Paris, March, 2012 – Sofitel Luxury Hotels continues its expansion in the Middle East and is pleased to announce the opening of its first property in Abu Dhabi and the group’s second property in the United Arab Emirates.

Located at the eastern tip of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, the hotel is situated within walking distance of the seafront and close to the business and financial centre. Part of the new Capital Plaza Complex, the hotel is easily accessible to Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island, where the Louvre and Guggenheim will be located; Yas Marina, Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World and Yas Links on Yas Island and the new business districts of Al Reem, home of the Sorbonne and Sowwah Islands.

“I am particularly happy to be welcoming this new flagship hotel to our network. The Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is a precious asset for the brand both in the Middle East and internationally. In addition to its strategic location in Abu Dhabi, its design based on contemporary art with some well-known French artists has ensured that this establishment is totally in line with the country strategic positioning” explains Robert Gaymer-Jones, CEO of Sofitel Worldwide.

Featuring a contemporary architectural style, the hotel blends perfectly with the urban landscape. The décor has been designed to showcase the finest in contemporary design. The lobby harbours an authorized and certified painting of a Pierre Soulages, French artist known as "the painter of black" and Jean Cocteau lithographs whilst sculptures inspired by Brancusi are also displayed.

All of the hotel’s 282 rooms and suites elegantly blend modern design with authentic French “art de recevoir” combined with Arabic hospitality. All rooms are fitted with Sofitel’s exclusive MyBed™ concept with furniture inspired by Buren, a French painter and sculptor. Rooms and suites offer a level of comfort designed to induce relaxation and all boast the latest technology. 48 suites and 57 Club rooms offer access to the Club Millesime Lounge, located on the top floors with breathtaking views of the Corniche.

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche debuts with six bars and restaurants. Corniche All Day dining where French and Arabic culinary tastes and flavours meet featuring live cooking stations with the best of French and Middle-Eastern food. La Mer offers guests a la carte fine dining with the best Gulf seafood, prepared in French style. Silk and Spice offers a contemporary take on Thai cuisine enjoyed in a traditional Thai sitting.

Chill’O pool bar and terrace, is where you can watch the sun set over the glistening Arabian Gulf and enjoy an atmosphere worthy of One Thousand and One Nights. Jazz’N Fizz Bar offers guests the perfect location for after-work drinks with friends, with live music playing chill-out, jazz and bossa nova. A selection of authentic French patisseries, tarts, chocolates and macaroons are served beside a variety of tea and coffee blends at Le Café.

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche features 10 conference and meeting rooms, amassing nearly 2,600sqm of conference facilities. From the ballroom to board meeting rooms and business centre, a variety of configurations can host up to 1000 people. Sofitel’s InspiredMeetings Planner is an exceptional way to manage clients’ conferencing needs. Tailor-made events and weddings are created on site for memorable experiences.

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is the first property within the GCC to host Sofitel’s signature So SPA and will be accompanied by Sofitel’s So FIT concept. Both concepts feature a full range of the latest equipment and facilities. So SPA offers five treatment rooms (single or double), two hammams with private baths, scrub and deep relaxation room, a dry sauna and a steam room. A swimming pool and whirlpool on the terrace of the hotel complements the offering.

Sofitel, World Class Hotels & French Elegance
Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents with 120 addresses, in almost 40 countries (more than 30,000 rooms). Sofitel offers contemporary hotels and resorts adapted to today’s more demanding and more versatile consumers who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Whether situated in the heart of a major city like Paris, London, New York, Shanghai or Beijing, or nestled away in a country landscape in Morocco, Egypt, French Polynesia or Thailand, each Sofitel property offers a genuine experience of the French “ art de vivre”.

You can discover Sofitel at www.sofitel.com