Dubai, November 25, 2008: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the signing of an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Seba Properties for the development of the InterContinental Fujairah Resort, a new beachfront property in one of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) most attractive tourist destinations.
The 291-room hotel will be the first InterContinental beach resort property to open in the UAE and will establish a benchmark for quality and luxury amongst upscale resorts across the Middle East. Part of the growing portfolio of over 150 InterContinental hotels worldwide, InterContinental Fujairah Resort will connect guests with what is special about the destination, providing them with authentic and enriching ‘in the know’ experiences.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hajar Mountains with breathtaking views across the Indian Ocean, the resort will consist of a series of low-rise Arabesque village-style buildings, giving it a sense of place that is unique to Fujairah. The property’s design will combine contemporary design elements with strong Arab influences that reflect the local heritage and culture.
The five-star property is set along Fujairah’s two-kilometre coastline, on 69,500m2 of land. The resort will offer a variety of restaurants, retail outlets, a health club and spa as well as a kids’ club.
Expected to open by the end of 2010, InterContinental Fujairah Resort will be surrounded by unspoilt natural landscapes which have made this tranquil Emirate a haven of relaxation for local, regional and, increasingly, international travellers.
Andrew Cosslett, Chief Executive for IHG, said: “Fujairah is an up-and-coming destination for both business and leisure travellers. InterContinental has been the leading hotel company in the Middle East for over 45 years and we look forward to opening what will be our first resort in the United Arab Emirates.”
“With more than 65 hotels in the region, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn, IHG has developed the reputation for delivering great guest satisfaction and excellent returns for our owners. InterContinental Fujairah Resort will be no exception when we open our doors in 2010.”
Rabih Karam, Chief Executive Officer of Seba Properties, added: “We are committed to creating uniqueness, elegance and an appropriate response to the location and we are confident that with a partner like IHG, we shall develop a world-class iconic resort.”
Fujairah’s strategic plan is to position the Emirate as a premium tourist destination. The Fujairah government has allocated over AED2.9 billion toward the development of the coastline and improving infrastructure of the Emirate.
A new 45km highway connecting Dubai and Fujairah will cut travel times between the two destinations to 30 minutes. Expected to be completed mid 2009, the highway will provide easy access to Dubai International Airport as well as the new Al Maktoum International Airport, set to partially open late 2009.
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About InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,100 hotels and more than 600,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites®, and also manages the world’s largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club® Rewards with 40 million members worldwide.
IHG’s portfolio within the UAE numbered 12 properties as of 30 September 2008, comprising three InterContinental, three Crowne Plaza, three Holiday Inn and three Express by Holiday Inn hotels.
IHG has more than 1,700 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create 200,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.
IHG offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards programme at www.priorityclub.com. For the latest news from IHG, visit our online Press Office at www.ihg.com/media
About InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has over 150 hotels, located in more than 60 countries with local insight that comes from over 60 years of experience. At InterContinental we believe that superior, understated service and outstanding facilities are important, but what makes us truly different, is the genuine interest we show in our guests. Our desire is to help guests make the most of their time. We connect our well-travelled guests to what’s special about a destination, by sharing our knowledge so they enjoy authentic experiences that will enrich their lives and broaden their outlook. For more information, visit www.intercontinental.com and www.intercontinentalvideo.com.
About Seba Properties
As a pioneer in the UAE real estate industry, Seba Properties is committed to keep building superior quality developments and to offer world-class standards of services that set a new excellence benchmark for lifestyle in the region. Seba Properties develops and operates across a broad range of sectors including residential apartments and villas, commercial office and retail space, industrial warehouses and world-class hotels locally and regionally.
One of Abu Dhabi’s leading business groups with global diversified investment portfolio, Al Ain International Group established Seba Properties in 2005, a company solely dedicated to providing exceptional real estate solutions, properties and services that cater to the growing needs of society.
Building on the foundation of the extensive industry expertise, Seba Properties sets and delivers strategic development competencies in the real estate industry. Seba is committed to best industry practices and work ethics, superior architectural designs, high-quality materials, modern amenities, cutting edge construction technologies and high-end facilities management.
Empowered by a team of experienced and dedicated professionals, Seba Properties exercises uncompromised integrity and excellence in serving the community. By striving for continuous improvement of our service standards, we ensure our customers’ expectations are significantly exceeded. With Seba, customers not only live or work in the finest property but also enjoy the luxury and comfort of a world-class service.
Seba Properties believes in harmonious progress for all. Commitment to society and environmental conservation are an integral part of Seba’s corporate vision. Our ability to create value and ensure service excellence makes Seba Properties a partner in the development of the community.
About Fujairah
Fujairah is the northernmost of the UAE’s seven Emirates, with the fifth largest population. The Emirate is endowed with a wealth of natural resources. The location, facing the Indian Ocean, together with its natural landscape and beaches has enabled this Emirate to become an attractive tourist destination.
For more information, please visit www.seba.ae or contact:
Melanie Taylor
Assistant Marketing Manger
Seba Properties
melanie.taylor@seba.ae
+971 2 681 3830
© Press Release 2008 from ASDA’A Public Relations
