Bena Properties lays down cornerstone of Yasmeen Rotana Hotel

The cornerstone laying ceremony was held under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Mohammed Naji Otri, Prime Minister of Syria. The five-star hotel is located in Mazzeh on the Damascus-Beirut highway only 15 minutes drive from the heart of Damascus and 35 minutes from Damascus International Airport.

Bena Properties has collaborated with Rotana and with Arabtec as a main contractor for the project to assure developing a state-of-the-art hotel, featuring 338 keys, Yasmeen Rotana Hotel will be Syria's next landmark in the hospitality sector and tourism industry.

"We are proud to have been chosen to manage this new spectacular 5 star property and our team is very excited about the opportunity to operate this milestone hotel. We are confident that we will introduce a new dimension of hospitality in the country," said Selim El Zyr, President and CEO of Rotana.

"It was the pleasure for Arabtec to be awarded an important project such as Yasmeen Rotana Hotel. A high profile start for Cham Holding, Bena Properties and Arabtec that will contribute to the tourism and hospitality industry in Syria," said Mr. Riad Kamal, CEO or Arabtec Holding.

"Our strategy was to inaugurate our brand with a hospitality project that righteously reflects our vision to become Syria's most renowned Real Estate Investment and Development Company. More hotels in Aleppo, Latakia, Damascus and Tartous will be announced before the end of the year," said Mr. Hawazen Esber, CEO of Bena Properties.

The Hotel will comprise of an executive lounge, a 600-seat banquet hall, six meeting rooms, a spa and a fitness centre with swimming pool. While the three restaurants will offer a world-class culinary experience with guests choosing from an all-day diner, an Italian restaurant and bar, an Asian restaurant and bar, a cigar bar and a rooftop lounge. The project will occupy around 4,000 m2 of land area and 53,700 m2 of total built -up area. The construction is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2012.