Rotana announces 12 new properties in UAE

Upon completion, the new hotels will add 4,360 keys to Rotana's existing inventory.

Rotana has plans to expand its hotel portfolio in the UAE, with 12 new properties slated for opening by the end of 2020.
The hotel management company on Sunday announced plans to open seven new hotels in Dubai, four hotels in Abu Dhabi, and one in Ras Al Khaimah. Six of the upcoming properties will be five-star hotels, while the remaining properties comprise of a mix of four and three star hotels and hotel apartments.
"The UAE is our home market and even as we pursue our global ambitions and expand our footprint into new geographic regions, the country continues to remain the fulcrum around which Rotana's business strategy is developed and implemented. With us bringing to the local market 12 new properties within the next four years, we further express our commitment to supporting the UAE's tourism ambitions and reaffirming our belief in the long-term prospects of the country's hospitality industry," said Omer Kaddouri, president and CEO of Rotana.
Upon completion, the new hotels will add 4,360 keys to Rotana's existing inventory, taking its fast expanding portfolio in the UAE to 44 properties, including 21 in Dubai, and 17 in Abu Dhabi. The company's room inventory will stand at 11,782, with 6,682 rooms located in Dubai and 5,100 in Abu Dhabi. The total value of the 12 upcoming properties managed by Rotana in the UAE is estimated at $1.7 billion.
"Next year, we will be introducing a number of five-star properties to the market, including the all-new Saadiyat Rotana Resort and villas in Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2017. Ideal for both, business and leisure travellers, the resort will feature 354 upscale rooms and suites, 13 beach villas, a beach club and extensive conference facilities," Kaddouri revealed.
Despite the challenging economic environment, the outlook for the hospitality sector in Dubai and Abu Dhabi remains positive. In previous UAE Real Estate 2016 mid-year market reviews, global consultancy firms listed the medium-to-long term outlook for the hospitality sector in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as positive, citing the opening of theme parks and new tourist attractions as the main factors driving demand.
"Rotana already has a significant presence in the capital, and strengthening our portfolio with an additional four properties will allow us to further contribute to and capitalise on Abu Dhabi's expanding tourism and hospitality sector. While in Dubai, our seven upcoming properties will go a long way towards meeting the demand increase anticipated in the run-up to Expo 2020, and will help ramp up overall room capacity which is crucial to achieving the city's ambitious tourism vision," Kaddouri noted.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com