Dusit International has signed a franchise agreement with Al Masar Hotel Management to upgrade the former Dusit Residence Dubai Marina to the Dusit Princess Residences Dubai Marina.

Located at the marina, the 146-key property is currently being refurbished and will comprise serviced apartments, holiday homes and residential units in a choice of one-, two- or three-bedroom configurations.

It is expected to reopen later this month.

Dubai Marina is a popular tourist destination and residential area just off the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, which includes Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village.

Designed to facilitate business and leisure, the upgraded property will feature meeting facilities, a fully equipped gym, a spa, a wellness-focused restaurant serving healthy and organic foods, and a bakery.

Damac metro and tram stations, the Marina Mall and the Beach Mall are all within walking distance.

Attractions such as Mall of Emirates, Ski Dubai, Ibn Battuta Mall, Emirates Golf Club, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Park and Wild Wadi Water Park can all be reached in ten minutes by car.

The Dubai World 2020 Expo site is also only a short drive away.

“We are delighted to sign this franchise agreement with Al Masar Hotel Management for Dusit Princess Residences Dubai Marina,” said Lim Boon Kwee, chief operating officer, Dusit International.

“The comfort and convenience of the Dusit Princess brand, and the property’s prime location, make it an attractive proposition for anyone looking for a short- or long-term base in the city, especially with the Dubai Expo 2020 coming up.”

Dusit Princess Residences Dubai will be the third Dusit-branded property in Dubai, following Dusit Thani Dubai and dusitD2 Kenz.

A fourth Dusit-branded property, Dusit Princess Rijas, is slated to open in 2020.