The Hideaways Club Chairman Remarks On UAE Membership

By: Destination Club News
Date: June 17, 2010

Home to nearly seven million, the increasingly affluent United Arab Emirates is the latest target for The Hideaways Club, Europe's leading destination club. Earlier this month, the club introduced a founding membership offer to those in the UAE, letting the first ten members to join receive half price annual dues for their first year of membership, a savings of up to £7,000.

"I've had a long relationship with the UAE and have always believed that The Hideaways Club would appeal to the unique demographics here," said The Hideaways Club Co-Founder and Chairman, Mike Balfour. "There are many ex-pats and nationals looking for sound investments that offer that something extra. We are very excited by the initial response we have had in the region and we see the Middle East as one of the fastest growing and most exciting destinations in which to launch the Club."

The Hideaways Club also has partnered with Etihad Airways, the flag carrier airline of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Through this new alliance, members will receive access to the airline's frequent flyer program, exclusive fares on limo transfers to Heathrow and Manchester, use of spa facilities and fine dining at airport lounges, and special business class fares.

This expansion into the Middle East isn't the first for the club in 2010. A partnership with Equity Estates gave the club an increased presence in the United States while a partnership with Banyan Tree Private Collection furthered their expansion into Asia. New sales offices in Singapore and Hong Kong have cemented their position in the region.

Through the club's strong organic growth and partnership network, members now have access to nearly 50 residences around the globe, including France, Switzerland, United States, South Africa, Thailand, and an ever expanding roster of other popular destinations.

Like other European destination clubs, The Hideaways Club brings a more ownership like model to the design of their club in comparison to their US based counterparts. Members purchase a share in a Gibraltar-registered property company that owns the properties and the members collectively own 100% of the company.

The winner of our 2009 International Destination Club of the Year honor, The Hideaways Club is the front runner at present to repeat in 2010, but partner Banyan Tree Private Collection is right on their heels. Check back frequently for more news about the destination club industry as we approach the mid-year mark of an already memorable 2010.