Majid Al Futtaim, Starwood Hotels unveil new Le Méridien city centre

The renovation project, which started in July 2014, aims to re-position the hotel as a key hub for driving tourism in Bahrain

Majid Al Futtaim and Starwood Hotels & Resorts  have unveiled the new Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre following an extensive transformation of all its guest rooms and public areas and the introduction of new concepts and outlets.
The renovation project, which started in July 2014, aims to re-position the hotel as a key hub for driving tourism in Bahrain in line with the Le Méridien brand's core value of connecting the curious and creative-minded traveller to unexpected and engaging experiences within their destination.
The hotel has also introduced Longitude 50, a reinterpreted lobby cafe concept by the brand. The name is derived from the destination's unique coordinates.
Longitude 50 features, the brand's innovative reinterpretation of the traditional hotel lobby into an experiential space for creative minded guests to converse, socialise and exchange.
New compelling Arrival Art has also been installed, including a luxurious map of the world made up of hundreds of pearls and an outstanding 2.5 tonne steel dhow, both homage to the island's heritage. 
Ithmaar, Tamkeen launch new scheme
Ithmaar Bank, a Bahrain-based Islamic retail bank, and Tamkeen, a semi-government organisation have announced the launch of a joint financing solution designed specifically to support private sector enterprises in the Kingdom.
The announcement follows an agreement earlier this year to add BD10 million to the enterprise finance scheme portfolio which aims to help private sector enterprises meet their financing needs and achieve their business objectives.   The new financing scheme will provide financing of up to BD500,000 to eligible private sector enterprises to help drive business growth.
Ithmaar Bank was the first Bank in Bahrain to offer SME financing with Tamkeen .
during 2007 and, with the launch of this scheme, the partnership continues to help support the sustainable growth and development of Bahrain's SMEs.
Sheraton Bahrain Hotel takes part in volunteer drive campaign
As a part of the global volunteer campaign "Together as One", organised by Starwood Hotels & Resorts that aims to make a positive impact in the communities, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel participated in various voluntary initiatives over the past two months.
In October, the hotel participated in a volunteer project called "Feed the Need" whereby visits were arranged through Michelle Bailey, the founder of Feed the Need, the organisation responsible for fridges dotted across Bahrain. Sheraton Bahrain Hotel team fills the fridges with free food and non-perishable items. 
In November, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel team have collected boxes of used clothes from its associates that has been donated to Islamic Association.
The hotel has also organised a beach clean-up at Al-Fateh Corniche on November 21, attended by over 50 associates.

• Bahrain