Work starts on Dh1bn hotel in Abu Dhabi

(SUPPLIED)   

Work has started on a Dh1 billion five-star hotel being built by the National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels (NCT&H) at the Capital Centre development.

The Abu Dhabi-based corporation hosted a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of piling and excavation works on the 724-room hotel, which, it said, would be built to the highest international standards. NCT&H owns the Danat Hotels and Resorts luxury brand.

“We have decided to build the hotel at Capital Centre, the largest project in Abu Dhabi, to cater to the growing demand for rooms,” said Deputy Managing Director Fahad Ahmed Al Awadi.

“Situated on the prime Al Khaleej Al Arabi coastal road and adjacent to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the property will be one of Abu Dhabi’s largest hotel and conference facilities when it opens in 2010.

“NCT&H is also planning to launch premier tourism developments to meet the rapid growth in the travel industry as well as meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector in Abu Dhabi in particular and the UAE in general.

“This investment by NCT&H is yet another indication of the strength of our commitment to Abu Dhabi as a global capital.

“Furthermore, this property promises to become an icon for Abu Dhabi’s development as a multi-dimensional destination for tourism, trade and business,” said Al Awad.

Ahmed Humaid Al Mazrouei, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company, said the hotel would fit in with the Abu Dhabi Government’s plans to develop and upgrade the hospitality sector, which has become one of the UAE’s key sectors.

“The significance of the hotel is derived from its excellent location in the capital, which will allow it to provide luxury hotel rooms for businessmen and delegates participating in conferences and exhibitions all-year round,” he said.

Walid Nicolas Harouni, NCT&H’s Director of Hotel Operations, said: “This large hotel is one of four mega-developments we are planning to carry out in Abu Dhabi over the next four years.

The project will add a much-needed luxury-class hotel to satisfy vibrant demand for rooms and cope with the tourism boom witnessed by Abu Dhabi.

“Designed by RMJM, an award-winning international leader in design and architecture, the concept will include state-of-the-art elements with an emphasis on space and light. The design will maximise the coastal views that the 10,360 square metres plot will provide.”

Nasser Al Rayami, Director of Licensing and Classification at the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, said: “We are pleased that this hotel meets five-star standards. We commend NCT&H for its active role in the development of the tourism sector in Abu Dhabi through the establishment of facilities, while delivering luxury hotel accommodation matching the high standard of tourism services in Abu Dhabi.”

The hotel will have a mix of executive suites, club suites, two-bedroom suites and luxury apartments, with floors set aside for an executive business club. The ballroom will hold 1,000 people and there will be 16 meeting and conference rooms.

The hotel will have nine restaurants and a rooftop bar specialising in contemporary cuisine, plus a 1,200 sq m retail area for premium brands.

Construction is scheduled to start in June following the completion of excavation work and a three-level underground car park.