Rotana, the Leading Hotel Chain in the MENA Region, announced their participation at the ITB in Berlin for the third year on a row to strengthen its position and brand awareness in key markets such as the UK and Germany.

Commenting on this participation, Imad Elias, Executive Vice President and COO (right) for Rotana said: "Rotana we will be exhibiting at the ITB amongst a large number of International and high profile companies and the major Middle East Tourism boards.

Due to our strong presence in the Middle East and our established contacts in Berlin, we are witnessing a constant increase of German based customers. A lot of emphasis is put on developing this market further. Our participation at ITB will strengthen our presence and will definitely support Rotana's expansion plans. 

Since inception, the company has grown to be the region's largest hospitality management company, and a brand that is widely recognized and much admired. Rotana is geared towards another challenging year, as we continue to develop. The expansion is taking us into new markets such as Bahrain, Baghdad, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

For the next four years, Rotana will open 10 hotels per year. The plan is right. The strategy is there. The execution and know-how are there. The objective is clear.

Rotana is positive that as long as the company is able to manage growth in an efficient way, then there is the scope to take up further properties.

Rotana has signed a joint venture with Orascom and SHUAA to manage five Centro by Rotana properties in Egypt. Furthermore, a management agreement has been signed with Jiwar Real Estate Management & Marketing Company to manage the first property in Saudi Arabia, Al Marwa Rayhaan in Makkah, which will open in the first quarter of 2009.

Most recently, SHUAA Capital Saudi Arabia, (SCSA), the Saudi Arabian subsidiary of SHUAA Capital psc, announced the signing of a master agreement with Rotana to develop 17 four & five-star hotels and resorts in addition to hotel apartments across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comprising 5,500 rooms.

Only this year, Rotana is fortifying its position as Dubai's leading hotel operator with the opening of another two properties, including the world's tallest hotel.

Over the next couple of months, opening of Rose Rotana and Amwaj Rotana, along with the newly opened Arjaan Dubai Media City and Media Rotana, will add to the company's eight existing properties in the emirate.

Rotana currently manages more hotels in Dubai & the Northern Emirates than any other single operator and the scheduled openings will increase the company's stronghold further. As for the rest of the region, hereunder is a breakdown of the upcoming 13 properties which will open in 2009:

Abu Dhabi

• Centro Yas Island (see image 3)
• Yas Island Rotana
• Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan (see image 1)
• Park Rotana (see image 2)
• Park Arjaan
• Tourist Club Arjaan

Beirut

• Raouche Arjaan

Doha

• City Centre Rotana

Dubai

• Rose Rotana
• Amwaj Rotana

Erbil

• Erbil Rotana

Latakia

• Afamia Rotana Resort

Makkah

• Al Marwa Rayhaan

The Rotana brand is driven by passion, personal warmth, and the delivery of consistent quality standards, combined with a keen understanding of regional markets, commitment to research, and significant investment in systems and people. Development of the brand is rigorously planned and meticulously managed across all operations - simultaneously evoking confidence and trust among property owners, and creating satisfying experiences for corporate and leisure travellers alike.

About Rotana

Rotana currently manages a portfolio of 67 properties throughout the Middle East with an aggressive expansion plans. At Rotana, we have chosen to acknowledge how precious time is to you by making all time spent with us, Treasured Time.

This means that we pledge to understand and meet the individual needs of all our guests. In so doing, we have evolved our product brands to include, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana and Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana. Treasured Time. Our promise to you.

Further information on any Rotana property, its brands or reservations can be obtained by visiting rotana.com or by contacting one of our regional sales offices.


For further information about this press release or any of Rotana's properties and brands, please contact:

AnaMarija Raickovic
Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager

Rotana Hotel Management Corporation LTD.
P.O. Box 43500
Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Tel:         00 971 2 699 44 44   
Fax:     00 971 2 644 14 12
E-mail: anamarija.raickovic@rotana.com