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HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings announced today the official opening of EWA Khartoum Hotel & Apartments. The grand inauguration was attended by His Excellency Mohamed Adbul Karim Al-Had, Federal Minister of Tourism, SSIA Chairman and General Commissioner and Mr Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO of HMH.

Brilliantly situated at the bank of the Blue Nile, EWA Khartoum Hotel & Apartments features 70 rooms and apartments equipped with first rate amenities.The hotel has been designed keeping in mind the needs and expectations of modern business and leisure travellers including families as well as short and long-stay guests. Overlooking the Blue Nile, all apartments offer sweeping views of the Nile. On site are excellent corporate and recreation facilities includingan international all-day-dining restaurant, a coffee shop, choice of multi-purpose meeting rooms with natural daylight, business center, fully-equipped gym and two saunas.

The openingis part of HMH’s strategic expansion in Sudan and reinforces the group’s strong presence in the country being its fourth hotel there. Speaking on the occasion, Laurent said, “It gives us great pleasure to unveil EWA Khartoum Hotel & Apartments. The launch of the hotel isin keeping with our commitment tosupport the development and growth of hospitality and tourism sector in Sudan.EWA Khartoum is the only hotel boasting serviced apartments in Khartoum and we are confident it willquickly establish itself as a preferred address for both domestic and international travellers. There is a strong demand in the country for quality accommodation and being a alcohol-free chain of hotels, our brands are a perfect fit with Sudan’s Sharia-compliant traditions and culture”.

Sudan, with its diverse ecology, rich heritage, unexplored archeological sites, generous hospitalityand strategic geographical location in North East Africaserves as a bridge between the Arab and African regions. It is a country that boasts more pyramids than Egypt. Laurent stressed, “The history of civilisations here goes back millennia. Therefore, Sudan has enormous potential to grow tourism and position itself globally as a unique destination.The world’s first known civilization Karma is located in Sudan as also the Meroe Civilization. In terms of wildlife, Sudan is rated among the world’s top ten countries. Khartoum State in particular offers rare natural sight being situated on the confluence of White and Blue Niles.But sadly, much of the country’s natural and architectural treasures have remained hidden from the world’s tourism industry.”

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is among the few reputable hospitality groups present in the country and has been playing an instrumental role in the development of the industry. The group has deepened its presence in North Sudan since it took over the management of Coral Khartoum Hotel in 2009. The chain has since rapidly expanded its footprint in the country with the addition ofCoral Port Sudan Hotel, Coral Niyala Hotel and now EWA Khartoum Hotel & Apartments.

The government of Sudan has pledged $1 billion a year to boost the country’s tourism industry.Air transportation in Sudan has grown tremendously over the recent years. Flights to and from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are increasing largely due to the expansion of low-cost carriers in the region. Benefiting from the growing number of flight connections, inbound and outbound tourism to and from the Middle East is growing too. According to a report issued by Ministry of Tourism and Wild Life 591,350 tourists visited Sudan in 2013 spending $735,501 million.

About HMH
Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is eager to have its share of the burgeoning Chinese travellers. Consequently the group is aggressively promoting its various properties in the country by participating in key trade events such as China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market (COTTTM) as well as organising a series of strategic road shows and sales initiatives.

HMH CEO Laurent A. Voivenel observed, “Demand for UAE as a preferred destination among Chinese travellers is no doubt growing. It is vital to increase our brand exposure in China at this point, as it has enormous potential for growth. It could open up significant revenue streams for affordable hotel brands such as ours. We are, therefore, monitoring closely the Chinese market that is proving to be an increasingly lucrative source of visitors and are gearing up to cater for preferences of these travellers by appointing Chinese speaking staff as well as customising menus, entertainment,  etc.”

According to China Outbound Tourism Research Institute, China is the biggest outbound tourism source market in the world with more than 160 US$ spent by 116 million travellers in 2014. Total outbound tourist numbers will reach 200m by the end of the decade, while travel spending will triple. Fuelling this growth are mainly Chinese millennials who make up a large and growing slice of the country’s most affluent citizens. It’s estimated that there are around 300m of these young consumers born between the early 1980s and 2000. Chinese millennials are big spenders on international travel and typically make four trips outside their country per year, twice as many as their Asian peers.

Dubai will remain the most popular choice for Chinese travellers in the Middle East and Africa region (Mena) as tourist arrivals are set to almost double (up by 97 per cent) to more than 540,000 travellers by 2023 as compared to 276,000 in 2013. According to Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) China moved from tenth position to seventh, experiencing 24.9 per cent growth in the last 12 months with 344,329 hotel guests compared to 275,675 in 2013.

About HMH
Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer, alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings will be present in the Saudi capital to take part in Riyadh Travel Fair from 14th to 17th April, 2015. Seventh year in running, the exhibition is considered to be one of the largest tourism events in Saudi Arabia attracting leading international and regional travel and tourism companies.

According to industry reports Saudi Arabia is expected to be the source of the third largest group of outbound travellers over 2015-2018. Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia is growing too and soared by 25 per cent in 2013, according to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. Tourism contributed SR75bn to the kingdom’s gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for nearly 3 per cent of the total, making it one of the most important industries for the country. Twenty-five airports are being upgraded, expanded or built and two new airlines have been given approval to start domestic services to help cope with the significant rise in demand.

HMH CEO Laurent A. Voivenel said, “Saudi Arabia is a land of opportunity both in terms of domestic and outbound tourism and at HMH we are eager to grow our share of the market. Riyadh Travel Fair offers a unique opportunity to meet more than 20,000 travel trade professionals and buyers. We will be present at the Riyadh Travel Fair to showcase and promote all our existing and upcoming properties”.

The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia heavily relies on international arrivals; inbound tourism expenditure reached SAR58.5 billion (US$15.6 billion) in 2013, compared to SAR41.6 billion (US$11.1 billion) from domestic travel in the same year. Increasing domestic and international tourist volumes are driving demand for quality accommodations in the country. Therefore, Saudi Arabia, has seen a massive increase in investment in the hotel market. Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina are the hubs of hotel investment in the country due to the high demand in the cities. A key player in the industry is HMH having entered the country with Coral Al Khobar Hotel eight years ago followed by expansion in Riyadh, Jubail, Al Ahsa and most recently Madina.

Laurent stressed, “Being a alcohol-free, alcohol-free international chain of hotels, HMH is the ideal choice for any hotel owner or investor with the same philosophy and principles. For us being alcohol-free is not simply a business decision but is part of our culture and DNA. Saudi Arabia is central to our expansion strategy and is a key growth market for us. And events such as Riyadh Travel Fair allow us to explore opportunities while building our network within the industry.”

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer, alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is the hospitality sponsor for Saudi Aramco’s 2015 Oilman’s Golf Tournament which will be hosted by Rolling Hills Golf Club in Dhahran on 10th April. The tournament is being organised to promote and bolster the business relations between the various contracting entities who work with Saudi Aramco by bringing together top executives on the golf course.

HMH CEO Laurent A. Voivenel said, “We are pleased to partner with Saudi Aramco as the exclusive hospitality sponsor for this prestigious golf tournament that promises to be an exhilarating contest bringing together golfers from different sectors and industries to compete. It is for the second time that we are participating in this event that is recognised as one of the premier corporate tournaments in the region and gives us a first-rate opportunity to promote our various brands and hotels to this unique gathering.”

HMH will be represented on the golf course by Jean Pierre Simon, Regional General Manager – Northern Emirates, Coral Hotel & Resorts, who is an avid golfer.

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings will be present at Saudi Aramco Travel Fair from 7th to 9th April. Ten years in running the hugely popular show will be held at Saudi Aramco’s worldwide headquarters in Dhahran and will bring together more than 100 hospitality exhibitors.

HMH CEO Laurent A. Voivenel said, “We are delighted to participate in the Saudi Aramco Travel Fair that offers us an excellent opportunity to showcase our products to the company’s employees and their families. With summer approaching it is the perfect time for us to launch the season’s packages that have been tailored to meet the requirements of this special segment”.

Laurent stressed, “Saudi Arabia is one of our top feeder markets and events such as these allow us to further tap into the market while consolidating our current position. Being a halal-friendly chain of hotels we are the ideal choice for Saudi travellers especially families looking for a safe environment”.

Globally speaking, Saudi Arabia is one of the most significant outbound markets during the summer months. According to Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities, outbound tourism expenditure exceeded SR29.6 billion (US $7.9 billion), between June and August in 2014. Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar attracted 51% of tourists from Saudi Arabia during this period, while other Middle Eastern countries attracted 29.6%.

Joining the HMH corporate sales team at the Saudi Aramco Travel Fair will be sales executives from The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, Coral Dubai Deira Hotel, Coral Beirut Al Hamra Hotel and Corp Amman Hotel.

Saudi Aramco is the state-owned oil company of Saudi Arabia and the world’s top exporter of crude oil and natural gas liquids having the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves and daily oil production.

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit https://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

Beauty – the idea of it, the experience of it, the importance of it – is under the microscope again. Curated by H.E. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum, award winning artist Mohammed Hindash’s first solo art exhibition ‘BEAUTOPSY’ will open at FN Designs on March 16. Supported by HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, the month-long exhibition of fine art contemporary paintings and installations will run at the gallery until April 16.

H.E. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum, said, “Through his works, Mohammed Hindash draws our attention to a world where beauty and fantasy triumph over logic and reality, drawing a thin line between the two. This line represents a shift between the two worlds where our conscious and subconscious exist. Our society has been shaped on an ideal world, a utopia where mankind can become superior by reaching certain aesthetical assets. In BEAUTOPSY, early stages of conflicts and insecurities are explored, and fueled by the unrealistic expectations of the world we live in today. All it takes is to point out that flaw. And that is what Mohammed attempts to do.”

Mr Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO of HMH, commented: “We are delighted to support BEAUTOPSY at FN Designs that is a must-see exhibition provoking a debate about beauty in a world obsessed with aesthetics. Mohammed Hindash through his artworks compels us to look at two ostensibly conflicting realities. It is wonderful to see young artists like him work outside the establishment and start looking at the world in a different way – to start challenging preconceptions instead of reinforcing them.”

Originally Jordanian Mohammed Hindash was born and raised in Dubai. In 2010, he won the Fine Arts Award in the Sheikha Manal Young Artist Competition held in Dubai. Exhibiting in over 20 galleries as part of group shows, including SIKKA Art Fair in 2012 and The Middle East Film and Comic Con in 2014, Mohammed’s works have been part of various Dubai based art projects. These include the official mural for the Dubai Expo 2020 initiated by The Cultural Office and Dubai Ladies Club in 2013 and live painting for the first global launch of a Ferrari car in the Middle East held at the Dubai International Financial Centre in 2014 where Mohammed represented FN Designs.

Talking about his style Mohammed explained, “Growing up in Dubai has exposed me to diverse cultures and individuals from all walks of life. As a child, I always observed people, objects and my surroundings. As an artist, my early work focused on intricate pencil and ink drawings that have shifted from charcoal to paint and photography. Inspired by comic books, fashion editorials, and advertisements in magazines, my artwork is a fusion of these different worlds. With time, my aim is to blur the lines between art and culture, proving that contemporary Arab artists do not need bold political statements to become recognized and established internationally, and my first solo exhibition with FN Designs is a step in that direction”.

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit https://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings has confirmed its participation at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) – the MENA region’s largest B2B travel and tourism show which will take place at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 4-7 May.

Making the announcement, Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, said, “21 years in the running, ATM 2015 promises to be bigger and better, and we are proud to be part of it. We have got an outstanding stand location with an equally stunning design that is being customized to meet the unique needs of our various brands namely – The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. We want our stand to be an experiential destination for our visitors where they can get a true feel of our hospitality. Family centric travel has been selected as the official show theme for ATM this year and being a pioneer in alcohol-free segment, it is one of the key segments HMH with all our properties offering a safe and family-friendly environment.”

According to Thomson Reuters’ data, the value of the global family tourism market was $140 billion in 2013. The figure is set to rise to $180 billion by 2018 with growth expected to continue at a rate of 4.79 per cent annually until 2020. Demand for inter-regional family travel will also remain robust with GCC population soaring to 53.5 million by 2020. Laurent stated, “We are eager to grow our footprint in this significant sector and are keen to have a bigger share of market as well as raise awareness among hotel developers / owners about the opportunity and our strengths in the segment.”

In addition to showcasing its existing portfolio of hotels spread across 13 cities in MENA region, HMH will be promoting it upcoming hotels. Laurent stated, “2015 is a very significant year for us as we have got 4 key openings coming up in quick succession. ATM is the perfect platform to introduce these to the global travel trade. In addition, we have got a number of other surprises lined up that will be unveiled during the show.”

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

The Ajman Palace Hotel is all set to host the biggest hotel wedding exhibition in the Northern Emirates under the Kind Patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qassimi. The two-day ‘Wedding Fair’ will take place at the hotel’s magnificent ‘Al Saalah’ Ballroom on 12th and 13th February, 2015. The event will bring together over 50 leading brands and designers specialized in catering to high-end weddings.

Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of The Ajman Palace Hotel, said: “The Ajman Palace Hotel is a prestigious address for weddings where luxury meets elegance. We have got the largest and most stunning ballroom and wedding facilities in the Northern Emirates. ‘The Wedding Fair’ is Ajman’s first wedding expo and will serve as a showcase for visitors to see the finest mix of wedding must-haves. Be it the latest bridal trends or the top most brands in silver tableware, porcelain, linen, décor, entertainment, event planners, luxury car-rental, photography, etc. It will be an unmissable bridal party where unique wedding themes will be brought to life giving you the much-needed inspiration for the big day. During the event, top experts will also share invaluable advice on creating a fairy-tale wedding.”

The highlight of ‘The Wedding Fair’ will be a spectacular bridal show on the opening nightfeaturing the latest collections from some of the most popular local designers and boutiques.

Among the top exhibitors will Luxury Majlis with brands such as Wiener Silber Manufactur from Vienna displaying unique silverwork masterpieces, and Ege Exquisit from Germany showcasing the world’s finest table and bed linens.

Wedding celebrations require perfection. With a series of versatile spaces including the ‘Al Saalah’ Ballroom, The Ajman Palace Hotel is an alluring 5-star that promises to deliver a magical wedding experience. Ferghal stressed, “Luxury, exclusivity, comfort and privacy are assured as all bridal facilities have been designed to match the traditional Arabic culture and expectations. Private access for ladies and a separate lift for the bride that would take her to the reception straight from her exclusive make-up room are just some of the thoughtful touches.

On site is a beautiful Bridal Suite that consists of a private room with plush white furniture, dressing area, separate make-up room, and a spacious living room furnished with large mirrors and elegant sofas. The suite boasts indulgent amenities for the bride and her family to feel relaxed and comfortable.

Registrations for participants in ‘The Ajman Palace Hotel Wedding Fair are now open. If you are a wedding vendor or organizer simply call 0097 150 6975146 or email h.bakht@mpj-pr.com

About The Ajman Palace Hotel

The Ajman Palace Hotel, managed by HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, is a picturesque sanctuary of privileged perfection conveniently located 22 km from Dubai International Airport and 11 km from Sharjah International Airport.  Set on a private beach, this alluring hideaway is a heritage resort with a modern spirit. Bringing an unprecedented level of luxury, with captivating views of the Arabian Gulf, the resort is a destination unto itself. Balancing world-class facilities with the legendary Arabian hospitality, it offers 254 rooms, suites and serviced residences, a remarkable range of restaurants and lounges, fabulous meeting and event venues including the largest ballroom in the Northern Emirates ideal for weddings and conventions, as well as an array of leisure and recreation options at Encore Lifestyle Club featuring Encore Spa and state-of-the-art fitness facility. A magical experience awaits you here.

For more information about the hotel please visit http://www.TheAjmanPalace.com

Luxury versus budget is a long-running debate among hotel investors. What provides higher and quicker return on investment – a 5-star or a mid-market hotel? Looking at the market conditions and demand in Dubai, the answer seems clear. Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, said, “Budget hotels are the most profitable long-term investment. And now is the time to build these in Dubai. The market is ripe and is in urgent need of more budget rooms if it is to diversify its segments, attract the growing middle class travellers from emerging economies of Asia and Africa as well as cater to Dubai Expo 2020 visitors. It is an unprecedented opportunity that investors can capitalize on”.

There is a near saturation in the market when it comes to luxury hotels.  The market does not need any more luxury hotels at this point. Over supply of rooms in this segment is putting a tremendous pressure on rates that in turn is affecting ROI. However, the same is not the case with mid-market hotels. Given the demand, investors can expect double digit ROI (10 to 12 per cent every year) with the right product and the right location.

Few regional hotel management companies can claim to have the local know-how, technological expertise and global network at par with HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings. Laurent stressed, “We offer far better value and returns to hotel owners and investors with the right blend of expertise, strategy, technology and market reach. Having the strongest management infrastructure in place, we are able to respond swiftly to any market dynamics and challenges.”

Laurent added, “Technology plays a key role today in the success of any business and more so in our industry. One of our greatest strengths at HMH is the adoption and integration of latest technology into every aspect of our business from management to operation. We have invested heavily into technology that places us at par with top international brands and enables us to optimize our performance to deliver superior results”.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings is a fully-integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the first hotel chain in the Middle East to offer alcohol-free safe environment. It provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of comprehensive management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from budget to luxury. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. Through its dynamic operation and strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa, HMH has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. Its existing portfolio features superb properties located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, as well as a healthy pipeline of hotels under development.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com

It is ‘Art with a Punch’. FISTICUFFS – a fascinating group exhibition curated by H.H. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum opened last evening at FN Designs. The month-long show, supported by HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings brings together works of 32 local artists who have chosen punching bags as their canvas producing absolutely knockout works. The exhibition, with its bold mix of styles ranging from street art to typography, calligraphy, abstract art, sketches, drawings, illustrations, murals and more echoes both fantasy and realism with a graphic intensity.

Commenting on the exhibition, H.H. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum, said, “Merging art and sports has been a growing tradition at FN Designs. Each participating artist was given a blank canvas to paint not knowing what the final outcome would be. And the result was FISTICUFFS – an attempt to bring alive their imagination in a boxing arena. The artists typically take their cues from emotions, spaces and subjects surrounding them converting them into striking revelations. Yet, like every abstract art, these do not spell out everything. The viewers are left free to rough it out in the ring”.

Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, said, “We are delighted to support this unique exhibition by FN Designs that explores and unlocks a new dimension in art. FISTICUFFS hits its audiences with a powerful punch. It leads us on a mysterious maze filled with action and excitement to discover the unknown. So put on your boxing gloves before you go there!”

FISTICUFFS will be showing at FN Designs for a month and will be open to public daily from 10am to 8pm. FN Designs is located at 26 Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Street 8 in Dubai.

For more information about FN Designs please visit http://www.fanndesigns.com