Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts continues its expansion with a new management contract for its fifth hotel in Egypt. Located in Dahab Bay on the Gulf of Akaba, the former Helnan Hotel will close in April 2005 for eight months in order to complete a major renovation costing approximately six million dollars (US) prior to re-opening as Le Meridien Dahab Resort & Spa.

The hotel, which will have 200 rooms and suites over looking the sea, is a one hour drive (80km) from Sharm El Sheik Airport in an area renowned for its exceptional marine life and proximity to the desert. Attractions such as St. Catherine’s Monastery, the Sinai Oasis and Mount Moses are only a few miles away.

Guests will have a choice of leisure facilities including swimming pools, a wind surf centre, tennis courts, squash courts, basketball, diving centre and a private beach. There will be a beauty salon, massage, sauna and steam rooms and a Penguin Club for children. Le Meridien Dahab Resort & Spa will also offer a choice of three restaurants and bars and an air-conditioned meeting room for up to 900 delegates.

According to Hassan Ahdab, Le Meridien’s regional managing director for Africa & the Indian Ocean: “As an international group we are keen to reinforce our position in the area and support tourism, which plays such an important role in the economy of the country.

The hotel is owned by the Egyptian General Company for Hotels & Tourism and will be Le Meridien’s fifth in Egypt.”

Le Meridien’s current portfolio in Egypt comprises Le Meridien Heliopolis, Le Meridien Pyramids in Cairo, Le Meridien Luxor and Le Meridien Makadi Bay.