The Al Habtoor Group announced on January 18, 2012 that it will soon be building one of the region’s biggest and most luxurious hotel and entertainment complexes.
This magnificent development on Sheikh Zayed Road will replace the 34-year-old Metropolitan Hotel, which is one of the first hotels in Dubai. However it is a substantially more ambitious project, consisting of three luxury hotels and housing 1,600 rooms. It will cost in the region of Dhs4.875 Billion (USD$1.33Billion).
Speaking at the press conference to announce the project, Khalaf Al Habtoor drew attention to the growth of the tourist industry in Dubai:
“The tourism industry in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai in particular, is steadily growing. We have to be prepared to cater for the needs of its visitors and residents alike,” he said. “Parting with the Metropolitan Hotel, our first hospitality venture is not easy as it’s filled with great memories for me, but I always believe in looking forward.”
And he pointed out that such a large investment should act as an incentive to other businesses in the region.
“An investment of this magnitude will encourage other like-minded businessmen to regain their faith [in the UAE economy] and will send a very strong message to the national and international communities. It will help stimulate direct foreign investments from institutions and individuals alike.
“My faith in our country’s economic strength and our resilience has always been strong; and now it’s time to prove it,” he added. “A good environment for investment provides security, economic stability and strong infrastructure; and for an investor like myself, nowhere provides all that, like Dubai does.”
The impressive Sheikh Zayed Road project will have two elegantly built skyscrapers, rising from an imposing grand 5-storey podium. It will not only be classically beautiful, but will have the very best of facilities and offer a ‘lifestyle’ experience.
The complex will include a 5-star serenity spa, multiple themed restaurants and a 50,000 square-foot banqueting area; as well as meeting rooms, a shopping arcade selling international designer brands and a theatre, which will be different to anything Dubai has This 1,000-seat drama venue should attract high profile theatrical shows from Broadway, Las Vegas and other international destinations. It will be fitted with the latest technical equipment and there will be an hydraulic central stage, water features and moveable floors.
The themed restaurants will be spread over two podium levels and will include a number of Michelin Starred establishments.
A tennis and sports academy to be used by both guests and local sports enthusiasts will also be built as part of the project. It will have the best quality tennis courts and sports equipment in the city.
With a magnificent view of the Safa Park, the Burj Khalifa Business Bay canal and The Meydan, the project will also overlook a beautifully landscaped garden of approximately 400,000- square feet, with exotic flowers and shrubs; and picturesque gazebos and fountains.
With John R. Harris and Partners as the concept design architects and Khatib and Alami Consolidated Engineering Company as the lead design consultants, construction of the project is due to commence in the first quarter of 2012. It is expected to take just two years.