Sunday, December 20, 2009



Press Release:

ARIA RESORT & CASINO OPENS

FOREVER CHANGING THE LAS VEGAS STRIP

Grand Opening Day and Gala Party Highlighted by Rooftop Fireworks Finale LAS VEGAS – (NYSE:MGM) – Under a canopy of fireworks illuminating the night sky, ARIA Resort & Casino opened its doors last night and welcomed its first guests. Located at the heart of CityCenter, ARIA is the centerpiece of this extraordinary urban resort destination. Its debut signifies the official grand opening of this city-within-a-city, following two weeks of celebrations for the reveals of Vdara Hotel & Spa, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Crystals retail and entertainment district. Featuring an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities, the stunning ARIA has dramatically altered the skyline of the world’s most famous boulevard and will forever change the perceptions of the Las Vegas Strip. “ARIA and CityCenter reflect a combination of innovation, energy and visionary design that we believe will reshape how the world views the destination resort experience and attract visitors from around the globe as a landmark of taste and style,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE, which developed CityCenter in partnership with Infinity World Development Corp. Designed by the world-renowned firm Pelli Clarke Pelli, ARIA’s architectural expression reveals itself at every turn, from its two breathtaking curvilinear steel and glass towers to the clean use of natural elements including lush foliage, wood and stone. At 18 million square feet, CityCenter is the largest private sustainable development in the world, having received six LEED® Gold certifications for its buildings.At an early morning press conference yesterday, company executives and national dignitaries including the president, CEO and founding chairman of the U.S Green Building Council were on hand to pay tribute to CityCenter’s significant milestone in the arena of sustainable design, construction and operations. Among its sustainable distinctions, ARIA commissioned the first fleet of clean-fueled CNG stretch limousines. It also is the first resort on the Las Vegas Strip to generate its own electricity.Also part of yesterday’s opening events, senior executives from both MGM MIRAGE and Infinity World had the rare honor of remotely ringing the Closing Bell of the New York Stock Exchange, marking the project’s major contribution to the financial fortitude of Las Vegas. CityCenter is the single largest hiring effort in the country today, creating new jobs for approximately 12,000 people. Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO of CityCenter said, “This is an incredibly proud time in our company’s history. We believe this moment marks a turning point in the financial future of our community.”A grand opening invite-only gala capped the opening day’s activities, giving VIP guests an opportunity to sample ARIA’s impeccable hospitality, creative personalized attention and incredible array of amenities. Finally, at 11 p.m. fireworks filled the sky with brilliant bursts of color, reflected in ARIA’s curved glass curtain wall, as Las Vegas visitors and locals gathered below eager to enter the resort when the doors opened shortly following the dramatic aerial salute.Murren said, “CityCenter will become the benchmark by which all new developments will be measured, and it won’t be surpassed in scope and grandeur for decades.”


Aria Resort and Casino

Vdara Hotel

CityCenter Las Vegas

Monday, December 7, 2009

Mandarin Oriental Opens

Following is the press release from CityCenter's newly opened Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Las Vegas:

----------------------

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, LAS VEGAS MAKES ITS DAZZLING DEBUT

Luxury Hotel and Residences Opens at Prestigious New CityCenter

LAS VEGAS, December 7, 2009 – The luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas opened its doors on Friday, December 4, bringing the hotel group’s modern elegance and legendary service to the vibrant city. A festive ribbon cutting and feng shui ceremony marked the hotel’s official opening, and a celebratory gala party, attended by over 500 distinguished guests, launched the hotel to Las Vegas society.

“We are delighted to open in the heart of Las Vegas and look forward to bringing Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of service to this important leisure destination,” said Rajesh Jhingon, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas. “Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas is proud to be among the first of many exciting venues to open in the magnificent new resort destination, CityCenter.”

In honor of its debut, the hotel is offering a special opening package, which provides one night of complimentary accommodation in conjunction with one or more consecutive paid nights of stay. Valid through February 28, 2010, package rates start at $545 and reservations are subject to availability. The hotel’s 392 spacious and chic guest rooms and suites can be reserved via the hotel’s online reservations service at www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas, by phone at (888) 881-9578 or E-mail: molas-reservations@mohg.com.

About Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas

Ideally located at the gateway to CityCenter, the extraordinary urban resort destination, the 47-story, non-gaming Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas boasts spectacular accommodations, superlative dining, an unparalleled spa and state-of-the-art meetings and events facilities. Designed by the award-winning architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, with contemporary interior design by Adam D. Tihany, the property dazzles with a 23rd floor Sky Lobby, providing a stunning arrival experience with glittering views of the city skyline. Every guestroom has exceptional technological enhancements, including keyless door locks and automated control panels that allow guests to manage the lighting, room temperature and entertainment systems at the touch of a button. Three lavish presidential suites are featured on the hotel’s top floors, each measuring over 3,200 square feet.


A host of stylish dining and cocktail venues are available at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Twist by Pierre Gagnaire, is the Michelin-star chef’s first U.S. restaurant, serving classic French cuisine with a modern spin. All-day dining establishment, MOzen Bistro features authentic Asian dishes and multi-national fare. Also located on the 23rd floor with windows overlooking the Vegas skyline, the 82-seat Mandarin Bar redefines Las Vegas nightlife with plush furnishings, VIP room, creative snacks and an extensive cocktail menu. The intimate Tea Lounge provides guests a scenic meeting place for a refreshing beverage. For those on the go, Amore Patisserie, located directly on Las Vegas Boulevard, serves a variety of gourmet foods, pastries, coffees and teas.

The two-level, 27,000-square-foot Spa is a prominent feature of the hotel, with 17 treatment rooms, multiple relaxation and water experiences, expansive Fitness Center and dedicated yoga studio. The Spa provides a tranquil and a completely holistic experience based on the union of modern techniques and Eastern traditions. Hotel guests and residence owners can also enjoy a magnificent pool facility with 20 cabanas and a Poolside Café, serving seasonal, light fare.

With more than 12,000 square feet of elegantly designed function space, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas is the ideal setting for intimate gatherings or events for as many as 600 guests. Conveniently situated on the hotel’s third level and flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the 7,650-square-foot Oriental Ballroom and the hotel’s three smaller function rooms are all equipped with state-of-the-art technology systems and spacious pre-function areas. A dedicated event planning team is on-hand to ensure every function is executed with the uncompromising attention to detail for which Mandarin Oriental is famed.


About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 14 in The Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties. Photography of Mandarin Oriental is available to download, in high and low resolution, in the Photo Library of our Media section, at www.mandarinoriental.com.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Vdara Hotel Grand Opening Party is December 1st. Orlando Bloom, Rosario Dawson.

STAR-STUDDED EVENT MARKS GRAND OPENING OF FIRST CITYCENTER HOTEL – VDARA HOTEL & SPA

Famed Photographer, Adventurer and Advocate Sebastian Copeland to Host Vanity Fair’s Opening Night Gala Tuesday, December 1 2009

LAS VEGAS

CityCenter has partnered with Vanity Fair to co-host the grand opening gala of the newest
luxury boutique hotel – the sophisticated all-suite Vdara Hotel & Spa. Host Sebastian Copeland, will be joined by friends Orlando Bloom and Rosario Dawson, to celebrate the evening in support of the Sebastian Copeland Foundation. The invite-only event will treat guests to their first glimpse of CityCenter, the dazzling vertical city destined to transform the Las Vegas Strip.

Vdara Hotel & Spa is designed for those who love the excitement of Las Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming, smoke-free environment. Physically connected to Bellagio and directly adjacent to ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara will offer access to all of the excitement of Las Vegas, while providing a retreat from it all.

Solidifying CityCenter’s commitment to sustainability, Vdara has achieved LEED®† Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Sharing in Vdara’s commitment to sustainability, the star-studded evening will be hosted by famed photographer, adventurer and environmental advocate Sebastian Copeland. His pledge to environmental activism and global awareness has grown into a passionate dedication to the causes of sustainability and the preservation of the planet. He is currently working on the launch of the Sebastian Copeland Foundation whose primary mission is to advocate from the front lines of climate change. Copeland’s friends and award-winning actors Orlando Bloom and Rosario Dawson will join him to celebrate this evening and support the launch of his charity.

Copeland stated, “We stand at a crossroads in our development as a species. After transportation, buildings are the single greatest source of green house emissions. "Green" building and development stand to reduce carbon emissions into the air by up to forty percent. Vdara, with its LEED certification, has committed to the simple notion that luxury and responsibility are not mutually exclusive and hence stands as a model of innovation. Vdara and CityCenter set a new standard for Las Vegas, one which hopefully others will follow.”

Two of the hottest DJs in the business today, DJs Donovan Leitch and Mathieu Schreyer (kcrw), will entertain guests as they dine on exquisite cuisine from Martin Heierling, executive chef of Vdara and the hotel’s contemporary Mediterranean restaurant, Silk Road. Guests also will enjoy Patron cocktails and Veuve Clicquot champagne as they stroll through the 18,000-square-foot, two-level wellness spa, Vdara Health & Beauty, featuring the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar. Vdara Health & Beauty, the first Las Vegas spa in the Green Spa Network, will offer a selection of signature treatments focusing on holistic health.

Edward Menicheschi, vice president & publisher, Vanity Fair, said, “We are proud to be partnering with Vdara in this exciting celebration. Vdara has combined luxury with green design and the alignment could not be better for both our environmental beliefs as well as that of our readers.”

Angela Lester, general manager, Vdara Hotel & Spa, said, “It is truly an honor to partner with Vanity Fair and famed photographer and environmental advocate Sebastian Copeland as we open our doors and showcase Vdara’s remarkable services and amenities. Hosting the grand opening with Copeland and honoring his pledge to environmental activism will help create awareness of our commitment to sustainability and the benchmark set by CityCenter in Las Vegas and worldwide.”

The Patrón Spirits Company, including Patrón, Ultimat Vodka and Pyrat Rum, as well as Veuve Clicquot champagne owned by Moet Hennessy USA, are sponsors of the grand opening gala.

Vanity Fair is the premier general interest magazine of our time. Covering the worlds of politics, business, fashion, entertainment, and society, its muscular, long-form journalism, luscious photography, insightful essays, and superb design make each issue of the magazine a must-read.

About CityCenter

CityCenter is an unprecedented urban metropolis opening in December 2009 on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE(NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World. CityCenter will featureARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental and Vdara Hotel & Spa; Veer Towers, the development’s only strictly residential buildings; andCrystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. Vdara, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Veer Towers will include approximately 2,400 residences total. Additionally, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010. CityCenter also will feature a resident Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the timeless musical legacy of Elvis Presley; and an unparalleled Fine Art Collection with works by acclaimed artists including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others. CityCenter is a design collaboration between MGM MIRAGE and eight internationally acclaimed architectural firms including Pelli Clarke Pelli, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Helmut Jahn, RV Architecture LLC led by Rafael Viñoly, Foster + Partners*, Studio Daniel Libeskind*, David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, and Gensler. At the forefront of sustainability, CityCenter will be one of the world’s largest green developments. ARIA and Vdara are the first Las Vegas hotels to achieve LEED®Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Crystals also has received LEED® Gold certification,making it the world’s largest retail district to receive this level of recognition. CityCenter’s remaining venues are poised to receive a combination of LEED Gold and Silver ratings. For more information about CityCenter, please visit www.citycenter.com.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

CityCenter Website Uses 3D Tours

The CityCenter project abounds in superlatives and the website is no exception. New 3D tours help orient visitors to the development that is creating a whole new major hub of activity along the Las Vegas Strip.

CityCenter, along with the Aria Resort and Casino, Vdara Hotel, Crystals Retail, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and more, is just south of the Bellagio and across from the growing Hollywood Planet development. The CityCenter area is north of the "south strip" hub that includes New York New York, MGM Grand, Luxor, and other south strip hotels.

Website developer John Schadler of SK+G noted in the press release:

“In developing this Web site, we focused on establishing an immersive, first-person perspective that puts the entire collection of CityCenter’s brands at the visitor’s fingertips,” Schadler said. “We utilized full-motion 3-D elements as the basis of navigation to draw visitors in while providing an enhanced sense of both scale and detail. The goal is to intrigue guests by giving them a quick taste of the CityCenter experience and its rich list of offerings.”

About CityCenter [from press release]

CityCenter is an unprecedented urban metropolis opening in December 2009 on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World. CityCenter will feature ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental andVdara Hotel & Spa; Veer Towers, the development’s only strictly residential buildings; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. Vdara, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Veer Towers will include approximately 2,400 residences total. Additionally, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010. CityCenter also will feature a resident Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the timeless musical legacy of Elvis Presley; and an unparalleled Fine Art Collection with works by acclaimed artists including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others. CityCenter is a design collaboration between MGM MIRAGE and eight internationally acclaimed architectural firms including Pelli Clarke Pelli, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Helmut Jahn, RV Architecture LLC led by Rafael Viñoly, Foster + Partners*, Studio Daniel Libeskind*, David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, and Gensler. At the forefront of sustainability, CityCenter will be one of the world’s largest green developments. ARIA and Vdara are the first Las Vegas hotels to achieve LEED® Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Crystals also has received LEED® Gold certification, making it the world’s largest retail district to receive this level of recognition. CityCenter’s remaining venues are poised to receive a combination of LEED Gold and Silver ratings. For more information about CityCenter, please visit www.citycenter.com.



Disclaimer: This blog, Las Vegas, is run by one of the partners in Technology Report which has an advertising relationship with the Aria Resort and Casino and Vdara Hotel.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

"Viva Elvis" by Cirque du Soliel at the Aria Debuts Very Soon

Viva Elvis, the spectacular new show by Cirque du Soleil, will debut very soon (I think December is the planned date) at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas CityCenter which is also opening in December.

This tribute to the king of rock and roll will be the latest in the series of amazing Cirque Shows that run in Las Vegas year round.

The show's website details the show as a fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music and a "tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley"

Cirques Viva Elvis was created in the image of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and will highlight the man who transformed popular music in the USA.

Vignettes from Elvis' life blend with the music and dance as the show focuses on the man whose name became almost synonymous with Las Vegas.

Tickets and showtimes will be available soon at the Viva Elvis Website


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Aria Resort & Casino at CITYCENTER Las Vegas to open in December and feature world's best hotel technologies

ARIA Resort & Casino and Mandarin Oriental Hotels in the new Las Vegas CityCenter Project are the first in the USA to debut a spectacular level of technological innovation for their guests.

A WiFi City:

CityCenter will soon complete the world’s largest Distributed Antenna System with over 6,500 antennas and over 2,900 wireless access points to cover the entire CityCenter campus.

New Guestroom Technologies:

CityCenter and Control4 Corporation have developed personalized “smart” automation for every guestroom at the Aria and the Mandarin Oriental, an innovation previously available only in select high-end resort suites and residential locations. Every guestroom device is networked via one gigabit of bandwidth.

The room will recognize a first visit and “greet” guests as they enter with lighting and parting of curtains to showcase the hotel’s spectacular city or mountain views. The TV will turn on to display a list of automated controls for guests to personalize.

The system also provides one-touch remote control of lighting, room temperature, television/video systems, music, wake-up calls, draperies and requests for services. The nightstand contains a seven-inch panel with touch-screen technology that navigates the same room settings as the remote control.

RFID unlocks the door by passing the key card over a sensor.

All rooms feature a 42-inch LCD HDTV with laptop and other device connectivity as well as access to room controls. The TV also acts as a communications center for the room.

The ARIA Resort & Casino opens in December.

Las Vegas CityCenter

Please Note: ARIA and Vdara hotels are the sponsors of our Technology Report CES Coverage for CES 2010.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

CITYCENTER Hotels Open Soon

The amazing Las Vegas CITYCENTER Project is nearing completion and two of the premier venues there are alreading taking bookings for the openings in only about a few months - VDARA and ARIA Resort and Casino. We'll be focusing a lot more on CITYCENTER here in the coming months with posts about the overall project as well as individual properties. Also watch Technology-Report.com for our special coverage of the amazing architecture, design technologies, and "green" building techniques that are making CITYCENTER the world's premier showcase for innovation in large, high value city projects.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Las Vegas CITYCENTER Updates

Las Vegas is no stranger to architectural superlatives, and it is now crystal clear that the new CITYCENTER project will exceed even Las Vegas' remarkable sky scraping standards in terms of lavish buildings, amenities, and green building standards. Although it seems very ironic to associate "green" and "Las Vegas" in the same sentence, large budgets are making Las Vegas one of the most very fertile grounds for innovative green building designs and implementations. See the press release below for the detail on how CITYCENTER has met some very stringent standards in this regard:

From the CITYCENTER Press room:

LAS VEGAS' CITYCENTER TO BE ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARText ColorGEST GREEN DEVELOPMENTS

CityCenter Emerges as Leader of Sustainable Urban Development, Driving Green Economies of Scale in Multiple Industry Segments

LAS VEGAS - August 6, 2009 - /PRNewswire/ — Created with a vision to bring a new level of environmental consciousness to the world-famous Strip, CityCenter will be one of the world's largest sustainable developments, from design and construction to operations and guest amenities. An extraordinary urban resort destination brought to life by eight world-renowned architects, the 18-million-square-foot development is set to achieve a combination of gold and silver LEED® ratings by the U.S. Green Building Council throughout its distinctive hotels; residences; dining, retail and public spaces. Using cutting-edge solutions, CityCenter has been able to grow responsibly without sacrificing the quality of materials or guest experience.

Due to its size and purchasing power, CityCenter is driving green economies of scale in multiple industry segments, paving the way for other entities to build and operate sustainably. CityCenter has moved beyond existing green practices to empower industry-wide innovations.

Key Sustainable Highlights

  • First energy-generation on The Strip through its 8.5 megawatt natural-gas co-generation plant, providing efficient electricity on site, reducing emissions and using "waste heat" to provide domestic hot water

  • Water conservation technology and programs that will save between 30% and 43% of water within the buildings and 60% in outdoor landscaping

  • First-ever fleet of stretch limos powered by clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG)

  • Nation's most technologically advanced hotel rooms with exclusive features allowing guests to "green their stay"

  • Development of slot machine bases that serve as floor air-conditioning units, efficiently cooling guests from the ground up, rather than wasting energy on empty space by cooling from the ceiling

  • Energy efficiency initiatives providing a savings equivalent to powering 8,800 households annually

  • Creation of a large-scale recycling operation that enabled the recycling or reuse of more than 260,000 tons of construction waste, including 97% of the imploded Boardwalk Hotel

Most significantly, collaborating with the foremost sustainability and LEED® consultants from throughout the nation, CityCenter has introduced more than 10,000 construction trade and craftsmen to green building techniques that can be implemented at other developments throughout Las Vegas and beyond.

"CityCenter captures the energy and diversity of Las Vegas in one of the world's largest green urban developments," said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE. "Designing CityCenter with sustainable elements and practices reinforces its permanence and creates a healthier environment for our guests and residents, as well as for the 12,000 people who ultimately will work at CityCenter."

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

Construction and Recycling

  • The Boardwalk Hotel was imploded to make way for CityCenter. 80% of the previous structure has been recycled into the building materials or sent elsewhere for reuse. Crushed blocks and mortar were used in dust abatement on the construction site and as aggregate in concrete and asphalt; recycled whole and broken glass, and bathroom fixtures were shipped to other countries for reuse after being wrapped in Boardwalk curtains and carpets as recycled packing materials

  • 95% of all construction waste that would have ended up in landfills has been recycled

  • Ventilation systems have been completely sealed until installed, which protects them from the dust, smoke and harmful particles that are present on a construction site. No smoking is allowed on the site once the ventilation is sealed, which will give the buildings vastly higher indoor air quality when the facility opens

  • CityCenter uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wood, which ensures wood only is taken from forests with responsible management practices. Low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints are used, along with enough sustainable certified carpet to cover 140 American football fields

  • Reclaimed water from Monte Carlo is used for dust control in place of precious drinking water, which has contributed to savings of 2.4 million gallons of potable water

  • A concrete batch plant allowed concrete to be generated on site saving gas and energy

  • Each room is carefully sealed to prevent migration of tobacco smoke ensuring freshness and comfort for each guest

Design

  • An 8.5 megawatt natural gas co-generation plant will provide efficient electricity on site (10% of overall CityCenter use), reduce emissions and utilize the waste heat from the power generation to provide all the domestic hot water necessary at CityCenter, including within its numerous pools

  • Each tower has energy-efficient exterior features to help reduce the heat transfer from the sun onto the buildings, including air-brows, reflective rooftops, specially coated windows and high-performance glass

  • CityCenter worked with manufacturers to invent designer water fixtures that deliver incredibly satisfying, pressurized showers while using a third less water

  • Outdoor landscaping was carefully selected to provide a beautiful array of native desert plant life which is watered through a highly efficient irrigation system. The system is equipped with moisture controls to ensure watering is only done when necessary

  • Marquees, signs and slot machines will be energy efficient

Operations

  • CityCenter will offer sustainable options for meetings, conventions and events by incorporating environmentally responsible practices and services including sales kits constructed from recycled paper; ARIA's banquet server uniforms will be made from recycled polyester

  • CityCenter employees will undergo LEED® training as part of orientation, educating them about CityCenter's green initiatives and how to do their jobs in line with the development's green focus

  • Many restaurants will focus on farm-to-table ingredients, buying produce, meat and dairy direct from responsible local growers

  • Spas will be committed to using organic or wild-crafted paraben-free products; the implementation of a recycling program and use of recycled paper for spa materials

  • CityCenter will implement green cleaning practices within the hotels, using products that minimize concerns to human health and the environment. Additionally, the areas where chemical use occurs are negatively pressurized with separate outside exhaust and no recirculation of air

  • All of CityCenter's facilities will have integrated recycling programs

Guest Experience

  • For the highest quality, environmentally sustainable travel, CityCenter has commissioned the world's first-ever fleet of CNG stretch limos. The 26 silver, 24-foot Lincoln Town Cars are 100% dedicated to utilizing CNG. In addition to abundant U.S. natural gas reserves, CNG is one of the cleanest-burning alternative fuels available

  • Natural gas used by the CNG limo fleet produces significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides (35-60 percent less), particulate matter (90-97 percent less), carcinogenic and toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide (90-97 percent less) as well as the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (25 percent less). Source: U.S. Department of Energy

  • Guests arriving at CityCenter via carpool or in alternative-fuel vehicles will have access to preferred parking spaces; bicycle valet services also will be provided

  • The urban community offers numerous amenities within walking distance of the hotels, including restaurants, stores and entertainment. CityCenter's people mover will offer convenient transportation between Monte Carlo, Crystals and Bellagio

  • CityCenter's hotels will feature the most technologically advanced guestrooms in the country, with exclusive technology that allows guests to "green their stay." With a simple setting, guests can indicate their preferred light level and room temperature, and the properties can automatically put a room into unoccupied status upon checkout, turning off the heating/cooling system, televisions, lights and any appliances

  • Extensive natural light will be utilized through skylights and expansive windows at CityCenter to reduce energy use

  • Many of the artists participating in CityCenter's public Fine Art Collection will use reclaimed material in their works of art. For instance, Maya Lin's silver cast of the Colorado River will incorporate the use of reclaimed silver; CityCenter's sustainability initiatives inspired her first work of art in Las Vegas. Richard Long's mud wall drawings will incorporate natural products, Nancy Rubins' will construct a gravity-defying display that includes recycled river and ocean vessels, and Isa Genzken's steel and aluminum rose will contain 75% recycled materials

When it opens in December, CityCenter will not only redefine the Las Vegas skyline, but also transform the destination into a global showcase of urban design and sustainability.

About CityCenter

CityCenter is an unprecedented urban metropolis that will open in late 2009 on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corps, a subsidiary of Dubai World. CityCenter will feature ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas' first Mandarin Oriental and Vdara Hotel; Veer Towers, the development's only strictly residential buildings; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. Vdara, Mandarin Oriental and Veer Towers will include approximately 2,400 residences total. Additionally, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010. CityCenter also will feature a resident Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the timeless musical legacy of Elvis Presley; and an unparalleled Fine Art Collection with works by acclaimed artists including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others. CityCenter is a design collaboration between MGM MIRAGE and eight internationally acclaimed architectural firms including Pelli Clarke Pelli, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Helmut Jahn, RV Architecture LLC led by Rafael Viñoly, Foster + Partners*, Studio Daniel Libeskind*, Rockwell Group and Gensler. Charting a new course for responsible growth in Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification at CityCenter. As planned, the 18-million-square-foot, multi-use project will become one of the world's largest environmentally sustainable urban communities. For more information about CityCenter, please visit http://www.citycenter.com/.

* As a consultant to AAI Architects, Inc.

------- End Press Release -----


For More Information:




Natalie Mounier, Kirvin Doak Communications

702-737-3100












Saturday, July 25, 2009

Mandarin Oriental Hotel to Open December 2009 in Las Vegas at CityCenter

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, LAS VEGAS SET TO DEBUT IN DECEMBER
Prestigious Luxury Hotel and Residences to Open in New CityCenter Development

HONG KONG – July 13, 2009 – Opening in early December 2009, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will be a sophisticated sanctuary of modern elegance in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Ideally located at the entrance of CityCenter, the extraordinary urban resort destination, the 47-story, non-gaming hotel is poised to bring spectacular accommodations, superlative dining, an unparalleled spa, and the legendary service of the renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to Las Vegas for the first time.

Designed by the award-winning architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, with contemporary interior design by Adam D. Tihany, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas offers 392 spacious and luxuriously appointed rooms and suites and 227 residences. The hotel’s impressive “Sky Lobby” is located on the 23rd floor, providing a stunning arrival experience with glittering views over the Las Vegas skyline. Every guestroom will have exceptional technological enhancements, including keyless door locks and automated control panels that allow guests to manage the lighting, room temperature and entertainment systems at the touch of a button. Three lavish presidential suites are featured on the hotel’s top floors, each measuring over 3,200 square feet.

A host of stylish dining and cocktail venues will be offered at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, including a celebrated signature restaurant and an all-day dining establishment, MOzen Bistro, which will feature authentic Asian dishes and multi-national fare. Located on the 23rd floor, Mandarin Bar will offer a vibrant, boutique atmosphere with stunning views setting the backdrop for a night on the town. The intimate Tea Lounge will be positioned adjacent to the Sky Lobby to provide guests a scenic meeting place for a refreshing beverage. For those on the go, Amore Patisserie, located directly on Las Vegas Boulevard, will serve a variety of gourmet foods, pastries, coffees and teas.

The two-level, 27,000-square-foot Spa will be a prominent feature of the hotel, with 17 treatment rooms, multiple relaxation and water experiences, an expansive Fitness Center and dedicated yoga studio. The Spa will provide a tranquil environment and a completely holistic experience based on the union of modern techniques and Eastern traditions. Guests of the hotel and Residence owners will also enjoy a magnificent pool facility with 20 cabanas and a Pool Café, serving seasonal, light fare.

With more than 12,000 square feet of elegantly designed function space, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will offer the ideal setting for intimate gatherings or for as many as 600 guests. Conveniently situated on the hotel’s third level and flooded in natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the 7,650-square-foot Oriental Ballroom and the hotel’s three smaller function rooms are all equipped with state-of-the-art technology systems, and spacious pre-function areas. A dedicated event planning team will ensure every function is executed with the uncompromising attention to detail for which Mandarin Oriental is famed.

“Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will provide consistently dedicated service levels and a haven of serenity for guests visiting our newest destination. We look forward to our opening this December and bringing Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of service to this important leisure destination,” said Rajesh Jhingon, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas.

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 14 in The Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties.
Photography of Mandarin Oriental is available to download, in high and low resolution, in the Photo Library of our Media section, at www.mandarinoriental.com.

About CityCenter
CityCenter is an unprecedented urban metropolis that will open in late 2009 on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corps, a subsidiary of Dubai World. CityCenter will feature ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental and Vdara Hotel; Veer Towers, the development’s only strictly residential buildings; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. Vdara, Mandarin Oriental and Veer Towers will include approximately 2,400 residences total. Additionally, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010. CityCenter also will feature a resident Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the timeless musical legacy of Elvis Presley; and an unparalleled Fine Art Collection with works by acclaimed artists including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others. CityCenter is a design collaboration between MGM MIRAGE and eight internationally acclaimed architectural firms including Pelli Clarke Pelli, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Helmut Jahn, RV Architecture LLC led by Rafael Viñoly, Foster + Partners*, Studio Daniel Libeskind*, Rockwell Group and Gensler. Charting a new course for responsible growth in Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification at CityCenter. As planned, the 18-million-square-foot, multi-use project will become one of the world’s largest environmentally sustainable urban communities. For more information about CityCenter, please visit www.citycenter.com.

* As a consultant to AAI Architects, Inc.

-end-

For further information, please contact:
Corporate Office
Jill Kluge (jillk@mohg.com)
Group Communications – Global
Tel: +44 (20) 7908 7810

Sally de Souza (sallydes@mohg.com)
Group Communications – Asia
Tel: +852 2895 9160

Catherine Roberts (croberts@mohg.com)
Group Communications - Europe
Tel: +44 (20) 7908 7812

Danielle DeVoe (ddevoe@mohg.com)
Group Communications – United States
Tel: +1 (212) 830 9380
www.mandarinoriental.com

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Venetian Suites in Las Vegas


Venetian Suite, Las Vegas
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck
Five luxury hotel casino properties on the strip that get a lot of buzz as "THE place to stay in Las Vegas" are the Wynn and her new companion property the Encore, the Venetian and her companion Palazzo Las Vegas, and the Bellagio.

If you find fault with the rooms in any of these places you probably need to get your head examined (or you are way too wealthy).

Our Venetian king bed suite was even more splendid than the online photos suggest and an incredible bargain at the $109 "Twitter Special" rate offered there every few weeks.

The beautiful bath complete with double sinks and a TV made this a splendid room but it was combined with a beautiful king sized bed area next to a sunken living room with a large couch, desk, and table. The room was spotlessly clean and elegantly appointed.

Note as usual that if you can adjust your Las Vegas visits to mid-week where there are no holidays or major conventions you will enjoy a *huge* savings on luxury rooms which are often less than half the weekend costs. Even rooms of regular quality such as those at the older strip hotels like the Sahara or Tropicana are going to be cheaper mid-week. Where you should expect to pay $150 for the Venetian mid week you'll probably find rooms at the Sahara for under $50. Note though that Las Vegas mid week offers you the kind of luxury you can't enjoy elsewhere at any price, so I think a good "budget with style" strategy is to stay in luxury on weekdays and move to a modest priced hotel for the weekends.

Venetian Hotel Suite, Las Vegas

Our Suite at the Venetian in Las Vegas was really impressive with a sunken living room/office area below the bedroom. The bathroom was huge and elegant with two sinks, deep tub, shower, makeup corner.

These suites are usually an amazing bargain Sun-Thursday but the price will rise to $250+ per night on the weekends. For a great vegas vacation get a good airline deal and go *mid week* to enjoy many of the same hotel amenities as the big players for about 1/2 the cost.

Bellagio Fountains and Paris Hotel

This is a great shot taken by my friend Tom from *behind* the Bellagio Fountains inside the Bellagio looking out to Paris Las Vegas with Bally's on the left.

The Bellagio Fountains are one of the "must see" attractions when you are in Las Vegas with a spectacular water and music show throughout the day for most of the day through about midnight.

Other amazing attractions inside the Bellagio are the nature conservatory, sculpted glass ceiling by Chiluly, a massive chocolate fountain, and Cirque du Soleil's spectacular show "O" where the performers constantly test the limits of human acrobatic magnificence with unbelievable jumps, dives, and synchronized acrobatics.

This acrobatic and artistic virtuosity, combined with surreal imagery and music in one of the world's most sophisticated and ultra-engineered stage settings, makes "O" one of the world's most exciting and amazing stage shows.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Hotwire Hotel Identification Trick

If you book a lot of hotels you know that Hotwire often offers major discounts on great and medium quality hotels with the catch that you cannot know the exact location or name of the property.

I've used Hotwire often for Silicon Valley trips and I've been happy with the results - often paying about $50 per night for hotels that would normally run $75-$100 and up.

For major destinations like Las Vegas you can click on through the "continue" button after you have your list of hotels at Hotwire, and review the "TripAdvisor" review information at the lower left to (sometimes) learn the number of reviews for a given property. Now open a new browser window and go to TripAdvisor.com to review hotels in that map area.

This will often specifically identify the property for you *before you book*. This is a quirk and may be "fixed" soon, though I'm guessing the hotels are OK with this as long as it keeps the bookings going and higher paying customers don't find out that their neighbor paid half what they did for an identical room.

Here at Las Vegas blog we'll soon be posting a monthly chart where we try to identify these for you so you can use Hotwire more effectively.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Cirque's One Drop Water Charity Rocks!

Join Cirque du Soleil's founder and support the water charity "One Drop", which helps bring clean water to those who do not share the cozy comforts those of us in most in most of the world are lucky enough to enjoy: http://www.onedrop.org

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Bud Light $100,000 Hardbat Classic - Ping Pong Mania heads to Las Vegas this June

As an avid Table Tennis player I'm very excited to see the Bud Light Hardbat Classic Table Tennis Tournament head to Las Vegas on June 26-28. ESPN will cover the event and we'll see 1000 players compete for 100,000 first prize - huge money for the sport of Table Tennis and I'm pretty sure the biggest prize in US Table Tennis history.

Hardbat Table Tennis is *not* the mainstay of this sport, where spinny rubber rules and relatively few serious tournament players still use the old school "hard bat". Combine this with some handicapping rules at the tournament and it'll be sure to lead to fun and hard to predict outcomes.

Website for the Hardbat Classic

You can also follow the classic on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/hardbatclassic

Monday, May 25, 2009

Vegas in Trouble

CNN is reporting very low travel numbers for Las Vegas year to year and although the economy appears to be stabilizing it's not clear that'll prevent severe challenges to the Las Vegas business landscape. Here are the highlights from this Las Vegas economic story:

  • State unemployment rate 10.4 percent, convention attendance down 30 percent
  • Casino slashes room rates, lays off workers -- including 28-year veteran
  • Mayor Goodman says, "I didn't see this coming," but still optimistic

CNN Reports

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

CITYCENTER Las Vegas almost complete

CityCenter cmyk LV_W#2D2092

CITYCENTER NEARS COMPLETION AS IT TOPS OUT FINAL RESIDENTIAL COMPONENT, VEER TOWERS

LAS VEGAS – May 20, 2009 CityCenter is celebrating a milestone with the recent “topping out” of its dramatically inclining high-rise condominiums, Veer Towers, CityCenter’s only pure residential offering. Preceded by Vdara Hotel, ARIA Resort & Casino and Mandarin Oriental, Veer Towers includes CityCenter’s fourth and fifth high-rise structures and the final residential component to be topped out in preparation of the urban resort destination’s opening later this year.

“The topping out of Veer Towers signifies the final stages of construction for CityCenter as we progress toward its grand opening just months from now,” said Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO of CityCenter. “Veer Towers’ cutting-edge architecture defines the core of CityCenter’s unique urban design. Inclined at five-degree angles – a feature celebrated by the development’s name – the towers will no doubt be an attraction in and of themselves when CityCenter debuts later this year.”

Designed by Helmut Jahn, Veer Towers will be a masterful translation of energy and excitement into physical form; its two glass towers will shimmer day and night and rise above Crystals, CityCenter’s retail and entertainment district. The overall lobby environment, with soaring ceiling heights, will showcase the beauty of its architecture with dramatic glass walls flooded with light, metal statements, exposed concrete walls and modern artwork. Veer residences will be filled with contemporary features and designer-selected fixtures. Open floor plans will feature floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows that capture spectacular views of Las Vegas and the surrounding CityCenter. Light-filled rooms, natural textures and a range of neutral palettes will infuse streamlined interiors with openness. Modern kitchens, living and dining areas will be ideal for entertaining and spacious spa-styled bathrooms will invite retreat.

Veer’s most compelling attribute will be its striking rooftop amenity floor. Positioned atop each striking 37-story tower, residents will enjoy an amenities floor featuring an unequaled view of Las Vegas complemented by an infinity-edge pool, hot tub, sun deck and patio for outdoor entertaining. Within, Veer will feature a media room; game room; screening room; fitness center with panoramic views; and men’s and women’s separate changing rooms, steam rooms and saunas. Veer’s west tower also will boast a business center and boardroom for residents who wish to conduct business from home.

Owners of Veer residences will enjoy access to the full spectrum of MGM MIRAGE properties in Las Vegas. Benefits include preferred access to MGM MIRAGE’s unequaled resorts, restaurants, entertainment, special events, nightlife, shopping, and golf and spa offerings.

Charting a new course for responsible growth in Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification at CityCenter. Designed with the environment in mind, Veer residences will feature extensive natural light, dramatically reducing lighting power requirements, and water-saving fixtures throughout. Its glass façades and fins will provide shade from the sun, diverting heat and enhancing circulation of cool air to promote energy-efficient climate control.

Veer Towers is part of CityCenter, a dazzling vertical city set on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts. A joint venture between MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World, the urban development will feature ARIA, a soaring 61-story, 4,004-room resort casino; three non-gaming hotels including Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, Vdara Hotel and The Harmon Hotel (opening 2010); approximately 2,400 luxury residences; a resident Cirque du Soleil show celebrating the legacy of Elvis Presley; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. For sales information on Veer Towers or to inquire about CityCenter residential opportunities, please call (702) 590-5999, toll-free (866) 708-7111 or visit www.CityCenter.com.

Veer Towers Construction Facts:

  • Total concrete for Veer Towers: 55,000 cubic yards
  • Floor plan square footage: 853,000 square feet of floor plate (floor area)
  • Curtain wall square footage: 326,000 square feet
  • Number of stories: 37 floors each tower
  • Both towers lean at five degree angles
  • At peak, approximately 700 construction workers will work on Veer Towers.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Raku Restaurant makes Travel and Leisure's Top 50 New USA Restaurants List

Raku has made Travel and Leisure's prestigious list of the top 50 new restaurants in the USA:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/restaurants/raku

Although there appears to be no website for this outstanding yet relatively inexpensive Japanese restaurant located somewhat inconspicuously off-strip, it's a definite Las Vegas food attraction for those who value incomparable Japanese Cuisine.

Reviews of Raku at Yelp

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

MGM Mirage and Dubai World have announced that they have secured financing to complete the CityCenter Project in Las Vegas, and that Dubai World has dropped their lawsuit against MGM Mirage.

The project is one of the most ambitious and expensive community building efforts in the world, and will create a "city within the city" of Las Vegas just off the Las Vegas Strip next to the Bellagio Hotel and across from the Planet Hollywood Complex.

MGM MIRAGE, DUBAI WORLD AND CITYCENTER’S LENDERS

REACH AGREEMENT FOR COMPLETION OF CITYCENTER

Project Receives Approval for Full Financing

Dubai World Dismisses Lawsuit Against MGM MIRAGE

LAS VEGAS, Nevada and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 29, 2009 – MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Dubai World through subsidiary Infinity World, 50/50 joint venture partners in the CityCenter project, today announced that the companies have reached an agreement on a revised joint venture agreement and also reached an agreement with CityCenter’s lenders on a comprehensive plan to fully fund the completion of CityCenter for its scheduled opening later this year.

Under the plan, Dubai World and MGM MIRAGE will fund their remaining equity contributions to CityCenter through letters of credit. In addition, CityCenter’s lenders will immediately fund the full $1.8 billion senior secured credit facility. Additionally, Dubai World will dismiss its lawsuit filed against MGM MIRAGE in Delaware Chancery Court on March 22, 2009, and Dubai World and MGM MIRAGE will exchange mutual releases.

“We are pleased that MGM MIRAGE and Dubai World, with the strong support of CityCenter’s lenders, have agreed to a comprehensive plan for the financing and completion of CityCenter,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE and Chris O’Donnell, Dubai World's Director of the CityCenter joint venture. “CityCenter is now fully funded and on track to open in December 2009,” they said.

“CityCenter will be unlike anything anyone has seen in Las Vegas or anywhere else. We are confident in the potential of CityCenter to contribute significantly to our cash flow,” said Mr. Murren. “CityCenter is a powerful engine for growth and employment in Las Vegas and Nevada. With all funding in place, we will focus, along with our partner, on planning for an exciting opening in December and continuing to book rooms and conventions. We appreciate greatly the strong support of our lenders, who share our vision as to the importance of this project to the Las Vegas community and the entire state of Nevada.”

Mr O’Donnell said, “This agreement provides a stable financial framework for one of the most exciting destination resort development projects ever to be constructed. MGM MIRAGE is the industry’s premier luxury hotel, resort and casino developer and operator. We believe CityCenter has a bright future and will benefit both the partners and the local economy, and we look forward to working with MGM management to realize that potential.”

Key terms of the various agreements include:

  • MGM MIRAGE will be responsible for completion costs to the extent net condominium proceeds are less than $243 million and for completion costs in excess of the current budget of $8.5 billion.
  • Dubai World has agreed to fully fund its original sponsor contributions to CityCenter, including $135 million in payments previously funded by MGM MIRAGE on Dubai World’s behalf. Dubai World is relieved of all completion guarantees.
  • Until the completion of CityCenter, MGM MIRAGE’s obligations with respect to additional construction costs, if any, will be supported by the assets of Circus Circus Las Vegas and certain adjacent land through a completion guarantee.
  • The CityCenter credit facility has been amended as part of the global financing plan. Such amendments include:
    • The facility will mature on June 30, 2012.
    • The interest rate margin was increased by 2.00%, though such amount is “pay in kind” through September 2010, with additional periodic margin increases through the term of the facility.
    • Condominium proceeds of up to $250 million may be used to pay for construction costs; 30% of net condominium proceeds in excess of $250 million will be applied to reduce outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, with the remaining 70% available as distributable cash upon CityCenter satisfying certain performance criteria.
    • Certain financial covenants were modified to provide CityCenter with greater flexibility during its first 18 months of operations.

Evercore Partners served as financial advisor to MGM MIRAGE and Moelis & Company and Perella Weinberg Partners served as financial advisors to Dubai World. Glaser, Weil, Fink, Jacobs, Howard & Shapiro, LLP and Morrison & Foerster served as legal advisors to MGM MIRAGE and Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP and Quinn Emanuel Urquhart, Oliver & Hedges served as legal advisors to Dubai World.

# # #

Statements in this release which are not historical facts are "forward looking" statements and "safe harbor statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including risks and/or uncertainties as described in the company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About MGM MIRAGE

MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM), one of the world's leading and most respected companies with significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 16 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in four other properties in Nevada, New Jersey, Illinois and Macau. CityCenter, an unprecedented urban metropolis on the Las Vegas Strip scheduled to open in late 2009, is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE and Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World. MGM MIRAGE Hospitality has entered into management agreements for future casino and non-casino resorts in the People's Republic of China, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. and Vietnam. MGM MIRAGE supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its properties. MGM MIRAGE has received numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative and its community philanthropy programs. For more information about MGM MIRAGE, please visit the company's website at http://www.mgmmirage.com.

About Dubai World

Dubai World is a leading global corporation focused on five strategic growth areas: Transport & Logistics, Drydocks & Maritime, Urban Development, Investment & Financial Services, and Energy & Natural Resources.

Its portfolio comprises some of the world's best known companies, including DP World, Drydocks World & Dubai Maritime City, Economic Zones World, Nakheel, Leisurecorp, and Istithmar World.

Dubai World's strategy is driven by a combination of pragmatic acquisitions and prudent investments and its corporate philosophy is based on strong fundamentals, best ethical practices and integrity.

www.dubaiworld.ae