WORK continues apace at the four new proposed Mövenpick properties in Dubai, according to a company official.
Set to open during the fourth quarter of 2007 will be the Mövenpick Resort Oceana Palm Jumeirah, located on the trunk of The Palm Jumeirah, the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Palm Jumeirah located on the outer palm crescent, the Mövenpick Hotel Deira and the Ibn Battuta Hotel Dubai operated by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.
According to Jean-Gabriel Pérès, president & CEO Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, the company’s plans to increase its presence in its existing markets and to seek opportunities in new regional destinations is well on track.
“Expansion in the United Arab Emirates is one of the cornerstones of our strategy,” says Pérès.
“As well as Dubai we will continue to explore the viability of projects in other Emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah,” he said.
The UAE’s hospitality sector is the fastest growing in the world and, according to US-based real estate investment and consulting firm Jones Lang LaSalle, the UAE is set to add a further 55,000 four and five star rooms to its current tally within the next five years.
“We believe in the success of Dubai and are excited to be part of this tremendous economic growth especially in the hospitality industry”, says Thomas Tapken, general manager and regional manager, Dubai Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, in-charge of the four upcoming hotels.
“Since each of the hotels is uniquely themed and strategically located around the city, we will be able to cater to every type of guest requirement from the business traveller to the leisure guest, ensuring satisfaction in all aspects of their stay,” he said.
The acquisition of the new properties means that by 2008 the international Swiss hotel chain will operate no fewer than eight hotels in the United Arab Emirates.
The chain has also announced three projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among other properties in the region. Based on management agreements. The three new Mövenpick Hotels will be located in Riyadh, Bureidah and Yanbu. With this move, the company's portfolio within Saudi Arabia will be expanded to a total of nine properties.