Dubai, 4 April, 05 (WAM) - Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairmanof Dubai Civil Aviation and President of Emirates, announced plans forthe construction of a new 5-star, 800 million-Dirham luxury hotel inDubai by the airline.

Speaking at press conference here today at the Arabian Travel Market,Sheikh Ahmed said that General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Minister of Defence, has approved plans forthe construction of the hotel.

The new 70-storey, 350 metres high hotel will be built on Sheikh ZayedRoad and will be among the world's five tallest hotels, and also one ofthe largest in the UAE.

Sheikh Ahmed thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his support of Emirates'initiative and stressed the significance of the new landmark buildingas another contribution of the airline towards realising his vision ofturning Dubai into one of the world's top business and touristcentres.

Contemporary and futuristic in its design, the Emirates hotel willbreak new architectural ground with cantilever rooms and over 50 skyterraces. When completed in 2008, it is certain to stand apart with itsdistinctive elevation in a stepped form, encased in a glass and aluminiumexterior.

The hotel will offer 560 deluxe rooms, 112 suites and one Presidentialsuite, each giving guests an unparalleled, panoramic view of Dubai, includingsome of its most prestigious projects, such as the Burj Dubai, BusinessBay and the Dubai Financial Centre.

Sheikh Ahmed said: "Last year Dubai hosted 5.4 million visitors - anincrease of almost nine per cent over the year before, and the numberis expected to treble by the end of this decade. Dubai's infrastructuremust be prepared for this huge expansion in tourist arrivals, and theEmirates new hotel is our contribution to the city's efforts to meet theforecast demand for more hotel rooms.

"Dubai today is not only the leading hub of the Middle Eastregion, it is also fast becoming a truly international business and leisurecentre. It has been voted as the world's best conference venue, and the670-plus rooms of the new Emirates hotel will help to support Dubai'sstature as a major financial center. We also are committed to using itto enhance the Emirates reputation for outstanding customer service,"He added With a huge, 25,000 square feet Health Club, guests will have ampleopportunity to get in shape at the ultra-modern, state-of-the-art gymnasiumor unwind at the relaxing spa. Entertainment facilities and common areasalso will include a shopping boulevard and 15 food and beverage outlets.

Emirates is not new to the hospitality industry. It owns, manages andoperates the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, a conservation-based resortset in a 225 square kilometre nature reserve. Winner of National Geographic'sWorld Legacy Award 2004, and judged 'The Best Resort in Africa/MiddleEast 2002' by Cond? Nast, Al Maha offers 40 ultra luxurious suites inthe heart of the desert.

Emirates also owns the 218-room Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, situatedon a superb stretch of the private Al Aqah Beach, in the picturesque emirateof Fujairah. The resort is particularly popular as a family holiday destination.