FOUR Seasons Hotels and Resorts is poised to inaugurate its eighth property in the Middle East and its first of three developments in Dubai with the opening of Four Seasons Golf and Country Club Dubai this summer.
Toronto-based Four Seasons, recognized as the world’s leading luxury hotel company, took over the reigns of its first golfing facility in the Middle East, formerly known as Al Badia golf course, in January. The 18-hole, par-72 championship course is located alongside the Creek, within the expansive Dubai Festival City complex. Open for play for a little over a year, the golf course will be further enhanced with the addition of a clubhouse, five dining outlets, and a golf academy and golf pro-shop, all operated and expertly serviced by Four Seasons.
The course and clubhouse, to be joined next year by a dedicated country club offering a range of other leisure facilities and 90 exclusive residential apartments, are the first two phases of a three-phase development within Dubai Festival City. The third property to be developed will be the 373-room Four Seasons Hotel Dubai Festival City, expected to open in late 2008.
Continuing its growth in the Middle East, Four Seasons Hotel Damascus, the seventh Four Seasons property in the region, was officially inaugurated by Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in March. The 297-room Hotel, the first luxury property to open in Syria for 25 years, sets a new benchmark for hospitality and consummate service in Damascus, the world’s oldest city.
Located in the diplomatic and commercial district of Damascus, surrounded by many of the city’s important cultural and historical sites, the Hotel has introduced several firsts to the country’s hospitality industry including: concierge service, in-room high-speed Internet access and fully serviced apartments catering to long-stay guests.
Looking ahead, work on the new Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria is nearing completion and is expected to be operational in early 2007. The 127-room Hotel, the fourth Four Seasons property for Egypt, overlooks the Mediterranean and will boast its own private marina and beach, as well as a range of food and beverage options and Alexandria’s largest ballroom.
Other Four Seasons properties currently under development in the region are in Beirut, Bahrain, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Marrakech in Morocco. By 2010, Four Seasons expects to have 14 properties in the Middle East.
“In less than seven years, Four Seasons has established itself as the pre-eminent luxury brand in the region,” says Antoine Corinthios, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The personal, caring service for which Four Seasons is renowned in other parts of the world has resonated with travellers here. We look forward to expanding our brand presence in the Middle East and giving even more people the opportunity to experience Four Seasons first hand.”