In addition, the Corporation is gearing up to introduce a new hotel brand for its properties, a move that will strengthen its position as operator of a range of properties catering to all sectors.

A NCT&H spokesperson said that while the Corporation had been steadily expanding its operations in Abu Dhabi through its six-year history, the recent boom in tourism developments throughout the UAE meant the time was appropriate to adopt a more aggressive strategy to cater to the anticipated growth in visitor numbers.
 

The two new openings � a deluxe boutique resort at the Al Raha corniche in Abu Dhabi and a flagship beach resort near the Sir Bani Yas wildlife island reserve � will each enhance the tourism product in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, complementing NCT&H�s existing network. This encompasses the four-star Mirfa and Mafraq hotels, the Dhafra Beach Hotel and the Liwa Hotel in the oasis. The latter, located 220km from Abu Dhabi city and set amid the region�s highest sand dunes, offers a unique perspective of the desert as a true �oasis�. Opened three years� ago, the Liwa Hotel has 66 rooms and suites plus three luxury villas with private pools and extensive recreation facilities. These include tennis and volleyball courts, gym, pool, sauna and steam rooms, internet café, children�s

Dhafra Beach Hotel Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Mafraq Hotel Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The 50-room Mirfa Hotel, located on the Abu Dhabi-Saudi Arabia highway is positioned to offer travellers a relaxing stopover as well as serving the developing community in Mirfa.

The hotel has extensive landscaped grounds overlooking the coast, and leisure facilities include two pools, floodlit tennis and volleyball courts, fitness centre and children�s playground. In addition, the hotel has been wired to cater to the travelling executive, with two conference and meeting rooms, plus internet café, and a dedicated conference team.

Close by Abu Dhabi International Airport on the edge of the desert, the 120-room Mafraq Hotel again has state-of-the-art business facilities, but also features a wealth of attractions for the weekend leisure market. The health club offers squash, badminton, billiards, gym, sauna, steam and Jacuzzi, while there are two pools, one with a swim-up bar, and tennis courts set amid lush gardens. The hotel also has two nightclubs, an internet café, international restaurants, plus facilities for all types of meetings.

To come, the five-star Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna is set to soft open in late summer, and will feature 109 rooms including six private chalets.

Located in the Ruwais area 240km west of Abu Dhabi city, the hotel will showcase a range of facilities to target the leisure and incentive markets. These include an 800-metre private beach, nine-hole par-36 sand golf course plus a golf driving range, outdoor garden area with capacity for up to 1000 guests, beach and watersports, two pools, floodlit tennis, fitness centre and massage rooms, plus Klub Kid.

Tour options will include excursions to the Sir Bani Yas island wildlife reserve, desert safaris to untouched parts of the Arabian sands, and fishing, scuba and snorkelling down under.

Meanwhile, an autumn opening is also pencilled in for the Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi�s first luxury boutique resort with 86 rooms and 13 suites, plus 24 chalets.

Located close to the airport and golf courses on the Al Raha corniche � currently under development adjacent to a newly developed shopping mall offering international retail shops, restaurants and other family entertainment facilities � the hotel will feature a private beach and sea-facing accommodation as well as a luxurious spa.

The National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H) was formed in 1996 in response to the need to develop both tourism and commerce in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially Abu Dhabi.

The Corporation was formed as a semi-government organisation. NCT&H�s primary objective is to promote Abu Dhabi as an international destination, supervise and manage hotels and provide transportation and catering services.