ALDAR signs award-winning Banyan Tree Group to manage luxury Al Gurm Resort in Abu Dhabi

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        'caption' => 'Seated L – R  Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, ALDAR Properties, HO Kwon Ping Executive Chairman, Banyan Tree Holdings - Standing L – R  Ambrish Baisiwala, Development & Asset Director, ALDAR Properties, Abdullah Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Board Member, ALDAR Properties, Paul Chong, Asst Vice President, Business Development Banyan Tree Holdings.',
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The agreement was signed between ALDAR Chairman Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh and Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings. It represents the prestigious East Asian resort group's first resort venture into the United Arab Emirates - and marks ALDAR's expansion into the luxury hotel business.

Al Gurm Resort is scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2007. The resort is an exclusive tropical island and spa complex, fringed by emerald green mangrove forests which sustain over 60 species of bird life in an area of breathtaking beauty off the western rim of Abu Dhabi island.

The focal point of, Al Gurm Resort will be 71 private suites centered round a lagoon and 90 exclusive island chalets. It will also include a world class health and fitness club, boutiques and restaurants offering fine cuisine with a signature seafood restaurant accessible only by boat.

In keeping with a strict 'wildlife first' policy, the development will feature low-rise accommodation only so that neither the wildlife nor the natural flora will be disturbed.

Mr Al Sayegh said that the partnership between ALDAR and Banyan Tree was a perfect match of corporate values, while Abu Dhabi with its pristine beaches and cosmopolitan flavour provided the ideal location for a world class destination.

He added that both developer and operator were committed to the preservation of the environment, in the process of creating the ultimate leisure destination. Abu Dhabi, as economic hub of the UAE and a city that lies midway between East and West, embodied these values and prided itself on its ecological credentials, a legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

'We are delighted to have secured the Banyan Tree Group, the world's leading luxury resort operator, to manage Al Gurm, an international resort that we are convinced will set a new benchmark for luxury in the hotel industry,' Mr Al Sayegh explained.

'This unique development is another step forward in the Abu Dhabi government's effort to diversify its economy and develop the tourism industry. The project also adds hotels to ALDAR's rapidly expanding portfolio of residential and commercial activities.'

Construction work is under way to deliver the resort through a soft opening in late 2007, with the complement of villas following shortly thereafter.

'This is an exciting new development for the Banyan Tree Group and we are certain that Al Gurm Resort will enhance our reputation as the leading luxury hotel group in the world,' commented Ho Kwon Ping after the signing.

'Spas operated by the Banyan Tree have collected dozens of awards over the years and this emerald of a spa here in Abu Dhabi will be the new jewel in our crown.'

He concluded: 'As pioneers of the tropical garden spa concept, we feel at home here in this magical forest by the sea and we are confident that our guests will also.'