Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel group, and Nakheel, UAE-based master developer has cemented their joint venture with a construction contract worth 2.63 billion to build a 601-room beachfront resort at Dubai’s Deira Islands. The new property, Centara Deira Islands Beach Resort Dubai, is Centara’s first in the UAE and will open in 2020.
The resort is expected to significantly boost the emirate’s four-star accommodation – the fastest-growing segment in 2017 with a 10 per cent growth rate last year, more than any other hotel category – in line with the increase in popularity of Dubai as a tourism hotspot.
Thirayuth Chirathivat, Centara’s CEO said: “This is Centara’s first hotel in Dubai, and the UAE, and signifies our presence in a major gateway city in the Middle East. This signing ceremony marks a profound milestone of expansion for Centara as we continue to extend our upscale resort portfolio internationally. We are very pleased to have reached this new milestone in our joint venture with Nakheel. With the expertise from a regional leader in development like Nakheel and Centara’s record of delivering and inspiring extraordinary guest experiences, Centara Deira Islands Beach Resort Dubai will represent a one-of-a-kind resort that gives our guests fond moments for years to come. We look forward to opening Centara Deira Islands Beach Resort Dubai in 2020.”
The contract was signed in Dubai at a ceremony led by Nakheel Chairman, Ali Rashid Lootah. Mobilisation will begin immediately. Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah said: “Nakheel continues to play a pivotal role in shaping and diversifying Dubai’s tourism offering with a 27 billion AED (or THB 245 billion) hospitality and retail expansion that supports our government’s vision. The joint venture with Centara underlines our commitment to working with trusted international brands to bring new hospitality concepts to Dubai, and today’s crucial milestone brings this exciting new resort ever closer. I look forward to delivering one of Dubai’s most sought-after destinations for travellers from all over the world.”
Centara entered the Middle East market with the opening of Centara Muscat Hotel last year, and has additional imminent openings in other Gulf States. Located on a prime beachfront spot at Nakheel’s Deira Islands waterfront city, Centara Deira Islands Beach Resort Dubai will be managed by Centara, whose growing portfolio already includes over 12,000 keys across 60 hotels and resorts in Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.
The family-centric resort will feature a waterpark, multiple restaurants including indoor, alfresco and rooftop options, kids’ clubs, spa and diverse family entertainment options. The 601 sea-view and city-facing rooms will cover a range of categories from standard and deluxe rooms through to expansive duplexes and suites and there will be a strong emphasis on family-centric accommodation. 114 rooms will feature bunk beds and approximately 90% of the rooms will be connectable, ensuring optimal options and comfort for families of all sizes.