Aldar takes centre stage in London

Held annually at the ExCel Exhibition Centre, London, UK, the World Travel Market Exhibition attracted 25,000 visitors from 202 countries last year. Aldar Properties is making its debut showcasing its tourism and leisure developments at the exhibition.

The city of Abu Dhabi is home to Aldar's 34m square metre land bank and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has signed a unique two-year agreement to become World Travel Market's official Premier Partner for 2007 and 2008, in a move that underlines the Gulf emirate's commitment to Britain's top travel show, as well as building its profile in the UK and wider European market.

Aldar will showcase its tourism and leisure developments, and will highlight its Hotels and Hospitality division which is poised to play a major role in the development of Abu Dhabi's hotel and hospitality sectors. Aldar has already signed agreements with internationally renown hotel groups ACCOR SA, Movenpick and Oberoi, as well as teaming up with Middle Eastern brands such as Rotana. To date Aldar has signed agreements to develop 11 hotels and the company plans to continue to develop relationships with more international hotel operators in the future.

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman of Aldar Properties, said:

"Our vision is to be recognized as a key player in the GCC region as well as throughout the world. Participating at World Travel Market in London elevates our brand and indeed our city onto a global stage and underlines our key role to promote Abu Dhabi on an international platform."

"Aldar aims to bring Abu Dhabi to the forefront of the international tourism market. With many projects under development that are geared towards tourism and leisure, Aldar is proud to be promoting the emirate in an international arena," said Ronald Barrott, CEO, Aldar Properties. "To highlight our ambition for the emirate, we have partnered with the government of Abu Dhabi in this endeavour to position Abu Dhabi as a top leisure destination. We are proud to build on that vision at this exhibition."

Paul Bell, Managing Director, Aldar Hotels and Hospitality, added: "With more and more flights operating between Europe and the UAE, Abu Dhabi is becoming a short-haul destination in the minds of Europeans. The right accommodation is a key ingredient to making the capital city a popular leisure destination. Aldar Properties is developing hotels ranging from 3-star to luxury to maximize tourism, opening the market to a wide range of travelers. At Aldar Hotels and Hospitality, we can deliver great hospitality options with impeccable service working with our world-class partners."

Aldar will showcase some of its major developments at WTM such as YAS Island, a large natural island with a total land area of 2,500 hectares, located off the main island of Abu Dhabi. Home to the world's first and only Ferrari Theme Park, YAS Island will also be home to a Formula 1 racetrack, a Warner Bros. Theme Park, water park, three championship golf courses and an equestrian centre. With luxury hotels, lagoons, beaches, commercial offices, boutiques and spas, YAS Island is set to become a unique international tourist attraction.