English Premiership side takes advantage of the first-class training facilities for its mid-season break
Dubai, 07 March 2004 : The top-class sports facilities at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina means the hip lifestyle resort is steadily becoming the location of choice for international teams looking to mix training with relaxation in their winter breaks, according to the one UK football coach.
Chris Hughton, coach and assistant manager for the UK Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur, said he was delighted that his team could spend their mid-season break training in the warm weather in Dubai.
There was no let-up for the team currently lying mid-division as they spent three intensive days at the training football pitch at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi. Hughton said: “We thought it best to come to Dubai to train as the weather is conducive to our tough sessions. The facilities at Mina Seyahi are fantastic.”
Midfielder Jamie Redknapp praised the famous Dubai hospitality. He said: "I did not expect Dubai to have such great facilities. The pitch here is comparable to any other international pitch and the hospitality is just fantastic. I would definitely come back here again either with my family or with the team.”
Redknapp confirmed he was considering buying a property in Dubai and said: “I’ll invest too if there’s any space left! When we get a bit of free time I'll get out and about and see what's in Dubai. There are many ways of relaxing and that's what I'll be looking at."
Team-mate Ledley King added: “It's nice to be out here. We've had a difficult last month or so, some tough games and it's nice to be in a country where the weather is hot to train, to get into some team spirit and relax."
The team is considering a return in January and Hughton added: "The boys have worked hard and that's exactly what we've asked of them out here. Obviously we can enjoy the sunshine and time to relax but when we're working, I can assure you that we're all taking it very seriously. That's what we're here for."
Saeed Hareb, managing director of Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) and owener’s representative for Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, took the team on a tour of the land facilities at DIMC and the hotel.
He said, “We are privileged to have had many top international sports personalities visit Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and DIMC over the last year. Recent visitors are Zidane and Luis Figo, and the recent double Dubai Tennis Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne.
“Dubai is coming to be known as an Olympic Village. We have had several of the football teams here including the England side and Manchester United, as well as Totti, Ronaldo, Michael and Ralf Schumacher.
“This is excellent news for the UAE and Dubai in particular, and confirms Dubai’s place as a major tourist destination – and investment opportunity.”
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina has undergone substantial renovations over the last 12 months, not least the extension of the beach and marina to reach 1,200 metres – which makes it the largest private beachfront in Dubai.
-Ends-
Notes to editor:
London-based Le Méridien is a global hotel group with a portfolio of over 135 luxury and upscale hotels (36,000 rooms) in 56 countries worldwide. The majority of its properties are located in the world’s top cities and resorts throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. The company also enjoys a strategic alliance with JAL-owned Nikko Hotels, providing loyal guests access to an additional 45 properties around the world.
Further information
Kirstie Hepburn / Susan Furness
Strategic Solutions for Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
Tel +971 4 391 5390,
e-mail media@strategicsolutionsonline.com
Julie Bonollo
PR manager, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
Tel: +971 4 3993333;
email julie.bonollo@lemeridien-minaseyahi.com
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com
For Le Meridien reservations,
Telephone +971 4 331 3555,
www.lemeridien.com
© Press Release 2004
