Tourism

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today revealed it has signed a contract with Mr. Rashid Al Abbar to open a 192-room Aloft on Dubai's renowned man-made island-- Palm Jumeirah. Arranged to open in 2017, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will be the brand's very first resort in the Middle East, total with beach access, when it opens its doors as the first mid-market hotel brand on the island.

"We are delighted to work with Mr. Rashid Al Abbar to debut our tech-forward Aloft experience to the Palm Jumeirah and bring the brand's passion for live music, lively design and innovation to this amazing advancement," said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Hotels Europe, Africa and Middle East. "The UAE stays our greatest growth market in the Middle East, and this offer strengthens the demand for mid-market hotel advancement in the region.".

Mr Rashid Al Abbar commented, "This is an extremely exciting and respected opportunity for us to deal with Starwood who are leaders in the hospitality market. From the moment we shortlisted the recommended brands for this endeavor, we were encouraged that the Aloft brand was the clear leader and are happy with our decision. We are confident that Aloft Dubai, The Palm will develop a new level of experience for guests by providing an international, mid-level, resort style hotel in Palm Jumeirah, at attractive rates.".

Including an urban-influenced design, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will have 192 guest rooms, including 10 suites, with luxurious platform beds, big walk-in showers and complimentary Bliss features. The resort will offer guests access to a 500-metre stretch of beach, complete with sun beds and a gazebo for leisurely lounging. Developed with the requirements of the smart hyper-connected traveller in mind, the hotel will feature SPG Keyless-- Starwood's industry-first keyless entry system that enables guests to utilize their mobile phone or Apple view as a space secret-- and fast and totally free Wi-Fi throughout the home.

The building will provide the brand's signature W XYZSM Bar, a buzzy public space where guests can blend and mingle over good music; re: fuelSM by Aloft, the 'grab and go' eatery open 24 hours a day; an all-day dining outlet and a speciality restaurant. Guests who wish to keep their exercise routine while travelling can do so at re: chargeSM, the totally geared up physical fitness centre, or take pleasure in a revitalizing dip in the outdoor Splash pool. For events and conferences, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will offer over 100 square meters of creative space consisting of 4 conference room geared up with the most recent audio-visual innovation.

The Palm Jumeirah is the world's largest manufactured island and among the most ambitious advancements in the world, and the Aloft resort will be found on the ideal side of the Palm's crescent. Dynamic lifestyle programming becoming part of the brand's DNA, the hotel will set a buzzing social scene within The Palm, offering guests and locals live, open door to the best emerging musicians.

"Aloft hotels remains to get momentum worldwide and is anticipated to quadruple its portfolio in the Middle East by 2019," said Neil George, Senior Vice President Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Africa & Middle East. "The signing of Aloft Dubai, The Palm marks a turning point for the brand as its very first resort-style home in the Middle East in among the world's most renowned destinations, The Palm Jumeirah.".

Aloft made its debut in the Middle East in 2009 with Aloft Abu Dhabi. The finalizing of Aloft Dubai, The Palm reaffirms the momentum behind the brand's rapid growth in the Middle East, with plans to introduce 7 Aloft homes throughout the UAE by 2019. Aloft Dubai, The Palm will be the 3rd hotel on Palm Jumeirah that will be handled by Starwood under its distinct lifestyle brands, signing up with the W and St. Regis hotels when these open in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

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