Rotana to double portfolio by 2010
Rotana Hotels has announced it will double the size of its portfolio with 53 properties to open by 2010.This expansion came as a result of 11 new management agreements signed by Rotana Hotels for new properties in Jordan, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, in addition to the 17 properties, which are currently under construction and 25 currently in operation.
“Year after year, Rotana Hotels is gaining strength and is imposing its position as the leader in the industry within the region. This is part of our strategic aim to have a property located in every key city in the Middle East and this goal is being steadily achieved through careful long-term planning and timely action” said Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of Rotana Hotels during the press conference held at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites for this announcement.
“The new properties will not only expand our portfolio in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Qatar but will also introduce Rotana Hotels into new markets such as Oman”, explained Selim El Zyr, President & CEO of Rotana Hotels.
Kicking off within the United Arab Emirates, Rotana Hotels will have an additional seven properties:
The first hotel to open in 2009 follows the signing of a management agreement between Air Arabia and Rotana Hotels to manage this property under the innovative brand Centro by Rotana Sharjah Airport consisting of a 300-room hotel at Sharjah Airport.
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In Ras Al Khaimah, Rotana Hotels will be managing the seafront five-star Mina Al Arab Rotana Resort, which was signed with RAK Properties, the premier Real Estate company in Ras Al Khaimah. The Luxurious Mina Al Arab Rotana Resort, which is due to open in 2009, will offer 400 rooms and suites all with stunning views of the white pristine sand beach in addition to an array of restaurants, cafés and entertainment for both resort guests and residents of the community.
“Mina Al Arab Rotana Resort will be Rotana Hotels’ second property in Ras Al Khaimah following last year’s signing of The Cove Rotana Resort & Spa, due to open early 2008”, said El Zyr.
Also in the United Arab Emirates, Rotana Hotels will be managing their first Suites property in Al Ain, Hili Rotana Suites, opening in 2009 and offering 200 luxurious rooms and suites in the relaxed settings of the garden city of the Gulf.
In Abu Dhabi, an agreement for the sale of 809,000 square feet of beach front was signed between Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and its asset-management arm Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of Rotana Hotels. The five-star Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Spa, which will be designed with a distinctly themed atmosphere, will be built on the secludedSaadiyat Beach - one of six districts of the island. The luxury Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Spa will have a 350-room upscale hotel, a private stretch of beach, a variety of Food & Beverage outlets with meeting & Conference facilities in addition to a Spa and a fully equipped Bodylines Health & Fitness Club.
“The whole Saadiyat Beach concept is one which will have great appeal, particularly among European tourists who are looking for the kind of excellent sea-facing destinations the island represents. Design briefs for the resort have now been issued with criteria of including subtle elements which reflect the unique culture of the UAE. We have appointed an architect and the construction will begin around the middle of 2007 with the aim of opening towards mid 2009,” explained Al Nowais.
Further a field, Rotana Hotels has signed three management agreements, which will be part of the newly launched Capital Centre, the new name and brand for the AED eight-billion (£1.9 billion) business and residential micro-city built around the iconic Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in the UAE capital.
“Capital Centre, which includes an unmatched, best-of-breed exhibition multiplex, attracts businesses, international event organisers, exhibitors and visitors from all over the world, thus driving Capital Centre’s tremendous investment potential. 2010 will see the opening of three properties to be managed by Rotana Hotels; a four-star 300-room hotel, a 200-room suites property and a 300-room Centro by Rotana”, commented El Zyr.
Capital Centre will also feature a commercial zone, a marina, bustling outdoor cafés, retail, restaurants and premier residences, creating a vibrant business and lifestyle destination for residents and visitors alike.
As a result of the country’s major business and tourism drive, Rotana Hotels will be operating their second property in Qatar, the four-star Doha Airport Rotana Hotel, which is expected to be operational in 2009. The 400 room four-star hotel will offer a wide variety of food and beverage venues, ballrooms and flexible meeting rooms, state-of-the art business services and recreation facilities.
Jordan is Rotana Hotels’ next leap with the signing of their second property with Abdali Investment and Development PSC and the introduction of the Suites brand with Boulevard Rotana Suites. The property, which will open in 2009, will feature 400 suites and will be located in the heart of the new downtown, Abdali, which is the largest, single vacant plot in the centre ofAmman spanning 35 hectares or 350,000sqm.
Centro by Rotana - Sohar will be Rotana Hotels step into Oman, which will open in 2009 with 300 rooms.
Also in Oman, the company will operate its second property through the strategic alliance signed between Rotana Hotels and Orascom for Hotels & Development for the new management contract of Salalah Rotana Resort.
The 5-star Salalah Rotana Resort will be operational in early 2010 and will offer a 400-room hotel, which stands in the coastal town of Salalah, in the sultanate of Oman.
“With tourism and business traveller in-flow on the increase we are uniquely placed to meet their needs. Our product offering is exceptionally strong, our properties are in the right locations and our level of service much sought after. Development of the brand is rigorously planned and meticulously managed across all operations - simultaneously evoking confidence and trust among property owners, and creating satisfying experiences for corporate and leisure travellers alike. Rotana Hotels continues to develop awareness of its brand while maintaining uniformity in its exemplary presentation and performance”, concluded El Zyr.
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