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Sharm el-Sheikh NewsNews About Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt by South Sinai Travel.
InterContinental Hotels Group announces new GM for Taba Heights ResortInterContinental Hotels Group, the world's most global hotel operator, has appointed Franck Naulleau as the General Manager for the new InterContinental Resort Taba Heights, Egypt. Naulleau joined the InterContinental Hotels Group a year ago as General Manager for InterContinental Sharm El Sheikh and is looking forward to the challenge of working closely with the team in further building the hotel's reputation as one the most premium resort developments in the region, encompassing 5km of beachfront on the Sinai's Red Sea's coast. The resort boasts 503 guest rooms and suites, 11 restaurants and bars, swimming pools and an aqua centre surrounded by white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and stunning desert scenery, making this property an ideal get away. ‘I am delighted to be given the opportunity to manage this stunning property, which is proving a major attraction to tourists from around the globe with its prime location and short traveling distance to amazing places such as the Taba Protected Area, Mount Sinai, the amazing Blue Desert and some of the Middle East's top dive spots,' said Naulleau. Michel Augier, Acting Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East & Africa said: ‘Naulleau proved himself in InterContinental Sharm El Sheikh and we wish him continued success within the beautiful resort of Taba Heights where we are confident he will put this property firmly on the Middle East map, with several exciting, new world-class facilities being introduced in 2007′. Posted by South Sinai Travel: - 6:23 am - November 6th, 2006Egypt's premiere beach resort is all grown up and packing in foreign touristshttp://www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6578(Article by Hadia Mostafa) By far the most popular holiday destination in Egypt, Sharm El-Sheikh can easily be described as a classic, and it's not difficult to understand why: Provided you steer away from national holidays, when things can get a little too crowded, you can never go wrong with this seaside paradise. Whether you're into diving, water sports or just sunning yourself on the beach, it's one of the most idyllic vacation spots in the world. Perched on the southern-most tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm is actually a series of bays nestled in between graceful mountain ranges offering a picturesque backdrop that mesmerizes local and international tourists alike. The most famous and developed of Sharm's bays is Na'ama, where pioneering hotels, resorts and diving centers first took up residence in the mid-1980s when Sinai returned to Egypt. No one imagined at the time that the handful of original dive centers and primitive hotels would, 20 years later, become a part of the bustling commercial center that is now home to the likes of McDonalds, Pizza Hut, KFC, Peking, Hard Rock Café and Little Buddha. Don't worry if you have left anything behind in Cairo: Na'ama Bay now has its own mall, with retailers including Nike, Puma and Mobaco as well as dozens of other apparel, souvenir and home accessories shops and supermarkets begging to cater to your every need (at Sharm prices, of course). At all hours of the day and night, Na'ama is lively with tourists who frequent its legendary promenade, which stretches from one end of the bay to the other. Most of the hotels have set up outdoor dining areas-slash-snack bars along the waterfront, where you can enjoy lunch and dinner, as well as the traditional shisha and tea. But diving enthusiasts claim the real attraction lies beneath the surface of the crystal blue waters. Hundreds of diving centers in the area attract adventurers to the underwater wonders of the Red Sea, which boasts some of the world's most spectacular coral and marine life. It is relatively quick, easy and inexpensive to obtain an open water diver's license from one of Sharm's PADI-licensed diving centers. For certified divers, excursions are available from Na'ama Bay to Sharm El-Sheikh's best known dive sites, which include Ras Nusrani, White Knight and Ras Umm Sid, famous for its magnificent fan corals. Ras Mohamed National Park and the Straits of Tiran are also must-sees. Divers can experience the famous drop-off and amazing drift dives. If snorkeling is more your speed, there are also an abundance of shallow water reefs around Sharm's bays. Six kilometers north of Na'ama Bay is Shark's Bay, a quieter, less-developed area ideal for divers or diving students who prefer a less commercial atmosphere. The beach at Shark's Bay is a primitive version of Na'ama, where you can relax on the sand with a book without interruptions or distractions. If it's luxury you are after, Sharm El-Sheikh now has an abundance of resorts that offer guests the very best in accommodations, dining and relaxation. The Jolie Ville M?venpick Golf Resort, with its 18-hole golf course, club house and spa, is attracting golf enthusiasts from around the world, while the Ritz-Carlton sits in the midst of 100,000 square meters of lush landscape. Famous for its luxurious cliff-top spa, the Ritz can be a vacation in and of itself. The Four Seasons Sharm El-Sheikh is also an amazing choice for those who want to bypass the bustling Na'ama Bay and pamper themselves in style. Exquisite guest rooms are clustered on a hillside above a dazzling view of the Red Sea. When the sun sets, Sharm comes to life with its thousands of glittering lights reflected in the still, black waters of the sea. If you're not too busy with night dives, there are plenty of evening outings to accommodate a range of tastes. Nighttime entertainment at most hotels and resorts will undoubtedly prove corny for Egyptians and resident expats, but will delight many foreign tourists. For years, the center of Sharm El-Sheikh's nightlife has been the Sanafir complex, the hotel-cum-entertainment zone that has been home to Bus Stop, Sharm's coolest pub turned dance club and the now-defunct roof-top café, a past favorite for mellow star gazers and shisha lovers. Sanafir has now been transformed into Pacha, as in the Ibiza Pacha franchise, complete with Red Cherry Logo, wild house parties, pulsing techno music and hundreds of scantily clad partiers dancing till dawn on the huge outdoor dance floor, inside swimming pools and on top of stages and platforms scattered throughout. If you haven't been to Sharm recently, you'll likely find the scene inside Pacha shocking compared to the laid back atmosphere in the Sanafir of yesteryear. Sanafir owner's Adly El Mestekawy, a Sharm veteran, began his business in 1982 by building huts and a snack bar for divers. From there, it evolved into a unique hotel with white-domed roofs built on different levels surrounding a central courtyard. By 1999, the central courtyard was transformed into an open air dance floor with a capacity to accommodate 3,000 people and the hotel into a nightclub that hosted “House Nation†parties with international DJ's at least once a week. In April 2004, the transformation was complete as the first Pacha in Africa and the Middle East opened its doors. “Pacha Sharm has the essence of Ibiza with a twist of 1001 Arabian Nights,†says Maya Challita, Mestekawy's wife and Pacha Sharm's marketing director. Indeed, this place is not for the faint at heart. If techno music isn't your thing, you can escape to the adjacent Bus Stop, which is still intact with its own dance floor and DJ, who plays a variety of hip-hop, R&B and top-40 hits. As for the star gazers, they should clear the area and proceed next door to the Camel Dive Club and Hotel for a blast from the past. This is one Sharm original that has not shed its skin. In place since 1986, though the Camel Dive Club has evolved, it has not changed. Owners Hesham and Sameh Gabr successfully grew their establishment from a basic dive club to a well-established brand that has become synonymous with Sharm. Today, the Camel Dive Club has a hotel, the Camel Bar (offering both indoor and outdoor venues with rooftop cushions and shishas — a favorite with old timers), the Chameleon Restaurant, and the latest addition, the Tandoori Indian restaurant, arguably the best Indian food in Sharm.
Triathlon scheduledhttp://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=159920&Sn=SPOR&IssueID=29220 VALUABLE prizes including a return air-ticket to Dubai and accommodation packages for short stays in Alexandria, Sharm el Sheikh and Dubai are up for grabs to the winners of tomorrow’s Amwaj Triathlon starting at 8.30am and being held in co-operation with Ossis Property Developers (Amwaj Island owners) and Expert for Events and Exhibitions at the Amwaj Islands. The first place finishers in each of the men’s open age group 16 to 39, veterans and women’s category will each win a trophy and a BD100 cash prize. Second place is worth BD70, third BD50 and fourth and fifth BD30 each. A raffle competition is also being held with television and electronic items for the winners including some mystery prizes. Several runners from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are set to take part in the event comprising a 750-metre swim in the lagoon, followed by 16-km of cycling over two laps on main roads and a five-km run on main roads all within the Amwaj Islands. Entry is BD5 per athlete for either individuals or teams of two or three. It is open to all aged 16 and above, both male and female. All competitors receive a free t-shirt, certificate for all finishers and a raffle ticket for 30 mystery prizes to be drawn on all finishers names. Registration is open on the day of the event from 7 to 8am at the venue. A prize presentation will take place from 10.30 to 11am. Medical services are available and all cyclists must wear helmets. For more information contact the event director Adnan Al Qassab on 39685547 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Posted by South Sinai Travel: - 3:26 am - November 6th, 2006The Sunday Times - Travel
Arab promiseIn interview with Mohamed Sabreen, Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, discusses the regional and national challenges and opportunities ahead in the Arab world You are coming to Egypt for a meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Sharm El-Sheikh. Its theme is “the promise of a new generation.” What promise do you think the next generation holds; how can this promise be fulfilled? In what ways can the WEF be a positive force in this regard? The emergence of a new generation of leaders and citizens holds tremendous promise for the future of the region and the world. Empowered by education, leadership and entrepreneurial skills, this new generation of leaders will hold the key to realising the region’s extraordinary development potential. The challenge, however, lies in how to meet the needs and expectations of the new generation. The World Economic Forum on the Middle East held in Sharm El-Sheikh will shape the regional agenda towards bold decisions that will provide hope and opportunity for young people. How do you see the situation in Egypt? Are Arab leaders reluctant to implement reform following the recent economic boom? What key areas of change will the meeting focus on, and how will the meeting address relations between the United States and the Middle East, and also the region’s ties with India and China? There is a growing acceptance among prominent leaders, both in Egypt and in the Arab world, that only comprehensive economic reform will enable the region to broaden its sources of growth and propel its development agenda forward. But what should be the priorities for leaders as they embark on a process of reform? Job creation must be at the heart of the region’s future, and the business agenda and labour market issues will form the core of a stimulating and comprehensive programme in Sharm El-Sheikh. Other sub-themes will cover the rule of law, peace, security and international relations, and issues of youth, culture and identity. The meeting will also address issues surrounding the relations between the region and the United States. The issue of gender equality is on the agenda. What do you hope can be achieved in this regard during the meeting? Gender issues form an integral part of the agenda. This meeting will focus on strengthening institutions for women in the region. Discussions will be centred on women’s empowerment and the role of business and governments. My hope is that the workshops and sessions will later lead to actions and policies that will promote women’s leadership and the fulfilment of their untapped potential. According to the Arab World Competitiveness Report, the Middle East is at a crossroads. What is at stake? That the region will likely have the fastest labour force expansion in the world over the next 15 years is both an opportunity and a challenge. Social and political stability is at stake, as well as the ability of the countries to respond and adapt to a rapidly changing global economic landscape. The region needs a growth strategy that is aimed at increasing the region’s competitiveness. Failure to act now to address this demographic trajectory could have disastrous economic and political consequences. There is a burgeoning unemployment problem in the region that needs to be urgently addressed. How can it be addressed? The labour force in the Middle East and North Africa region is projected to rise to close to 200 million within the next 20 years. Even to maintain unemployment rates at present levels, tens of millions of jobs will need to be created. Of course, to actually bring unemployment rates down to more sustainable levels, job creation will have to be more ambitious, in excess of a 100 million new jobs between 2020-25. This is a huge challenge for policymakers and the business community. Far-reaching reforms are required, including diversifying and injecting dynamism into markets through greater participation by the private sector. Job creation must remain at the top of the reform agenda. Entrepreneurship must be promoted and barriers to new business creation must be minimised. The quality of the national business environment — especially the investment climate — must be enhanced. Finally, and most importantly, it is imperative to invest in people, especially in their education and skills training and re- training. Civil society in most parts of the world — and Arab countries are no exception — has much higher expectations today with regard to governments and their ability to deliver services, job opportunities and to be competent in macroeconomic management. What specifically should top the Arab economic reform agenda? Despite the need for extensive reforms, we must not overlook that some governments in the region have already taken significant initiatives and measures to improve governance. Still, much remains to be done ranging from increasing accountability, broadening political participation, improving allocation of public resources and enhancing delivery of government services to the public. Why are inflows of foreign direct investment to the region often five times smaller than the levels seen in other emerging markets? Inflows of foreign direct investment to the region have historically been low relative to other emerging markets, reflecting the extent and nature of the region’s integration in the global economy. But it is noteworthy that structural reforms recently undertaken by several economies augur very well for the prospects of increased investment in the region. The types of reforms that have been instituted to improve the investment climate include enhanced fiscal incentives, relaxation of foreign ownership limits, privatisation and capital markets reform. Are governments using the unexpected budgetary resources following the oil driven boom to push forward reforms, or are tough decisions now on hold? Despite the danger that commitment to reform may wane in light of the windfall from oil prices, leaders in the region are becoming more cognizant of the urgency for reform, realising the dangers and costs of inaction. It is encouraging that some governments are taking significant strides towards economic diversification and the promotion of international trade and investment. Clearly, much more needs to be done, but the reform process has notably and certainly gained momentum. How can the private sector and civil society maintain pressure on governments to plan for the long term, taking into account the needs of the region’s youth? The private sector and civil society must work in partnership with governments to plan for the long term. The new generation has the greatest stake in the future and the young leaders that represent it should be involved in the deliberations. These leaders have much to contribute, especially in crafting bold and creative strategies to address persistent problems in the region. The WEF’s Gender Gap Report found that women in Egypt are furthest behind men in terms of economic equality, with four Islamic countries ranked at the bottom of the survey. What does this imply for economic prosperity in the Arab world, and what can be done? Women constitute the greatest untapped asset in the region. As such, the region’s future economic prosperity rests on its ability to realise the potential of its women. Much can be done towards women’s empowerment, including greater investments in education and skills training, as well as fostering entrepreneurship. Institutions need to be strengthened to integrate women more fully into all areas of human endeavour, from economy and politics, to the arts and culture.  Posted by South Sinai Travel: - 9:38 am - May 22nd, 2006
World Economic ForumWorld Economic Forum started Saturday in Egypt
Ready for businessReady for businessRegional business and political leaders’ commitment to reform will be placed under the microscope at the World Economic Forum meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh, report
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and Injy El-Kashef The World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East, scheduled for 20-22 May in Sharm El-Sheikh, comes at a precarious moment. Domestic tensions are growing as the confrontation between judges and the state escalates; emergency rule has been extended for a further two years; Egypt’s tourist industry has still to calculate the impact of last month’s Dahab bombings and regional stock markets continue their nose dive. Yet the message Egyptian officials are keen to deliver to investors at the forum has not changed — Egypt is ready and open for business.Â
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