"Zun Ya" Selected As The Chinese Brand Name For The Jumeirah Group

Hong Kong | Jumeirah Group, the dynamic Dubai-based luxury international hospitality management group and member of Dubai Holding, today unveiled its Chinese brand name, “Zun Ya”, to convey the essence of the Jumeirah brand as well as a deep connection with Chinese culture. In August 2008 the Jumeirah HanTang Xintiandi will open in Shanghai - the Jumeirah Group’s first hotel in China and flagship property in the Asia Pacific region.

Jumeirah’s Chinese name was unveiled in Xintiandi, the popular lifestyle and dining area in Shanghai, where the Jumeirah HanTang Xintiandi will open. Chinese celebrities Hu Jun and Zhao Wei helped bring the new name to life by playing the roles of “Mr Zun” and “Ms Ya”. Together with Jumeirah executives, they unveiled Jumeirah’s Chinese name, and also the Group’s brand promise, the Chinese version of Jumeirah’s positioning STAY DIFFERENT TM.

The Chinese name is not only phonetically similar to Jumeirah, but also captures the essence of the brand in its Chinese meaning.

The character “Zun” conveys prestige and great respect and reflects Jumeirah’s vision – to offer discerning travellers the world’s most esteemed hotels, such as the iconic Burj Al Arab in Dubai. “Ya” exemplifies culture and refinement and Jumeirah’s position as a luxury hotel group of exceptional elegance.

Well known actor Mr Hu Jun said, "The character ‘Zun’ has its roots in traditional Chinese culture, in which ‘Zun’ signifies a beautifully crafted chalice filled with vintage wine. And the upper section of the ‘Zun’ character is ‘Qiu’ which means ‘Emirate’ in Chinese – a fitting connection to the tradition of hospitality born in Jumeirah’s home county, the United Arab Emirates."

"In Chinese, ‘Ya’ denotes elegance, and has its roots in China’s first poetry anthology, the ‘Shi Jing’. It is a good character that always refers to something unique and upscale. ‘Ya’ can also signify the pursuit of freedom and individuality,” commented Ms Zhao Wei, a prominent actress.

Mr Serge Zaalof, Senior Vice President of Jumeirah Group, Asia Pacific said, "Our Chinese name is an important part of building the Jumeirah brand in China; it reflects our deep commitment to the market. We are confident that these Chinese characters help our Chinese guests understand Jumeirah. With the opening of Jumeirah HanTang Xintiandi in August, they will soon be able to experience the glamour and splendour of ‘Zun Ya'’ for themselves."

Jumeirah Group:
Jumeirah properties are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The fast growing Dubai-based luxury international hospitality management group encompasses the world renowned Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel, the multi-award winning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London and the Jumeirah Essex House on Central Park South in New York.

The Group’s activities are, however, not restricted to hotel and resort management. The Jumeirah Group portfolio also includes Wild Wadi, regarded as one of the premier water parks outside of North America; The Emirates Academy, the region’s only third-level academic institution specializing in the hospitality and tourism sectors; The Taste Department, the company’s dedicated restaurant division; global spa brand Talise; Jumeirah Living, the Group’s luxury brand of serviced residences offering effortless living in luxurious surroundings; and Jumeirah Retail, with its fourteen stores and dedicated luxury retail website .

Building on this success, Jumeirah Group became a member of Dubai Holding in 2004, a collection of leading Dubai based businesses and projects, in a step that aims to initiate a new phase of growth and development for the group.

Jumeirah has extensive expansion plans to grow its portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts into key gateway or letterhead cities and aspirational resort destinations worldwide. Currently, the Group has several luxury five-star properties under development, including five in Dubai and others in Abu Dhabi, Aqaba, Doha, Phuket, Bermuda, Mallorca and London. The Group is eagerly anticipating the grand opening of Jumeirah HanTang Xintiandi in August 2008, Jumeirah’s first hotel in China and flagship property in the Asia Pacific region.