“We currently have six hotels and hotel apartments that are operational plus The First Collection JVC. In addition, we have six more hotels at various stages of construction, of which five will be opening over the next year.”
Ciel in Dubai Marina, which is expected to open in 2024, headlines the group’s current development pipeline. Scaling a height of 365 metres, Ciel will become the world’s tallest hotel upon completion and one of Dubai’s great architectural landmarks. Designed by award-winning firm NORR, the building features several design highlights, including a rooftop observation deck located on the 82nd floor that will provide 360-degree views of Dubai’s world-famous skyline and the Arabian Gulf.
“In the fast-growing Jumeirah Village precinct, we have two properties currently under construction, which will complement the recently completed The First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle. Located nearby is Avalon Tower, our first three-star hotel set to open in Dubai.” This hotel will offer guests high-quality affordable accommodation that is centrally located close to Dubai’s main leisure and business precincts, as well as Al Maktoum International Airport and the Expo 2020 site in Dubai South.
In Jumeirah Village Triangle, The First Collection JVT will raise the bar for four-star accommodation in the heart of New Dubai. The 579-guestroom hotel will feature 24-hour reception and concierge services; a range of restaurants and bars; a Club House featuring a rooftop swimming pool, gym, and sun deck; a business centre; and Wi-Fi access throughout the building.
“Business Bay, the dynamic precinct located near Downtown Dubai and overlooking Dubai Canal, is another major area of focus for our development pipeline. Of our three hotels currently under development here, The One Hotel Business Bay is the largest with 492 guestrooms.” The hotel, which is scheduled to open in the first half of 2022, will boast a comprehensive array of ultra-modern business and leisure facilities as well as a unique collection of signature restaurants.
The four-star Sky Bay Hotel, which will boast 437 guestrooms, is also on track to open in H1, 2022. This stylish, upper-midscale hotel will feature a range of high-quality amenities, including signature F&B outlets, an innovative NEST co-working space, fully equipped spa, gym and yoga facilities, steam rooms and outdoor swimming pool with sundeck.
Rounding out the Business Bay development portfolio is the 330-key Dolphin Tower. Situated adjacent to Dubai Canal and providing panoramic views of the iconic waterway, Dolphin Tower will feature a host of modern, premium amenities certain to appeal to discerning business and leisure guests.
“We are fully integrated in that we sell 100 per cent of the guestrooms in each of our properties then rent them out under a traditional hotel model. Our investor sales process is direct to consumer; however, our hotel rental business is comprised of several channels, including travel agents and tour operators.”
Some of the existing properties will be rebranded but more information will be released in due course. “Our future is bright. We are exploring several markets outside the UAE. The locations we choose will be based on a number of factors but most important will be choosing destinations where our business model can be replicated.”