Japan plans Mideast investment boost

Dubai: The Japan Cooperation Centre for the Middle East (JCCME) yesterday unveiled plans for increased Japanese investment in the region at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2007, the region's premier travel and tourism event.

The Hotel JAL Fujeirah Resort and Spa, the first Japanese-owned hotel to open in the region, is scheduled to open in May 2007, followed by two further hotels in Dubai and Bahrain.

"As the only wholly owned Japanese global hotel chain, with 63 properties worldwide, JAL Hotels is uniquely positioned to lead Japanese industry investment in the region," said Norihisa Ishida, JAL Hotels.

"The GCC has emerged as one of the fastest growing and most profitable hotel markets in the world, with the tourism sector across the Middle East recording strong growth overall. It is our intention to pave the way in delivering the highest standards of service through a unique blend of renowned Japan-ese hospitality and local custom."

The 257-room Hotel JAL Fujeirah Resort and Spa will open in May 2007, making it the 51st hotel in the Nikko Hotels international chain.

Currently in development is the Hotel JAL Tower Dubai on Shaikh Zayed Road, scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2008 with 486 rooms and suites. A new five-star luxury resort, the Hotel JAL Bahrain Resort & Spa in the Amwaj Islands is also currently in development to be completed by 2009.