Sorouh signs up with Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts

This is Sorouh's first foray into the hotel development business and the announcement represents a landmark portfolio transition for the company already recognised as a developer of premium integrated lifestyle communities.

'We have great plans for the city of Al Ain, and we are pleased that our first hotel project is launched in this city. We are fully aware of the potential of Al Ain as a distinguished tourist destination and we are committed to contributing to the enhancement of the image of this great oasis', says Saeed Eid Al Ghafli, Chairman of Sorouh Real Estate PJSC.

Al Ghafli added,

'Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts have acquired an outstanding reputation as a leading hotel chain with high standards in the Middle East. We're very pleased to have the opportunity of partnering with this Swiss hotel group and to add a hotel development to our extensive portfolio.'

Located next to Jebel Hafeet, Mövenpick Resort and Spa Al Ain will overlook the Al Ain Town Centre and Oasis, as well as Al Ain Sports Club and Jebel Hafeet. Construction of the hotel is due to begin soon and the property will open for business at the end 2010.

The contemporary styled property will feature 230 modern and spaciously appointed rooms, suites and chalets which offer the ultimate in comfort, style and exclusivity while eight restaurants ensure that guests enjoy the very best culinary choices.

The city resort also boasts a wide range of facilities including an indoor and outdoor spa, gym, infinity pool, tennis courts and, a children's club for younger guests. In addition, the resort provides a multipurpose ballroom, four meeting rooms, a business centre, and several shopping boutiques making it an ideal venue for business executives and events of all kind.

Mövenpick Resort and Spa Al Ain is a welcome addition to Sorouh's already impressive portfolio of projects in Al Ain. Neighbouring developments include Al Oyoun Village - an ultra modern rental compound overlooking the spectacular Hafeet Mountain, and 456,000 sqft shopping mall, also developed by Sorouh, which will be a major retail and leisure destination, once complete.

Mövenpick Resort and Spa Al Ain is the first of several mid to high end hospitality properties planned for Abu Dhabi which complements Sorouh's vision of bringing communities to life in perfect balance and encompasses Sorouh's integrated lifestyle master developments.

'We see a great deal of potential in the United Arab Emirates and are looking to the future with confidence,' says Jean Gabriel Pérès, President & CEO Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. 'With the Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai now outstandingly well established, a total of eleven new properties are currently under construction in the United Arab Emirates, eight of them in Dubai alone.'

'The city of Al Ain is an important part of our expansion plans in the UAE, where our intention is to complete a number of projects outside Dubai,' explained Andreas Mattmüller, Senior Vice President Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Middle East & Asia. 'And we're delighted to have found such a strong partner in Sorouh Real Estate for this exceptional hotel.'