Hotels map out future of Palm Jumeirah

When Nakheel first announced its grand plans of opening 30 hotels on The Palm Jumeirah a few years ago, critics and cynics questioned the feasibility of such a mammoth project.

And yes, there have been setbacks and delays. Who can forget the non-starter in the form of Trump International, which was the first company to announce a delay on its project Trump International Hotel and Tower, saying the project is "on hold". Donald Trump Jr, Vice-President of the Trump Organisation, told this newspaper in 2009 that the construction on the Trump tower could restart in "two to three years" when the real estate market in Dubai stabilises.

The Palm Trump International Hotel and Tower, a joint venture between the Trump Organisation and Nakheel, was originally scheduled to open in 2009, after the project was launched in 2005. In December 2008, the company announced an indefinite delay of the project.

But what can be considered as Trump's loss can only benefit the bevy of major hotel chains that are readying to open doors on the man-made island as early as Q4 2010. The One & Only Royal Mirage, the Zabeel Saray by Rixos, The Royal Amwaj by Mövenpick and maybe even the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa are just some of the luxury chains that are entering the final phase of construction.

Emirates Business digs deep to bring you this interactive map showcasing the changing face and the future of The Palm Jumeirah.

The Fairmont –Kingdom of Sheba

Opening: Q4 2011 (Tentative)

A part of the Kingdom of Sheba hotel, residence and spa complex, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International said the Fairmont Palm Jumeirah could finally open by Q4 2011.

Fairmont's Executive Vice-President for Operations, Middle East, North Africa and Asia Pacific, David Roberts, said: "Fairmont is still very much involved in ongoing discussions with the ownership group and we are depending on them to complete the hotel. We expect it to take one year." When quizzed if hotel could be operational by Q4 2011, Roberts said: "It would be wonderful if it is open by then."

While the Phase I of the Kingdom of Sheba project was originally scheduled to open for business in 2010, Fairmont was to open in 2009/2010, according to reports. The group also has another property on the trunk of The Palm.

Kempinski Palm Jumeirah

Opening: Autumn 2010 and 2011

Confused with the two dates? Well, from what we understand, the five-star Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah, developed by EPG Hotels & Resorts, is in the last phases of delivery, to meet a launch date in Autumn 2010.

The 244 luxury suites, penthouses and villas complex will be complemented by the second hotel, the Emerald Palace Kempinski, opening 2011. Reto Wittwer, President and CEO of the group said: "Kempinski was one of the first to announce properties on Palm Jumeirah." Did you know, according to the group's MEA President, Ulrich Eckhardt, the original site for the complex is where Atlantis The Palm now stands.

Taj Exotica and Spa

Opening date: Q4 2010/Q1 2011

Estimated at a whopping Dh1.2 billion cost, The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa and The Grandeur Residences are definitely one of the most anticipated properties on The Palm.

Developed by ETA Star, both properties are being modelled as the archetypal palaces of Rajasthan. The 232-room Taj Exotica will be a five-star hotel with the largest spa in the Middle East (Jiva Spa), or so says the company statement, while the complementing residences will comprise 200 freehold fully furnished apartments and 10 beach-front villas.

The hotel was first scheduled to open in 2009, according to media reports. However, insiders now say Q4 2010 or Q1 2011. We can't wait.

Atlantis The Palm

Opening date: November 20, 2008

Who can forget the last great party of the decade, right before the recession knocked us on our heads and off our feet.

The fireworks display stretched across the full 520 kilometres of The Palm Jumeirah, lighting up the entire island and The Atlantis The Palm resort, creating a display that was even visible from space.

And the celebrity guest list simply made everyone salivate, with pop star Kylie Minogue performing, Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra rising from the stage as The Goddess of Atlantis, and other top stars including Charlize Theron, Janet Jackson, Shah Rukh Khan, Robert DeNiro and so on. The $1.5 billion (Dh5.5bn) Atlantis has enjoyed sole status on The Palm Jumeirah for nearly two years, as the only operational hotel. It will be interesting to see how this 1,539-room mammoth, which has been enjoying an average occupancy in the mid-1970s since opening, will deal with competition.

Dusit Saray

Opening date: Not known

Two years ago, amid much fanfare Al Osaimi Investments and Real Estate, a Kuwait-based developer, had announced the Dusit Emirates Saray - Palm Jumeirah Hotel Resorts and Residences.

The Dh1.5bn luxury resort, spa and residence project was targeting completion in 2010, and we hope it rings true. Comprising a Dusit Devarana, a Dusit Thani and The Residence, this one million square feet mega project will be a sight to behold.

Capturing the grandeur of traditional Indian architecture, the seven-star Dusit Devarana hotel will offer 116 rooms and suites with the world-renowned Dusit Devarana Spa. Dusit Thani will be the five-star Moroccan-themed resort, which will boast 292 rooms and suites.

Habtoor Grand Palm Resort & Spa

Opening: Q4 2010

The Habtoor Grand Palm Resort & Spa is scheduled for opening in 2010. The hospitality property will boast 217 rooms and suites, 91 luxurious apartments and four exclusive villas.

Aside from the usual hotel facilities, it will also offer a shopping arcade and leisure facilities, stretched over 2,000 square metres. The project will also feature 10 themed and signature food and beverage outlets. Among the main attractions will be a two-tier floating seafood restaurant and a rooftop fine dining restaurant.

Jumeirah Al Fattan Palm Resort

Opening: Q4 2010/Q1 2011

With a prime setting at the tip of the Crescent, Jumeirah Al Fattan Palm Resort will feature 213 luxurious rooms and suites, including 10 exclusive one bedroom over-water

villas. The hotel was scheduled to open late 2009 when it was first announced, but a Jumeirah spokesperson told Emirates Business earlier the luxury property is due for opening in end 2010 or early 2011.

Mövenpick Oceana Resort and Spa

Opening: 2011

Mövenpick Oceana Hotel and Spa is one of the other delayed properties on The Palm, which was initially scheduled to open in 2009. Guy Epsom, Business Development Director, Mövenpick Hotel Deira, told Emirates Business last year: "Yes, Oceana Hotel and Spa has been delayed from its original opening in 2009 as have many other projects in Dubai.

"We have great confidence, though, that the revised project completion dates are achievable." Epsom then announced the hotel's target was scheduled for the second quarter of 2010. However, its official website now states the 187-room property will open in 2011.

One & Only The Palm

Opening: October 10, 2010

"At Kerzner International, we pride ourselves on having met every opening target and the One & Only The Palm, Dubai, will be no exception," said Olivier Louis, Managing Director, One & Only Resorts, Dubai.

It is four years to this date that this project took off. Considered as the only boutique beach resort located on the Palm Jumeirah, it will also be the first to feature a swift and convenient water taxi transfer from one shore to another.

Blending Moorish and Andalusian architecture with contemporary, chic living environments, this low-rise resort, comprising 90 spacious guest rooms and four beach villas, will feature three dining experiences, including an exciting over-water restaurant, a DJ bar and lounge, with direct access for guests on their private yacht or boat.

The hotel is also working in close collaboration with ESPA International to offer specific wellness programmes including elements such as osteopathy and acupuncture.

The Royal Amwaj

Opening: Q4 2010

Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts will manage the five-star Asian themed The Royal Amwaj Resort & Spa, the second Mövenpick property on The Palm Jumeirah (the first being the Oceana Resort and Spa, see below).

This 296-room resort situated on the crescent of The Palm Jumeirah is now set to open in 2010, according to insiders. The project was originally scheduled for completion by Q1 2009 but was delayed due to design changes. The property will apparently also feature more than 400 condominium apartments and high-end eating outlets, including a Brazilian restaurant and a fish and seafood market..

The Essque Palm Jumeriah

Opening: 2010 (unconfirmed)

Initially launched as Tiara Hotels & Resorts, the Zabeel Investments hospitality brand adopted a new name – Essque Hotels – in 2008. The hotel was supposed to launch last year, according to a press statement issued by the developers at the time.

The property will feature 309 luxury bedrooms and suites, a spa, meeting rooms and 10 food and beverage outlets. Essque will be part of the Tiara residence project.

Zabeel Saray by Rixos

Opening: Eid Al Fitr, approximately Sep 10, 2010

The highly anticipated Zabeel Saray by Rixos is scheduled to open by end of Q3. Once in operation, it would be the second hotel on the archipelago to welcome guests after 2008's grand opening of The Atlantis The Palm.

Speaking to Emirates Business, CEO Kees Hartzuiker, said: "Zabeel Saray should open by end of Q3. We are looking at an Eid opening for the property, which falls in September this year." Will Atlantis face stiff competition? Hartzuiker's confidence provided food for thought, when he stated: "At the end of Zabeel Saray's first year of operations, we expect an average occupancy of 70 per cent at least." The 410-room hotel will open three years after ground breaking, featuring an 8,000 square metre Royal spa – one of the world's largest – with 62 treatment rooms and four hammams. Aside from high-end boutiques, the hotel will heavily focus on the entertainment side of hospitality with show arenas and movie theatres.

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