<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Travel &amp; Hospitality</title>
<link>http://www.bi-me.com</link>
<description>Middle Eastern Business News and Data</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait&#039;s Kharafi group wins US$930 million from Libya ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61890</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Damages for former leader Muammar Gaddafi&#039;s cancelling of the construction of a vacation resort in Tripoli, which would have included hotel accommodation, villas and a shopping mall.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Air Arabia signs US$350 million financing deal with QNB Group &amp; CBI ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61895</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Syndicated deal to finance purchase of 10  new Airbus A320 aircraft, which is part of a larger order for 44 A320s placed with Airbus in 2007. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Boeing delivers 777-300 aircraft to Saudia ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61884</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. First Boeing 777-300ER delivered to Saudia with three-class cabin configuration; Airline has backlog of 21 Boeing airplanes.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai&#039;s Atlantis Hotel said to seek US$850 million syndicated loan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61880</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. It would replace a US$700 million 12-year term loan raised in 2005 to fund construction of Atlantis, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatar Airway 787 Dreamliner resumes London Heathrow  service ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61869</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. Doha-based airline remains first and only carrier to fly Boeing 787 scheduled services to and from the UK. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait Airways signs deal with Airbus to buy 25 planes ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61867</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Kuwait Airways is buying 15 A320neo and 10 A350-900 planes with options for 10 more, five from each, chairman Sami al-Nasef said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatar Airways to codeshare with Bangkok Airways]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61853</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. More access to destinations across Thailand And alternative flights to Myanmar and Cambodia through new agreement.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[SKAI Holdings announces US$1 billion Viceroy Hotels and Resorts on Palm Jumeirah]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61848</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The development will offer its guests 481 large rooms and suites, and 221 signature Viceroy Residences all with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea made possible by innovative architecture and design.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[New Muscat hotels developments will double room numbers, says Cluttons report ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61821</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Recent research has shown that revenues and occupancy for four and five star hotels increased significantly in 2012, driven by Omani rather than foreign guests. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Airbus close to Kuwait Airways order for 25 planes ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61813</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Airline may sign the agreement as early as this month for 10 Airbus A350-900s and 15 single-aisle A320neos, according to two people familiar with the matter. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[New Google study highlights potential of growing tech-savvy Gulf traveller]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61781</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. More and more KSA and UAE travellers using mobile and video for travel decisions; survey results indicate greater investment in online capabilities needed to develop opportunities and convert to bookings]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Regional airlines set for aggressive growth into the next decade]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61761</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Ernst &amp; Young aviation industry forecast reveals while consolidation is creating a new breed of mega carrier, aggressive sector growth in the Middle East is capturing demand from rising middle class.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IMG Worlds of Adventure&#039; unveiled at ATM 2013 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61764</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Dubai&#039;s new entertainment destination will be in excess of 1.5 million sq. feet in the first phase and will be the largest temperature controlled indoor entertainment destination in the world.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jumeirah Group voted Best Hotel Brand in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61763</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 10 wins for Jumeirah Hotels in Business Travel Awards and World Travel Awards.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[DAMAC to develop Championship Trump International Golf Course in Dubai]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61728</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE.  The 7,205-yard, par 71 course will be located just ten minutes from Sheikh Zayed Road.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Nakheel&#039;s The World settles with Kleindienst Properties ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61729</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The US$169.5 million settlement allows Kleindienst to continue with its planned development, ending the need for the involvement of the Dubai World Tribunal. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai aims to treble tourism income to US$82 billion by 2020]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61726</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. This would involve doubling the number of Dubai hotel rooms, the director-general of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq invests in airport development]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61723</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq Airport Show  will provide an insight about US$150 billion worth of Airports, Aviation &amp; Logistics infrastructure projects currently underway in Iraq.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatar Airways 787 Dreamliner returns to service]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61705</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. Airline&#039;s Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker on board first flight from Doha to Dubai, after a worldwide grounding of the aircraft in January.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai developers luring individual investors with hotel boom]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61700</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Until now, individual investors have been largely excluded from Dubai&#039;s hospitality market, where the vast majority of rooms and serviced apartments are owned by private funds and hotel operators.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi hotel brands to make ATM debut]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61691</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. Growing KSA portfolio offers credible base for regional market expansion as Frontel for Hospitality targets new opportunities in the region.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The Russians will come to Abu Dhabi]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61671</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Russian television celebrity Andrey Ponkratov filming a 26-minute &quot;Citizen of the World&quot; Abu Dhabi special. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Etihad Airways and Air Canada to introduce codeshare services]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61637</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Commercial cooperation agreement will enhance travel services between the United Arab Emirates and Canada.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Amadeus to facilitate new growth avenues for region&#039;s travel and tourism industry]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61623</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. To release regional findings on Middle East air traffic trends at media briefing on day-two of ATM 2013.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai flights rely on fuel refined from Iranian oil]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61614</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Fuel made from Iranian oil is legally powering thousands of flights a year out of Dubai&#039;s booming airport, despite U.S. pressure on buyers to shun Tehran&#039;s petroleum exports.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Air Arabia increases Beirut flights to double daily]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61606</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Leading low-cost carrier to provide 14 weekly flights to Lebanon&#039;s capital city, starting May 1st, 2013.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[FAA approves Boeing Dreamliner battery system design]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61563</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Regulators on Friday approved a revamped battery system for Boeing Co&#039;s 787 Dreamliner, a crucial step in returning the high-tech jet to service after it was grounded in January.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Etihad Travel Mall debuts in dubai]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61549</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Guests are able to purchase a ticket, check-in for a flight, drop off baggage and board an Etihad Express luxury coach bound for Abu Dhabi International Airport.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Doha International Airport retains title of &#039;Best Premium Service Airport&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61546</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. Qatar Airways&#039; Premium Terminal in Doha recognised at Skytrax 2013 Awards for Five Star excellence.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Capital investment in UAE infrastructure expected to soar to US$131 billion by 2016]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61539</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The sector is expected to form 24.4% of the country&#039;s GDP, underlining its importance in the overall economic development.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ATM show sold out as Mediterranean resorts target GCC tourists]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61538</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Growth in exhibitors from Turkey, Morocco and Egypt as industry looks to expand GCC tourism receipts to offset potential declines from austerity-hit eurozone.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatar&#039;s travel industry projected to touch US$7.7 billion in 2014]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61505</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. The online travel market will see a significant boost, rising from US$944 million in 2012 to an estimated US$1.6 billion in 2014, 9.9% of the Middle East online market share.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Global air travel map is being redrawn, says Etihad Airways]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61470</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Speaking in Abu Dhabi at the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit, James Hogan told more than 800 senior travel executives that legacy airlines were unlikely to progress unless they radically changed the way in which they did business. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Online travel platforms need to adopt competitive strategies to boost sector in the Middle East, concur experts]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61475</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Amadeus hosts industry-shaping discussion titled &quot;Does the Middle East have a Globally Competitive Online Travel Sector?&quot;]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GCC travellers contribute to increasing occupancy rate of Jumeirah Group&#039;s properties worldwide]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61466</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Luxury hospitality properties in the spotlight at annual GCC road show.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait to spend as much as US$17.5 billion in current fiscal year]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61436</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The plan to diversify the economy includes boosting crude and gas production, building a metro and rail network, new hospitals, roads, power stations, expanding the airport and building a port on Boubyan Island.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East &amp; North Africa lead world in increasing hotel prices]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61416</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. These destinations are booming for both leisure and business travellers, thanks to continued investment and added attractions.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Legacy alliances have outlived their usefulness]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61392</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Etihad Airways&#039; unique business model, which is a combination of organic growth, codeshares and minority equity investments, was proving very effective, says James Hogan. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai&#039;s new airport to open for passenger later this year]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61399</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Dubai World Central, the emirate&#039;s second airport, is to open for passenger flights from October 26 with two carriers operating, following repeated delays, Dubai Airports said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatar delays airport opening over safety and security concerns]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61372</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR The delay was due to Hamad International Airport &quot;not meeting the newly introduced safety and security requirements of the civil defence department&quot;.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[InterContinental sells Park Lane Hotel to Middle Eastern investors for US$457 million]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61352</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. InterContinental will run the 447-bedroom hotel under a 30-year contract and can extend that another 30 years.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai confirmed as world&#039;s second busiest airport for international passengers]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61348</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Record passenger numbers in 2012 help airport overtake Paris Charles de Gaulle.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi International Airport passenger traffic grows 13.1% ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61329</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. India recorded the highest traffic for in February 2013, with traffic growing by 9.1% over the same period last year, followed by Germany and Thailand.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai airport passenger numbers up 11.4%]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61327</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. &quot;We continue to stay ahead of the curve in terms of our traffic forecast of 65.4 million passengers in 2013,&quot; Dubai Airports chief executive Paul Griffiths said. ]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Arabtec signs US$136 million Cairo building contract]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61293</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The Nile Towers, to be built in the Maadi suburb of south Cairo, will include a Hilton Hotel with 256 guest rooms and suites plus other facilities.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Former Heathrow Chief Executive to lead Abu Dhabi Airports Company]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61280</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Tony Douglas will lead the transformation of Abu Dhabi&#039;s international gateway through one of the most ambitious airport expansion schemes in the world.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Airbus to cooperate with National Bank of Abu Dhabi unit on leasing projects ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61274</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Under the agreement, ADNL will facilitate and provide aircraft delivery financing solutions to airlines in the GCC for the acquisition of aircraft.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Emirates needs US$5 billion in fiscal 2014 to buy aircraft]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61270</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The money will be raised from &quot;a mixture of all the sources considered in the past, so commercial bank, operating leases, some export credits.&quot; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UAE Travel &amp; Tourism outstripping global economic and job creation averages]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61244</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. One in nine of all jobs in the country are resulting from the industry, which beats the global average of one in eleven jobs.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Boeing provides details on 787 battery improvements]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61216</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL.  Additional safety features to the lithium-ion batteries on the 787 are in production and could be ready for initial installation within the next few weeks. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[JetBlue announces codeshare with Qatar Airways]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61215</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. Seamless connections available at JFK and IAD to Doha and beyond.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IATA establishes new office to serve Gulf region]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61213</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. &quot;The agreement reflects the recognition by the government of the UAE of the importance that aviation plays in driving economic growth and development.&quot; 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ICCA optimistic on continued growth of international association meetings market segment in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61208</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Leading international trade association looking to play significant role in industry&#039;s growth.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudia and SAP to combat youth unemployment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61191</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA.  Saudia, signed an MOU with SAP to collaborate on establishing a unique Competency Center at King Abdullah Economic City.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai tourism sector seen as leading  driver of economic growth]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61165</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Dubai Chamber CEO Dialogue on tourism discusses key opportunities and trends of the travel industry; Dubai is working hard to attract more than 15 million tourists by 2015.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia&#039;s Al Jaber seeks more Europe hotels]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61162</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. Sheikh Mohamed al Jaber plans to expand his luxury hotel holdings in Portugal and elsewhere in Europe as the region&#039;s debt crisis presents a buying opportunity.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UAE ranked first in MENA followed by Qatar, reveals Travel &amp; Tourism Competitiveness Report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61154</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Switzerland, Germany and Austria are top performers in the latest survey by the World Economic Forum, in co-operation with Booz &amp; Company which ranks 140 countries according to their attractiveness and ability to develop their travel and tourism industries.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[DAMAC launches first Paramount-branded hotel in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61139</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. &quot;DAMAC Towers by Paramount&quot; is a US$1 billion five-star hotel and branded serviced  residences in the Burj Khalifa area of Dubai.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Emirates Airline said to hire bank group for sukuk sale]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61138</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Emirates will start meetings with investors tomorrow for a possible sale of Islamic bonds, according to people familiar with the matter; 
The sukuk will be denominated in dollars.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Etihad buys Jet Airways&#039; London slots as deal talks continue]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61097</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Etihad Airways paid US$70 million to buy Jet Airways&#039; slots at London&#039;s Heathrow airport and said it remains in talks to buy a stake in the Indian carrier.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai spotlights &#039;World&#039;s Tallest Hotel&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61095</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The JW Marriott luxury brand celebrated the newly opened landmark hotel in the Middle East and second Marquis worldwide - the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai with a  star-studded evening featuring performance by Leona Lewis.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Crowded skies hindering GCC airports growth  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61094</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Latest ATM technology to be in focus at Airport Show-2013; Aircraft movements in the UAE grew 6.7% in 2012; Aircraft movements in the Middle East to reach 2.34 million in 2025.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Overall hotel occupancy rate in Dubai at 81%, finds Ernst &amp; Young survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61089</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 2012 has been a successful year for hotels in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and occupancy rates have shown a marked improvement.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Egyptian hot air balloon crash kills 19 foreign tourists]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61084</link>
<description><![CDATA[EGYPT. The balloon caught fire at an altitude of around 300 meters  and there was an explosion before it went down on the west bank of the Nile into a sugar cane field near Luxor.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport rises 19.6%  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61071</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Lates traffic report revealed that over 1.3 million passengers passed through the airport&#039;s facilities in January..]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Business travel in MENA on road to recovery, finds YouGov survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61058</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 43% of respondents report an increase in business travel budgets during 2012; KSA and UAE most popular business travel destinations among respondents in 2012; 29% of business travelers surveyed flew in a premium class in 2012.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Emaar unveils &#039;The Address Residence Sky View&#039; in Downtown Dubai]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61047</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Rooftop infinity pool and &quot;Sky Deck&quot; with 360-degree views of Downtown Dubai and sweeping panoramas of the Gulf.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Etihad Airways enters strategic partnership with Kenya Airways]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61045</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Reciprocal codeshare agreement provides airlines with network expansion; Kenya Airways to launch new service to UAE.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Etihad&#039;s pause highlights India investment risk]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61043</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The sudden display of caution by Etihad Airways over taking a stake in Jet Airways is the legacy of a string of failed forays by Gulf investors into India.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GLF to tackle hotel and hospitality sector issues]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61041</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Global Lodging Forum in Paris will feature key note speaker Secretary General of the WTO, Taleb Rifai speaking about predictable changes in international tourism. The event will facilitate a number of roundtable sessions and special presentations for the sector.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai denies torture allegation by Britons held on drug charges]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61037</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Three Britons held on drug charges say they were tortured by police after their arrest while on holiday in July 2012 drawing a swift denial from authorities in Dubai.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[BranIndex: Hermes, Intercontinental Hotel, Subway and Dubai Mall top rankings during Dubai Shopping Festival 2013]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61024</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. YouGov&#039;s BrandIndex highlights the five brands that witnessed the highest increase in Buzz Score during DSF 2013, by examining consumer perception across four sectors (malls, hotels &amp; resorts, dining and fashion). ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Hospitality update: Stability for hotel chains in Europe in 2012]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=61004</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Despite decline in demand, growth in average prices allowed hotel RevPAR in the European Union to remain stable in 2012 at 63.8 euros, with all hotel categories managing to remain positive]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi fund said close to buying RBS&#039;s 42 Marriott hotels]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60981</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority may pay 640 million pounds (US$993.2 million) for the hotels which RBS acquired after the borrowers defaulted on a loan in 2011, the Times of London reported.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai plans biggest ferris wheel as part of US$1.6 billion project]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60968</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Dubai&#039;s ruler approved the building the world&#039;s largest Ferris wheel as the centerpiece of a 6 billion-dirham project known as Bluewaters. The Dubai Eye will cost 1 billion dirhams to build and will stand at 210 meters.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[FlyDubai in talks with Airbus, Boeing to order about 50 aircraft]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60966</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE.  &quot;If the team reaches a decision, we hope to make an announcement at the Dubai Air Show.&quot; The airline is looking at Boeing 737s and Airbus 320 models.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Perceptions of Valentine&#039;s Day in the GCC: 42% of UAE respondents plan to celebrate, reveals YouGov poll]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60951</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. While Valentine&#039;s Day is a relatively new holiday to the MENA region, mall decorations, online gift deals and advertisements from local restaurants make it hard to ignore; 35% of women respondents prefer jewellery, while only 4% prefer chocolates.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[67% revenue growth forecast for UAE tourism sector by 2016]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60941</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Hospitality and tourism development extending to the four corners of the Emirates as ATM 2013 roadshow series wraps up in Dubai.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[World&#039;s first A380 facility fully open for business]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60929</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. All 20 A380 capable contact gates and Emirates&#039; luxurious First Class and Business Class lounges, which comprise 29,000 square metres, are now fully operational.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Nakheel announces US$681 million mall and hotel complex on Palm Jumeirah]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60914</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Integrated retail, dining, entertainment and hotel complex - Nakheel Mall - to be constructed in the heart of Dubai&#039;s Palm Jumeirah.  ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ATM meets Lebanese exhibitors in Beirut]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60905</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. The Arabian Travel Market 2013 road show opportunity for industry to strategise ahead of May show.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Decade of tourism development underway in Qatar  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60891</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. 50 million passengers for new airport by 2015 as government ploughs US$65 billion into infrastructure: Doha next destination for ATM 2013 road show. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[J/Brice Design to design Sea Wonders Aquarium restaurants in Jeddah]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60893</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. The Fakieh Group has developed the US$40 million project where 7,000 marine animals consisting of more than 200 species are on display in their natural habitat.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Emirates Airlines, Samsung and Apple top 2012 YouGov BrandIndex Buzz rankings in the UAE]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60878</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Personal care brands dominate the 2012 &#039;Buzz Improvement&#039; list, with Givenchy seeing the largest increase.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Samsung &amp; Galaxy chocolate top 2012 YouGov BrandIndex rankings in Saudi Arabia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60879</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. BrandIndex Buzz scores rate over 500 brands in 17 different sectors, revealing which brands have the most positive Buzz score in Saudi Arabia.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Bahrain travel and tourism sector on track to contribute 17.4% to GDP by 2021]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60868</link>
<description><![CDATA[BAHRAIN. Healthy hotel pipeline to expand business and leisure product as government infrastructure investment opens up new opportunities for inbound visitor growth; ATM 2013 road show event to bring together key industry players as market picks up.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US$13billion Infrastructure investment underpins Kuwait tourism development goals]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60866</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. ATM 2013 road show series kicks off in Kuwait; high profile luxury hotels creating new tourism landscape as government investment leads transportation infrastructure upgrade. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Eithad Airways&#039; net profit triples to US$42 million]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60856</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Second year of net profit sees leap of 200% from US$14 million in 2011 to US$42 million in 2012; Boost in revenue from US$4.1 to US$4.8 billion, with partner airlines contributing 19% of passenger revenue.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Etihad Airways strengthens cooperation with Air France-KLM]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60842</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. UAE flag carrier will wet-lease an Air France Airbus A340-300 for use on the Paris-Abu Dhabi route from May 15 to November 30.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Six Middle East companies influencing global aviation, chemical, energy and manufacturing industries, says The Boston Consulting Group]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60824</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Emirates, Saudi Aramco, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, SABIC and Elsewedy featured in BCG&#039;s 2013 &#039;Global Challengers&#039; report which identifies 100 companies from the emerging markets that are growing so quickly that they are reshaping industries and surpassing many traditional multinational companies.  ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Emirates airline sets early bond price talk, pricing on Thursday]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60796</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Early price talk for the bond, which matures in 2025 and carries an average life of 7 years, was released at the high 200 - 300 basis points range over seven-year midswaps.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi Duty Free revenue rises 24% to US$220 million in 2012]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60792</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The announcement was made today at the opening of Trinity Forum 2013, during the welcome speech from Abu Dhabi Airports Company Chief Commercial Officer, Mohammed Al Bulooki.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai airport traffic jumps 13% in 2012, overtaking Hong Kong]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60777</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Passenger flows through Dubai&#039;s main airport jumped 13.2% last year, helping the airport overtake Hong Kong to become the world&#039;s third busiest for international passenger traffic.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MENA Hotel RevPAR up by 8% in 2012]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60775</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Most markets in the Middle East and North Africa region post an increase in RevPAR in 2012, driven mainly by better demand according to MKG Hospitality. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Commercial aircraft global production levels above 1,000 aircraft per year for third year in a row, finds Deloitte report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60776</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The global defence industry&#039;s revenue will likely continue to slide as a result of cuts in military spending, while the commercial aircraft industry will likely have record revenues in the coming year.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Boeing reaffirms commitment to zero-carbon growth]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60729</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. CO2 emissions drop 400,000 metric tons as airplane production increases 35%, said Kim Smith, Boeing VP of Environment, Health and Safety, while visiting the Middle East.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Alafco to study listing shares in foreign market]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60708</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Aviation Lease &amp; Finance Co. (ALAFCO), a customer of Airbus and Boeing, received shareholders&#039; approval on Jan. 17 to conduct a feasibility study.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Overall hotel occupancy rate in Dubai at 80%, finds Ernst &amp; Young survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60714</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The report covers occupancy and rate performance in key hotel markets across selected countries and cities in the Middle East. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[European airports curb flights as snow sweeps across continent]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60710</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Heathrow, the busiest aviation hub in Europe, canceled 260 flights Sunday, about 20% of its total, according to a statement. It is canceling 10% of flights Monday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[QE2 ocean liner to be Asia-based luxury hotel]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=2&amp;t=1&amp;id=60700</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Drydocks World, a unit of state-owned Dubai World, signed an agreement with Oceanic Group  Pte Ltd., a cruise company, to convert the ship into a five-star hotel.]]></description>
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