Hundreds of delegates from the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) celebrated amid the splendour of the new Armani Hotel Dubai last night, as the Burj Khalifa property stepped out onto the world stage.

With industry leaders in town ahead of tonight’s World Travel Awards, the hotel took the opportunity to shine, offering guests a new definition of luxury.

The location is the first by fashion designer Giorgio Armani, and offers a further boost to the emirate’s recent economic resurgence.

Armani Hotel Dubai is the first in a string of planned properties to be built in collaboration with Dubai’s Emaar Properties.

The unprecedented luxury hospitality venture is in every way Armani, with each element personally designed by the fashion legend in his trademark minimalist style.

Following the opening Mr Armani said: “My ambition for Armani Hotel Dubai – the first of a collection of Armani hotels, resorts and residences that will soon circle the world – is to celebrate comfort and style by providing the highest standards of design, hospitality and service.”

Giorgio Armani designed each element of the new hotel

The Emaar-Armani collaboration – initiated in 2005 - is set to follow the Dubai opening with the Armani Hotel Milano in 2011.

Other projects include Armani’s first resort, to be located in Marrakech, and Armani residences villas in Marassi, Egypt.

Designer luxury at the Armani Hotel Dubai

Emaar Properties chairman Mohamed Alabbar explained the opening of Armani Hotel Dubai would set a new benchmark in luxury hospitality globally.

“The hotel brings together two global competencies – the project management capabilities of Emaar and the superior aesthetics defined by Giorgio Armani.

“Armani Hotel Dubai will further also establish Burj Khalifa as one of the world’s unmatched luxury destinations,” added Mr Alabbar.

Armani Hotel Dubai will be home to eight unique dining experiences, as well as Armani/Privé - an upscale lounge, home to the world’s largest LCD screen and costing at least 3,000 dirhams per visit.

Armani Hotel Dubai occupies the first 39 floors of Burj Khalifa

The world’s first in-hotel Armani/SPA will offer 12,000 square feet of wellness, where guests can enjoy treatment rooms, thermal suites, a fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel – where a standard room will cost 4,000 dirhams a night - will be home to the Armani/Dolci chocolates store; florist Armani/Fiori; and Armani/Galleria, showcasing select couture accessories.

Head over to Armani Hotels & Resorts for more information.