(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received a Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide's delegation headed by Frits Van Paasschen, president and chief executive officer of the company, at Zabeel Palace.
Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was also present on the occasion. The meeting reviewed the company's activities and its operations in Dubai, the region and the world as Van Paasschen confirmed that Dubai will become the first city in the world in terms of number of hotels operated by Starwood by 2015 after the completion of construction and equipment of six new hotels in the emirate.
Shaikh Mohammed emphasised that the UAE in general, and Dubai in particular is one of the favourite tourist destinations regionally and globally and is seeking to top the countries in the field of family tourism.
In this context, he noted that many attractive tourism plans and projects are being implemented in line with international specifications and standards to meet the needs of family tourism.
Shaikh Mohammed also welcomed the president of Starwood and the accompanying delegation, highlighting the positive role played by the company in the management of the 14 hotels that it operated in Dubai and expressing his confidence that Dubai will be very soon "number 1" in term of the number of hotels.
On the other hand, Frits Van Paasschen expressed his thanks and appreciation to Shaikh Mohammed for the assistance provided to the company, pointing out that its success achieved is a result of the laws and constructive cooperation of all concerned parties in Dubai.
The meeting was also attended by Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, in addition to a number of senior officials.
