May 3--Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), the UAE-based leading diversified hotel, tourism, transport and catering group, today signed an agreement with Marriott International for a JW Marriott resort, one of the world's leading hospitality brands, to operate the first JW Marriott Abu Dhabi Resort and Spa in Abu Dhabi.

According to this agreement, Marriott International will handle all operational and management aspects of the 5-star Resort and Spa while ADNH will own and develop the resort. The resort which is being developed in Abu Dhabi -- previously the Gulf Hotel site, is expected to open during the first quarter of 2009. The agreement was signed during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, May 1 -- 4.

Khalifa Nasser Bin Huwaileel Al Mansoori, Chairman of ADNH, said: "We are extremely happy to join hands with Marriott International, the international hospitality leader with a proven reputation, expertise and resources. We are sure that this partnership will bring immense benefits for both ADNH and Marriott International."

"We are confident that JW Marriott Abu Dhabi Resort & Spa will be one of the most important additions to our fast growing hotel and resort portfolio and will help raise the profile of Abu Dhabi regionally and internationally. Abu Dhabi is developing itself as a major hub for business and cultural tourism, and we believe that JW Marriott is coming into the UAE capital at the most opportune time," he added.

Commenting on the agreement, Edwin D. Fuller, President and Managing Director of Marriott International, said: "We are very excited about our entry into the Abu Dhabi market. We have no doubt that the new resort will be a major landmark in the UAE capital and will attract regional and international visitors for its unique and inspiring waterfront, state-of-the-art facilities and pleasant atmosphere."

"With its unique beachside location, Venetian-style design featuring canals and waters, state-of-art Spa and excellent business facilities, the new resort will be the first and foremost choice for both holiday-makers and business travelers", he added.

The JW Marriott Abu Dhabi Resort & Spa will feature several interconnected towers with 360 rooms, 88 one, two, and three-bedroom chalets, 33 executive suites, large banquet facilities and a variety of dining experiences. Several rooms will overlook the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The underground parking at the entrance of the resort will be an additional unique feature of the hotel as no car will be visible to visitors and guests.

Abu Dhabi National Hotels was established more than 30 years ago and since then has grown in both size and diversity into a quality, broad-based hotel, tourism, transport and catering group. ADNH interests include a range of moderate to luxury hotels in addition to Sunshine Tours and its transportation business Al Ghazal. In addition, ADNH has a joint venture with the catering and services company Compass, covering its respective catering operations in the Middle East under the banner ADNH/Compass.

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Copyright (c) 2007, Middle East and North Africa Business Report, Amman, Jordan

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