Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry selects NOVOTEL for its hotel project in Expo City

Novotel is an international brand of contemporary hotels that are designed for living with almost 400 hotels in 58 countries.

An agreement providing NOVOTEL the complete management responsibilities once the hotel is constructed and ready for operation, was signed between SCCI Chairman Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa and Accor Middle East Managing Director Mr. Christophe Landais at Expo Centre Sharjah on Wednesday, April 11, 2007.

"Given that Expo Centre Sharjah is considered one of Middle East's leading exhibition organisers and venues, the need for a world-class hotel facility for our overseas exhibitors and visitors is quite obvious," said Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman of SCCI, at the signing ceremony.

"Choosing the right operator for the project was extremely important and we are pleased to have chosen NOVOTEL from Accor, which is a name to reckon with in the global hospitality industry, to manage it. Besides their exceptional hospitality expertise, our decision to choose them for the new project was also influenced by their remarkable track record of working in true partnership with other hotel developers and owners across the world. We look forward to a long, fruitful and satisfying relationship with them,"

he added.

Expo Centre Sharjah, the exhibitions wing of the SCCI, will commence construction of the hotel building by end of 2007 and expects to hand over the property to NOVOTEL for full operation by December 2009.

Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre hotel facilities will provide a refreshing alternative to 5-star hotel accommodation in the UAE with a value for money approach and at the same time ensure that every care is taken to make the stay of its guests, both globe trotting business executives and leisure travellers, comfortable, enjoyable, and relaxing.

NOVOTEL, an international brand of Accor, has been setting trends in the global hotel industry for more than 40 years.

The 15-floor hotel will feature 200 tastefully decorated rooms including 12-15 highly personalised suites. It will also have on offer for guests:

- 24 hours room service
- 2-3 food and beverage outlets
- Lobby lounge and cafe
- An international restaurant offering buffets for lunch and dinner
- Conference and banqueting space for small to medium conferences, seminars, and training workshops.
- A state of the art business centre
- A full facility health club and swimming pool

The imposing hotel tower will connect to an adjoining fully functional 12-storey office facility that will offer 11,600 sq. m. of leasable space.

"NOVOTEL Sharjah Expo Centre will feature all the characteristics of the NOVOTEL brand, once again reiterating its commitment to reaching new heights in hotel innovation," commented Mr. Christophe Landais.

Considering that the NOVOTEL concept is closely associated with the creation of an atmosphere of relaxation and revitalisation, NOVOTEL Sharjah Expo Centre will not only be patronised by overseas visitors associated with Expo Centre Sharjah events but also other business and leisure travellers to the country. The hotel will offer free stay to children sharing their parents' room on a bed and breakfast basis.

Continuing with its legacy of firm commitment to the Middle East, Novotel will operate 20 hotels in the region offering 5,657 rooms by 2010.

The 412-room Novotel World Trade Centre Hotel in Dubai, targeted at business travellers, and the 180-room Novotel Al Dana in Manama, Bahrain, targeted at both business and leisure travellers began operations in September 2003.