Tourism & Hospitality | Tuesday 6 January, 2015 12:45 am |

Jannah Hotels and Resorts group is planning to open 30 new hotels by 2020 while its Burj Al Sarab by Jannah will be inaugurated in the first quarter of 2015, according to the group’s VP Operations Abu Dhabi
Richard Haddad, said the 18-floor Burj Al Sarab is located in Mina area and is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
He said the hotel is the latest project by the group and that is a result of cooperation between Jannah and Al Rubaya group, which owns the hotel, adding
that Jannah targets the management of nearly 30 hotels in the next five years.

He said the five-star hotel which overlooks the Gulf water comprises 318 rooms and suites as well as several restaurants offering various cuisines to different nationalities, a health club with pool, gym and an SPA.

The hotel also includes royal suites comprising two and three bedrooms and have an area of up to 210 square metres each, he said, adding that they are equipped with 48-inch TV screens, WI-FI service and other facilities that suit various guest needs. He also said the hotel comprises spacious halls for conferences, meetings and special events.
Detailing the hotel’s components, he said it comprises 224 deluxe rooms, 66 junior suites, 22 executive suites four 3-bedroom penthouses, and two 2-bedroom penthouses.
“We expect strong business and high occupancy rates at the hotel following the signing of a number of contracts with our partners in Europe and other countries to attract tourists and guests…besides, Abu Dhabi is attracting a large number of visitors coming to attend conferences, exhibitions, sports, cultural and art events.”
Mr Haddad said he expects growth in Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector to continue through 2015 due to those events and the fact that the emirate has become a key destination for foreign tourists, thanks to the promotion efforts exerted by the Abu Dhabi culture and tourism authority and Etihad Airways.

He also attributed growth to the presence of major attractions in the emirate, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island, Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi beaches and other facilities. He added that the opening of museums on Saadiyat, including Sheikh Zayed and Louvre museums, would give a strong push to tourism in Abu Dhabi.
“There is no doubt that these museums will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s status as a cultural springboard in the region…we expect the opening of these museums to attract more visitors and boost occupancy rates at our hotel.”

He also expected Dubai’s 2020 EXPO to “open new horizons” for tourism in the UAE, noting that nearly 45 million visitors are expected to come to the exhibition.
Mr Haddad disclosed plans by the group to open new hotels in Dubai’s Marina through 2015, adding that there are also negotiations to manage another hotel in Dubai. “This hotel will comprise the highest number of rooms in the emirate,” he said.