Emirates to Build New Five Star Hotel in Dubai

Emirates is embarking on yet another large-scale capital investment, only this time it’s not an order for more aircraft. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates, disclosed during a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market last week that General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, has approved plans for the construction by the airline of a new 5-star, Dhs 800 million (US $218 million) luxury hotel in Dubai.

In announcing the launch of the new 70-storey, 350 metres high building on Sheikh Zayed Road, which will be among the world’s five tallest hotels, and also one of the largest in the U.A.E., Sheikh Ahmed thanked the Crown Prince for his support of Emirates' initiative and stressed the significance of the new landmark building as another contribution of the airline towards realising Sheikh Mohammed's vision of turning Dubai into one of the world's top business and tourist centres.

Contemporary and futuristic in its design, the Emirates hotel will break new architectural ground with cantilever rooms and over 50 sky terraces. When completed in 2008, it is certain to stand apart with its distinctive elevation in a stepped form, encased in a glass and aluminium exterior.

The hotel will offer 560 deluxe rooms, 112 suites and one Presidential suite, each giving guests a panoramic view of Dubai, including some of its most prestigious projects, such as the Burj Dubai, Business Bay and the Dubai Financial Centre.

Commenting on the new initiative, Sheikh Ahmed said, “Last year Dubai hosted 5.4 million visitors - an increase of almost nine per cent over the year before, and the number is expected to treble by the end of this decade. Dubai’s infrastructure must be prepared for this huge expansion in tourist arrivals, and the Emirates new hotel is our contribution to the city’s efforts to meet the forecast demand for more hotel rooms. 

He added, “Dubai today is not only the leading hub of the Middle East region, it is also fast becoming a truly international business and leisure centre. It has been voted as the world’s best conference venue, and the 670-plus rooms of the new Emirates hotel will help to support Dubai’s stature as a major financial center. We also are committed to using it to enhance the Emirates reputation for outstanding customer service.”

With a huge, 25,000 square feet Health Club, guests will have ample opportunity to get in shape at the ultra-modern, state-of-the-art gymnasium or unwind at the relaxing spa. Entertainment facilities and common areas also will include a shopping boulevard, 15 food and beverage outlets and a roof top bar on the 69th floor of the building.

Emirates is not new to the hospitality industry. It owns, manages and operates the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa; a conservation-based resort set in a 225 square kilometre nature reserve. Winner of National Geographic’s World Legacy Award 2004, and judged ‘The Best Resort in Africa/Middle East 2002’ by Condé Nast, Al Maha offers 40 luxurious suites in the heart of the desert.

Emirates also owns the 218-room Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, situated on a superb stretch of the private Al Aqah Beach, in the picturesque emirate of Fujairah. The resort is particularly popular as a family holiday destination.

2004 Dubai Hotel Statistics

- In 2004, a total of 5,420,724 guests checked in at Dubai’s 276 hotels and 95 hotel apartments, vs. 4,980,228 in the previous year.
- United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Iran, India and U.A.E were the top five source markets. 
- Guest nights grew by 22.2 per cent, with Dubai properties logging over 15.2 million guest nights. 
- The average length of stay jumped 12.3 per cent to reach 2.80 days.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Dubai, Arabian Travel Market, Emirates