Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hotel group and member of Dubai Holding, has signed a management agreement with Abu Dhabi’s Al Farida Investments Company to manage the Jumeirah Al Ain, a new 5 star luxury hotel located in the heart of Al Ain city.

Scheduled to open in 2011, Jumeirah Al Ain will be part of the Al Ain Mall, a distinctive landmark currently under re-development. This exciting development is set to put the emerging destination on the map as a tourism centre alongside fellow Emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain is also known as the ‘Garden City’ due to its wealth of greenery and desert oasis setting. Key features of the cosmopolitan site will include an Arabian inspired souk and traditional spice market, with a variety of casual dining concepts and cafes scattered amidst lush landscaping in keeping with the local environment. The tranquility of the site will be enhanced by themed waterways accessible by abra, in recognition of the traditional Arabian water transport.

The Jumeirah Al Ain, comprising of 220 well-appointed guestrooms and suites as well as luxury chalets and lofts, will adjoin the Al Ain Mall through a span of newly developed high end retail outlets. Features of the hotel itself will include four unique dining and entertainment venues, as well as an exemplary spa center, for the exclusive indulgence of guests and members.

Meetings and events will also be well catered for by what will be Al Ain’s largest fully serviced banqueting hall, capable of accommodating over 1400 guests and delegates at one time, and a state-of-the-art conference centre to exceed the expectations of the most discerning event organisers.

The structural design and interior décor of Jumeirah Al Ain will be inspired by the traditional Arabian hospitality experience, with an emphasis on luxurious comfort, quality and style. Architect firm, Creative International, will design the hotel’s unique structure; internal design will be provided by the world-renowned KCA International, the same team responsible for the iconic interior of Jumeirah Group’s flagship property, Burj Al Arab, the World’s Most Luxurious Hotel, recognised as a symbol of Dubai.

H.E. Sheikh Hamed Bin Ahmed Al Hamed said: “By joining hands with Jumeirah Group, Al Farida Investments is pursuing its objective of developing Al Ain as a major tourist destination and enhancing its hospitality infrastructure. The Jumeirah Al Ain Hotel is a natural complement to the well established Al Ain Mall, turning this integrated, mixed-use development into a truly authentic leisure, retail & luxury hotel destination”.

“We are proud to be working with Al Farida Investment Company on the ground-breaking redevelopment of Al Ain Mall, which will help to put Al Ain on the world map. Traditionally, Al Ain has always been a lush desert oasis, and we are hoping that this development will also serve as an oasis of luxury hospitality for the surrounding area, completing the golden triangle of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.” Commented Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group, “As a home grown company in the UAE, we are pleased to see the continued investment and development of tourism and luxury hospitality throughout the country. Jumeirah Al Ain will be a welcome local addition to Jumeirah Group’s diverse portfolio as we continue to expand around the world,” he added.

See all Jumeirah Group World Travel Awards winners here:
Burj Al Arab - 2009 Middle East’s Leading Hotel, 2009 UAE’s Leading Hotel, 2009 Dubai’s Leading Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel - 2009 Dubai’s Leading Resort
Emirates Towers - 2009 Middle East’s Leading Business Hotel, 2009 Dubai’s Leading Business Hotel
Madinat Jumeirah - 2009 UAE’s Leading Resort, 2009 Dubai’s Leading Conference Hotel
Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Jumeirah Carlton Tower - 2006 England’s Leading Business Hotel
Jumeirah Essex House