Abu Dhabi 08 April , 2015

Swiss-Belhotel Corniche Abu Dhabi is destined to become the new hotel standard in the capital city. Company executives are excited about the new acquisition and said it would contribute to stimulating the tourism sector.

The hotel was taken over by Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International Group, who signed an agreement with UAE businessman Matar Al Mansouri for the management of the hotel which overlooks the Abu Dhabi Corniche.

"We hope this hotel will contribute to further expanding the tourism sector in Abu Dhabi and become an ideal place for families and visitors from the UAE, the Gulf and other countries," Mr Mansouri said.

He lauded efforts by the Abu Dhabi tourism and culture authorities in promoting Abu Dhabi as a tourism destination, adding that he expects tourist influx to continue into Abu Dhabi thanks to those efforts and the role played by Etihad Airways.

He noted that Abu Dhabi has become a major tourism destination given its location and the presence of attractive sites, including Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari and Waterworld on Yas Island, the Louvre museum on Saadiyat Island and other sites.

Mr. Noel Masoud, Vice President Operations and Development for Middle East operations in the Group said the new hotel is the Group's first 4-star city hotel in Abu Dhabi and that it enjoys a wonderful location given its proximity to the town centre and other key sites in the capital.

"This hotel's uniqueness lies in the spacious rooms and suites, and its location in the heart of the city in close proximity to Abu Dhabi attractions and the beach," he said.

He said Abu Dhabi's tourism sector has become a key component of the economy given its steady and rapid growth thanks to the efforts undertaken by authorities and the numerous events organized in the capital round the year.

The hotel's General Manager, Mr. Hassan Raafat, said its location and services would make it a favorite destination for tourists and businessmen, adding that it would offer competitive room prices ranging between Dh350 and 450.

He said the hotel comprises 189 rooms and suites and offers five-star services although it is a four-star hotel. He added that the hotel also comprises four restaurants, a SPA, and a swimming pool.

"Major oil companies prefer to deal with this hotel because of its competitive prices and distinguished services and facilities," he said, adding that he expects high occupancy of 80-85 per cent in normal days and 100 per cent during holidays and events.

The 20 storey-hotel comprises several restaurants and cafes serving a selection of Middle Eastern and International cuisine, and meeting spaces for up to 300 guests. The hotel's leisure facilities include a fitness centre and rooftop swimming pool.

The rooms contain a seating area and desk with a dual-line extension phone, and IDD and PC connections

The new property brings the group's portfolio in the Middle East up to 11 hotels, following the most recent addition last year of Swiss-Belresort Ghantoot.

Other properties in the region include Swiss Belhotel Seef, Bahrain, Swiss Belhotel Plaza Kuwait and Swiss Belhotel Doha, Qatar.

Also in the pipeline, are Swiss-Belinn Ghurbrah Oman, Swiss-Belhotel Riyadh, Swiss-Belboutique Riyadh, Swiss-Belhotel Stenden Doha, Grand Swiss-Belhotel Batumi Georgia and Swiss-Belhotel Erbil, Iraq, which are due to open by the end of 2016.

The group manages a total of 125 hotels and resorts worldwide and has been selected as one of the best 100 hotel groups in the world.

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© Press Release 2015