Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is to get a major five-star beachfront business resort on the Creek separating the island city from the mainland, following a partnership between infrastructure developer Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and The Al Fahim Group – one of Abu Dhabi’s largest holding companies.
“The Al Fahim Group has a proven track record in the hospitality industry and our partnership underlines growing private sector willingness to embrace our ambitions of catering to three million tourists by 2015 through infrastructure investment required to realise the economic diversification vision of the Abu Dhabi Government and its Rulers,” said His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, TDIC.
“Being ideally located on the main road linking the capital’s central business district with Abu Dhabi International Airport and given its proximity to the new Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, this will be a landmark destination for local, regional and international business travellers.”
To be built at a cost of AED 800 million the hotel will have 369 guest rooms, conference and meeting facilities with 12,000 square metres of break-out space, meeting rooms and a garden function area, a range of food and beverage outlets, recreation facilities and extensive car parking. A cluster of 19 luxury residential serviced villas, each planned around a central pool, will flank the hotel complex.
“The hotel has been designed in response to market demands and trends and, given its location, will quickly become a destination catering specifically to the business traveller, convention traffic and visitors looking for high quality amenities,” said His Excellency Saeed A.J. Al Fahim, Chairman, The Al Fahim Group.
Designed by 4D Design of Germany, the hotel, which is due to open in the third quarter of 2008, will deliver a striking backdrop to the rejuvenated Creek beachfront vista when viewed from Maqtaa Bridge – the main gateway to the capital city.
“Design elements deliver clean lines and simple forms to create a confident and contemporary response to the demands of business travellers with all rooms having well defined spaces for work and relaxation,” explained HE Saeed Al Fahim. “The use of water is extensive both outdoors and indoors to ensure an atmosphere of serenity and calm. The entire façade will be lit up at night to serve as a business beacon at the very entry of the city.”
Expansive gardens and avenues of trees complemented by cascading water walls have been incorporated into the design to enhance the arrivals experience.
The hotel will have a lobby-level bakery café, an all-day dining restaurant, a signature dining outlet, themed restaurants and a terrace refreshment area. Individual luxury spa facilities for men and women will complement the wellness offering which also boasts a gymnasium and beauty parlour. The hotel will also have an outdoor terrace pool and roof-top tennis court.
The hotel is set on a two-storey podium with guest rooms housed in a nine-storey tower. Rooms will offer beach or garden views.
