Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company has signed a memorandum of understanding for the appointment of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company as the operator of the new upscale property located on the entrance gate of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates.

This landmark development will consist of 532 rooms, suites and villas. The hotel will have a large variety of food & beverage outlets overlooking the main pool and out across the sandy beach providing a perfect dining environment. Set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens on a white sandy beach, the project is expected to reach completion in during  2011.

H.E. Saif Al Hajeri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company stated, "Our alliance with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is a demonstration of our overall plans of ADNH's growth strategy.  We are conscious of the fact that our success has been built through mutually beneficial alliances with world-class partners and the appointment of The Ritz-Carlton reinforces that strategy."

Today, we are excited to work with one of the most reputable names in the hotel industry, and we intend to continue developing such relationships in the future to ensure the growth of quality tourism in the UAE," he continued.

"The appointment of The Ritz-Carlton to manage its first property in Abu Dhabi works well within our plans to reinforce our strategy of forging strong alliances with world-class partners like ADNH, said Simon Cooper, President of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.  "Our partnership with ADNH in the development of this hotel is an exciting opportunity for our company to extend its presence in such an important part of the world."   

Mr. Richard Riley, CEO of ADNH said,  "We are pleased to see our efforts coming to reality, and we are excited about this  partnership with The Ritz-Carlton." Mr. Riley described the hotel as an icon that will add many features to the city of Abu Dhabi. 

"Some of the many attractions are its shopping plaza, swimming pools, a children's play area, leisure areas, gymnasium and world class spa facilities and restaurants overlooking the main beach. We are delighted to introduce such a unique property and confident of our partners The Ritz-Carlton in contributing to its successful future," Riley concluded.

In reference to the current strategic alliance in place between Aldar Properties and The Ritz Carlton, both parties today confirmed that the appointment of Ritz Carlton to operate the Grand Canal Hotel Abu Dhabi, which is fully owned by ADNH, took place following extensive and amicable discussions between all three parties which led to the relaxation of an existing exclusivity agreement.

ADNH, Aldar Properties and The Ritz Carlton all confirmed their willingness to bring the best brands in the tourism and hospitality sectors to Abu Dhabi, in line with the Emirate's plans to position itself as one of the most attractive destinations for both corporate and leisure tourism.