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Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the expansion of its portfolio to 68 properties to open by 2012. This came as a result of new management agreements signed by Rotana for new properties across the region, including Cairo, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
"Year after year, Rotana is gaining strength and positioning itself as a leader in the industry within the region. This is part of our strategic aim to have a property located in every key city in the Middle East and North Africa and this goal is being steadily achieved through careful long-term planning and timely action. The new properties will not only expand our portfolio in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Qatar but will also introduce Rotana into new markets such as Cairo, Oman, Iraq and Saudi Arabia" said Selim El Zyr, President & CEO Rotana.
Rotana has already signed management contracts and some of these properties are now under construction or development. For the next four years, Rotana will open 10 hotels per year. The plan is right. The strategy is there. The execution and know-how are there. The objective is clear. Rotana is positive that as long as the company is able to manage growth in an efficient way, then there is the scope to take up further properties.
Rotana has signed a joint venture with Orascom and SHUAA to manage five Centro by Rotana properties in Egypt. Most recently, SHUAA Capital Saudi Arabia, cjsc (SCSA), the Saudi Arabian subsidiary of SHUAA Capital psc, announced the signing of a master agreement with Rotana to develop 17 four & five-star hotels and resorts in addition to hotel apartments across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comprising 5,500 rooms.
Rotana has fortified its position as Middle East leading hotel operator with the opening of 6 additional properties in United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Lebanon during 2009:
The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras El Khaimah has opened on 1st February 2009 and offers the discerning traveller 202 hotel rooms and 76 one, two and three bedroom villas ideally designed to accommodate families or a group of friends. This 5 star resort boasts more than 600 meters of beach, stunning waters and a multitude of activities. Indulgent amenities such as a well appointed leisure and fitness centre and an excellent choice of restaurants, bar and lounge, all come together to create a new and irresistible oasis of enchantment in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana – Makkah, opened its door in August 2009, The new hotel is the first to open under the brand ‘Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana’ – An Arabic name that refers to an aromatic plant mentioned in the sayings of prophet in the Holy Quran, Rayhaan reflects Rotana’s respect for the culture and beliefs of its guests and its dedication to fostering a new Arabia in today’s world. The property is situated on the right side of the Al Bayt Towers project, which faces King Abdul Aziz Gate and has an overview of the Holy Mosque and the Ka’aba, it offers 400 luxurious rooms and suites along with the choice of three restaurants at the hotel offering breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets in addition to a la carte menu, as well as 24 hour in-room dining.
Afamia Rotana Resort Latakia has opened on the 15th of May 2009, the property is located at the crossroad of the Near East, on a peninsula, 2 km from Latakia city centre and has an exceptional beach front, with an easy distance of Syria’s historical sites. The 5 star hotel offers 246 guestrooms with a stunning view on the beach along with 14 beach cabins, which makes it an ideal destination for leisure and business travellers alike. The resort offers meeting and event facilities to host annual conferences and seminars, bodylines and 5 restaurants.
Raouche Arjaan by Rotana Beirut has opened on the 15th of October 2009, the 5 star property is the first in Lebanon to open under our newly launched brand Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana. The hotel offers 176 rooms and suites with a stunning view on the Mediterranean sea. The property offers 2 meeting rooms with the capacity to accommodate 150 people, 2 restaurants showcasing the Lebanese cuisine and delightful fusion of continental and traditional fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Yas Island Rotana opened its doors in October 2009 offering superb accommodation with a wide range of facilities to suit guests seeking privacy, personalized service and stupendous quality during their stay. This 4 star deluxe hotel is conveniently located on the spectacular Yas Island, minutes away from the Formula 1 Race Track, The Links Golf Course, and Yas Southern Marina.
Adjoining Yas Island Rotana and providing guests access to deluxe facilities is Centro Yas Island which opened as well in October 2009. The hotel is Rotana’s first hotel to open under "Centro Hotels by Rotana", which is a modern, stylish and affordable business hotel brand. Young and fresh, Centro Yas Island is a contemporary concept that is original in its presentation and dynamic in its offerings. This 259 room hotel meets the demands of a new generation of traveller, seeking finesse and functionality at reasonable rates.
November saw the opening of Park Rotana, a 5-star hotel conveniently located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, offering 316 modern and stylish rooms and suites, conference and banqueting facilities of the highest quality, and a vast array of recreational facilities. Inspired by the unique setting and the exceptional cuisine created by a dedicated team of culinary professionals, the hotel will offer 4 exciting restaurants including the famous Teatro and Amador restaurant brought to you by the Michelin 3 star German Chef Juan Amador.
Park Arjaan by Rotana, is the second property to open under Rotana’s newly launched brand "Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana". This property is adjacent to Park Rotana hotel, uniquely designed with up-to-date technology and facilities catering to both long-term guests and families’ alike.
Hala Arjaan by Rotana Abu Dhabi is the first-class hotel apartments with a personal touch that has been developed with both long-term guests and families in mind. Located in the heart of the business district of Abu Dhabi, Hala Arjaan offers 166 stylish and fully equipped studios, one and two bedroom hotel apartments, all designed with the objective of closing the gap between hotel room and home.
Rose Rayhaan by Rotana Dubai, world’s tallest hotel in the world will open its door in December 2009. The property offers 72 floor tower structure, 333 meters high is set to be a dramatic addition to the scenery on the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Road. Rose Rayhaan by Rotana is the second property to open under Rotana’s brand "Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana", which is uniquely designed to cater to the diverse needs of our guests offering 481 rooms, suites and penthouses with their modern designs complementing the values of Arabian culture featuring a wide choice of food and beverage venues, the most up to date technology in its 8 meeting rooms, all offering daylight, business facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, and sauna and steam rooms.
Rotana currently manages more hotels in United Arab Emirates than any other single operator and the scheduled openings will increase the company’s stronghold further. The new Rotana properties that opened in 2009 will complement its existing operations and will give it a representation on some of the most exciting developments in the region.
Rotana is scheduled to open 17 new four and five-star properties including hotel apartments and resorts across the kingdom of Saudi Arabia comprising 5,500 rooms.
The Rotana brand is driven by passion, personal warmth, and the delivery of consistent quality standards, combined with a keen understanding of regional markets, commitment to research, and significant investment in systems and people. Development of the brand is rigorously planned and meticulously managed across all operations – simultaneously evoking confidence and trust among property owners, and creating satisfying experiences for corporate and leisure travellers alike.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
