Jinan Hotels and Resorts to manage first hotel in UAE according to 'Estidamah' standards

The project, which has a total investment value of Dhs300m, is the first for Jinan after it was recently launched by Al Dhiyafa Holding.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Noel Massoud, Jinan Hotels & Resorts' CEO, while Mr Ahmed Al Mazroui represented Jinan Al Dhafrah Hotel & Resort.

The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Mohammed Hamad Azzan Al Mazroui, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Western Region Development Council, as well as a number of dignitaries and experts in the hospitality sector.

Speaking of the agreement, H.E Saeed Ahmed Bin Butti said:

"Since its inception, Jinan's strategies in managing sustainable hotels and resorts has attracted vast amounts of attention, especially due to the high demand from hospitality enthusiasts to not only excel at their business, but also to achieve the highest international standards."

"This agreement is an important step for Jinan, and it is in line with the company's plan to target 7-10 hotels by 2012. We are committed to achieving the announced goals of the company, and will aim to solidify Jinan's reputation as one of the leading companies in setting up new standards in the management of sustainable hotels and resorts, which forms part of the government's plans towards achieving sustainable growth," he added.

H.E. Mohammed Hamad Azzan Al Mazroui, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Western Region Development Council commented on the importance of the agreement in furthering the promotion of Abu Dhabi, "We have a vital role to play in achieving our leadership's goals of progress and sustainable growth, as well as in promoting opportunities in the western part of Abu Dhabi in an effort to make it one of the best locations in the UAE. This management agreement is a big step towards achieving these goals."

Mr Ahmed Al Mazroui, owner of Jinan Al Dhafrah, said:

"The quality of progress within the Emirates, and that of Emirati citizens, as well as the numerous facilities offered by our leaders, have pushed us to develop this project in partnership with Jinan, who has unique insight into hotel management, and who shares our vision of a sustainable hospitality industry. We expect the partnership to be a great success, and we are looking forward to similar partnerships in the future."

Jinan Al Dhafrah Hotel & Resort is located in Zayed City, in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. Is the first hotel in UAE to follow Abu Dhabi's new 'Estidama' ('sustainability' in Arabic) standards, intended to create more sustainable communities, cities and global enterprises. The 4-star hotel consists of 84 duplex apartments and six suites, and extends over an area of 50,000 square meters.

According to the Planning and Economy Department, Abu Dhabi is developing hotel projects with an estimated investment value of Dhs230bn over 5 years to cater for the high demand of approximately 1000 hotel rooms per year - the existing number of rooms (13,000) does not satisfy current demands. The market is expected to add 3,000 hotel rooms by the final quarter of 2009.

Last year alone, hotels in Abu Dhabi attracted 1.5 million tourists, an increase of 4% over 2007. In total, 4.7 million hotel nights were booked, resulting in returns of Dhs4.3bn.