Emaar Properties’ iconic Burj Dubai development received its most high-profile visitor when celebrated Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani was given a personal tour by Emaar’s chairman Mohamed Ali Alabbar.
The Burj Dubai, which is anticipated to be the tallest tower in the world when completed in 2008, will feature one of the world’s first Armani Hotels. In May 2005, Emaar signed a long-term license with Giorgio Armani SpA for the development of a unique worldwide collection of 10 luxury hotels and resorts. With this agreement, Emaar Hotels & Resorts was created to oversee the construction, management and operations of the Armani Hotels & Resorts. Planned openings will include Milan (spring 2008), London and New York among other international destinations.
The collaboration is the result of this shared vision of Emaar and Giorgio Armani to create one of the world’s leading “lifestyle” hotel and resort developments. Giorgio Armani said: “This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Armani story which will bring to life the Armani philosophy of style and design in a collection of exclusive hotels and resorts.”
When completed, the Armani Hotel Dubai will feature 160 guest rooms and suites, a variety of restaurants and a spa covering more than 40,000 sq m. Adding to the luxury of the hotel are the 144 luxury residential suites which will be personally designed by the celebrated Italian designer and will feature his home furnishing line, Armani Casa.