Dusit Hotels and Resorts has announced plans to build properties on The Palm in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as part of its regional expansion plans.
The Thai hotel company has also earmarked Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar and Oman as potential areas for expansion.
Middle East regional vice president Sam-Erik Ruttmann said the company had two plots on the crescent of The Palm, Jumeirah, where it planned to build two hotels: a 300-room Dusit Thani branded property and a 114-room Dusit Devarana branded resort, the first time the Devarana brand will be used.
A 2000 square metre Devarana Spa would also be built adjacent to the resort, he added.
“We are going to make this a signature spa experience,” Ruttmann explained.
“People who are living on The Palm will have the perfect opportunity for informal learning experiences to enhance their lifestyle – this is becoming more and more relevant for people.”
Other properties in the pipeline include a Dusit Residence, to open on the Dubai Marina later this year, and the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open early 2010.
Ruttmann said the company would also look to introduce its mid-market Royal Princess brand in the Middle East soon.
Dusit sources have also indicated the region could see the D2hotels and resorts brand – a more stylised and modern brand – introduced to Middle East properties.
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