AccorHotels has announced the signing of an agreement with Al Ghurair, one of the Middle East’s leading family businesses, for the rebrand of a landmark property consisting of 428 rooms and 192 apartments located at Al Ghurair Centre Complex.

Both properties will be managed as part of the Group’s upper-upscale Swissôtel & Swissôtel Living portfolio, representing the brand’s first foray into the United Arab Emirates.

Located within Deira, the hotel and residences offer access to the iconic Al Ghurair Centre – one of Dubai’s original upscale shopping centres, which recently completed an AED1.8 billion expansion.

The hotel and apartments will be managed by AccorHotels before transitioning to Swissôtel & Swissôtel Living by end of 2017 when the first phase of soft refurbishment is completed.

Sami Nasser, chief operating officer, luxury brands, AccorHotels Middle East, said: “The Al Ghurair family plays a leading role in driving Dubai’s growth as a global destination, and as such, the iconic Al Ghurair Centre is the best location to debut the city’s first Swissôtel & Swissôtel Living.

“Through this rebrand, we are bringing a new travel experience that is full of energy, passion and vitality - all part of the Swissôtel brand DNA – to the revitalisation of Old Dubai.”

Al Ghurair Hotel and Al Ghurair Living feature 428 spacious guest rooms and suites and 192 serviced apartments, respectively. 

Guests and residents can experience local and international dining offerings at three restaurants and lounges including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a lobby lounge. 

The hotel also offers more than 800 m2 of meeting space, including six fully equipped meeting rooms and two ballrooms, offering visitors an array of venues for events and gatherings of all sizes. 

For those seeking rejuvenation after a day of shopping or exploration, an outdoor swimming pool, health club and spa, and squash and tennis courts provide a welcome respite.

Sultan Al Ghurair, chief executive, Al Ghurair Properties, said: “This landmark agreement, in partnership with AccorHotels, reflects Al Ghurair’s commitment to working with best-in-class service providers and to attracting new brands to the UAE. 

“The Al Ghurair Centre comprises of over 350 retail, dining and entertainment outlets, attracting more than 21 million visitors a year. 

“With the rebrand of our hospitality offering, we are proud to include international brands such as Swissôtel & Swissôtel Living as part of the Al Ghurair Centre experience.”