India and Dubai real estate giant Sobha Group is preparing to build and operate a chain of hotel properties across the subcontinent, Middle East and East Africa.
The Group has plans to develop at least 10 five star properties in the next five years, with two hotels earmarked for Dubai, six for India and one each in Oman and Zanzibar.
Sobha Hotels will benchmark against the best resort properties and luxury hotels in the region, according to Ajay Rajendran, vice chairman, Sobha Group.
“We have been outfitting palace interiors for a long time and know all about creating high-end interiors. Our hands on experience in the residential and commercial buildings, their planning and building maintenance has given us adequate exposure to build and operate concepts of project management. It is now our aim to transfer our expertise to the hospitality sector, to create a chain of five star properties under the brand Sobha Hotels,” Rajendran said.
Sobha Group will own, develop and operate all Sobha Hotels, providing a total of 2,500 rooms. The first property is expected to open in 2010.