Group's fifth hotel in the United Arab Emirates will be located in The Palm Tower, a new, 52-level landmark development with unrivalled views of the Arabian Gulf.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Dubai-based real estate developer Nakheel have signed a letter of intent for Shangri-La to manage a 290-room hotel in The Palm Tower on Palm Jumeirah.  The parties expect to sign a comprehensive hotel management agreement for the property in the coming weeks.

Construction of The Palm Tower, part of the new Nakheel Mall and Hotel complex at the heart of the world-famous island, is slated to begin this year with the hotel expected to open in 2016.

The Shangri-La hotel will be located on the first 18 floors of the 52-level building and will feature an array of facilities, including outdoor family dining, an outdoor pool, a health club and spa. Hotel guests will have direct beach club access via a bridge and walkway to Club Vista Mare. They will also have direct access to The Palm Monorail and Nakheel Mall, a new retail, dining and entertainment destination for Dubai also opening in 2016. 

"The Palm Tower's strategic position at the heart of The Palm and alongside the Nakheel Mall makes the hotel the ideal location for anyone visiting Palm Jumeirah," said Shangri-La President and CEO Greg Dogan. "The island is the ultimate address for a luxurious stay in Dubai for both visitors and U.A.E. residents, and we are thrilled to partner with Nakheel to open a Shangri-La hotel in this must-visit destination."

One of the world's largest real estate developers, Nakheel has built up an iconic portfolio of innovative landmark projects.

Nakheel Chairman, Ali Rashid Lootah, said: "Palm Jumeirah is synonymous with luxury living and leisure. Our new partnership with Shangri-La further reinforces the island's position as a global destination offering unrivalled, world-class facilities for Dubai's residents and tourists. The Palm Tower will be our flagship hotel and the ultimate address on Palm Jumeirah. We are delighted to bring Shangri-La and its world-renowned service and hospitality to what will be the new centrepiece of Palm Jumeirah and a stunning new landmark for Dubai."

Shangri-La's new project on Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made island, is part of the group's expanding Middle East portfolio. The group currently operates four hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and a resort in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Two hotels are also under development in Qatar.