Al Habtoor Group formalises agreement for 'designer' hotel on The Palm, Jumeirah

The agreement between the two companies is for a 5-star deluxe, 250 all suite hotel located on the Crescent. Covering an area of approximately 500,000 square feet, the hotel will be part of the prestigious Metropolitan Hotels International and as a luxury resort destination will complement the other hotels on the Crescent.

"The Al Habtoor Group has shown a keen interest in The Palm project from the very beginning", said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Nakheel, at the signing ceremony. "Today is a formalisation of our agreement with them. We are obviously extremely proud of our association with this highly successful UAE company and of their enthusiasm in The Palm project",

The Al Habtoor Group currently owns and operates seven hotels and a catering company under the management of Metropolitan Hotels International. Similarly, Metropolitan Hotels will also manage the group's property on The Palm.

Discussing the design and concept for their hotel on The Palm, Jumeirah, Ahmed Khalaf Al Habtoor, Member of Al Habtoor Group Board said, "We're currently in the process of finalizing the concept and design, however I can share with you that the property will be a five star designer beach-front hotel, boasting a design that is unprecedented in the region. A number of specialized restaurants and extensive leisure amenities, including exclusive spa facilities, will be incorporated".

"We are working closely with a number of famous international architectural firms and are currently in the final selection phase. As soon as we have the design finalized we will share it with you", continued Al Habtoor.

The Al Habtoor Group is one of the UAE's most successful business corporations that also operate in the Middle East and the UK. Whilst widely known for construction, it is now equally well recognized for its hotels, real estate, education, insurance, automobile dealership and publishing.

Construction of The Palm, Jumeirah is progressing rapidly with the infrastructure phase now well underway. More than 3000 workers are currently on the island constructing various elements ranging from bridges to telecommunications, solid waste collection systems, electrical supply and more.

Spanning five kilometres in length and width, The Palm, Jumeirah is already considered one of the world's most unique island destinations. Positioned to be a tranquil haven offering serenity and exclusivity, the spectacular homes, waterfront resorts, boutique hotels, shopping, spas, marinas, canals and more will all combine together to provide the most luxurious retreat destination.

Built in the shape of a palm tree, The Palm, Jumeirah comprises of a trunk; a crown with 17 fronds; and a surrounding crescent island - the back of which forms the breakwater. Construction commenced in June 2001.

Also, in attendance at the signing ceremony was Mr. Rahim Abu Omar, Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Hotels International, Mr. Maan Halabi, Executive Director Al Habtoor Group and Mr Wahid Attalla, Executive Director, Commercial and Operations, Nakheel.