Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi's Al Farida Investments' latest luxury hotel development in Al Ain will be operated by the Jumeirah Group, top executives said on Saturday after concluding a management agreement between both parties.
Shaikh Hamad Bin Ahmad Al Hamad, group managing director and CEO of Al Farida said The Jumeirah Al Ain Hotel will be a part of a Dh800 million mixed-use retail and hospitality project aimed at doubling the retail offering of Al Ain Mall, Al Farida's flagship property.
Shaikh Hamad signed the agreement with Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of the Jumeirah Group at Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
The construction of the project was started in 2008 and will be completed by 2011, Shaikh Hamad said.
This is Al Farida's first management agreement with Jumeirah Group, as part of pursuing the company's objective of developing Al Ain as a major tourist destination and enhancing its hospitality infrastructure, he said.
The luxury hotel will have 220 rooms, suits, lofts and chalets. "Al Farida has planned some new projects in Abu Dhabi next year," he added.
Traditionally Al Ain being a lush desert oasis, the development will serve as an oasis of luxury hospitality for the surrounding area, completing the golden triangle of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Lawless said.
"As a home-grown company in the UAE, we are pleased to see the continued investment and development of tourism and luxury hospitality throughout the country."
Four in- house restaurants and lounges within the hotel building, in addition to outdoor souks, casual dining and cafes scattered, amidst lush landscaping and showcasing spice markets, local handicrafts, home accessories, jewellery, art, oriental fabrics and rugs, surrounding a man-made lake and natural water streams ,are key features of the development.
The hotel will feature Al Ain's largest spa and wellness centre.
