Shaza Hotels invests in key property developments

According to senior executives, the group has purchased prime properties in Cairo, Bahrain, and Marrakech and will act as both investor and operator of Eastern-inspired hotels in each of these key gateway cities.

Speaking at a press conference at Arabian Travel Market, Chairman Mohamad Hammour said that these new developments are just the first of a series of projects the hotel group has in the pipeline.

"Shaza Hotels' investment in key gateway cities of Cairo, Bahrain, and Marrakech demonstrate the company's commitment to the region and our belief in the on-going strength of the region's expanding tourism sector," said Hammour.

"We are successfully forging ahead with our ambitious development plans and will continue to extend our regional footprint, with aspirations to eventually spread the Shaza brand world-wide,"

he added.

Ideally situated in the heart of Cairo, the exclusive Shaza Nile Douma Hotel will be set on approximately 7,500 square meter plot directly on the Corniche El Nil, within walking distance of the Nile City Complex and Arcadia Mall.

The 5-star mixed-use tower development combines a 350-room hotel with 70-90 high-end residential serviced apartments and, with unobstructed views, is one of the last available plots of land in Cairo overlooking the Nile.

Part of the large-scale waterfront reclamation project in Bahrain, the Shaza Manama Hotel in Bahrain Bay will be built on approximately 43, 000 square meters of land and comprise a 285 room hotel, along with 20-25 high-end serviced apartments.

The $2.5bn landmark waterfront project located in the heart of Manama includes residential, retail and commercial developments.

Located in an upscale district of Marrakech and a short walk from La Mamounia, the Koutoubia Mosque and Jama'a El F'naa, the Shaza Marrakech Hotel will be perfectly placed in close proximity to a number of popular restaurants and attractions.

With architectural and engineering works already underway and renowned international firm Bilkey Llinas Design leading the interior design, all of the properties promise to reflect the true spirit and warm hospitality of the Middle East and North Africa region in a contemporary and design-led environment.

A partnership between Kempinski, Europe's oldest luxury hotel brand and international financial firm Guidance Financial Group, Shaza has several hotels under various stages of development and aims to acquire and operate up to thirty luxury five-star hotels over the next 6-8 years.

Shaza's Arabian Travel Market 2008 exhibition stand will be located in the Zabeel Hall of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Stand HC320.