, with four guestrooms including four suites, meeting facilities. Meanwhile, the multifunctional event rooms and Clockwise from plus an internal courtyard. 297-room Central Park property an 80-seat restaurant. In 2020, IHG opposite page: Sofitel Sydney; Next year will also see the will open as part of a mixed-use is also planning to open a new Hyatt Regency; opening of TFE’s Vibe Hotel development at the former Old Holiday Inn in the CBD, while Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport; North Sydney in February 2018. Kent Brewery site. It will feature Accor Hotels has announced plans Skye Hotel Suites Parramatta; Mantra The contemporary 187-room a bar with an outdoor terrace and to open The Porter House under Hotel; and Vibe hotel will feature the hallmarks 550 sqm of function space. its MGallery by Sofitel brand. n Darling Harbour

OCTOBER 2017 52 II Taste Abu Dhabi

A feast eyesfor the

Samantha Wood tries out a selection of Abu Dhabi’s finest restaurants, which offer splendid views of the Arabian Gulf and city skyline Above: Cipriani

he UAE capital lies on a T-shaped island meringue – and don’t forget to start your meal with a Bellini aperitif jutting into the Arabian Gulf, with made with fresh peach purée and prosecco, à la Harry’s Bar. hundreds of smaller islands dotted across ■ Open 6pm-12am daily. Three courses Dhs 450 (£94). Yas Marina, the seascape. Such a setting makes for Yas Island; tel +971 2657 5400; ciprianiyasisland.com some stunning backdrops, in particular when the sun goes down – from marina BUTCHER AND STILL Tand canal to sea and rooftop vistas. Here are eight of Abu Dhabi’s latest steakhouse, on Al Maryah Island in the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi’s best restaurants with a view. hotel, boasts a retractable wall that opens up to a patio and a panoramic view across the water to the glittering-by-night Corniche skyline. CIPRIANI This 1920s Chicago-themed restaurant echoes the era of Al Capone, This Italian institution is the restaurant to pick for a complete with bullet casings. The steaks and chops are all USDA view of the Formula One Grand Prix racetrack from natural Black Angus sustainably sourced from a Kansas farm. Try the its circular terrace and window tables. Reservations 1.2kg Tomahawk rib eye, easily shared between two people, if not more. for the last F1 event of the season (November 24-26) A pre- or post-dinner cocktail in the buzzing bar is mandatory, if only must be made well in advance – otherwise, grabbing to have the bartender knock up a martini in a human-sized “Tanqueray a table is easy. No 10 Imperial Martini Shaker”, one of only five in the world. A lift The lively boat-themed restaurant perched on Yas descends two floors to a private dining room reminiscent of a speakeasy, Island’s marina serves the traditional dishes Cipriani which features a vintage whiskey collection. is known for worldwide – from baked tagliolini ■ Open daily 6pm-12am. Three courses Dhs 500 (£104). Four and risotto primavera to carpaccio alla Cipriani and Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island; tel +971 2333 2222; eggplant alla Parmigiana. Save room for the vanilla butcherandstill.com

OCTOBER 2017 Taste Abu Dhabi I 53

Left: Butcher and Still Above: embodies the UAE’s age-old diving tradition, and Sambusek enhances a modern interior with a glass-encased open kitchen and a patio. Dishes are Middle Eastern with an Asian twist. Apart from typical fish and seafood dishes, the selection also includes sushi, sashimi, caviar and oysters – with plenty of meat SAMBUSEK options for carnivores, too. The jumbo crab tartare Diners can enjoy the outdoor terrace of this popular with a yellow tomato and lime dressing balances Lebanese restaurant during Abu Dhabi’s cooler texture with flavour. months, overlooking the Al Maryah waterfront ■ 12pm-1am daily. Three courses Dhs 320 (£67). and city skyline. Located in the Rosewood hotel, Nation Riviera Beach Club, Abu Dhabi Corniche it is a pristine, elegant space for a quiet lunch, but (opposite the St Regis); tel +971 2611 0909; catch.ae transforms itself into an upbeat restaurant frequented by Lebanese socialites in the evening. As its name ASIA DE CUBA suggests (sambusek is a mini Lebanese savoury Sitting next to Catch in the same beach club is pastry), the food is traditional, with the kitchen London and New York concept Asia de Cuba. The helmed by a Lebanese chef. Aside from a business view across the Arabian Gulf may be similar, but the lunch menu, dinner service offers a choice of four terrace is much more expansive with a cocktail bar, set menus, plus the à la carte. Visit with an empty beach deck and cabanas that diners can choose to eat stomach. in. The flavours and cooking techniques developed by ■ 12pm-3.30pm, 7pm-12.30am daily. Three courses the Cuban-born global corporate chef marry Asian Dhs 270 (£56). Rosewood Abu Dhabi; tel +971 2813 with Latino. Ceviche, small plates, salads, signature 5550; rosewoodhotels.com wok dishes and main courses make up an intriguing à la carte menu. View aside, the shrimp churros and Below: Coya COYA Cuban chicken bao buns are worth a visit alone. The contemporary Peruvian restaurant with two locations in London, plus another in Dubai, opened in March this year on Al Maryah Island. Whether opting for a terrace or window table, the views across the capital’s skyline are breathtaking, in particular at night. The Incan-designed dining room and separate pisco lounge with a Latino band encourages guests to take to the dancefloor – all adding to Coya’s vibrancy. The food mimics the ambience, with dishes oozing punchy flavour and playful presentation, ranging from delicious ceviches, tiraditos (raw seafood in a spicy sauce) and tacos to anticucho skewers and cazuela iron pot dishes. ■ Open daily 12.30pm-5pm, 7pm-12am. Three courses Dhs 300 (£62). The Galleria, Al Maryah Island; tel +971 2306 7000; coyarestaurant.com CATCH As the name implies, this restaurant overlooking Abu Dhabi’s main white sandy beach and turquoise waters is all about seafood. Mother-of-pearl inspiration

OCTOBER 2017 54 I Taste Abu Dhabi

n Open daily 6pm-12am, plus 12pm-3pm Fri-Sat. Three courses Dhs 270 (£56). Nation Riviera Beach Club; tel +971 2699 3333; asiadecuba.com/abu_ dhabi RAY’S GRILL The 360-degree wraparound views of Abu Dhabi and the Arabian Gulf ensure this contemporary steakhouse on the 63rd floor of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is a prime lunch and dinner bucket list venue. At night, the city’s twinkling lights make a mesmerising accompaniment to the steak cuts. The meat is sourced from around the world – from Argentina and Australia to New Zealand, France and the US, with all cuts dry-aged for 28 days and chargrilled. On top of the steak, a top menu pick is the beef tartare prepared tableside. n Open 7pm-11pm daily. Three courses Dhs 400 (£83). Jumeirah at Etihad Towers; tel +971 2811 5666; jumeirah.com the corner and INAKAYA you may just The capital’s Venetian Village, part of the sprawling glimpse the Sheikh Ritz-Carlton complex, mimics a charming Zayed Grand neighbourhood with Renaissance-style buildings. Mosque in all its Restaurants dot the courtyard, one of which is the glory, a stunning Japanese transplant from Japan and New York, architectural Inakaya. Its quaint terrace offers uninterrupted masterpiece that vistas of the canal and the rippling waters. Round rivals the Taj Mahal. Dining at Inakaya Top: Inakaya is interactive theatre. The focus is on robatayaki – Above: Ray’s Grill Left: Catch the Japanese art of grilling, which is as much about performance as it is about cooking style – as well as sushi and sashimi rolled and sliced by the chefs mastering their knife skills. n Open daily 12.30pm-11pm. Three courses Dhs 260 (£54). Venetian Village, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal; tel +971 2404 1921; venetianvillage. ae/inakaya

Samantha Wood is founder of restaurant review website foodiva.net

NEW OPENINGS

Abu Dhabi has several new n Toro Toro, chef concept 99 Sushi Bar and forthcoming restaurant Richard Sandoval’s Latin and acclaimed French- openings, all with a view: American concept (also Mediterranean restaurant present in Dubai) opened La Petite Maison. n Cho Gao (pictured) at last month at Jumeirah at n The first everBuddha Bar Intercontinental Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Towers. Beach will open before the Marina Walk opened in the n This month sees two end of the year at the St summer, serving pan-Asian very different openings Regis Saadiyat Island, cuisine from Indonesia, at Al Maryah Island – offering pan-Asian cuisine in Japan, Vietnam and Thailand. imported casual sushi a beach club setting.

OCTOBER 2017 HOTEL COLLECTION Business Traveller Middle East magazine is available in all of these

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Astana Jeremy Tredinnick takes in some of the Kazakhstan capital’s signature sights

KHAN SHATYR gold-tinted glass a 360-degree performances are a popular draw Begin your exploration at panorama of the city can be viewed. in this ex-Soviet nation where 1the northwestern end of Look southeast and you’ll see the Russian cultural influences are still the massive two-kilometre-long marbled splendour of the blue- strong. The Circus also plays host quadrangle of buildings that house domed Presidential Palace. On to touring international companies, the Kazakhstan government and the top level of the golden orb is a from high-flying trapeze artists major business institutions. In a handprint belonging to President and horse riding teams to acrobats, young city filled with impressive Nazarbayev, in which visitors can clowns and animal acts. architectural edifices, the Khan place their own palms. Open 10am- 5 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue; prices Shatyr is perhaps the most striking. 9pm Oct-March; entrance 700 tenge range from 1,000 to 5,000 tenge A tent-shaped cone 150 metres (US$2.10); astana-bayterek.kz (US$3-15). circus-astana.kz tall, this enormous shopping and recreation centre was designed PYRAMID OF PEACE CENTRAL PARK AND by Norman Foster’s architect firm AND RECONCILIATION ESIL RIVER and uses a transparent plastic 3Behind the Presidential 5Beginning immediately to compound that absorbs the Palace but on the far side of the the north of the park surrounding sunlight and protects from the Esil River is the Palace of Peace the Circus, Astana’s Central Park steppe winds, keeping the interior and Reconciliation. Just a five- occupies the wedge of land created at a regulated balmy temperature minute taxi ride from Baiterek, this by a 90-degree bend in the Esil throughout freezing winters and attractive glass pyramid is another River. It’s a popular destination for boiling summers. Norman Foster creation, built on top the city’s residents, offering peace, Three floors of designer shops, of a small green hill to be a meeting shade and shelter from the dustiness cafés and food outlets follow the place for the leading representatives of the city streets. Wandering standard “mall” pattern, but on the of the world’s religions, who gather through its many paths you’ll find uppermost floor is the “Sky Beach”, regularly for summits to promote cafés, carnival rides, ponds, an aqua a leisure park where you can lounge inter-religious understanding park, and many nooks and crannies under palm trees on a real sand and peace. Inside the 62-metre where people relax on benches or beach beside a lagoon pool. 37 pyramid are an ethnocultural centre, picnic under the trees. Turan Avenue; open 10am-11pm; archaeological exhibitions, art Cross the pedestrian bridge close khanshatyr.com/en galleries and a 1,300-seat concert to the apex of the river bend, turn hall. Tours are available in English, right and stroll down the right bank BAITEREK Russian and Kazakh. 57 Tauelsizdik of the Esil, past the grand statue From Khan Shatyr walk Avenue; open 10am-6pm; entrance of historic Kazakh hero Kenesary 2towards and through the costs 600 tenge (US$1.80); Khan. Facing the park on this side arch of the Kazmunaigaz building astana-piramida.kz/en is restaurant Astana Nury, which and, marking the centre of the serves excellent traditional Kazakh quadrangle about a ten minute CAPITAL CIRCUS and Georgian cuisine in attractive walk away, you’ll see the 97-metre- Catch a taxi (ten minutes, Central Asian-style booths with tall structure of the Baiterek tower, 4 approx 1,000 tenge/US$3) curtains for privacy – or, if the its slender white “trunk” topped by back over the river to Kabanbay weather is fine, sit out on the open a huge golden ball (symbolically the Batyr Avenue, between the new and terrace for great river views. Be sure golden egg of the mythical Samruk old parts of the city. Constructed to to sample some Kazakh shashlik bird, laid at the top of the Tree of look like a giant flying saucer, the (kebab) from the extensive menu, Life, which was impossible for Capital Circus boasts a 13-metre- with Georgian khachapuri (cheese humans to reach). diameter ring surrounded by bread) as an accompaniment. 3/2 An elevator whisks you up seating for 2,000, and is home to Respublika Avenue; open noon into the sphere, through whose a 300-strong circus troupe – circus until last guest; a-n.kz n

OCTOBER 2017 Four hours in... I 57

ASTANA NURY RESTAURANT

CAPITAL Esil River CIRCUS

Turan Ave Sarayshyq St

Shalqyma St Kabanbay Batyr Ave BAITEREK KHAN SHATYR Akhmet Baitursynuly St Syghanaq St Dostyq St

PALACE OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

OCTOBER 2017 58 I Technology get

Whether you’re a professional or an aspiring creator, there are all manner of devices to help you make music, pictures and videos. CreativeSteve Dinneen reveals the best

OCTOBER 2017 Technology I 59

f you’re in the creative industries, feasible on devices that would have once have required a PC to work. Plug a travelling can severely eat into your seemed impossibly small a few years ago, pair of headphones into the Roli Lightpad, Iworking day. A long-haul flight might and what would once have required an for instance, and you can start creating be an acceptable mobile office for an entire desktop studio can now fit into your your next electro hit single from the comfort accountant or lawyer, but a musician or carry-on luggage. of the first class lounge. illustrator may struggle to make any serious The proliferation of smartphones means Whether you want to create beautiful progress. The latest creative gadgets, we now carry powerful computers around photographs, crisp 4K video, sweet music however, offer a range of solutions. in our pockets, which open up all kinds of or wonderful illustrations, there is the Increased processing power has made possibilities for controlling devices such as perfect gadget out there for you – here are intensive tasks such as video editing complex musical instruments that would some of the best. PHOTOGRAPHY

Best for… travel snaps Best for… iPhone shots Best for… instant gratification Leica Q Titanium grey Exolens Pro with Optics by Zeiss Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 £3,570 telephoto lens £119 uk.leica-camera.com £190 currys.co.uk This pocket-sized compact camera is a shop.zeiss.co.uk This beautiful little camera (it’s only great way of taking professional-quality The iPhone is already capable of taking 11.3cm x 9.2cm x 5.7cm) is a brilliant photographs without having to carry an great pictures, but this is the device if option for those who love the retro entire suitcase worth of gear. It has the you’re determined to boost your phone aesthetic of instant photography. It fastest lens in its class and a full-frame photography game. The clip-on lens has a built-in flash, a rechargeable sensor, making it great at shooting in essentially turns your phone into a battery and a host of shooting modes, low light; useful if you don’t have space telephoto lens, allowing you to take crisp including double exposure. It also gives for a bulky flash unit. This new version pictures from a distance. Many iPhone you more control over your pictures is the same as the hugely popular Leica camera accessories are little more than than most instant cameras, with the Q but comes with a classy titanium grey gimmicks, but the involvement of Zeiss, ability to control the length of exposure lacquer finish, with a matching strap which has been making lenses for more to create effects such as light-streaks. made from climbing rope. When it comes than 170 years, suggests otherwise, It uses narrow, portrait-oriented film to taking incredible photos and looking and the results you can achieve with it rather than the square film made famous great while you’re doing it, Leica is in a are impressive. It’s built especially for the by Polaroid instant cameras, but it’s still class of its own – in the right hands, it’s iPhone so won’t work with Android, and a great way to capture memories from

worth every penny. is compatible with the iPhone 7 Plus. your trips abroad. ▼

OCTOBER 2017 60 I Technology

Best for… tunes and podcasts 1More H1707 triple driver over-ear headphones £200 uk.1more.com Launched this summer, the H1707 headphones from British audio manufacturer 1More promise a “high- fidelity listening experience”. With a Piezo ceramic driver and bass reflex system, they have been approved by Grammy award-winning sound engineer Luca Bignardi. They are built from machined metal in eye-catching black and bronze, and come with an oxygen-free copper cable that you can plug into your laptop, phone or in-flight entertainment system. The cushioned ear pads mean they are comfortable to wear for extended periods and can fold inwards for easy packing. A storage bag is provided.

Best for… making music Roli Lightpad Block £169.95

MUSIC uk.store.roli.com The Block needs to be seen to be believed. In the hands of a keen musician, it can be used to lay down entire electronic tracks using an inbuilt drum machine and more than 100 individual sounds. The tactile silicone rubber surface is sensitive to how hard you press it – a harder jab equals a louder noise. Connecting to the Noise app on your iPhone (there is a beta version on Google Play) allows you to switch the Block into its various sound modes and to change the softly glowing colours so you know which parts of the surface will play what sound. At 9.4cm x 9.4cm, it’s small enough to fit into your pocket, and you can snap multiple Blocks together to create a mobile studio.

Best for… laying backing tracks Zoom Arq Aero RhythmTrak £499 juno.co.uk If you want to make beautiful sound on the go, give the Zoom Arq a shake. The instrument, which looks a bit like a tambourine, has 96 velocity and pressure sensitive pads that allow you to play various drum sounds, as well as put on a programmable light display. It’s part drum machine, part looper and reacts in real time to your movements, distorting the sound and triggering new sections of your music. It is composed of two parts – the Base Station, which contains 468 instrument sounds and 70 synthesizer sounds, and the Ring Controller, which you “play” by moving it around (it connects to the Base Station via Bluetooth).

OCTOBER 2017 Technology I 61 VIDEO

Best for… action shooting Best for… editing Best for… VR-ready video GoPro Hero 5 Black Macbook Pro 13-inch Nikon Keymission 360 £400 £1,749 europe-nikon.com shop.gopro.com apple.com £430 The world of home video has come Apple remains the laptop maker of choice With virtual reality becoming increasingly on a lot since the days of You’ve Been for those in the creative industries, and common, the ability to shoot 360-degree Framed. This tiny device – far smaller the new version moves it even further video is slowly moving from a niche than your average compact camera – ahead of the pack. The latest release pursuit to the mainstream. The Nikon can shoot 4K video and high-resolution features the excellent Touch Bar, a KeyMission 360 is a great starting stills and can even react to voice second colour display that runs above point. The hand-held unit consists of commands. With an additional GoPro the keyboard in place of the F keys two ultra wide-angle lenses, one on Plus subscription (£6 per month), you can (only available on the £1,749 and higher each side, allowing it to capture the upload your videos and pictures directly versions). This can be customised to do entire field of view. The film can then to the cloud so you never need to worry just about anything, and it’s a godsend be watched back on a VR headset or about losing your work. Not that you’re for video editors, allowing them to scroll on a desktop PC, and directed around likely to break this thing – like all GoPros, effortlessly through footage with the by moving the camera with a mouse or it’s designed to last, and is completely swipe of a finger. It’s also a dream to use, trackpad. If you’re into extreme sports, waterproof. The two-inch display also with a retina display that’s great for both this is especially good for capturing the allows you to edit your clips on the go. making and watching video. panoramic glory of sky-dives or ski-runs. 62 I Escape to... India

Forgotten city Amar Grover leaves business behind in Bengaluru for a long weekend in historic Hampi

s far as “man-lions” go, this This is one of the busier spots in Hampi, a particular statue was especially remarkable site in northern Karnataka. Once known striking – almost seven metres tall as Vijayanagar, or City of Victory, it was the capital with bulging eyes and a peculiar, of a huge, powerful empire that ruled southern almost frog-like, grin. For more than India until 1565. Spread over 40 sq km, the city’s Afive centuries, this celebrated monolith depicting the atmospheric remains became a UNESCO World god Vishnu has witnessed pilgrims and kings come Heritage site in 1986. Yet tourism hardly noticed, and go, empires rise and fall, creeping vegetation mostly attracting backpackers coaxed up from Goa’s and callous vandals. Now it’s the selfie era, and while beaches to experience the “real India”. dozens hurriedly took snaps, I patiently awaited my Now, finally, a five-star property has opened turn for an old-fashioned full-frame portrait.

OCTOBER 2017 between huge, weirdly balancedgranite boulders. while agroup ofpilgrimsstrolled towards it gopuram, open pavilions, welookeddownatthesoaring Hemakuta Hill, amidstsimpleshrinesand their significance. Gettingourbearingsatop and extensivefortificationslargely unaware of among Hampi’s abandonedtemples, barracks Evolve Backguide. As alad, hescampered luxury, top-notchcuisineandimpeccableservice. the EvolveBackHampihoteloffersstylish, bling-free captivating historicaldestination. Openedlastyear, it onadecentdualcarriageway) isnotmerely a trade-off forthefive-tosix-hourdrive(muchof for afineweekendbreak from Bengaluru. The feature inupmarket cultural tours. Italsomakes greatest least-known destinationslookssetto near Hampiandwhathasremained oneofIndia’s I beganmy visitwithNavendra, alocal orgateway, ofthe Virupaksha Temple, echoes thatof Vijayanagar’s cosmopolitanmerchants a blindeye. encroaching onthese remains asauthoritiesturned when tourismdeveloped, thatvillagersreally began and tidier.” Apparently, itwas onlyinthe1970s, “They want toimprove thesite, makeitcleaner now government has cleared them,” Navendra said. many smallshops, drinks, foodstuffs, souvenirs–but reflected thecapital’s sizeandstatus. former bazaar, thelengthandwidthofwhich lined withancientstonecolonnades–a It was fronted by avirtuallyemptydustystreet and traders. The empire traded with Chinaand The locals’ straightforward mercantile instinct “Until maybe three orfouryears back, thesehad its products were exportedtoBurmaandthe Middle East. Several medieval travellers and Escape to...IndiaI63 OCTOBER 2017

▼ 64 I Escape to... India

adventurers, mainly Portuguese and Italian, recorded devotees willingly succumbed beneath their wheels. their experiences at Vijayanagar in the early 1500s. Hampi’s charming boulder-strewn landscape One wrote: “The bazaars are extremely long cradles numerous Hindu myths and legends. Of and broad. Roses are sold everywhere. These the dozens of temples and shrines still dotting people could not live without roses, and they look the countryside, only the Virupaksha remains an upon them as quite as necessary as food… Each active place of worship. A visit feels like stepping class of men belonging to each profession has back into classical civilisation – barefoot pilgrims shops contiguous the one to the other; the jewellers brandish offerings of smashed coconuts, garlands sell publicly in the bazaars pearls, rubies, emeralds of flowers and blessed food, while in a dim and diamonds.” sanctum, bare-chested priests tend deities with Others noted basins full to the brim with milk and ghee. bullion, thousands of regal elephants bedecked in Leaving groups of wild macaques cavorting in decorative armour, a city where nobles and ministers the temple’s busy forecourt, we continued towards were fantastically rich and whose poor lived in the Tungabhadra River. Winding between rocky hovels. The king, it’s claimed, had 12,000 wives, of hills, it was this river that lent the site strategic whom 4,000 followed on foot wherever he went, value and, in medieval times, separated Muslim and a few thousand more were carried about in dominions to the north from Hindu ones to its litters. Religious devotion was intense – when tall south. Pilgrims toed-and-froed among bathing wooden “chariots” showcasing temple deities were Below: Vittala ghats, or steps, along its banks, and from one paraded during annual festivals, some frenzied Temple hallowed spot to another. As the trail winds around

OCTOBER 2017 Escape to... India I 65

a tunnel-like cluster of boulders, we meet a saffron- ■ India-based Thus far, I had only explored Hampi’s so-called clad mendicant, or sadhu, blowing a conch and Bridging “Sacred Centre”. North across the river stands collecting alms. Journeys Anegondi and Anjaneya Hill – birthplace of We headed on through the “King’s Balance”, a arranges Hanuman, the ubiquitous monkey god – the carved archway where Vijayanagar’s kings were tailored tours steep whitewashed steps of which are visible for weighed annually against gold and jewels, which and itineraries: miles. To the south lies the “Royal Enclosure”, with were then distributed among the capital’s aristocracy. bridging dozens of buildings and structures, from pavilions Such largesse lent prestige, but there was none journeys.com and stables to stepped water tanks and a mint. Its greater among its royalty than when constructing Evolve Back focal point is a huge raised platform from which great temples. We soon reached the Vittala temple, Hampi’s Vijayanagar’s kings once watched their court’s Hampi’s most celebrated antiquity, standing in a accommodation pomp and ceremony. walled compound with another pair of bazaars comprises The glory days came to a sudden, brutal end in stretching away to the hills. rooms, suites 1565. Rival Muslim sultanates attacked their great Its open, airy halls are home to exuberant and pool villas; Hindu foes. Two Vijayanagar generals’ treachery sculpture and bas-reliefs of elephants, horses, bulls, rates from £294. turned the tide; it took six months to sack the mythical animals, deities and floral motifs. The evolveback. capital. temple’s most unusual feature is a set of “musical com/hampi Later at Evolve Back, I visited Bahmani restaurant, pillars” in clusters of seven. Each cluster pertains the regal cuisine of which draws on the influences to a different instrument, and when tapped (now of those same sultanates. Candles flickered in officially forbidden) they sound the principal notes Clockwise from a gentle breeze and the pavilion’s scalloped left: Evolve Back’s of common scales. Here, too, is Hampi’s most iconic Bahmani restaurant recessed arches (which recall Hampi’s Lotus Mahal) and pool; Hampi’s monument – a freestanding shrine in the form of a Lotus Temple; hotel’s were especially fetching. I didn’t quite feel like a stone chariot pulled by elephants. Jal Mahal suite king... but I certainly dined like one. ■

OCTOBER 2017 66 I Snapshot

New Amsterdam Schiphol opens

Alex McWhirter looks back at the launch of Schiphol’s famous single terminal 50 years ago

The airport recently unveiled the design for its forthcoming terminal expansion, which will increase capacity by 14 million passengers. Scheduled to open in 2023, the new terminal will adjoin the existing Departure and Arrival Hall 1, allowing the airport to retain its often-praised single terminal layout. Designed by Dutch firm KAAN Architecten, the new building will be the first permanent expansion to the terminal since 1993, when the current Departure Halls 3 and 4, and Arrival Halls 3 and 4 were built.

msterdam’s award- The advantage for passengers is ease was the first European facility specifically winning airport is of connectivity. When the new terminal designed for transfer passengers renowned for its single opened on the Schiphol airfield in and shopping. This continues to suit terminal. Whereas 1967, it was considered a wonder of home airline KLM, as most of its other major global hubs the aviation age. So much so that I flew customers travel through, rather than Ahave two, three, four or even more home from Cologne (where I was at the to, Amsterdam. It is backed up with six terminals, Schiphol has coped with time) via Amsterdam to see it for myself. runways and its own rail station linked one for 50 years. What set Schiphol apart was that it to Europe’s high-speed network. n

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