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Tamani Hotels embarks on ambitious expansion plans
Group aims to set up projects with stress on art and culture.
- By Saifur Rahman, Business Editor
- Published: 00:43 May 9, 2008
- A computer-generated image of the Tamani Hotels development in Business Bay. Tamani Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel at the Dubai Marina, one of the most visible landscapes in the community.
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
Dubai: From hospitals to hospitality - that's how she sees her transformation. Khulood Abdullah Al Rostamani, chairperson of Tamani Hotels and Resorts, has come a long way in setting up a property development, asset management and a hospitality management business, within a short span.
Within a short span, Tamani's portfolio under planning, management and development, exceeded $2.1 billion.
With KM Holding, KM Properties and Tamani, she's got all aspects of the hotel development, asset management and hotel management and operation covered well.
So, what does KM stand for?
"Knowledge Management," Khulood says, smiling.
The name itself states the purpose and intention of the company. "However, a lot of people think the initials stands for my name, which is not the case," she reiterates.
Tamani Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel at the Dubai Marina - one of the most visible landscapes at the community.
Occupancy
"It's running at 70 per cent occupancy, which for a new hotel is very high," she said,
"The second one will be opened next year in Business Bay, where we will manage a mixed use property of our own. Within the next five years, we plan to operate seven luxury hotels. Our current portfolio is worth $2.1 billion."
Unlike many hotels that are good to look at and offer world-class facilities and amenities, her hotels would be full of art, culture and would reflect the values of her country - the UAE.
Her hotel looks modern with all the required ingredients, at the same time feels good.
"We abide by all the international standards required for hotel management. We provide five-star excellence. But at the end of the day, we provide a service," she said.
Why art in hotels?
"It's my passion for art. No, I'm not an artist. But I love art and I am proud of our Arabic culture and heritage. That's why I am bringing the art and antiques into the hotel environment to offer a different feel. It adds life to the hospitality."
She's one of those young Emirati entrepreneurs, who believes in upholding values, cultures and create a niche for their businesses. How does it feel to run a business traditionally been dominated by western brands, although the Arabs have a rich tradition in hospitality?
"My background is in hospitality. I was in hospital management, then moved to hospitality. So, it's not new to me. Besides, being an Emirati and an Arab, I have hospitality in my blood and heritage," she said. "It's business and we provide a service, at the end of the day."
What about the challenges?
"Yes, it's a challenge, but I am up to it. I have a vision and an ambition to take this further.
"We are planning to open at least 10 hotels in the next few years, both in terms of development and management," she said.
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