Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels opens Dubai office to serve Middle East and North Africa markets

Making the announcement on the eve of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference where it is a Platinum sponsor, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Global Chief Executive noted that while the global hotel market has enjoyed prosperous times in recent years, that no other region in the world has experienced the growth that has been evident in the GCC and is now appearing in the North Africa markets.

"The Middle East, and especially the GCC states, is leading the world in new hotel investments and developments" said Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Global Chief Executive Arthur de Haast. "The opening of our Dubai office focusing on the Middle East and North Africa reaffirms our organization's commitment to this important region and recognizes its growing importance globally".

The Dubai office of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels will be headed by an Executive Vice President - Mr. Jalil Mekouar and will be focused on providing Transactions, Strategic Advisory Services, Hospitality Funds and Operators Selection. It has already conducted a number of high profile assignments across the region in North Africa, throughout the Arabian Gulf and in the Indian Subcontinent and has also just been commissioned by a leading UAE based hotel investor to sell the Movenpick Resort Jumeirah Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence. This 300 room hotel strategically located on Jumeirah Beach will be completed in early 2008 and is the first freehold branded hotel property to be offered for sale in Dubai.

Noting the importance of the UAE in the pan-regional hospitality industry, Jones Lang LaSalle Middle East and North Africa Managing Director Thierry Loue said "Our UAE office focusing on the hotel and hospitality industry is servicing an area that is home to a significant section of the world's population. The synergy of investors, brands and the creation of new landmark leisure and business destinations further reinforces the long term importance of the MENA region".