Rotana Hotels to open two five-star Dubai properties

Abu Dhabi-based hotel operator Rotana Hotels, Resorts and Suites is opening two five-star hotels involving a combined investment of Dh1 billion, this summer in Dubai.

Rotana, which has become a regional brand with 19 properties under its management, recently signed a contract to operate 13 more properties. This will take the number of hotels managed by Rotana to 32 by 2007, a senior Rotana official said.

Last year, the company announced 10 new hotel projects, to be opened between 2004 and 2006 and being being built at a cost of Dh1.8 billion. These 10 hotels will add 2,500 guest-rooms to the group's then existing portfolio of 17 hotels containing 3,500 rooms.

Rotana opened the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel, comprising 253 luxurious rooms and suites as well as 147 fully equipped and serviced apartments, this month.

Developed by Dubai International Real Estate, the project is located between the Dubai International Financial Centre and the site of the world's tallest tower, Burj Dubai, and faces Dubai Mall, conceived as the world's largest shopping mall.

"This is one of the prime pieces of architecture and has been well positioned to support Dubai's rapidly growing tourism industry," said Emad W. Elias, executive vice-president of Rotana Hotels, Resorts and Suites.

"The complex has a water fountain and two floating restaurants as well as a large banquet hall to accommodate 800 guests, 1,000 car parking facilities as well as the region's largest coffee shop, capable of serving 600 guests at a time."

A number of food and beverage outlets compliments the complex which also has a furnished office complex.

"We have an understanding with the Department of Economic Development to offer full services to business travellers who can conduct business from these furnished offices and we can get instant permission for them to run businesses," Elias said.

In Dubai, Rotana operates 10 hotels with approximately 2,400 rooms.

Rotana Group generated revenues of $130 million (Dh478.4 million) in 2003, up 30 per cent from $100 million (Dh368 million) in 2002. Last year revenues were expected to cross $145 million (Dh533.6 million).

Daniel Hajjar, Rotana's sales and marketing director, said: "We achieved record results in 2004, with revenues exceeding those of 2003 by 35 per cent and average occupancy reaching 82 per cent [up 7 per cent over 2003], but our focus on development is an ongoing process."