OBMI LEADS FUTURE OF RESORT DESIGN CONVERSATION AT AHIC

Premier Hospitality Design Firm Unveils Innovative Resort Concepts Among Key Hospitality Investment Community in the Middle East

DUBAI, OCTOBER 19, 2021 – The 2021 Arabian & African Hospitality Investment Conference, (AHIC) held in September at Dubai Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre, featured many exciting announcements from industry leaders, including premier luxury hospitality design OBM International (OBMI) unveiling two innovative resort design concepts envisioned to reimagine hospitality’s footprint to the region’s community of investors, owners, private equity firms, franchise owners, and foremost industry stakeholder. The architectural design firm had a strong presence at the conference contributing to the dialogue surrounding design solutions to meet rising consumer needs and developer challenges in prominent and emerging destination markets. Guiding conversations on behalf of the conference, three senior members of OBMI’s leadership shared insights on behalf of the conference, with topics across consumer trends influencing resort design, trends shaping restaurant design, and implementing ESG into investment strategies.

OBMI Chairman Tim Peck took to the main stage to discuss “The Future of Resorts,” diving into developing insights motivating decisions of next-gen travelers and key challenges facing today’s market. During his presentation, Tim Peck invited the audience to join him on an exercise surrounding Design Thinking. He shared two resort concepts the firm’s innovation lab, OBMI NU, has been developing over the last year.

OBMI first introduced to AHIC attendees a truly moveable hotel, Habitāre. Bringing a pre-fab, net-zero development concept for developers, the movable units also answer the new call for luxury in the form of discovery into areas where culture and immersion are not yet possible under traditional resort models. Keeping in mind guest expectations of a 5-star experience, Habitāre showcases two models that raise the bar for temporary hospitality products featuring options for private plunge pools, fire pit lounges, expansive observation decks, floor to ceiling windows, and separate service access points, while both models provide panoramic views for increased connection to the surrounding environment and enhanced protection for privacy and security from outside elements.

To close, OBMI then presented Aera, a vertical design concept that marries sought-after resort offerings of relaxation, convenience, and connectedness to nature without the requirement of leaving an urban epicenter. OBMI envisioned Aera to reimagine the traditional urban stay through an elevated experience where one does not have to choose between the cultural richness of international travel and the serenity of restorative environments found in remote locations. Reducing the building footprint and extending hotel stays in city centers, Aera brings lush nature-filled pathways that lead guests and visitors to districts of dining, art, fashion, drama, garden, wellness, and family.

OBMI Principal, Eric Ullmann, gathered global restaurant leaders in design and hospitality, including Marriott Director of Food & Beverage Business Development for Europe, Middle East & Africa Lynne Bellinger and Architaste CEO and Founder Christian Able for a conversation focused on the “Changed Mindset Around Dining.” The discussion encouraged audience interaction to understand stakeholder opinions toward development trends and their potential to impact the bottom line. Panelists praised both the hospitality and restaurant industry for their agility and continued efforts to listen and respond to consumer and government needs over the last year. Ullmann commented on two prominent emerging trends, traceability and flexible service models. Eric highlighted that as designers, hoteliers, and restauranters, we should continue exploring these concepts that have recently risen in popularity and have a great opportunity to provide patrons with a variety of more immersive experiences that will benefit the local community, consumers, and the bottom line for owners.

OBMI Dubai Managing Director Tareq El Zayat joined a panel of fellow industry leaders promoting an increased awareness of the impact of Environmental, Society, and Governance on investment strategies. Panelist, Jay Rosen CFO of The Red Sea Development Company, shared a targeted program to develop specialized training and opportunities in the local Saudi community for emerging young professionals. He noted, to achieve the country’s goal of developing a world-class tourism product in the region by 2030, a focused-effort and investment in tomorrow’s leaders contributes to a longer-term strategy which investors like fellow panelist, Theodor Kubak Managing Director of Arbireo Capital highlighted are policies he evaluates for a more sustainable business model because of its comprehensive approach that’s good for the company and good for society. Tareq closed the panel following Moderator Margaux Constantin Partner McKinsey’s final thoughts round, commending the hospitality industry for their efforts to develop and implement ESG programs and policies. In his closing, Tareq urged the industry to push toward a common baseline to achieve the same understanding and moment in sustainability.

“ESG is today’s new credit rating and the measurement for values vs. values-based investing. OBMI has much success partnering as a private practice with both public companies and government organizations,” said OBMI Managing Director, Tareq El Zayat. “Often our firm has found a society-first, multi-stakeholder development approach during initial conversions lends to a more advanced mindset and collaborative culture bringing higher innovation and performance ultimately achieving a more sustainable growth policy.”

Concluding a week of promoting the return of travel with over 800 participants, including prominent developers and hospitality brands at AHIC, OBMI continued the conversation on vertical resorts and secured Best Futuristic Hospitality Project at the 2021 Construction Innovation Awards and the cover feature in Design Middle East’s October Issue. Designers at the firm noted the recognition and energy at the industry gathering further demonstrated AHIC’s theme of Rising Together, holding strong for Middle East hospitality and travel sectors.

To learn more about the Future of Resorts, including Habitāre and Aera, as well as the “Changed Mindset Around Dining” and “Implement ESG into Investment And Business Practices,” connect with our team by contacting [email protected].