Business space
We check out the best meeting spots on the bmi network
Room for women
[ DAMMAM ]
BUSINESS IS A MAN’S WORLD IN SAUDI ARABIA, except it seems in the oil capital Dammam. Uniquely in the kingdom, the five-star Sheraton here offers a private ladies lounge where women can socialise, relax or discuss business issues, whether they are hotel guests or locals.
The visit to the lounge is often accompanied by a trip to the enormous Ladies Shine Spa, which is unlike anything else in the region. It has everything you can think of: from hairdressing to aerobics classes, an Oriental hammam and a 60-square-metre swimming pool. Gentlemen have similarly comprehensive facilities of their own, and there is a dedicated entrance for each gender.
Drag yourself out of the spa, and doing business here is easy. The world’s biggest airport, King Fahd International, is less than half an hours’ drive away, the seven meeting rooms have all the latest audio visual technology and hold up to 500, while the catering staff can provide feasts for a thousand. Lee Cheshire Sheraton, 1st Street, +966 (3) 834 5555, www.starwoodhotels.com
Funny business
[ MANCHESTER ]
IF YOUR SALES MANAGER REMINDS YOU OF DAVID BRENT and your CFO is about as cheerful as Jack Dee, then this might be the perfect venue for your next results meeting. Manchester’s Comedy Store is a modern, trendy industrial space built in two disused railway arches. As well the 500-capacity main theatre, there is room for 400 in the reception and 150 in the bar, while the club’s VIP room is useful for small presentations or meetings during the day. On-site catering is provided. LC 3-4 Deansgate Locks, Whitworth St West, +44
(0)161 827 7940, www.thecomedystore.co.uk
