AMEinfo.com

Under the new ratings, five-star hotels will have three categories - Platinum, Gold and Silver. The criteria for other hotels categories, ranging from four- to one-star properties, have also been overhauled. Hotel apartments will now be rated in three categories (Basic, Standard and Deluxe) instead of two.

Emaar plans to swap penthouses for affordable housing as the developer of the Burj Khalifa looks to capitalise on the need for 3.5 million affordable homes in the Middle East. Known for its luxury master-planned developments, Emaar has launched a division to focus on building low-cost homes in the region.

The iconic attractions in Downtown Dubai, described as 'The Centre of Now,' can now be accessed by visitors with a new convenient addition - the luxury Trolley Buses. Emaar Malls Group, the shopping malls and leisure subsidiary of Emaar Properties, has introduced air-conditioned Trolley Buses, each with a capacity of 25 passengers to enhance the ease of access for visitors to Downtown Dubai.

The celebrations were held at the picturesque and stunning At.Mosphere Lounge on Level 122 at Burj Khalifa - the highest lounge in the world. The event was attended by dignitaries, top company officials and members of the media.

Certainly the Gulf has seen a minimal number boutique hotels developed to date, but examples are popping up in certain locations. "The prime example is of course the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa, which appears to have filled a glamourous and exclusive top-end niche in the market,"

The company will oversee Damac Properties' first serviced apartment development, 'Burjside Boulevard,' in the exclusive Downtown Dubai/Burj Khalifa precinct. In addition, the service will also be made available to residents of other premium Damac Properties' projects.

Following the success of the Armani Hotel Dubai, located in Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, the Armani Hotel Milano opens in the heart of the city, within the extraordinary palazzo at Via Manzoni 31, originally designed by Enrico A. Griffini and completed in 1937 in the rationalist style of the time.

Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai celebrates the first of four new dining experiences to open in the breath-taking Tower Two. Toro Toro (meaning bull) is an all new dining concept developed by internationally acclaimed, Latin American Chef Richard Sandoval. The restaurant offers varied dining experiences that span over two floors on the marina's edge.

Hills Advertising, LLC, one of the growing advertising company in the Middle East, recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary last April 5 at the prestigious Armani Hotel Burj Khalifa with 260 guests coming from the diplomatic community, various CEOs of Dubai's top companies, and other leaders of the advertising industry.

The Address Dubai Mall, the five star premium hotel adjoining The Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping and entertainment destination, is hosting the annual The Address Hotels + Resorts Wedding Fair, that offers the entire array of wedding planning options under one roof.