InterContinental Hotels Group has confirmed the summer opening of a new property at the heart of a $600 million development combining shopping, entertainment, office and residential facilities in Cairo.

The 792-room InterContinental Heliopolis Cairo, Egypt's fifth InterContinental hotel and the 34th in the Middle East, was introduced to the regional travel trade at the ATM.

The hotel is part of Citystars Heliopolis Cairo, the largest project of its kind in the Middle East, and one supporting the Egyptian government's efforts to create a more modern and vibrant business environment.

The Citystars development includes the third largest retail and leisure complex in the world outside North America with 470 shops, 16 cinemas and a family entertainment centre as well as 350,000 square metres of office space and 450 premium apartment units.

Chris Moloney, newly-appointed by InterContinental Hotels Group as chief operating officer Middle East and Africa, said: "We already have a substantial stake in Egypt, so we are proud to be part of a project, which reinforces the potential of the tourist, retail and property sectors of the Egyptian economy."

Opening in July this year, the InterContinental Heliopolis Cairo offers 792 rooms, suites and apartments. Guests can choose from 73 poolside rooms as well as a tower building offering 184 apartments. Ideal for extended stays, the studio, one-, two, three and five-bedroom apartments all have pool and garden views.

Business executives also have the option of 82 Club InterContinental rooms and 11 suites with the added benefit of a Club Lounge private check-in, business centre and secretarial services.

Diners can choose from ten restaurants and bars offering a variety of cuisines including Japanese, Lebanese, Italian and seafood. There is also a casino and a nightclub. The hotel boasts a large Aqua Spa and Wellness Centre including outdoor swimming pools for adults and children, a multi-space sports area and personal spa activities.

For corporate events, product launches and wedding the hotel presents Cairo's largest banquet hall with room for up to 2,200 people as well as 16 conference and banqueting rooms with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.