Dubai: Luxury hotelier Jumeirah Group will launch six properties next year, bringing over 1,900 rooms and villas to the tourism sector as it grows outside its home country.
Part of Dubai Holding, the hotel group is increasing its international footprint and posing greater competition to global hotel brands.
On Monday, the company said it won a management deal for Zabeel Saray, Jumeirah Group's first property located on its namesake Palm Island in Dubai. Opening next month, the beachfront property will comprise 405 luxury rooms and suites; and 38 villas.
Elegant, culturally rich
"The opening of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah will be an elegant and culturally rich addition to the Jumeirah portfolio and sets the stage for a remarkable series of new luxury hotels flying the Jumeirah flag to emerge over the coming months," a company spokesperson said.
In a recent media report, Executive Chairman Gerald Lawless said the company has its eyes on China and now Qatar and plans to take a piece of the pie.
Within the next few months, the operator will launch its first property under the new brand name Venu — a futuristic lifestyle hotel in Shanghai.
The Venu Himalayas Hotel Shanghai will have 400 rooms. The Jumeirah Group signed management agreements for properties in Qiandaohu, China for an 89 room and villa resort owned by Luihe Group scheduled to open in 2014.
Next year will see two Jumeirah-managed properties in the Maldives. This includes Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, a 22-villa resort that will come on the market in the first quarter of 2011.
Additionally, the Jumeirah Vittaveli resort of about 90 villas and suites in South Male is scheduled for March next year.
"Following a robust performance in 2010, especially in our beachside properties, we are looking forward to opening a series of new luxury hotels in 2011," a Jumeirah Group spokesperson said.