Marriott Hotels has hosted a spectacular event to celebrate the grand opening of the Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Downtown Abu Dhabi.

Over 400 special guests gathered in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom for a memorable celebration that showcased the property, the hotel’s three restaurant outlets, spectacular live entertainment and Marriott Hotel’s unique perspective on travel.

Earlier in the afternoon, Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi hosted a press conference in the hotel’s presidential suite to officially mark the opening, led by David Lance, general manager, Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi and joined by special guests, Alex Kyriakidis, president, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International and Sameh Muhtadi, chief executive, Bloom Holding.

Kyriakidis said: “On behalf of Marriott International we are extremely proud to be opening our first Marriott Hotel – Marriott’s flagship brand – in the UAE’s capital, along with our first Marriott Executive Apartments.

“We are excited to be opening at a time when the UAE continues to exceed expectations with its economic growth.

“With Abu Dhabi too staying firm on its growth path, we feel confident that our two unique product offerings can provide for an increasing number of business and leisure travellers to the capital.”

The five-star Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi is an exciting new travel destination that exhilarates the mind through a marriage of sophisticated design and innovative functionality.

Some 315 spacious guest rooms and suites feature modern amenities and smart technologies throughout while the hotel’s extensive meeting space is tailored to today’s meeting requirements, bringing to life Marriott’s signature meetings concept, “Meetings Imagined”.

Supplemented by a prime location in the heart of the business district, unique dining options such as JW Steakhouse, Velocity and Kuzbara, and a range of wellness options including the Saray Spa & Health Club and a rooftop swimming pool, Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi is poised to become a local hub for business and leisure as well as a global MICE destination.

The Marriott Executive Apartments Downtown Abu Dhabi appeals to both business travellers and families with 64 fully serviced one, two and three bedroom apartments offering the space, ambience and privacy of residential living together with a five-star hotel service and facilities, enabling a comfortable stay away from home.