Hi Dubai friends,

Welcome to Week 9, Edition 20

I’m trialling a different layout this week, ie shorter, with a smaller number of articles but then a more detailed ‘insight’ post (in this case about Jumeirah).

Most of all, I’m looking for engagement on feedback if this works better, and I’m trying to get comments working so I’d love to hear your thoughts on all things Jumeirah this week.

Like this newsletter? Let me know what you think here - I’m always eager to hear your thoughts, suggestions and feedback (good or bad!).

5 things worth knowing this week ⤵

🏨 Hotel Deal: W Dubai - The Palm

😔 (Another) Jumeirah CEO leaves

🛫 25% bonus Skywards Miles with Accor

🎼 Hans Zimmer to return to Dubai

✈️ Etihad Airways launch new amenities

🚨 please note: some subscribers may be encountering deliverability issues, i.e. not all editions are being delivered to inboxes.

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Luxury Escapes have a “Limited Time Lux Exclusive Deal” for W Dubai - The Palm.

W Dubai - The Palm includes the Michelin starred restaurant (Torno Subito) and a Michelin Recommended one, Akira Back.

The entry-level deal is “Fabulous Dubai Escape” and includes:-

Bear in mind the Wet Deck is adults-only and W is more of a party/lifestyle brand than a family-focussed one.

I’d price the W with a general price point of £200/£250+, so it’s a decent deal for a Palm Jumeirah resort especially including the breakfast and dinner, and the added benefits (upgrade, drinks deals & early/late check-in/out make it even better).

Luxury Escapes: W Dubai - The Palm, Fabulous Dubai Escape

Katerina Giannouka, CEO of Jumeirah, has left the company. Note - apparently for family reasons.

Katerina, who was the first female CEO of a Middle Eastern hospitality company, leaves after 15 months with Thomas B. Meier set for a stint as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

It’s certainly interesting to see what will happen with Jumeirah, as there does still seem to be staffing churn. Of course, for family reasons can’t be helped, but there’s still a lot of challenges to face.

Jumeirah - IMO - seem to be one of the brands ‘riding the wave’ of ‘value perception’ and keeping prices wildly high (in some cases) whilst noticeably cutting back on offerings (‘actual or delivered value’). Of course, many hospitality brands are doing similar post-pandemic, but Jumeirah seem to be a bit short-sighted in overlooking customer retention and repeat visits.

It can’t be Expo and COP prices every year, especially when more premium hotels are opening in Dubai and Russians are hanging around town as much these days.

Here is a recent thread on Trip Advisor’s Dubai Forum indicating cutbacks at Jumeirah Emirates Towers from a returning guest’s point of view.

For the avoidance of doubt, I think Jumeirah are still a great brand with lovely properties, but I do ponder the pound for pound value and where they may stand in the market for returning guests with so much oversupply in the markets and other brands focussing more on customer service and experience

What do you think? Have your say by clicking here, visting the online version of this newsletter or click the button below the gif 🙂 ….

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If you are looking at booking via All Accor loyalty program, you can earn 25% bonus Emirates Skywards Miles.

Maybe have a look at Accor’s ‘private sales’ page and see if anything tickles your fancy, as they’re claiming up to 40% discount presently.