General Manager Khaled Sharabassy Advances Development Plans for Danat Al Ain Resort

With the newly appointed General Manager Khaled Sharabassy paving the way for Danat Al Ain Resort, the property announces its plans to supplement the growing tourism and hospitality industry of Al Ain City with new partnerships and an expanded array of offers. 

Dubbed as the Garden City of the Gulf, Al Ain pushes forward with a renewed focus on different tourism aspects such as the cultural, leisure, sports, educational and medical sector. “Al Ain City will see a wealth of activities in different industries and is expected to attract not only city travelers but international tourists as well. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is very active towards highlighting Al Ain both locally and internationally as the center of heritage in the UAE. Since last year, the DCT has put a great focus on promoting the city through local and international road shows, familiarity trips and other marketing mediums,” said Khaled Sharabassy.

He continued, “This kind of diversity where we get to see different segments come to Al Ain is very healthy and we, as Danat Al Ain Resort, have successfully begun to get our share out of this, which is really a great achievement for us.” 

For Sharabassy, the emphasis on luxury hospitality also plays a big part in increasing the city’s tourism. Under his management, several projects and experiences are already in the pipeline to coincide with the city’s varied programs. 

“We are welcoming the remaining months of 2018 and the early 2019 with grit. We are anticipating an influx of visitors from around the world with city-wide activities including the beginning of the new school year, opening of new landmarks and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup UAE and AFC Asian Cup. For this, we have started to work on renovations for the rooms and bathrooms which we are taking floor by floor, revamped recreational experiences, new food and beverage offers, MICE services and sporting activities,” he explained.

Apart from targeting family and couples for staycations, Danat Al Ain Resort has also introduced exciting offers for its array of dining outlets, beginning with a family-themed Friday brunch at the all-day dining restaurant, Arabesque, as well another Friday Brunch at McGettigan’s Al Ain. In the coming months, the property will be introducing live entertainment in the Italian venue, Luce and daily game nights at Shooters.

Sharabassy reveals that the resort is tying up with local and international organizations across sectors such as sports, education and corporate industries to introduce the property’s development plans which caters to all industry needs. Most notable is the resort’s partnership with sporting communities and its ongoing talks with local clubs for the use of the expansive football and rugby field, squash, tennis and basketball courts facilities. Companies and event organizers can benefit from the resort’s six function halls which remains as an ideal events destination in Al Ain, as well as the property’s outdoor catering services.

“Out of the figures we see in the books and the projects happening, we are expecting an occupancy rate of around 80% to 90% for the rest of the year. This has already started with the 95% occupancy rate we had during Eid Al Adha, and we hope to carry on with this strength and drive going forward,” He concluded.