Latest news with #CampbellGray
Tourism Breaking News
01-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Boutique Hotels are the Gulf's missing piece: Campbell Gray
Post Views: 37 According to Campbell Gray boutique hotels are the missing pieces in the hospitality sector in the GCC. Globally, the boutique hotel sector is gaining momentum, valued at US $25 billion in 2023 and projected to exceed US $40.3 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%, according to Grand View Research. Leisure travellers made up more than 70% of boutique hotel guests in 2023, underlining the continued demand for personalised, experience-led stays which could the GCC has made remarkable strides in tourism, establishing itself as a global hub for luxury and innovation. Yet, while the region is known for large-scale resorts and international hotel brands, there is a growing opportunity to introduce more individual, character-driven hospitality in the Gulf. Today's travellers, from creatives to high-net-worth individuals, are increasingly drawn to places that feel personal and emotionally engaging. Boutique hotels tend to achieve higher Average Daily Rates (ADR) thanks to their uniqueness and personal appeal, and are especially well suited to emerging districts where large-scale development may be less feasible. Boutique hotels meet this demand by delivering human-centred experiences that prioritise intimacy, privacy, and connection. What was once a preference has now become an expectation, especially after the pandemic highlighted the need for comfort and low-contact environments. With fewer rooms, limited shared spaces, and a more considered scale, boutique properties offer a level of calm and personalisation that larger hotels often struggle to match. While most hospitality development in the region is led by major groups focused on building ever larger and more opulent hotels, the boutique segment remains relatively unexplored. A few examples are emerging in destinations such as Hatta, Al Ula and Ras Al Khaimah, but the concept of a genuine boutique city hotel has yet to be meaningfully developed. One of the biggest misconceptions about smaller hotels is the assumption that 'small' equates to 'minimalist', that fewer rooms, sometimes as little as 10, mean fewer amenities. In reality, this misrepresents what boutique hospitality truly offers. 'A boutique hotel may have fewer rooms, but it can still provide all the expected services, from room service and multiple, refined dining options to wellness spaces and concierge care,' says Saad Audeh, Chairman of Campbell Gray. 'The difference lies not in the availability of facilities, but in the scale and intention behind the experience. Guests can enjoy the full range of comforts without the impersonal volume. This is where the paradigm in hospitality is shifting, the smaller the setting, the more personalised and emotionally resonant the service becomes.' In a boutique property, the bellman remembers guests' names, the receptionist recognises preferences, and the waiter engages with genuine familiarity, creating a sense of intimacy that large-scale hotels simply cannot replicate. 'For property owners across the GCC, this shift presents a timely and compelling opportunity,' adds Audeh. 'Smaller plots, underutilised villas, or midscale buildings that may not suit large-scale development can be transformed into high-value boutique assets. These properties require less capital investment, can often be adapted from existing structures such as low-rise buildings or villas, and enable a more efficient path to market. Boutique hotels are also better suited for flexible operation, creative branding, and mixed-use lifestyle integration, allowing owners to activate spaces that combine hospitality with distinct F&B, wellness, or retail concepts.' 'Boutique hotels globally are outperforming large chains in both revenue and guest satisfaction, a clear reflection of travellers' growing preference for hotels that offer distinct character and emotional connection,' says Simon Venison, Development and Operations Director at Campbell Gray. 'The industry is steadily shifting towards experience-first, emotionally intelligent travel, and this is precisely where Campbell Gray excels.' 'Campbell Gray isn't just another hospitality brand; we're developers, operators, and hands-on partners from day one,' Venison continues. 'We work side by side with owners to shape projects that are both creatively ambitious and commercially grounded.' Campbell Gray combines creativity, precision, and flexibility, underpinned by a strong commitment to individuality and attention to detail. Thanks to its versatility and hands-on approach, Campbell Gray provides direct access to senior leadership and decision-makers, making the development process faster, more personal, and truly collaborative. Every project is a one-off, tailored to its location, inspired by its architecture, and aligned with the owner's vision. The result is a hotel that feels purposeful, human-scale, and commercially effective.
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AtkinsRéalis expands award-winning School of the Future initiative across UAE schools
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: AtkinsRéalis (TSX: ATRL), a world-class design, engineering services and nuclear company, has expanded its School of the Future initiative for the second consecutive year in the UAE. The initiative, which introduces students to sustainability, engineering, and technology through experiential learning, brought together participants from four leading schools for the 2025 finals held at Dubai English Speaking College (DESS) on 14 May. Originally launched in the UK, the School of the Future engages students aged 14 to 16 in designing sustainable school campuses. This year's UAE edition welcomed teams from Repton School, Jumeirah College, JESS Dubai, and Dubai English Speaking College (DESS). The initiative challenges students to think critically about environmental, social, and technological aspects of sustainability while encouraging them to create forward-thinking campus concepts built for the future. 'As this initiative continues to grow year on year, we are proud to see the strong interest and engagement from both students and educators alike in the UAE,' said Campbell Gray, CEO, Middle East, AtkinsRéalis. 'By expanding the programme across more schools in the region, we hope to continue strengthening the link between industry and education by helping young people become future-ready leaders in sustainability and innovation.' Throughout this project, students were mentored by AtkinsRéalis STEM Ambassadors and guided through a multi-dimensional learning journey. Teams developed sustainable, data-driven design proposals by leveraging AI and prioritised renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and water conservation, while also considering the social impact of their schools on surrounding communities. The event concluded with a showcase held at DESS, where student teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges from different backgrounds. Presentations were evaluated based on innovation, collaboration, and the practical application of sustainable principles. "Partnering with Atkins Realis for the School of the Future Competition has been a powerful opportunity to bring industry and education together,' said Laura Reidy, Head of Information, Advice and Guidance, Dubai English Speaking School (DESS). 'Our students were inspired by the challenge to think big, design boldly, and reimagine what learning could look like for future generations. We're proud to be part of a collaboration that champions innovation, sustainability, and student voices." With growing interest across the region, AtkinsRéalis plans to continue expanding the initiative to reach more schools and students in the Middle East. The initiative aligns with the company's long-term sustainability strategy and contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on education and sustainable communities. About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital.
Web Release
19-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
AtkinsRéalis Expands Award-Winning School of the Future Initiative Across UAE Schools
AtkinsRéalis (TSX: ATRL), a world-class design, engineering services and nuclear company, has expanded its School of the Future initiative for the second consecutive year in the UAE. The initiative, which introduces students to sustainability, engineering, and technology through experiential learning, brought together participants from four leading schools for the 2025 finals held at Dubai English Speaking College (DESS) on 14 May. Originally launched in the UK, the School of the Future engages students aged 14 to 16 in designing sustainable school campuses. This year's UAE edition welcomed teams from Repton School, Jumeirah College, JESS Dubai, and Dubai English Speaking College (DESS). The initiative challenges students to think critically about environmental, social, and technological aspects of sustainability while encouraging them to create forward-thinking campus concepts built for the future. 'As this initiative continues to grow year on year, we are proud to see the strong interest and engagement from both students and educators alike in the UAE,' said Campbell Gray, CEO, Middle East, AtkinsRéalis. 'By expanding the programme across more schools in the region, we hope to continue strengthening the link between industry and education by helping young people become future-ready leaders in sustainability and innovation.' Throughout this project, students were mentored by AtkinsRéalis STEM Ambassadors and guided through a multi-dimensional learning journey. Teams developed sustainable, data-driven design proposals by leveraging AI and prioritised renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and water conservation, while also considering the social impact of their schools on surrounding communities. The event concluded with a showcase held at DESS, where student teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges from different backgrounds. Presentations were evaluated based on innovation, collaboration, and the practical application of sustainable principles. 'Partnering with Atkins Realis for the School of the Future Competition has been a powerful opportunity to bring industry and education together,' said Laura Reidy, Head of Information, Advice and Guidance, Dubai English Speaking School (DESS). 'Our students were inspired by the challenge to think big, design boldly, and reimagine what learning could look like for future generations. We're proud to be part of a collaboration that champions innovation, sustainability, and student voices.' With growing interest across the region, AtkinsRéalis plans to continue expanding the initiative to reach more schools and students in the Middle East. The initiative aligns with the company's long-term sustainability strategy and contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on education and sustainable communities. For more information about the School of the Future, visit
Mid East Info
19-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
AtkinsRéalis Expands Award-Winning School of the Future Initiative Across UAE Schools - Middle East Business News and Information
AtkinsRéalis (TSX: ATRL), a world-class design, engineering services and nuclear company, has expanded its School of the Future initiative for the second consecutive year in the UAE. The initiative, which introduces students to sustainability, engineering, and technology through experiential learning, brought together participants from four leading schools for the 2025 finals held at Dubai English Speaking College (DESS) on 14 May. Originally launched in the UK, the School of the Future engages students aged 14 to 16 in designing sustainable school campuses. This year's UAE edition welcomed teams from Repton School, Jumeirah College, JESS Dubai, and Dubai English Speaking College (DESS). The initiative challenges students to think critically about environmental, social, and technological aspects of sustainability while encouraging them to create forward-thinking campus concepts built for the future. 'As this initiative continues to grow year on year, we are proud to see the strong interest and engagement from both students and educators alike in the UAE,' said Campbell Gray, CEO, Middle East, AtkinsRéalis. 'By expanding the programme across more schools in the region, we hope to continue strengthening the link between industry and education by helping young people become future-ready leaders in sustainability and innovation.' Throughout this project, students were mentored by AtkinsRéalis STEM Ambassadors and guided through a multi-dimensional learning journey. Teams developed sustainable, data-driven design proposals by leveraging AI and prioritised renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and water conservation, while also considering the social impact of their schools on surrounding communities. The event concluded with a showcase held at DESS, where student teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges from different backgrounds. Presentations were evaluated based on innovation, collaboration, and the practical application of sustainable principles. 'Partnering with Atkins Realis for the School of the Future Competition has been a powerful opportunity to bring industry and education together,' said Laura Reidy, Head of Information, Advice and Guidance, Dubai English Speaking School (DESS). 'Our students were inspired by the challenge to think big, design boldly, and reimagine what learning could look like for future generations. We're proud to be part of a collaboration that champions innovation, sustainability, and student voices.' With growing interest across the region, AtkinsRéalis plans to continue expanding the initiative to reach more schools and students in the Middle East. The initiative aligns with the company's long-term sustainability strategy and contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on education and sustainable communities.
ME Construction
14-03-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
AtkinsRéalis and the ICE launch ‘Beyond Engineering' lecture series in the Middle East
Industry News AtkinsRéalis and the ICE launch 'Beyond Engineering' lecture series in the Middle East By The series will also address key industry challenges and opportunities in the region while examining how skill development can help shape the future of more resilient infrastructure AtkinsRéalis and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has launched a lecture series aimed at sharing knowledge and fostering an active community of industry professionals and academia in the Middle East. The first lecture, 'Engineering Excellence 2025: Navigating Challenges, Creating Opportunities', featured a panel discussion and hosted a diverse group of industry leaders, subject matter experts, and early career professionals. The lecture series, 'Beyond Engineering', will consist of four lectures and focuses on market-specific insights, highlighting solutions and best practices that advance the engineering industry. From digitisation to artificial intelligence, decarbonisation and sustainability, the series will also address key industry challenges and opportunities in the region, while examining how skill development can help shape the future of more resilient infrastructure across the built environment, transportation, and energy sectors. 'As the engineering industry in the Middle East strives to achieve sustainable growth, meet the needs of a rapidly growing population, and address the pressing risks of climate change, key challenges will arise. By launching this initiative with the ICE, we can leverage collective expertise to tackle these challenges head-on and provide invaluable opportunities to future talents for learning and growth, fostering innovation and delivering value to communities across the region,' said Campbell Gray, CEO of MEA at AtkinsRéalis. ICE director general, Dr Janet Young, said, 'As a 207-year-old organisation, the ICE has rich engineering heritage and has remained relevant by constantly questioning what future challenges will be. Our will to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow, is underpinned by our deep commitment to ethics and ensuring the competence of our members. This Beyond Engineering lecture series, where the best minds in the region will come together to discuss and debate pressing issues like digitisation, is a great example of how international knowledge sharing will help the ICE's members and wider civil engineering community shape the world.' AtkinsRéalis said that it is committed to nurturing local talent in the Middle East through various initiatives, including training programs, internships, and community outreach projects. Since 2022, more than 130 graduates have joined the program. The lecture series will focus on the importance of local talent development and community engagement. The firm's Graduate Development Program in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia aims to support the two countries' nationalisation efforts and continuous growth. The 12-month program is for graduates to gain on-the-job learning exposure to various projects, with structured personal and professional development plans, mentoring, and career guidance.
