Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, India’s leading hospitality group, has extended its presence in the Middle East, by entering into a strategic tie-up with ETA Star Property Developers to develop and manage the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, a luxury resort at the Palm Island Jumeirah crescent in Dubai.

Increasing the shoreline of Dubai by 120 kms (72 miles), the Palm Island Jumeirah is considered the world’s most unique man-made island.
Commenting on the new venture, Raymond Bickson, managing director, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), said, “This is part of IHCL’s strategy of expanding into the key gateway cities of the world. Dubai today is fast emerging as a leisure destination in addition to being the commercial hub of the region. A second hotel in Dubai is proof of the vast potential that it holds. This new luxury resort will clearly reinforce Taj’s dominance of the region.
“ETA Star has been quick to make its move on the UAE’s property scene with residential and commercial projects in advanced stages of development in prime localities. Today, we are delighted to have entered into a partnership with India’s leading chain of hotels to manage our resort development in Dubai. We are confident that, with the proposed launch of Taj Group’s luxury resort at the Palm Island Jumeirah, ETA Star will further strengthen its leadership in Dubai’s property market,” said Abid Junaid, executive Director, ETA Star Properties.
To be unveiled in 2007, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Dubai, will be targeted at the premium leisure and business travellers. With its excellent location on The Palm, the resort has the advantage of offering part views of the ocean, Burj Al Arab and the Dubai skyline. The resort will commence operations with 220 rooms including deluxe guestrooms and luxurious suites, providing guests with all the modern-day facilities and services including specialty F&B outlets, extensive banquet areas, a spa, an entertainment club and car parking. It is proposed to draw inspiration from the palaces of India and weave in influences that have characteristics of the Middle East and West Asian region.