Air Arabia, the first low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it will construct a 300-room hotel at Sharjah Airport. The announcement follows the signing of a management agreement between Air Arabia and Rotana Hotels to manage this property under their innovative Centro by Rotana brand, offering affordable, superior-class accommodation and hospitality

Centro by Rotana, Sharjah Airport, will be highly distinctive, expressed through its contemporary architecture and unique living spaces. While dramatic exteriors will reflect Centro’s modern style, its crisp interiors will provide the essentials for today’s traveler, including advanced technologies.

The property, which will include both standard rooms and suites, will offer comfort and convenience for travelers passing through one of the region’s fastest-growing airports as well as for visitors to the emirate. Centro by Rotana, Sharjah Airport, will redefine the concept of affordable comfort by offering superior-class accommodation and genuine Arabian hospitality to both business and individual travelers.

Passenger traffic at Sharjah Airport increased more than 36 per cent last year, and the facility received more than 3 million passengers. Following the imminent completion of an AED 350 million expansion project, the airport will be capable of handling up to 8 million passengers a year. Air Arabia has served more than 3.4 million customers since it began operations and currently serves 35 destinations.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said:

“The construction of this new hotel is a key component in the growth of Sharjah Airport and will further enhance the range of facilities and services offered here, including a new state-of-the-art terminal and ground-handling services.”

He added: ‘In line with the growth of Air Arabia, the ongoing infrastructure upgrade at Sharjah Airport and the new hotel will ensure that customers continue to turn to Sharjah as the preferred international gateway to the UAE, Gulf and wider region.’

Adel Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: ‘The decision to set up this 300-room hotel at Sharjah Airport comes as part of Air Arabia’s strategy to grow ancillary revenues. In partnership with appointed third parties, we currently provide a portfolio of over 20,000 hotels - from budget to 5-star accommodation - in more than 3,300 cities across the globe.’

Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of Rotana Hotels, said: ‘The essence of Rotana Hotels is the diversity of its products and genuine Arabian hospitality. Signing this management agreement with Air Arabia, one of the strongest brands in the regional travel sector, makes this statement even stronger. We are extremely pleased to partner with Air Arabia and are confident that the new hotel will further improve the hospitality experience at Sharjah Airport.’

Unique features of Centro by Rotana, Sharjah Airport, include a full casual-style dining area, in-room wireless Internet connectivity and entertainment, and a range of personal amenities. This is combined with such comforts as gymnasiums and swimming pools, together with on-site business facilities such as private meeting rooms and business centres.
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