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Emaar Hospitality Group transfers operations of health clubs to Fitness First

Agreement adds four clubs to Fitness First's UAE portfolio
Dubai, UAE; February 29, 2012: Emaar Hospitality Group , the hospitality and leisure subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has transferred the operations of its Hayya! health clubs to Fitness First Middle East, a franchise of the world's number one health and fitness club chain and a member of the Landmark Group.

Emaar 's health and fitness clubs are located in The Lakes, The Meadows, Town Centre and Downtown Dubai, all part of the company's integrated lifestyle communities. The outlets offer the full spectrum of health and fitness facilities with fully-equipped gyms, tennis and squash courts, sports hall, swimming pool and spa.

Following the agreement, Fitness First will manage the health and fitness operations of all four Hayya! health clubs, while Emaar Hospitality Group will continue offering the hospitality services. This is in line with Emaar 's strategy of focusing on its core competencies while partnering with domain experts to add value to customers.

The Hayya! health clubs will also take on the Fitness First brand identity. As part of its drive to offer the latest innovation to the fitness industry, Fitness First will equip the four outlets with extensive freestyle areas and state-of-the-art equipment from TRX, Viper and Bosu. The clubs will also feature activities that Fitness First outlets are renowned for, including the Group Exercise classes such as TUFF.

Jurgen Baumhoff, COO of Emaar Hospitality Group , said: " Emaar 's strategy is to develop world-class assets and work with industry leaders to offer the best-in-class service support to the end-users. The company has been focusing on its core competencies, while working with industry leaders for the operational aspects of some of its diversified business assets. Fitness First has a proven track-record in providing superior fitness facilities, and our agreement with the company will bring great value addition for the health club members in our communities."

Praveen Bhatnagar, CEO - Hotels & Wellness, Landmark Group, said: "Fitness First was envisioned to help the community embrace a healthy and holistic lifestyle. Our agreement with Emaar Hospitality Group to operate the four Hayya! clubs is a significant milestone that adds a unique dimension to the services we offer and serves as an incentive to community members to adopt fitness regimes as a way of life. The move comes as part of our commitment to offer members with an all-encompassing fitness experience."

The Hayya! transition is in line with Fitness First's aggressive long-term expansion strategy in the region. With new clubs set to open doors across Bahrain, the UAE and Saudi Arabia by the first half of 2012, Fitness First continues to match pace with its vision of 'making the world a fitter place'.

A strong contributor to the recurring revenues of Emaar Properties , Emaar Hospitality Group has created a diverse portfolio of hospitality and leisure developments including hotels, serviced residences, lifestyle dining outlets, golf clubs, marina clubs, marinas, , and a polo and equestrian club.

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About Emaar Hospitality Group :
Emaar Hospitality Group LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, the Dubai-based global property developer, and manages Emaar 's hospitality & leisure projects across the region. Emaar Hospitality Group owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality assets including hotels, serviced residences, golf retreats, a polo and equestrian club, lifestyle dining outlets and the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Marinas.

The Address Hotels + Resorts, the flagship hotel brand of Emaar Hospitality Group , owns and operates five hotels in Dubai - The Address Downtown Dubai, The Address Dubai Mall, The Address Dubai Marina , The Address Montgomerie Dubai and The Palace - The Old Town.

Emaar also partners with hospitality operators such as Southern Sun and Troon Golf in managing respective businesses. Southern Sun, Africa's leading hotel group, currently manages and operates two properties - Al Manzil and Qamardeen Hotels at The Old Town in Downtown Dubai. Troon Golf manages The Address Montgomerie Dubai's championship golf course. Emaar Hospitality Group also operates the Nuran Serviced Residences.

For further information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Anushka Kadam
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
(+9714) 450 7600
k.home@asdaa.com, a.kadam@asdaa.com

About Fitness First Middle East:
Fitness First Middle East is a subsidiary of the Landmark Group, a leading retail and hospitality conglomerate in the Middle East and India. With over 24 clubs across the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the fitness chain offers world class facilities including state-of-the-art equipment, dedicated free weights area, personal training by world-class fitness professionals, intensive weight loss programmes, free group exercise classes and multiple membership privileges.

As a part of its expansion plans, Fitness First Middle East aims to open clubs across the region in 2012. Through a network of branches that offer ease of accessibility, highly trained staff, and holistic fitness services that extend beyond a traditional gym concept, Fitness First is committed to making the world a fitter place. Fitness First is a global brand that originated in the UK. Backed by an experience of over 17 years, the fitness chain has grown into a network of over 540 clubs in more than 21 countries worldwide.

For further information, please contact:
Craig D'Silva
APCO Worldwide
(+9714) 369 2926
cdsilva@apcoworldwide.com

© Press Release 2012

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