13 April 2006

Dubai: Kempinski yesterday opened its first hotel in Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates, its third in the UAE.

The 48,000 square metre property has 395 rooms, 15 conference rooms, a business centre and a conference floor.

Each room has at least one flat screen plasma television and wireless internet facilities.

But its main selling points are the 15 ski chalet-style rooms which, at Dh25,000 a night, offer views of the mall's snow-covered ski slopes and the Arabian Gulf.

Kempinski was chosen over 10 competitors to operate the Dubai site, which remains under the ownership of the Mall of the Emirates.

Lifestyle destination
Speaking to Gulf News at yesterday's launch, hotel General Manager Michael Henssler said: "This will be one of Dubai's landmarks. It is positioned to be the leading business and life-style destination in the region.

"The operator of this place needs to be someone who has an individualistic approach. That's why Kempinski was chosen. The company has a long tradition and a big portfolio."

German hotel company Kempinski was founded in 1897 and has branches in Abu Dhabi and Ajman. It focuses its operations on China, India and the Middle East.

It has also signed a management agreement with Emerald Palace to operate two projects on the Jumairah Palm a residential property scheduled to open in 2008 and a five-star hotel set to start business in 2009.

Aiming to be the country's top city hotel and competing with the leading five-star brands, the Shaikh Zayed Road facility plans to capture the region's booming business and leisure market.

Jumeirah, which operates some leading hotels in Dubai, including the iconic Burj Al Arab, would not be drawn on whether the Kempinski opening would reduce its market share or force it to make changes.

A spokesperson said: "We congratulate Kempinski on their opening. They are entering a very buoyant hotel market a market that benefits with each opening of quality hotel product."

The hotel is currently accepting guests but is only 50 per cent operational ahead of a full opening on May 31.

By Staff Reporter

Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.