Al Madina A'Zarqa announces tie up with Anantara Hotels & Resorts

Collaboration with leading luxury hotel brand marks first hotel alliance for pioneering Omani development

Muscat, Oman: 06 January, 2008: Blue City Company 1 (BCC1) has announced an agreement with the internationally recognized luxury hotel group, Anantara Hotels & Resorts, part of the Minor Hotel Group, one of Asia's leading hotel owners and operators, for a new beachfront hotel development in Al Madina A'Zarqa - the most significant real estate infrastructure project in the Sultanate of Oman currently under Phase One of its construction.

Internationally recognised as leaders in luxury hospitality, the agreement with Anantara signals the launch of the first-ever hotel alliance for Al Madina A'Zarqa, as well as the debut of Anantara in Oman.

Roger Kacou, Vice President of Hotels and Leisure, BCC1 said: "I am delighted to be welcoming Anantara to Al Madina A'Zarqa. The alliance combines the strength of Anantara's experience in designing, developing and managing luxury hotel developments with Al Madina A'Zarqa's commitment to building a city of the future and placing Oman on the map as a premier tourist and business destination in the Middle East."

The luxury destination will offer residents and visitors alike outstanding facilities, exceptional service and a broad range of rooms delivered in an environment of unmatched elegance and refined luxury. It will also feature a 5 star spa that will offer its guests an unmatched range of services and treatments. Supported by world-class dining options, the beach front resort will provide a unique blend of ambience and exclusivity.

Dilip Rajakarier, Chief Operating Officer of Minor International PCL, the company heading Anantara Hotels & Resorts said: "We are excited to have signed this MOU with such a prestigious development as Al Madina A'Zarqa as a first step towards our entry in Oman. We believe Oman, with its rich culture and heritage will be an ideal location for our luxury Anantara brand and will complement our developments throughout the GCC region. We are confident that this partnership will create one of the most talked-about destinations in the world."

Born in Thailand in 2001, the Anantara Resorts and Spas is a collection of five-star luxury and boutique resorts and spas, providing an immersion in culture, history, and unique natural settings. The Anantara chain of hotels has been named one of the 'Top 10 overseas spa hotels' and currently includes four award winning resorts and spas located in the Maldives.

"Oman is well on the way to become a leading business and tourist destination, with vast potential in terms of tourism growth which will complement Oman's 2020 vision. With the added attraction of Oman's rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery, we anticipate a great deal of interest in this luxurious Anantara hotel in Al Madina A'Zarqa" concluded Kacou.

-Ends-

About Al Madina A'Zarqa
Located on a natural peninsula 60 minutes from Muscat, Al Madina A'Zarqa (previously known as The Blue City) is a 32 square kilometre (12.36 square mile) waterfront city being built along 16 kilometres (9.95 miles) of shoreline adjacent to the Gulf of Oman. Al Madina A'Zarqa is more than just a resort real estate development; the city is being designed and built to include all the elements needed for a thriving metropolitan community. When complete, the city will be home to 200,000 people who will live, learn, work, relax and play in surroundings that are harmonious with the existing Omani landscape, architecture and culture.

The organization behind the project is Al Sawadi Investment & Tourism Company (ASIT) which has the endorsement of the government of Oman to bring this massive urban development to life. Blue City Company 1 (BCC1) S.A.O.C. is the special purpose vehicle incorporated to oversee the management of phase one of the Al Madina A'Zarqa project

Al Madina A'Zarqa will serve as a growth engine for the Omani economy and will radically expand the tourism facilities in Oman. The city will generate large scale employment opportunities for Omani nationals, promote freehold property ownership for nationals and expatriates alike and serve as a hub for leisure activities in the Sultanate.

www.almadinaazarqa.com

For further information contact:
Reanne Rodrigues
Reanne.rodrigues@hillandknowlton.com
Hill and Knowlton
Dubai
+971 (0)4 3344930