Fairmont Hotels to expand in the region

The Fairmont Dubai project on Sheikh Zayed Road represents the first step in a strategic alliance between the private office of Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts of the U.S. to build and operate a number of luxury hotels in the region.

"The Fairmont Dubai will be a landmark facility," said Stephen Banks, the hotel's recently appointed regional director of sales and marketing. "In fact, the hotel's architecture has already done well to assist the landmark distinction due to its Barajeel design, based on a traditional wind tower."

Pedestrian access to the exhibition and convention complex is provided by a walkway - The Fairmont Walkway - over the Sheikh Zayed Road, a bonus for hotel guests and the first such overhead crossing to open.

Fairmont Dubai aims to bring "a mix of heritage and cutting edge hospitality to Dubai, Banks added, offering service standards and deluxe interiors that will stand above the competition."

The 34-storey, 393-room hotel comprises business and leisure features, including 128 suites, 12 restaurants and lounges; a 40,000 square foot spa and health club with gym, treatment rooms, saunas and jacuzzis, and a dedicated aerobics area, plus a rooftop sundeck with two hand-crafted mosaic-lined pools.

For business guests, it has a dedicated second-floor business centre - The Fairmont Exch-ange - with 40 workstations and feature rooms equipped with 'smart walls', electronic whiteboards, VCR capabilities and complete audio systems.

In addition, the 33rd floor auditorium has 224 ergonomic seats and high-speed Internet access, as well as rear screen projection.

For longer-stay visitors, the hotel complex also includes 115 two- and three-bedroom furnished apartments for lease.

Banks confirmed that he is working closely with Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, tourism partners, and neighbouring businesses and hotels to further consolidate Sheikh Zayed Road as a centre for international business and conferences.

"In addition to our role catering to the needs of the business traveller, we also take pride in being known as a hub for local gatherings. We are at the heart of the community here in Dubai."