5.55 PM Friday, 29 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:56 06:10 12:26 15:53 18:37 19:52
29 March 2024

UP values Ritz hotel at Dh1.5bn

The Ritz Carlton hotel, which is based at the Dubai International Financial Centre, will be handed over to investors in May. (SUPPLIED)

Published
By Reuters

Dubai's Union Properties yesterday said its luxury Ritz Carlton hotel in Dubai could be sold for a sum close to Dh1.5 billion.

"It could be sold for a price very close to this number," the third-largest developer by market value said in a statement on Dubai's bourse website. The firm issued the statement correcting a press report which said the hotel would be sold for a price very close to Dh1.5bn. "It is a wealthy asset and a high-end hotel," said Union Properties General Manager Khalid Al Jarwan.

"If there is any requirement for sale it will be close to the amount mentioned. If it materialises it will take care of a lot of the company's expenses." In January, Credit Suisse slashed its price target for the stock to Dh0.03 from Dh0.80 and said even if Union Properties overcame its liquidity squeeze, there would not be much equity value left after meeting its debt obligations.

Union Properties Chairman Khalid bin Kalban said in January the firm's Dh6.5bn debt position, which it was due to begin paying back in 2010, is now due in 2011.

The firm said in its statement it has 5,000 units that will be transferred to its rental portfolio, which will be worth Dh500 million a year.

The Ritz Carlton hotel, which is based at the Dubai International Financial Centre, will be handed over to investors in May, Kalban said last month. The 15-storey hotel will be the second Ritz Carlton hotel in Dubai. The firm's shares were up two per cent at Dh0.5 on the Dubai Financial Market.

 

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.