Three key new properties in Dubai due to open in the first quarter of 2007, and will deliver 1,000 new hotel rooms to the Festival City Development .
As the largest hotel operator in the Middle East and Africa, IHG will further expand its portfolio of properties through partnership with Al Futtaim Group with the opening of InterContinental Dubai Festival City, the InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City and the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, bringing a total of over 1000 new rooms to the Festival City development.
Speaking about the projects, Chris Moloney, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East and Africa said: "Our reputation in the market is very positive and with these new properties, we will reaffirm our commitment to supporting the development of the hospitality sector and further consolidate our position as the largest hotel operator in the Middle East. This development will not only help meet the phenomenal growth of the tourism industry in Dubai but also contribute towards IHG's global strategy of a net organic growth of 60,000 rooms by 2008"
Taking charge of the project is Tom Meyer who has been promoted to Area General Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group, Dubai Festival City overseeing the three new properties.
Commenting on his new role and the developments Meyer said: "I am really looking forward to presenting Dubai with three new and completely unique hotels. Each property will deliver innovative services and facilities that are set to be industry firsts in this region and will take the guest experience to a new level."
InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Located on Dubai Creek and with stunning views in every direction, the InterContinental Dubai Festival City is set to become a new city landmark. At 35-floors high, the property will boast over 500 exquisitely designed rooms, including 120 suites, three Presidential Suites and one Royal Suite. All rooms will have a choice of views including the Dubai Creek, the Festival Marina or the world-class shopping centre.
All bathrooms will feature panoramic views, as well as flat screen televisions, separate wet zone incorporating showers and free standing bathtubs. Each room will also be equipped with high speed broadband internet access, flat screen TVs, each with CD, DVD and VCD.
The brand's iconic Club InterContinental will be located on the 26th floor with capturing views of the creek and the city's skyline.
Guests can also relax in a large 25m outdoor swimming pool; three temperature-controlled outdoor spa pools, a children's splash pool, as well as a sun terrace and leisure garden. Alternatively guests will be able to pamper themselves at the ‘I-Spa', the first massage and therapy spa to operate within an IHG property in the UAE.
The hotel will also offer exceptional dining and entertainment options. It will feature the first-ever Café de La Paix restaurant and terrace outside its home at InterContinental Paris Le Grande Hotel. Another breakthrough will be a Lebanese seafood restaurant, which will again be the first time the restaurant operates outside of Lebanon. A key attraction will be the hotel's "experiential" restaurant which will be bought to life by one of the world's most highly-awarded Michelin-star chefs. Alternatively guests can experience a truly authentic multi-station Japanese restaurant, within a 950sqm space, which will be created by the award-winning interior design team from Super Potato.
There will also be 4,500sqm conference centre across two levels, meeting space that can be divided into 10 break-out rooms servicing anything from smaller VIP board meetings to a reception style banquet catering up to 1800 guests.
InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City
The introduction of the InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City is a first for IHG in the UAE market. Situated within the Harbour Plaza, the property with 215 stylish high-rise apartments, encompassing one, two and three bedroom suites will cater for the needs of extended stay guests with annual leases available.
Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
The Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is being built directly above the state-of-the-art conference centre, reinforcing Crowne Plaza as the ‘Place to Meet'.
The 316-room property, including 26 suites, is ideal for business travellers, with all rooms equipped with high-speed internet access and flat plasma TV screens. There is also a fully-equipped state-of-the-art gym complete with sauna and steam rooms. Alternatively guests will have the option of enjoying the pool leisure deck area which will enclose the 25m swimming pool and outdoor spa pools and featuring equally stunning views of the creek.
All three properties will be located just five minutes in a taxi from Dubai International Airport and will have a direct link to the Festival City shopping centre which covers 2.6 million square feet and will be home to more than 450 retail outlets and over 90 restaurants and cafes. While golfers can access the new Al Badia course located within the Festival City development and will be minutes away from the Dubai Creek Golf Course. |
