Equine Management Services to develop equestrian community in Morocco

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The announcement marks the second EMS projects across the MENA region and promises to deliver a world class equestrian centre complete with the latest equestrian facilities to the Royal Ranches initiative.

Located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Royal Ranches Marrakech will populate 380 hectares, becoming one of the world's first five star Equestrian Resorts. EMS have track record of establishing unique equestrian communities and are best known for the Escape equestrian community currently under development in Ajman. Their plans for Royal Ranches include an equestrian centre for 200 horses, a HoofbeatZ Activities Center, an equine spa, a boutique five star hotel, and residential components comprising villas and apartments. The design of the project will draw upon numerous aspects of Moroccan culture and reflect the historical significance of horses throughout the kingdom.

Royal Ranches Marrakech will deliver a unique equestrian experience for enthusiasts worldwide while simultaneously offering an economic stimulus to the local and regional economy. The announcement will further capitalize on a Moroccan real estate boom that has attracted huge sums of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in recent years. The trend saw FDI reach a record high of over US$ 4 billion at the end of 2007 alone, an increase of 18.8% over the same time last year and a 77% increase over the average of the past five years.

The CEO of EMS, Eileen Verdieck said:

'We are passionate about creating unique equestrian experiences but finding the right partner and selecting the most appropriate location is critical to success of our ventures. In Royal Ranches we have a partner that shares our goals, and in Morocco we benefit from a rich and historical equestrian tradition which will be fully reflected in our work.'

Royal Ranches Marrakech Chairman Esam Janahi said, 'Royal Ranches Marrakech has been designed as a world class equestrian resort which fuses the luxuries of a five star resort with an advanced wildlife haven, and Equine Management Services bring with them vast experience in this arena. Their involvement will enrich the whole initiative and offer a truly unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts the world over.'

All of the equestrian elements of the Royal ranches Marrakech project will be designed and developed by EMS, and will introduce the company's HoofbeatZ Program, which is a comprehensive and sustainable equestrian management system designed to broaden the base of equine enthusiasts through the use of innovative, educational, and entertaining activities and games all centered around the horse.

The Hoofbeatz Program is designed to simultaneously improve the quality and length of a horse's life, increase the skills and knowledge base of equine care-givers, and expand the equestrian activities reach beyond that of the usual horse enthusiasts by making horses easily accessible and affordable to the general public.

Construction on Royal Ranches Marrakech is expected to begin by the year's end, as negotiations with contractors and real estate developments are currently underway.