Sultan Bin Rashed Group breaks ground for Dhs700m Wahat Hili project in Al Ain

The project consists of 192 high quality hotel apartments and a shopping mall with a gross leasable area (GLA) of 376,600 square feet (35,000 square meters).

Wahat Hili - 'the Oases of Hili' -- will be built in a single phase at a cost of Dhs700m and blends hospitality and entertainment via two main attractions: The Hili Rotana suites consisting of hotel apartments operated by the Rotana Group and the Wahat Hili Mall, managed by ASWAQ Management & Services (AMS), the property consultancy, sales and leasing management company. The Wahat Hili development slated for completion in the first quarter of 2010 is located in the Hili district located to the North of Al Ain near Hili Fun City.

Saeed Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Potential Real Estate, the property development arm of the Sultan Bin Rashed Group described the 625,000 square feet Wahat Hili project as a milestone in the growth and development of Al Ain, which is the UAE's largest inland city, and enjoys its own microclimate.

"We are pleased to launch Wahat Hili. Al Ain has a rich history and is poised to emerge as a leading tourist destination. Wahat Hili will add to the city's modern charms by creating a high-end destination for residents and tourists. This project will also support the tourism development strategy set forth by our government and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)", he said.

The Hili Rotana Suites will boast 192 hotel apartments ranging from studios to one, two and three bedrooms. The complex's facilities include a large swimming pool and an oasis-themed rest and relaxation area on the first floor. Meeting rooms, business centers, gym facilities, all day dining and coffee shops will also be provided. Underground parking facilities will provide direct access to the apartments, ensuring the privacy of residents and guests.

Commenting on the partnership with the Rotana Group which will operate the hotel apartments for the project, Al Dhaheri stated: "We want to maintain the highest standard in hospitality and are pleased to partner with Rotana, the leading hotel group based in this region".

Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of the Rotana Group and ASWAQ Management & Services, said: "We are happy to join forces with the Sultan Bin Rashed Group which is a reputable name in the UAE. We look forward to providing hotel guests with the high quality services and facilities that Rotana is known for as well as providing AMS' property consultancy, leasing and management services to the shopping mall, thereby contributing to Wahat Hili's overall attractiveness".

The Wahat Hili Mall is designed in an Arabian theme with whitewashed walls, blue domes and burnished wood balconies. The Mall will have a large supermarket, a selection of retail outlets, a food court and options for family entertainment. The large indoor and outdoor parking area will add to the mall's appeal. With the mall adjoining the Hili Rotana Suites, hotel guests will have the opportunity to shop, dine and entertain themselves during their stay.

"Wahat Hili will offer a modern and family-oriented environment. Visitors will be able to socialize and network within a shopping venue that offers high-end brands and products. The development will greatly enhance the shopping and entertainment experience for residents and visitors to Al Ain", Al Dhaheri said.

On behalf of the Sultan Bin Rashed Group, Al Dhaheri expressed his appreciation to HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for providing the Sultan Bin Rashed Group the opportunity to contribute to the development of Al Ain City.

Stating that Wahat Hili was another instance of the close cooperation between the public and private sector in the UAE, Al Dhaheri also expressed his appreciation to HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of ADTA, for his support for the project.

See also:
Latest Cityscape news