Ritz-Carlton sets sights on Abu Dhabi

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has announced it will boost its UAE-based property portfolio with the addition of a new resort in Abu Dhabi's Coconut Island development, an Aldar Properties project.

Aldar is developing Coconut Island after signing a joint venture agreement with National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels last year.

Set to open in 2011, the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi will include 130 guest rooms, and 30 suites and villas.

Ritz-Carlton president and chief operating officer Simon Cooper said the property would play a "key role in our group's regional expansion in the Middle East".

"We are delighted that, with this agreement with Aldar Properties, we are able to introduce the Ritz-Carlton service values to this capital city and provide a new, exciting luxury hotel experience for our loyal guests."

All villas and suites at the property will include water features, with swimming pools and spacious sundecks. Rooms will be a minimum of 55 square metres, while the villas range from 130 to 230 square metres.

For more on the property, and Ritz-Carlton's regional expansion plans, see the March 2008 issue of Hotelier Middle East.