Abu Dhabi-headquartered National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H) has signed an agreement with the UAE capital’s Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) to develop an 809,000 square feet plot of land on Saadiyat Island, which lies just 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city, for a new five-star waterfront resort.

The huge resort, which will be set among natural beach dunes and in an eco-environment on the shores of the Saadiyat Beach district – one of six in the masterplan for the 27 square kilometre island, will feature a six-storey hotel.

“Design of the resort is progressing with the concept focussing on a tranquil resort sanctuary with beach-front restaurants and cafes and a wellness centre,” explained Abdullah Al Romaithi, Managing Director, NCT&H.

“NCT&H has the greatest confidence in the transformation of Saadiyat into a signature destination and believes it is central to the tourism offering of Abu Dhabi for which it needs to be a part. We anticipate opening the resort within three years. This resort will benefit from the proximity of Saadiyat Beach to the new international airport and to the down-town hub of Abu Dhabi city, providing guests with ease of reach and access not only to a haven of relaxation, but to the bustle of the capital, if they choose.”

The new resort may be operated by an international brand and discussions with a key industry name are already underway.

“Since the launch of plans to transform Saadiyat Island into an international tourism destination we have received intense interest from investors locally, regionally and internationally,” said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Managing Director, TDIC.

“Saadiyat Beach will be the first area to be developed and the NCT&H resort an anchor proposition in this flagship destination.”