He confirmed that the innovative outlet will be named Soba, and claimed it would rapidly become one of the capital�s trendiest spots.

Borrello said: �The key words behind the design of Soba are graphic, modern, minimalist and sleek. It has designed for the beautiful people and will be funky � think Dolce & Gabbana rather than Armani.

�The cuisine will be a mix of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine, and will be changed on a weekly basis. This is not a special occasion restaurant: it will be the haunt of anyone who is anyone in Abu Dhabi.�

As with the rest of the hotel, which is about to complete part one of a three-part renovation and refurbishment programme, Soba�s design comes from the world-renowned design firm Hirsh Bedner

Scheduled to be relaunched as Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi later this year, the hotel is adding 120 extra rooms in a second tower, as well as a new lobby and banqueting and conference centre, while a separate entertainment centre will introduce new food and beverage concepts, and an extensive pool and leisure complex is also under construction.

The existing tower will be renovated as part of the overall project, with a final completion date of early 2004 � and the Al Fanar will continue as the hotel�s signature restaurant and a landmark in the UAE capital.

Le Méridien is a global hotel group with a portfolio of more than 140 luxury and upscale hotels (38,000 rooms) in 55 countries worldwide. Headquartered in London, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts Ltd is owned by Nomura International Plc and managed by Terra Firma Capital Partners.