Pioneering Firsts

Michel Noblet’s Pioneering Contributions to the Growth and Success of Hotel Industry in the UAE and wider Middle East.

As a seasoned hotelier, Michel Noblet, with his team, has made a tremendous contribution to the development of the hotel industry, particularly, in the United Arab Emirates and the larger Middle East as well as world-wide. His pioneering efforts have given numerous firsts in the region, showcasing his visionary leadership and dedication to excellence in hospitality. Here is a list of firsts that Michel Noblet has given to the industry in the region:

1986: First Russian Restaurant in Abu Dhabi – Petrov

Michel introduced the first Russian restaurant in the UAE at the Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, named Petrov, bringing a unique culinary experience to the country and expanding the cultural diversity of its dining scene.

1985: UAE’s First Ramadan Tent – Le Meridien Abu Dhabi

Michel has the credit for introducing the first Ramadan tent in the UAE at the Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, creating a special and unique Ramadan experience for family and friends to gather and celebrate the holy month.

1986: First Wellness and Balneo SPA in Abu Dhabi and in the Arabian Peninsula

Michel pioneered the development of the first wellness and balneo SPA centre in the UAE at the Le Meridien Abu Dhabi and the entire Arabian Peninsula, promoting a healthy lifestyle among residents and visitors.

1991: First to Welcome American Navies to Hotel

Under his leadership, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi became the first hotel to welcome American naval personnel, hosting 6,000 men daily who enjoyed 17 outlets and two discotheques, enhancing hospitality services for military guests.

1992: First Le Royal Meridien in the World

The Le Royal Meridien brand did not exist until the owner of Le Meridien in Bahrain requested to make his hotel Le Royal Meridien. This led to the creation of the brand and Michel opened the first Royal Meridian hotel in Bahrain, setting new standards for luxury and service in Gulf.

1993: First Meridien in Beirut, Le Meridien Beirut Hamra

1994: Le Meridien Champolion Cruise.

Michel introduced in conjunction with the government of Kuwait Le Meridien Champolion Cruise, offering a unique and luxurious cruise experience on the Nile.

1996: Le Meridien Taipei

Michel expanded the Brand to Taipei, Taiwan, bringing exceptional hospitality services to the city

1997: Le Meridien Bali

Michel expanded the Le Meridien brand to Bali opening the first Le Meridien hotel in Bali, introducing exceptional hospitality services to this renowned tourist destination.

1998: Le Meridien Tahiti

Michel played a significant role in the development of Le Meridien Tahiti, bringing luxury hospitality to this exotic destination.

1998: Le Meridien Bora Bora

Michel was instrumental in development and opening of Le Meridien Bora Bora, offering an unparalleled experience in the beautiful French Polynesian island.

1998: Le Meridien Ban Taling Ngam – Koh Samui

Michel’s contributions included the development of hospitality services in Koh Samui furthering the area’s appeal to tourists.

1998: Le Royal Meridien Phuket

Michel launched the Le Meridien in Phuket, a key addition to Thailand’s tourism industry.

1998: Le Meridien Grand Pacific Tokyo

Michel opened the spectacular Le Meridien Grand Pacific Tokyo, in the waterfront complex of Tokyo Teleport Town.

1999: Isle of Pine New Caledonia

Michel’s vision extended to the Isle of Pine in New Caledonia, adding to the region’s allure as a luxury destination.

1999: Le Royal Meridien Bangkok

Michel established the Le RoyalMeridien in Bangkok, enhancing the city’s reputation for high-end hospitality.

1999: Le Royal Meridien Bangkok

Michel established Le Meridien Bangalore, contributing to the city’s status as a major business hub.

1999: Le Meridien Giza

Michel’s vision brought the Le Meridien brand to Giza, enhancing the area’s tourism infrastructure.

2000: The Barasti Beach Bar in Dubai

Michel launched the iconic Barasti Bar in Dubai, which quickly became the UAE’s most popular beachfront destination known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views.

2000: Le Meridien Mecca

Michel was instrumental in the development of Le Meridien Mecca, offering high-quality accommodations to pilgrims visiting the holy city.

2000: Le Royal Le Meridien Cairo

Michel launched the Le Royal Meridien in Cairo, providing luxurious hospitality services in Egypt’s vibrant capital.

2000: Le Meridien Makadi Bay

Michel took the Le Meridien brand to Makadi Bay opening the first Le Meridien Hotel there further expanding the brand’s presence.

2000: Le Meridien Mumbai

Michel introduced the Le Meridien brand to Mumbai, one of India’s most important metropolitan cities.

2000: Le Meridien Bangalore

Michel established Le Meridien Bangalore, contributing to the city’s status as a major business hub.

2000: Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur

Michel expanded the Le Meridien brand to Kuala Lumpur, offering premium accommodations in Malaysia’s capital.

2000: Le Royal Meridien Cairo

Michel’s leadership led to the establishment of another Le Royal Meridien in Cairo, underscoring his commitment to luxury hospitality

2001: Le Meridien Al Aqah

Michel played a key role in the establishment of Le Meridien Al Aqah, adding another prestigious property to the Le Meridien portfolio.

2001: Le Meridien Juhu Beach

Michel opened the Le Meridien Juhu Beach, offering upscale accommodations in Mumbai's popular beach area.

2001: Le Meridien Chennai

Michel developed and opened the Le Meridien Chennai, enhancing the city’s hospitality landscape.

2001: Le Meridien Cochin

Michel expanded the brand to Cochin, adding to the chain’s prestigious properties in India.

2002: Coral International Middle East’s First Alcohol-Free Chain

In partnership with H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Sultan Al Qassimi and H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Michel pioneered the Middle East's first alcohol-free hotel chain, catering to guests seeking an environment aligned with cultural and religious values.

2004: Creation of HMM : Hospitality Management Holding

Michel developed HMH comprising 4 distinctive Brands: Coral International, CORP (Corporate), ECOS (budget hotels) and EWA (apartments).

+971 50 697 5146

+971 50 697 5146