Swiss-Belhotel Acquires Former Palace in UAE

Swiss-Belhotel International has opened a hotel in a heritage building on the shores of the Persian Gulf that was originally built as a palace for the Abu Dhabi ruler.

The Swiss-Belresort Ghantoot, a four-star resort with its own sandy beach on the blue waters of a marina, is just 20-25 minutes from the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.

The resort is well suited to families with activities such as water scooters, banana boats and donut boats, as well as a large swimming pool surrounded with sun beds, umbrellas and furnished wooden cabanas and a separate children's pool and kids club.

The former palace also offers a health club with squash courts, fully equipped state-of-the-art gymnasium facilities, table tennis, billiards and rooms for steam, sauna and Jacuzzi with massages provided by expert therapists.

"One of the great aspects of Swiss-Belresort Ghantoot is that guests have convenient access to one of the world's most vibrant and exciting destinations in Dubai while still being able to enjoy the rich Arabian culture in a resort setting. It truly is a one destination, two cities experience," said Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Swiss-Belhotel International Chairman and President. "Swiss-Belhotel International is in the midst of an exciting period of growth in the Middle East, with three more hotels set to be launched before the end of next year. And our growing footprint there is matched by our global progress."