THE Abu Dhabi-headquartered Al Jaber PSC, a construction and development company in the UAE, is to build a signature resort on Saadiyat Island – the natural island lying 500 metres offshore the UAE capital city which is being transformed into an international tourism destination.
Al Jaber has purchased a 750,000sqm site for the development from the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the asset development arm of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).
The resort will be on Saadiyat Beach – the premier hospitality district of Saadiyat Island.
“The Al Jaber resort will be a key anchor project for Saadiyat and we anticipate it will draw guests from throughout Europe and the Middle East,” said Obeid Al Jaber, chairman, Al Jaber PSC.
“This resort will be the jewel in the crown of Al Jaber’s expanding hospitality portfolio which includes several new projects throughout the UAE, including the signature ‘Between The Bridges’ resort, which is being developed under a joint venture with TDIC.”
Al Jaber’s Saadiyat Beach resort will include a deluxe hotel with around 400 rooms and fronting over 300 metres of pristine beach.
“This is a magnificent location within a distinctive natural setting,” added Al Jaber. “We will look to respect and protect this environment with a highly secluded luxury resort centred around landscaped gardens and pools.”
Al Jaber expects to begin planning and construction of the resort before the end of this year.
“With access to a fleet of transport vessels and construction vehicles, Al Jaber has indicated that it wishes to jump start development by beginning site work prior to the initial road connections being established on Saadiyat Island in the first quarter of next year,” explained Mubarak Al Muhairi, managing director, TDIC and director general, ADTA. “The company’s enthusiastic approach to the project was a driving factor in its ability to gain a first mover advantage on Saadiyat Island.”
Saadiyat Beach, to the north west of the island, will have a range of five-star resorts flanking nine kilometres of pristine beach, a championship golf course with freehold villas, dedicated sailing club and private beach clubs all creating a celebrity see-and-be-seen atmosphere.