Shaza's first property opening set for Dubai or Marrakech

Recently appointed Shaza Hotels president and chief executive Michel Novatin has earmarked Dubai and Marrakech as the first potential openings of the regionally inspired brand.

The prediction came as Shaza announced it signed a memorandum of understanding with Aristocrat Star Investments for a 360-key property built in the Royal Estates community in Dubai Investment Park.

The hotel is expected to open by the end of 2010.

"[The first hotel] will probably be in Dubai or Marrakech, one of the two - or probably both together at the same time," Novatin said.

"Immediately after we will have five hotels following which will be Cairo, Bahrain, another one in Dubai, Marrakech and probably Geneva.

"The whole idea is to have 30 hotels within the next six to seven years."

Novatin said the brand was receiving interest from some diverse destinations, including Sarajevo and Kazakhstan. In addition to new builds, Shaza would also look at taking over existing hotels, Novatin added.

"Creating interest and cash flow [can be achieved by taking] over some existing hotels," he said.

"On one condition though, which is that the people who come to us to take them over make the necessary changes to be a Shaza hotel. For example, if you have a hotel and you have only one spa, we will have to create a second one so that you have a Hamman for ladies and one for men. And we will take the alcohol away from the bar, for example."

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