Sofitel continues its expansion in the Middle East and opens the first luxury hotel to be launched by a French brand in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates: Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche.

The hotel is dedicated to Art, in resonance with this city famed for welcoming major museum projects such as the Louvre and the Guggenheim. The Wa Design Studio took its inspiration from French artists including Pierre Soulages and one of his authorized and certified painting is displayed in the lobby. Jean Cocteau lithographs are exhibited in the Corniche restaurant (photo) and two of his poems feature in the decor of the Café.

With its 282 guestrooms, the hotel has a fine location overlooking the sea, at the tip of the main island of the city. Ideally situated for business tourism, the establishment boasts a Club Millésime salon area on two floors with stunning sea views.

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is opening with six bars and restaurants: notably Corniche All Day dining where French flavours meets Middle-Eastern food. La Mer offers guests the best of Gulf seafood and Silk and Spice offers a contemporary Thai cuisine.

In 2010 the brand opened Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, followed by the first Thalassotherapy Centre in the Middle East at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq in 2011, and this latest address highlights Sofitel’s ambition to develop in the region. It also emphasises brand commitment to creating a new and original type of luxury hotel in the region, blending French traditions with the best of local culture. The next rendez-vous is scheduled for the end of 2013:  the future Sofitel Dubai Palm Jumeirah and Sofitel Dubai Burj Khalifa.