Ras Al Khaimah’s Investment and Development Office of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah (IDO) has announced a multi-billion-dollar joint venture with US-based Argentum Development Company, LLC, to construct the ‘International Hospitality Trade and Training Zone’ (ihottz), a regional hub for the global hospitality industry.
Located in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, on 350 acres of prime real estate, ihottz, estimated to cost AED10 billion, will include a 260-acre hospitality industry free trade zone development and an additional 90-acre hospitality education campus. ihottz will provide focused trade support services and multi-level professional training for the expanding and dynamic hospitality industry in the region and beyond.
ihottz is one-of-a-kind; a hospitality trade and training hub that addresses the needs of every segment of the international hospitality and tourism industry. “This exciting initiative is in line with the strategy of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah to create unique avenues of opportunity in the hospitality and educational sectors in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, transforming it into a sought-after destination for investment, leisure and tourism. This project will enable Ras Al Khaimah to meet all the demands of the booming hospitality industry in the region” stated Dr. Izzat Dajani, Chief Executive of Investment & Development Office, Government of Ras Al Khaimah. “We are delighted to present this innovative partnership” Dr. Dajani added.
In pursuit of quality and innovation, ihottz will form strategic alliances with local and global companies that supply and cater to the hospitality industry in the region, thus becoming the world’s first “Hospitality Super Hub.”
The 90 acre ihottz Hospitality Training Campus offers a comprehensive and practical solution for the hospitality industry’s worldwide and persistent challenge of securing a dedicated, qualified and experienced workforce. The multi-disciplinary and “user-friendly” environment in the ihottz Hospitality Training Campus, together with its state-of-the-art facilities and modern dormitories, will have the same accredited programmes and technical training as offered by some of the most recognised institutions in North America and Europe.
A prestigious and world renowned Hospitality University will provide four-year accredited undergraduate degree and two-year master degree programmes in hotel and hospitality management. In addition, the Hospitality Technical College will offer accredited programmes and trademarked certificated in specific disciplines of the industry and for the entry level workforce.
The Hospitality Training Campus will also include a world class Culinary School, Entrepreneurial College, Language & Call Centre Training School, Security and Concierge Training Facility, and an 80,000 square foot Spa Aesthetics and Sports Training Building. Furthermore, the campus will benefit from a working travel agency and Travel Industry Training Centre.
“ihottz is a dynamic project that will differentiate the UAE from other centres of hospitality and tourism. Nowhere in the world does exist such a grouping of educational entities totally devoted to hospitality and tourism education,” commented Dr. Stuart Mann, Dean of the prestigious William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, University of Nevada in Las Vegas.
The Recruitment and Job Placement Centre at ihottz, managed by one of Europe’s leading recruitment companies, will assist graduates in placement within the hospitality industry and will actively recruit candidates for training on behalf of the region’s hotels and resorts.
The master plan for the ihottz Education Campus includes multiple building sites to accommodate the construction of first class built-to-suit offices that will act as regional headquarters for global hotel chain operators. This will enable branded training courses for locally and internationally based employees of the hotel groups. Through engaging these tailored programmes, hotels will be able to offer a more diverse and brand specific training that will be uniform in delivery and consistent in quality.
In tandem with the educational commitments put forth through ihottz, the project also encompasses an industry focused Hospitality Free Trade Zone which will bring the top hospitality industries and suppliers to showcase and provide their products as well as services to an ever-demanding regional market. These local and international companies represent the most recognised brands in the hospitality services industry. The convergence of these companies within the ihottz Hospitality Free Trade Zone will help maximise the availability of products and efficiency of services for the growing hospitality industry in the region.
The project reflects a clear anticipation of future trends for the hospitality industry and tourism markets. “ihottz, backed by His Highness Sheikh Saud’s vision and his clear commitment to the hospitality and tourism industry, will provide a firm foundation for continued growth and development in the region. We are fortunate to have IDO as our partner due to its exhibited high levels of efficiency, professionalism and can-do attitude” explained Bobby Batmanghelidj, President and CEO of Argentum Development LLC.
Firas Eid, Principal at Delloite Touche Middle East added “Considering the significant growth of the hospitality industry in the region, ihottz makes absolute sense.”
By partnering with industry specialists, consultants and business leaders as well as innovators, ihottz will bring a new calibre of support services to the hospitality industry. With advanced infrastructure, a transport network, and superior facilities, ihottz will deliver guest companies a competitive advantage and provide a catalyst for new opportunities and perspectives in both the region and global hospitality industry.
“In a region that is focusing on growth, efficiency and excellence, the hospitality industry needs to follow. With the launch of ihottz, the region will be even better equipped to deliver not only a guest experience that is representative of the Middle East, but also an experience that outperforms any other area in the world,” commented Guido E. De Wilde, Vice President & Regional Director Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
The project marks another milestone for IDO, which has been playing a pivotal role in the economic mission of Ras Al Khaimah to ‘lead by differentiation.’
“We seek growth opportunities that engage the local, regional and global business community and turn visions into realities. We recognise that winners in the hospitality and tourism industry are those who adapt quickly to dynamic change, turning it into opportunities whereby growth momentum is sustained,” concluded Dr Dajani.