Commemorative keys to the UAE`s newest leisure destination of Al Aqah in Fujairah were presented to dignitaries. At the centre of the celebration was Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, the first international hotel to open in Fujairah for two decades, and the first in Al Aqah itself. The five-star resort has been flagged as the catalyst to firmly position the UAE`s east coast emirate on the tourism map, according to a report in Khaleej Times.

Patrick Antaki, manager of the resort, made a presentation of a limited edition, framed, antique key to Sheikh Saeed bin Saeed Al Sharqi, chairman of Fujairah Tourism Board and Le Meridien Al Aqah`s destination stand host at ATM. A similar presentation was also made to Joseph Zahra, chairman of the hotel`s joint owning company, Hotel Resort & Investment Company.

Antaki said: Arabian Travel Market seemed like the natural place to hold a celebration of the Birth of a Destination, especially this year, as Le Meridien is focusing its communications drive on destination marketing. Fujairah has captured the interest of the inquisitive traveller and has had a presence at international travel trade fairs for some time now, and this year we believe the emirate`s offering is stronger and more appealing than ever.

He also said that it really is a unique destination, particularly in Arabia, where it combines potential for both soft adventure with great sand beaches and more. What we have here at Al Aqah is a fantastic two kilometre silver sand beach, nearly year-round sunshine and the Indian Ocean as a marine playground, which in itself is a great sell, Antaki added. A joint venture between Emirates airline and the Hotel & Resort Investment Company, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is located on a two kilometre sand beach on the Indian Ocean and has the UAE`s largest free-form pool.