Fairmont The Palm a showcase for responsible luxury hospitality
At Fairmont The Palm, we believe that our people are the foundation of our success. Since joining in 2022, my focus has been on fostering a culture of growth, empowerment, and continuous learning. One of the key strategies has been the implementation of tailored training and development programmes, ensuring that our colleagues have access to the tools and resources necessary for career progression.
We have strengthened mentorship programmes, where experienced leaders guide emerging talent, and introduced cross-training opportunities to help employees diversify their skill sets.
Fairmont The Palm has made remarkable strides in people development, with 202 internal promotions. We have also increased the Employee Satisfaction at the hotel which is at 8.7 in 2024.
Your commitment to sustainability is evident in initiatives such as the Single Use Plastic (SUP) strategy and the renewal of the Green Key certification. How do these efforts align with Fairmont The Palm's long-term vision for responsible tourism, and what further sustainability initiatives can we expect in the coming years?
Sustainability is at the heart of Fairmont The Palm's long-term vision. Our Single Use Plastic (SUP) strategy, the renewal of our Green Key certification, and the recent achievement of the prestigious Gold Stamp Certification from DET — an accolade awarded to only a select few hotels in Dubai—demonstrate our unwavering commitment to responsible tourism.
We are proud to have achieved a remarkable 93 per cent score from the EHC audit, placing us among the top 5 Fairmont properties worldwide recognised by this reputable company. By embedding sustainability into our core business strategy, we aim to set new benchmarks for environmental stewardship within the hospitality industry, ensuring that Fairmont The Palm continues to lead the way in responsible luxury hospitality.
Under your leadership, Fairmont The Palm has achieved record-breaking financial milestones, including unprecedented GOP and strong RevPAR growth. What key factors have contributed to this success in a highly competitive market, and how do you plan to sustain this momentum?
Our financial achievements are the result of a well-balanced strategy that integrates operational excellence, market agility, and guest-centric innovation. Since 2022, we have achieved our highest Year-to-Date (YTD) Gross Operating Profit (GOP) since the hotel's opening in 2012, with a 65 per cent flow-through that exceeds industry benchmarks. Our RevPAR growth index reached almost 100, significantly enhancing our ranking in a highly competitive market.
In F&B, we exceeded expectations despite increased competition, achieving a revenue increase of Dh2.9 million. Moving forward, we will continue investing in technology-driven efficiencies, enhancing our digital marketing strategies.
The hotel has recently embarked on significant renovation projects, How will they elevate the guest experience, and what new offerings can visitors look forward to in 2025?
At Fairmont The Palm, we continually strive to elevate our guest experience, and our latest renovation projects reflect this unwavering commitment. The Dh15 million investment in Serenity – The Art of Well-Being spa has transformed it into a luxurious sanctuary offering holistic wellness treatments that seamlessly blend traditional techniques with modern therapies.
Since its reopening, the spa has earned numerous awards and achieved an impressive 80 per cent improvement in results compared to the previous year.
Fairmont The Palm continues to advance key renovation plans, including enhancing our all-day dining and beach concepts. Our commitment to culinary excellence has also been recognised, with Little Miss India, our Michelin Guide-recommended outlet, earning this accolade for the third consecutive year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Explainer: First-Time Home Buyer Programme – What it is and how it works
Dubai has unveiled a new First-Time Home Buyer Initiative aimed at making property ownership more attainable for residents. The programme, launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in collaboration with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), offers a range of incentives to help first-time buyers enter the emirate's property market. Here's what the initiative entails, who qualifies, and how to sign up. Dubai launches landmark initiative further enabling first-time homeownership offering aspiring Emirati and expatriate homeowners priority access to new launches, preferential prices, and tailored mortgage solutions. The joint initiative by Dubai Land Department and the Dubai… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 2, 2025 What is the 'First-Time Home Buyer Programme'? The initiative is a government-backed scheme designed to support residents purchasing their first freehold residential property in Dubai. It provides access to exclusive property launches, preferential pricing, and tailored mortgage solutions. The programme is open to both UAE nationals and expatriates, with no restrictions on nationality or income level. Its primary goal is to encourage long-term investment and increase homeownership among Dubai's growing population. Who's eligible? To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria: Be a UAE resident aged 18 or older. Not currently own any freehold residential property in Dubai. Be purchasing a property valued below AED 5 million. Joint purchases are allowed, provided all buyers meet the eligibility requirements. Ownership of non-freehold properties (e.g. leasehold or properties outside Dubai) does not affect eligibility. How to sign up Registration is straightforward and free of charge. Applicants can sign up via: The Dubai Land Department website The Dubai REST mobile app Once registered, applicants receive a QR code confirming their eligibility. This code grants access to programme benefits, including exclusive property launches and financing offers. Registration remains valid even if a property is not purchased immediately, allowing buyers to take advantage of future opportunities. What benefits are offered? Participants in the programme gain access to: Exclusive property launches: Priority access to new developments from 13 major Dubai developers, including Emaar, DAMAC, Nakheel, and Meraas. Discounted prices: Select off-plan units are offered at reduced rates. Tailored mortgages: Partner banks such as Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and Dubai Islamic Bank provide customised home loan packages with competitive interest rates and expedited approvals. Flexible fee payments: DLD registration fees can be paid in instalments using eligible credit cards, often interest-free. The initiative is part of Dubai's broader strategy to double the real estate sector's contribution to GDP. By lowering barriers to entry, officials hope to foster a culture of ownership among residents and attract long-term investment. For many expatriates, the programme represents a shift in policy — from a transient rental model to one that encourages permanent settlement and financial stability.
Tourism Breaking News
4 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Dubai welcomes 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025
Post Views: 36 According to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) Dubai welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2025 – a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Dubai's evolving destination offering, driven by impactful public-private partnerships and amplified through a robust global marketing strategy, resulted in the city welcoming these visitors. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: 'Dubai continues to set new records in international visitation, reinforcing the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to make the city a major global business and tourism destination. This milestone reflects Dubai's steady growth as a focal point for trade, investment, talent and opportunity and its rise as the world's most connected city. Dubai's ability to create compelling experiences that meet the evolving needs of visitors has strengthened its status as one of the world's most sought-after destinations. From exceptional infrastructure to unique attractions, Dubai offers a model of excellence in the tourism and hospitality sectors grounded in innovation.' 'As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, tourism will remain key to driving GDP growth and cross-sector value creation in the emirate's economy. By continually anticipating the needs of travellers and exceeding their expectations, we are strengthening Dubai's position as the world's best city to visit, live, and work in. Partnerships, global campaigns, events, and a series of new openings showcased the city to both new and returning international visitors, while DET's bespoke market strategy, working in collaboration with more than 3,000 global and domestic partners, led to growth in key regions. According to the DET data, the GCC and MENA proximity markets had a combined 26% share of overall visitors to Dubai from January to June 2025, with 1.51 million (15%) and 1.12 million (11%) arrivals respectively. Western Europe was the largest source market to Dubai, with 2.12 million visitors (22%), followed by CIS and Eastern Europe (15%), South Asia (15%), North East and South East Asia (9%), the Americas (7%), Africa (4%) and Australasia (2%). With unique offerings, safety and connectivity, Dubai has sustained its status as a preferred travel destination for visitors from both traditional and emerging markets. Adding to its appeal for international audiences, Dubai's accommodation portfolio continues to evolve, offering quality at every price point. In the first six months of 2025, the city expanded its hotel inventory with new openings across all segments and in various locations, including Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Umm Suqeim, Cheval Maison in Expo City, The Biltmore Hotel Villas in Al Barsha, and Vida Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: 'Dubai's strong tourism performance in the first half of 2025 reflects the enduring strength and adaptability of our economic model, even amid persistent global headwinds. Inflationary pressures, shifting traveller behaviours, and wider macroeconomic uncertainty continue to challenge destinations worldwide. Yet Dubai remains on an upward trajectory, an outcome shaped by the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the precision of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. 'Our response has been both deliberate and future-focused: enhancing visitor experiences through technology, investing in high-growth segments such as luxury, wellness, and experiential travel, and promoting deeper cultural exchange through local community engagement. We are embedding sustainability across our tourism ecosystem and focusing on the needs of next-generation travellers, from Gen Z and digital nomads to high-spending global tourists. 'This multifaceted approach not only supports our ambition to become the world's best city to visit, live, work and invest in; it also reinforces Dubai's position as a world-class centre of commerce, innovation, and cultural connection. As we look ahead, we will continue to scale this impact and deliver on the D33 Agenda by driving growth that is both diversified and globally relevant.'
Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Welcomes 9.88 Million Visitors in H1 2025, Recording 6% Year-on-Year Growth
Dubai received 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, marking a 6% year-on-year increase, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The growth highlights the emirate's strong global appeal and the success of public-private partnerships and targeted marketing campaigns. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the achievement as a reflection of Dubai's strategic vision to become a world-leading destination for tourism, trade, and innovation. Western Europe remained the top source market, accounting for 22% of visitors, followed by South Asia, the CIS and Eastern Europe, and the GCC. The hotel sector also posted strong results, with an 80.6% average occupancy rate and over 22 million occupied room nights. Culinary tourism played a key role, bolstered by Dubai's recognition in the MICHELIN Guide and The World's 50 Best Restaurants, with Trèsind Studio ranked No.27 globally and FZN earning three MICHELIN stars. Dubai was also named the world's best city for solo female travellers and the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere, affirming its commitment to inclusive and accessible tourism. As DET continues to drive the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the city's evolving infrastructure, new hotel openings, global campaigns, and business events position it as a global benchmark for travel, hospitality, and urban excellence. News Source: Emirates News Agency
