Jumeirah Group has signed a management agreement to operate a luxury hotel in central Mumbai, India.

The hotel is part of a major new development in the Lower Parel district of the city and is expected to open in 2017.

When complete the property will consist of 470 spacious rooms, suites and serviced apartments, a wide range of restaurants and bars, extensive conference, wedding, banqueting and meeting facilities and a Talise spa.

This agreement represents the first phase of Jumeirah Group's expansion into India. The company is currently in advanced negotiations on potential projects for hotels and resorts in other key destinations in India.

Jumeirah Group currently operates 20 luxury hotels and serviced apartments, including 10 in the UAE, seven in Europe, two in the Maldives and one in China.

A further 15 hotels are now under development. The signing of the company's first deal in India is a breakthrough in a country that has both a high awareness of the Jumeirah brand and a growing appetite for luxury hospitality.

President and Group CEO of Jumeirah Group, Gerald Lawless said:

"The demand for five-star hotels in the Indian market has been robust and we are delighted to have initiated the first phase of our expansion into India with this landmark project in Mumbai. We look forward to building on this success by bringing our promise of Jumeirah STAY DIFFERENTTM to other destinations in the country."