The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has announced an agreement with Abu Dhabi National Hotels to operate a waterfront hotel in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Set amid beautifully landscaped gardens with its own private beach overlooking the Grand Canal, the hotel is expected to open later this year.

Designed by Otak International, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal will feature 447 luxurious guestrooms and suites, as well as 85 villas. 

Inspired by the 15th to early 17th century Renaissance architecture and the urban planning of the city of Venice, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi consists of ten stately buildings arranged in a crescent formation, completely with artfully designed water features throughout the 220,000 square meter property.

“We are delighted to be bringing The Ritz-Carlton renowned levels of hospitality to the power capital of the United Arab Emirates,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. 

“The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal hotel will be a welcome landmark, and together with the owning company Abu Dhabi National Hotels, we will create a prestigious luxury hotel that will be the highlight of the new waterfront development.”

H.E. Salem Mohamed Athaith Al Ameri, chairman of Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company stated: “Our partnership with a world-class hospitality group such as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company solidifies our plans for ADNH’s growth and reinforces our concrete development strategy.

“We also believe that this progress is an additional foundation to build on and support the momentous programme initiated by the government of Abu Dhabi to serve the tourism industry of the capital and the UAE as a whole.”

A key highlight of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi is the one and two-bedroom villas, each ranging from size of 90 to 130 square meters, and complete with spacious outdoor terraces and personalized butler service. 

The hotel will also feature The Ritz-Carlton Club, a private floor accessible only by elevator key and offering five complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day and dedicated concierge service.

The culinary journey at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi is an odyssey of dining experiences that will suit every discerning palate. 

The hotel’s all-day dining Italian restaurant features a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens; the steak and seafood restaurant offers specialty cuisine in a stylish and contemporary setting; the Middle East restaurant showcases the very best in the region’s cooking, and, the Asian restaurant will whet the appetites for all things spicy, authentic and Oriental. 

For those who enjoy a more casually luxurious experience, there is a rooftop terrace, two poolside bars, and a Lobby Lounge and bar, all of which offer guests a great selection of drinks and bite-sized meals.

As the perfect setting for society weddings, high-level conferences, special social events and luxury product launches, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi provides 2,040 square meters of flexible space, including a magnificent 1,500-square meter ballroom that is divisible by three, along with an additional 11 meeting rooms.

Leisure travelers will enjoy the all-encompassing spa which will provide holistic rejuvenation and relaxation in a serene, meditative setting. 

Managed by ESPA, the 2,000 square meter spa with its own separate entrance, will offer 20 private treatment rooms as well as a fully-quipped fitness centre, outdoor tennis courts, and other heat and water experiences. 

A major scene-stealer will be the massive 1,600 square meter outdoor swimming pool that accentuates the stunning landscape of the hotel.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal will be the company’s third hotel in the United Arab Emirates.