Rotana adds lustre to Dubai Creek

Home-grown brand Rotana’s latest offering is the lush five-star scenic property overlooking the Dubai Creek in partnership with Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Company. The 280-room property houses rooms and apartments to suit the business and leisure clientele visiting Dubai.

Shehara Rizly
It was quite an exciting moment when two homebased companies joined hands to bring in a new lavish address to the creek area in Dubai. The modern, architecturally-striking five-star hotel Al Bandar Rotana, and the luxurious hotel apartment complex Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana will be managed by Rotana on behalf of Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Company, one of the region’s largest insurers. Al Bandar Rotana consists of 190 uniquely-designed rooms and suites in addition to Club Rotana rooms with additional benefits including an Executive Lounge and personalised services. Designed to suit the needs of long-stay visitors, Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana offers 90 fully-furnished studios and apartments with options ranging from spacious studios to threebedroom apartments. The spacious rooms, suites and apartments, which offer expansive views of the creek, the thriving waterway running through the heart of the city, and Burj Khalifa, are all equipped with modern technology and home comforts. In addition to a Business Centre, the properties offer six state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment to cater to a wide range of occasions – from board meetings, workshops and seminars to conferences and social gatherings.
Mohammed Al Badie Bin Youan Al Dhaeri, Chairman, Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Company, said, “With its solid business growth and strong portfolio, Rotana has established its name as the bellwether of the region’s hospitality industry. It gives us immense pleasure to partner with the company. We believe this is a major milestone in our growth journey and a unique addition to our diverse investment portfolio. This partnership will help our shareholders and the local economy, and strengthen our position in the domestic and international markets. We look forward to further collaboration with Rotana in the future to achieve our shared vision of contributing to the sustainable growth of the UAE while thriving in our business.” Strategically located in Dubai’s booming business and leisure hub on Baniyas Road, and in close proximity to major attractions and landmarks in the city, including the Dubai International Airport, and the Dubai World Trade Centre, the two connecting towers offer a range of world-class facilities that suit the distinct needs of modern day travellers, families and corporate visitors.
Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, said, “With the ever-growing number of properties, Rotana has been playing a major role in driving the sustainable development of the tourism and hospitality sector, thereby contributing to the economic and employment growth in markets where we operate. The new hotels are reflective of our continued success and a testament to the robustness of our long-term growth strategy. We are thankful to the Board of Directors and the top management of Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Company for the unmatched support we have received from them during the preopening phase, and for their trust and confidence in our abilities to manage these stunning properties.”
Making a significant addition to Rotana’s inventory in Dubai, the two new properties have added 280 keys to 3142-strong operational rooms across nine hotels in the city. As part of its global expansion, the company has planned an additional 2888 rooms currently under various stages of development in the emirate. “With its vibrant economy and thriving tourism sector, Dubai has always been a highly favourable market for the hospitality sector to flourish and it still promises a brighter future for the sector with occupied room nights forecasted to reach 35.5 million annually in 2019 by advancing at a solid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next 24 months. Similarly, the anticipated growth in the number of visitors to the city presents new opportunities for investors and hotel operators. In 2017 alone, the emirate welcomed 15.8 million travellers and expects to attract 20 million visitors per year by 2020. With these solid credentials, Dubai remains our key focus market for expansion to contribute towards Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020,” said Guy Hutchinson, Chief Operating  Officer, Rotana.
“The opening of Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana is a remarkable achievement and we remain on track to achieve our goal of operating 100 hotels by 2020,” Hutchinson added. Guests at the hotels will be spoilt for choice with two signature restaurants and three casual dining outlets in addition to an extensive inroom dining menu, featuring a wide choice of dining options to suit every taste and occasion, day and night. The unique dining venues include Salt & Pepper, an all-day dining restaurant offering an international buffet; Gusto Italian Restaurant, offering a wide range of authentic Italian delicacies, with stunning views of Dubai Creek; Vanilla loby lounge, an ideal spot for formal and informal gatherings over coffee and light snacks; Morgan’s Gastropub, the only gastropub in the area, and The Deck, a pool lounge for tropical cocktails and delicious snacks. Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana also house Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club, featuring a fully-equipped gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool and sauna, steam and massage rooms.