Abu Dhabi: R Hotels, the hospitality management division of the Ajman-based R Holding, announced on Sunday a Dh500 million investment in a Sharia-compliant four-star resort and spa at Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
The property is set for launch in the fourth quarter of 2016, and will be the group’s sixth one, as well the first of its kind in the area.
Located on the East Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the new property will feature 259 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, and recreational facilities including a spa, gym, and swimming pool, among others, the company said in a statement.
Being Sharia-compliant means the resort will offer segregated facilities for men and women, and will not offer any alcohol.
Christopher Hewett, senior consultant at TRI Hospitality Consulting, said such properties cater to guests from the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Countries) region, particularly Saudi Arabia, which is Dubai’s largest source market.
“Dubai also has visitors from Indonesia, Malaysia, and other Muslim countries around the world, so there is always going to be demand for this type of product. We think the market has got opportunities for more supply to come in, and really cater to the needs of these visitors,” he said.
Hewett added that he expected halal tourism in Dubai to grow as the market is strong.
R Holding recently announced its fifth hotel, which is expected to open in the second quarter of 2015 in Jumeirah. The new properties are part of the group’s Dh1.5 billion investment plan announced in 2013.
R Hotels currently owns and manages four properties in the UAE, which include Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman, and Ramada Downtown Dubai.
