Rotana Hotels to manage their first luxury hotel in Jordan

The deal was signed with Abdali Investment and Development PSC. Amman Rotana Hotel will be Rotana's first property in Jordan and is set to open by the end of 2008 at Abdali, the new urban downtown of Amman.

Amman Rotana Hotel will be located in the heart of the new downtown, Abdali, which is the largest, single vacant plot in the centre of Amman spanning 35 hectares or 350,000sqm. The new Abdali downtown will effectively link old Amman with the more modern Shmesani business district. As a central location it is surrounded by more than 25 banks and financial institutions, 12 major hotels, 16 public institutions, 9 major hospitals and the legal district of Amman. Additionally, it borders the Palace of Justice, the Parliament Building, and the King Abdullah Mosque placing it at the core of Amman's working life.

The new 5 star Rotana Hotel will feature 450 rooms and suites, a variety of Food & Beverage venues, state of the art meeting rooms as well leisure facilities.

Mr. Jamal Itani, CEO of Abdali PSC, stated: "We are truly excited about our new strategic alliance with Rotana Hotels, which will undoubtedly add value and compliment the new Abdali downtown, especially when taking into account their excellent track record and growth rate across the region. " Further adding, "Our ultimate aim with the Abdali Urban Regeneration project is to create a 'smart urban centre' in the heart of Jordan's thriving capital city, which will be completed in 2009. The Abdali urban regeneration development breaks new ground in Jordan, not only for its unheard of scale but for its focus on the quality of life of residents and visitors".

Mr. Itani continued saying: "The impact of the Abdali development project in Amman can not be limited to purely economic enhancement resulting in the encouragement of investment and stimulation of business in the city. It will also impact the social and cultural aspects of the city, through creating an amalgamate of residential areas with a modern market, entertainment facilities and outlets, pedestrian areas and an all new American University. The result will be a new modern 'downtown' which will come as a breath of fresh air to crowded Amman, by bringing modern urban planning and lifestyle to the ancient developing city".

Commenting on the announcement Mr. Selim El Zyr, President & CEO of Rotana Hotels said:

"We are very proud to be associated with the prestigious Abdali project and to manage this superb property. We have selected the best architects for this project, which are the world famous French architects ARCHITECTURE STUDIO and I am positive that this project will be a true landmark in the Region. It will be a key component in the exciting development plan of Rotana Hotels. Amman Rotana Hotel will not only increase our portfolio in the Middle East but will give us the opportunity to operate our first property in Amman and specifically in such a new grand development".

Concluding the announcement of this new management agreement, Mr. Itani said: "Our Company's decision to partner with regional hospitality giant Rotana Hotels has been taken to ensure that the high standard of excellence is maintained".