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Aldar planning to develop Dh1.2b waterfront resort

ABU DHABI—Aldar Properties has announced Dh1.2 billion project to develop a waterfront resort and residential complex on the western edge of Abu Dhabi Island known for mangroves, as a part of plan to create tourism spots to attract tourists.

"Al Gurm Resort will consist of a premier 161 room international luxury hotel, as well as 59 exclusive villas. It will offer visitors and residents endless opportunities to appreciate and enjoy the beauty and serenity of its surroundings", Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh chairman of Aldar properties, said at the launch ceremony.

The luxury private villas will be in a variety of styles responsive to their natural habitat and tranquil setting; some will have their own private beach. All will have their own private pool, each will have its own boat jetty and nine will be situated on their own private islands.

The five-star hotel will be an island resort that will complement the villa development. It will provide a mix of stunning chalets on individual islands along with an array of all suite accommodation centred on a lagoon. The resort will have a health and fitness club, a spa and a number of premier boutiques.

There will be three first class restaurants offering: Asian cuisine, seafood and all-day dining. The seafood restaurant will be the resort’s signature restaurant and it will be located on its own island that will be accessible only by boat.

Aldar’s Chairman Ahmed Al Sayegh said that this hotel resort, be an icon for Abu Dhabi, will significantly add to expanding tourism offer in line with the Government’s declared and welcomed initiative. But, it also celebrates the launch of Aldar’s hotel portfolio alongside our existing, and rapidly expanding, residential, commercial and amenity portfolios.

He said : "We are therefore well on the way to provide our shareholders with a balanced and diverse portfolio to provide growth and realistic returns for their investment and faith in Aldar. Construction work is now underway to deliver the resort to the world through a soft opening in early 2007, with the complement of villas following shortly thereafter. Discussions are well underway with a number of the world’s leading resort operators and we expect to make an announcement in this respect very shortly."

He defended that the project would not harm the mangroves or the natural habituate as environment agency have the right to take tough action.

With environmental concerns in mind, Aldar’s CEO Christopher Sims added: "We at Aldar fully recognise the role of the mangroves in the heritage and environment of the UAE. Therefore, our development at Al Gurm Resort will preserve and enhance this natural environment by being a well-planned eco-friendly environment in line with our stated missions and visions of preserving the environment in all our developments". Situated on the Western edge of Abu Dhabi Island within a natural mangrove and sandbar habitat. Al Gurm resort is a waterfront resort and residential complex comprising of an 161-room luxury 5 star plus international resort hotel and 59 exclusive private homes. There will be 59 luxury villas consisting of six three bedroom; 26 villas will have four bedrooms; 18 five bedrooms and nine five bedroom signature Island villas.

The 3 bedroom Villa will have price of Dh8.2 to 8.4 million; 4 bedroom Dh11.1 million; 5 bedroom Dh13.4 million; five bedroom villa on private island Dh28.8 to 35.1 million.