DUBAI: In a glittering ceremony at Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Raffles Makkah Palace was crowned Middle East's Leading Luxury Hotel by the World Travel Awards, the travel industry's version of the Oscars. Votes were cast online by over 213,000 travel professionals around the world, from over 160 participating countries, who distinguished Raffles Makkah Palace above all others in the Middle East. This year, “the only 10 months old hotel,” Raffles Makkah Palace was nominated for the first time in the category of Middle East's Leading Luxury Hotel, following its successful opening in August last year. Winning this Award after less than one year in operation, Raffles Makkah Palace's dedication to impeccable service has quickly given the hotel an established, eminent name in the Middle East hospitality industry. “It is an honor to be named Middle East's Leading Luxury Hotel,” said Mohammed Arkobi, Vice President and Managing Director for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International – Makkah. “We are very proud to be the standard-bearer for hotels in the Middle East, and this award represents the culmination of our tireless efforts to provide the highest levels of the luxury hospitality and excellence while constantly seeking to surpass our own achievements.” Khaled Yamak, Group Director of Communications and Business Development, added: “The win is particularly significant as travel industry professionals around the world have voted, carrying global recognition of our well-deserved reputation as the top luxury property in the Middle East.” Raffles Makkah Palace is located on the holiest city on earth, for approximately 1.6 billion Muslims, in the spectacular new Abraj Al-Bait complex, featuring 209 suites with breathtaking views of the Grand Mosque and Kaaba. Personal butlers exemplify “heartfelt service” to anticipate the needs of guests who opt for any of the signature, presidential or royal suites. The Hotel is only steps away from the Holy Mosque and offers easy access to King Abdulaziz Gate, the main entrance to the Grand Mosque. The design of the hotel offers a residential feel with enchanting private spaces. Guests are introduced to an ambiance created with magnificent touches of local art, architecture and culture. For business needs, a fully equipped business center features a gracious reception hall and a library containing more than 2000 Islamic books, in addition to five private meeting rooms and secretarial services.
