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Paul Bell
Managing Director, Aldar Hotels and Hospitality
Aldar Hotels and Hospitality made its mark in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2009 with the opening of seven hotels on Yas Island, all up and running in time for the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix on November 1.
The achievement was in large part thanks to the dedication and hard work of Paul Bell, who in just two years laid the foundations to make Aldar one of the top hotel owners and operators in the Middle East.
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Almost a year after the inaugural Grand Prix and the Yas Island hotels — one of which is managed by Aldar, two by IHG, two by Rotana and two by Rezidor — are eagerly awaiting the second F1. After all, it cannot be denied that the addition of 2500 rooms to the Abu Dhabi hotel market caused friction in the emirate’s demand/supply relationship, with extra visitors to Abu Dhabi not impacting positively on occupancy figures because of the extra beds.
But that said, the opening of the seven hotels as promised — at a time when more projects were delayed or cancelled than brought to fruition — was a major achievement, plus all received glowing reports during the F1. For this reason, Bell deserves to remain in the Power 50, with all eyes now on future developments from Aldar.
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