The doors opened last Thursday at the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, the first international brand hotel to launch on the UAE East Coast for two decades.

Located on the two kilometre Al Aqah Beach near Dibba, the 218-room resort has a commitment to introduce the region to the world's travel industry as a top class sun, sea and soft adventure destination, according to hotel manager Patrick Antaki.

"The German and British travel trade has already greeted the news of our opening with enthusiasm, and we are delighted to welcome tourists from these countries among our first guests," he said.

"However, there is no doubt that the resort fills a need for luxury accommodation on the East Coast, and we expect UAE residents to become regular visitors to Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort too, as well as local companies who have expressed interest in holding meetings and team-building exercises here."

The hotel is a joint venture between Emirates airline and the Hotel and Resort Investment Co, and features meeting and event accommodation as well as a full range of facilities.

These include an on-site diving centre operated by Al Boom Marine, spa treatment options from the Cleopatra Beauty Rooms at the Wellness Centre, a dedicated Penguin Village for children and the UAE's largest free-form pool.