10 July 2006
Dubai: One of the oldest beach clubs in Dubai is closing its doors permanently to its 1,200-plus members beginning next year, to make way for an exclusive boutique resort.
Jumeirah Beach Club Resort and Spa, which has served the Dubai community since 1980, recently sent a letter to its members to formally terminate their membership, due to the club's "redevelopment" plans.
"These plans will entail the termination of all memberships as we do not intend to reopen as a club ? kindly treat this letter as formal notice of the termination of your membership with effect from January 10, 2007," the letter stated.
It added that the new resort might have a "limited number of memberships".
The decision has upset many long-term members, who have been part of the Jumeirah Beach Club family for more than a decade, characterising it as a loss to the community.
Zalfa, a 24-year old communications executive from Lebanon, whose family have been members when it was still known as the Hilton Beach Club, is especially upset as she sees it as her "second home."
"I've been going there since I was nine years old. We all grew up together. We have formed a community. Everything we do, we do it there."
Khalid Mohebi, a 25-year old systems analyst from the UAE, told Gulf News that it was painful to say goodbye to the club. He and his family have been members for more than 13 years.
"I have been a member for as long as I can remember. It's part of my childhood," he said.
Officials with the Jumeirah Group, which runs the club, confirmed the closure of the club and the termination of memberships, adding that they were still finalising the details of limited membership once the redevelopment was complete.
"Further information and details will be communicated once available," an official said.
She also said that membership at the club "would not be transferred to another beach club as most beach clubs are currently full."
It will be a boutique resort with island spa
A press release sent by the hospitality group about a month ago stated the club was closing in January next year for renovation and redevelopment, but did not specifically mention that it was terminating all memberships.
The club, formerly known as the Hilton Beach Club when it first opened in 1980, will reopen in late 2007 as a 141 all-suite boutique resort with a purpose built island spa, six restaurants and bars as well as an infinity pool.
Members currently pay annual dues ranging from Dh15,000 to Dh27,500, depending on the package. The club will refund any leftover membership dues to its members.
By Nina Muslim
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
