Two new hotels will appear on the Dubai skyline in 2007 and will be controlled by a Singapore-based hospitality management and investment group, a company official said.
Banyan Tree Holidings' entry in the Arab world is part of a long-term strategy for growth in the region, said Ho Kwon Ping, the firm's executive chairman.
"The Middle East, and in particular Dubai, offers an abundance of cultural and natural resources, making the region an ideal tourist destination and in turn a sound business investment on our part.
"We have unveiled our expansion plans in the region with the ultimate goal of building the brand and strengthening our portfolio," he said.
Banyan Tree will manage the properties, without equity partnership, officials said.
"Dubai's success is critical for the future of the Middle East. Dubai is an example for the Middle East. It also shows how various cultures can co-exist," Ho Kwon Ping said, according to Gulf News.
The first hotel, a 50-villa resort called Banyan Tree Resort and Spa, will be located at Jumeirah Beach and will cover 650 metres of beachfront.
The hotel will be adjacent to the Jumeirah Beach Residence and will be developed by Dubai Properties. The project is now in the design stage.
The second, a 150-room business hotel named Banyan Tree Hotel, is being developed on Shaikh Zayed Road, close to Dubai Media City and is being developed by Muzoon Holdings. The project is also currently in the design stage.
A third hotel is under construction in Morocco.
On Monday, the group launched its operations in the region by formally opening its flagship spa brand, Angsana Spa, at Dubai Marina.
This spa forms part of a network of 12 projects currently in various stages of development in the Middle East and North Africa region. These include the three hotels, eight spas and a women's health and wellness centre in Kuwait, officials said.
Of the eight spas, four will be located in four Emaar Properties residential communities Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, Arabian Ranches and Montgomerie Golf Course.
