ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, March 12, 2013 - After much anticipation, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal has opened its doors today. The 532-room luxury resort is the first Ritz-Carlton in Abu Dhabi and the ninth property in the Middle East for the luxury hotel operator.

Inspired by 15th to early 17th century Renaissance architecture and the urban planning of the city of Venice, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is located at the waterfront and consists of ten stately buildings arranged in a crescent formation. Overlooking the 1,600 square meter pool, the backdrop of the hotel is the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The property features 447 luxurious guestrooms and suites, in addition to 85 private one- and two-bedroom villas.

"We are delighted to open our first hotel in the United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi, a city we have waited to be in until finding absolutely the right location," stated Herve Humler President and Chief Operations Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. "Warm Arabian hospitality combined with legendary Ritz-Carlton service will create many unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for visitors from around the world."

Abu Dhabi, the largest of UAE's seven emirates, was a fishing village known regionally for its pearl trade just 50 years ago. Today, luxury and style are infused with traditional values of hospitality and culture, and make this dynamic city a draw for over 2 million visitors annually. Made up of 200 small islands, Abu Dhabi's stunning beaches, expansive desert and lush oases provide a venue for exhilarating adventure or tranquil retreat while the old souks and majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – recently named one of the world's top visitor attractions – offer an intimate look into Arabian culture.

Beautifully manicured lawns, unique water features, and private beaches over an expansive 57-acres give an immediate sense of well-being to guests upon arrivel at the Venetian-designed Ritz-Carlton. Leisure and business travellers alike will enjoy the refined elegance of the 85 one- and two-bedroom villas complete with spacious outdoor terraces, separate arrival palazzo and private butler service. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level provides a dedicated concierge, private check-in, plus five food and beverage offerings throughout the day within an exclusive lounge boasting panoramic views of the property, canal and city skyline,

The 1,550 square meter Roma Ballroom is the epitome of elegance on a grand scale. Able to accommodate up to 900 guests and divisable by three, the ballroom also provides an exclusive elevator directly from the private Bridal Suite into the venue. Two expansive marble foyers with natural daylight, 14 additional meeting rooms, and a traditional majlis (literally meaning "a place of sitting" in Arabic) ensure The Ritz-Carlton is the perfect venue for all special celebrations and events.

Renowned Ritz-Carlton chefs will please every palate in any of the ten hotel restaurants and bars including three signature restaurants created by award-winning Japanese designer Super Potato. Li Jiang, meaning "beautiful river" in Chinese, is a modern Southeast Asian restaurant with an open kitchen specializing in noodles and dim sum; Mijana, a contemporary Arabic restaurant, showcases the very best in traditional Lebanese and regional cooking; while The Forge, a signature steak house, serves specialty cuisine in a stylish setting paired with the world's finest wines. The all-day dining restaurant, Giornotte (blending the Italian words for "day" and "night"), has an indoor seating capacity of 358 and serves light Mediterranean fare. Dolce, an Italian gelato and coffee cafe; Alba, the lobby lounge serving Afternoon Tea; Sorso, a traditional Ritz-Carlton lobby bar; Al Fresco, the pool restaurant; plus two pool bars round out the remaining food and beverage offerings at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

A 1,600 square meter outdoor pool, one of the largest in UAE; a fully-equipped health club; and the Ritz Kids Club are just a few of the other leisure facilities available for guests to enjoy.

Reservations are currently being accepted at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Please call toll-free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or click www.ritzcarlton.com/AbuDhabi for reservations or further information.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 82 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)