Rotana Hotels has signed an agreement with Summit Hotels to manage a 5-star property in Baghdad, Iraq, scheduled to open in early 2012.

The hotel, the first in Iraq for the luxury brand, is located within the International Green Zone, which is the heavily guarded diplomatic/government area in central Baghdad. It will feature 250 rooms and suites, Club Rotana Executive floors, several restaurants and bars, banqueting and conference facilities and complete recreational areas including Bodylines health and fitness club and a swimming pool.

Selim El Zyr, President & CEO of Rotana, said: “We are proud to have been chosen to manage this new spectacular 5-star property and our team is very excited about the opportunity to be in Baghdad for the first time. We are confident that we will introduce a new dimension of hospitality in the country. This new agreement 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.”

Rotana currently manages a portfolio of 67 properties throughout the Middle East with an aggressive expansion plans.

The brand was been recognized for its continued resounding success by attaining five awards at the 2008 World Travel Awards, the premier global awards event that promotes excellence in the travel and tourism industry.

For the second year in a row, Rotana was voted Middle East’s Leading Hotel Brand. Al Murooj Rotana was voted Dubai’s Leading Meetings Hotel, and Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa voted Middle East’s Leading Family Resort. The Beach Rotana was awarded Abu Dhabi’s Leading Beach Resort and Leading Business Hotel.

On received the awards, Mr. Selim El Zyr, President & CEO of Rotana, said: “All credit goes to the hard work and dedication of our Rotana Team which continually exceeds the expectations of our guests, as evidenced by these awards. With thousands of votes cast by noteworthy industry professionals across the globe, we are honored to win five awards this year”.
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