Upscale 'Pullman' Hotels to launch in Dubai

The Middle East's first Pullman hotel will be located at the Mall of the Emirates, comprising of 481 rooms, of which 94 are suites and is set to be completed by the second half of 2010.

The agreement, which was formally signed at a ceremony this morning, brings together Accor, one of the world's leading hotel and hospitality providers and the Majid Al Futtaim Group, the leading retail and leisure pioneer in the Greater Middle East.

The prestigious Pullman brand, specially featured to cater to the business travelers and MICE (Meeting Incentive Conference Exhibition) market, has carved a niche in the fast growing upscale business hotel segment, and has grown rapidly to a network of 50 distinctive properties across the world by 2009.

The launch of Pullman Hotels & Resorts in Dubai has been welcomed by Majid Al Futtaim Properties, which has already built a strong 15-year relationship with Accor through its Hospitality business and existing properties. A second Pullman, the Deira City Centre Hotel, is due to be unveiled after its extensive renovation scheduled over the next 24 months.

Dr. Najeeb Al Khaja, Senior Vice President for Hospitality at Majid Al Futtaim Properties said the new partnership was very special to both companies. "We are extremely proud to have this opportunity to bring a brand like Pullman to the Middle East. We have an excellent track record investing and developing our hotel properties and we are delighted that Accor Hospitality have chosen us to partner with them in the Middle East."

The Pullman Mall of the Emirates hotel has a prime location and is being developed as part of the Mall's impressive new extension plans.

"Upscale hotels adjacent to the retail, leisure and entertainment offerings of a Mall have proved highly successful and complementary. We are looking forward to developing this innovative approach to hospitality further with the arrival of Pullman at the Mall of the Emirates and eventually at Deira City Centre," Dr. Najeeb said.

Mr Christophe Landais, Managing Director Accor Hospitality Middle East, believes that the timing is in perfect keeping with Accor's expansion plans. "Pullman is a brand that has long been associated with sophisticated business frequent travelers and tourists, and has maintained a reputation of innovation and comfort in a highly demanding market.

"Of all the places to be in the Middle East, Dubai is a natural starting block, and with our previous association with Majid Al Futtaim Properties we are thrilled that we are further developing our partnership. It becomes stronger and stronger and shows that we both have an extremely upbeat outlook for the future. Pullman Hotels & Resorts are a highly regarded brand and MAF is a highly regarded partner."

The Majid Al Futtaim Group has successfully brought the concept of regional shopping malls and hypermarkets to the GCC region and owns four hotels in the region including the Kempinski Hotel at the Mall of the Emirates, and the Novotel and Ibis Hotels on the Port Saeed Road with further 7 hotels under construction.

Accor has 4,000 hotels in 90 countries and plans to build a network of 300 Pullman destinations within the next six years, providing its three pillars of service: convivial hospitality, tranquility and connectivity.