Breaking grounds at the cultural hub of the United Arab Emirates - this will be the award winning hotel company's seventh location in the Middle East.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., headquartered in Chevy Chase, Md. and ALDAR Properties PJSC, have announced the development of The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi, marking the luxury group's debut in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.

Bringing new cachet to a city that is home to a host of cultural institutions including the National Theater, the Abu Dhabi Classical Music Society, the upcoming Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum and the Louvre, The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi is strategically positioned within the gated community of Coconut Island on the southwest coast of the city and a 25-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. 

Scheduled to open in 2011, the resort's prime location, which includes a 140-berth marina, private residential villas and upscale shopping centers, is expected to attract local corporate patrons, discerning diners, and international business and leisure travelers.

Designed by Malaysia-based Denniston International Architects and Planners, the 160-room resort is comprised of 130 guestrooms, and 30 suites and deluxe villas. Most of the rooms will be artfully designed over multiple landscape levels, ensuring unobstructed sea and lagoon views.  All villas will include water features with swimming pools, spacious sundecks and berths for private yachts.  Resort rooms will be a minimum of 55 square metres in size, while luxury villas range from 130 to 230 square metres.

"The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi on Coconut Island plays a key role in our group's regional expansion in the Middle East," said Simon Cooper, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.  "We are delighted that, with the support of ALDAR Properties, we are able to introduce our Ritz-Carlton service values to this capital city and provide a new, exciting luxury hotel experience for our loyal guests."

The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi will be ideally located to take advantage of the city's clear, warm, turquoise waters.  Action-oriented enthusiasts may indulge in boating, fishing, motorized water sports, swimming in the resort's two pools or exploring the multiple beaches that ring the island.  Additional recreational choices will include a 1,300-square meter spa, a health club with separate facilities for men and women, tennis courts, squash court, and The Ritz Kids club.

Guests arriving at the resort via a private dual carriageway linking Coconut Island with the main Abu Dhabi island will be greeted with serene views of the Arabian Gulf and marina.  The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi will provide an array of dining experiences, including a signature restaurant, all-day dining café, poolside grill and the Lobby Lounge.

"Coconut Island will be one of the premier destinations in Abu Dhabi on completion, with a high-end residential community, stunning lagoon, world class spa, and now, a Ritz-Carlton resort," comments Paul Bell, managing director, ALDAR Hotels & Hospitality. "The island will be one of the capital's exclusive hideaways, attracting the crème de la crème of international and regional society looking for that ideal blend of seclusion and luxury."

The property will offer significant meeting and function space, including a 700-square-metre grand ballroom, junior ballroom and function rooms. The resort will also have a full service business centre.