Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator with more than 550 hotels and resorts in 56 countries, celebrated its annual Minor Founder’s Day through a series of impactful initiatives by hotel teams across the Middle East. Demonstrating a firm commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, 358 dedicated volunteers from properties across the region collectively contributed over 1,348 hours to various community-based activities.
Minor Founder’s Day is celebrated annually in June to mark the birthday of Minor International’s Chairman and Founder, William E. Heinecke. Team members from across Minor Hotels’ global portfolio gather to demonstrate the power of local action and the importance of contributing to communities that surround their properties. This year’s endeavours aligned closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to global sustainability targets.
Some of the significant volunteering initiatives undertaken by the Minor Hotels teams in the Middle East included 30 volunteers at Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites lending their support to Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities through a programme of enriching activities, while Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai devoted 40 volunteers and 200 hours to preparing and distributing lunch boxes to those in need and offering educational sessions to high school students. At Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, 20 volunteers spent nine hours organising and classifying charitable donations for Qatar Charity.
Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai Hotel led a donation drive in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent, with 50 volunteers contributing 480 hours to support this leading UAE charity. At La Suite Dubai Hotel and Apartments 27 team members provided meals to 90 construction workers, while another 21 engaged in a vital tree planting and awareness training programme. Similarly, at Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort by Anantara, 15 team members took part in an important initiative by planting olive trees in the nearby villages.
Also in the UAE, 45 volunteers from Qasr Al Arab Desert Resort by Anantara were involved in a seed-planting programme to grow indigenous plants, and they donated essential items to their community. Celebrating its first Minor Founder’s Day since opening in late 2023, Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort focused on supporting orphans, donating blood, and providing food to the local community, with the heartfelt participation of 33 volunteers. Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara had 15 volunteers visiting a local church to engage with children through playing, dancing, and providing food.
Additional projects included Anantara The Palm Dubai Resorts’ beach clean-ups and support for individuals with different abilities at The Special Needs Future Development Centre. NH Collection Dubai The Palm made their contribution by creating sustainable care products.
These activities highlight Minor Hotels’ unwavering dedication to fostering sustainability and social responsibility.
“We are incredibly proud of our teams’ commitment to making a positive impact in their communities,” remarked Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Middle East, Africa, and India for Minor Hotels. “Their efforts during Founders’ Day month not only embody Minor Hotels’ core values but also contribute to our broader mission of promoting sustainable development and social responsibility. It is through such collective efforts that we can drive lasting positive change.”
The notable contributions made during this year’s Founder’s Day serve as a testament to both the organisation and the team’s ongoing dedication to creating a better world.
In the Middle East, the group currently operates 25 hotels and resorts across five brands, with a strong pipeline of properties in multiple countries. Minor Hotels is committed to providing exceptional hospitality experiences to its guests and is focused on sustainable development and social responsibility.
