Kempinski appointed to operate a new luxury beach resort
Dubai - Dubai World Africa, a subsidiary of Dubai World, has announced that it will invest US$70 million in the development of a 5-star international luxury hotel and 22,5ha of adjacent prime beachfront, with over 100 new upscale residential villas and townhouses.
The company, which has interests ranging from real estate to ports, also announced the appointment of Kempinski Hotels to manage the luxury beach resort in the Comoros.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, said:
"The development of the beach resort marks the first stage of a strategic partnership between Dubai World Africa and the Government of the Comoros. We believe our partnership and the expertise of Kempinski Hotels will make a significant contribution to the tourism offering in Comoros."
Dubai World Comoros Limited, in which the Union of Comoros Government is a shareholder together with Dubai World Africa, was established specifically for the acquisition of this landmark property.
The project will undertake the redevelopment of the Comoros' leading hotel, Le Galawa Beach. This hotel, beach resort and spa is situated on Grande Comore (Ngazidja) near the country's capital Moroni -- located on the Northern portion of Grande Comores on a pristine site which includes three exquisite white sandy beaches.
The current structure will be demolished and give way to a brand new, elegant 5-star international hotel.
In addition to foreign contractors, local entrepreneurs will participate in the project ensuring that the local economy benefits from the development of the new beach resort right from the very start of its construction. The project is to be divided in two phases, the first phase entails the completion of a 114 rooms hotel and 13 luxury bungalows. The first phase will begin imminently with the demolition of the former hotel structure. Completion is scheduled for early 2010.
"This collaborative partnership will contribute to ensuring the Comoros grows in its status as a leading tourist destination," expressed Dubai World Africa Director of Hospitality Operations Luis Pinheiro.
Dubai World will also develop a tourism master plan for the country, in conjunction with the Government.
"We have a long term commitment to Comoros and the region and this investment demonstrates confidence in the Comoros economy and its future."
Dubai World Africa has rapidly and firmly established itself as a contender in Africa's elite property stakes. It has successfully invested in prime African properties which include the iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate and Spa, both in Cape Town, South Africa, Muyuni Beach Resort in Zanzibar, Bilene Hotel luxury beach resort, golf estate and eco development in Mozambique and Kempinski Hotel in Djibouti, amongst others.
Commenting on the project, Ulrich Eckhardt, President, Middle East and Africa of Kempinski Hotels,said: "The highest quality of the overall development, concept, design and marketing position of the hotel will meet standards of an international 5-star luxury hotel."
Kempinski Hotels is Europe's oldest and most established luxury hotel collection, founded in 1897. Since then, Kempinski hotels have hosted international celebrities, witnessed meetings between the world's leaders and been a part of creating history around the globe.
While the Group's roots are in Germany, its portfolio is now spread throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia with properties in locations such as Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Berlin, Budapest, the Dead Sea, Istanbul, London and St Moritz. Rich in tradition, it comprises a fine collection of sumptuous hotels and resorts, from the truly historic to the breathtakingly avant-garde.
"Kempinski has entered the global resort market in response to growing consumer demand and we are proud of our association with the magnificent new Comores beach resort," added Eckhardt.
He explained that Kempinski currently comprises many dedicated resorts, each of which offers an exceptional range of leisure facilities, luxury spa and a breathtaking location.
The new Comoros beach resort will be no exception. The hotel will be accentuated by the welcome services of a spa, banqueting and conference facilities, restaurants, recreational facilities and retail. The hotel's 150 rooms and suites will all be in excess of 45m2.
Comoros archipelago is located in the Mozambique channel and comprises four distinct islands which are Grande Comore, Moheli, Anjuan, and Mayotte with a total population of some 57,6000 habitants. The four islands are diverse and tourists visit the Comoros for its beautiful beaches, reefs, hiking on the largest active volcano in the world and its colourful local history full of tradition and art.
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About Dubai World
Dubai World is Dubai's flag bearer in global investments. As a holding company it operates a highly diversified spectrum of industrial segments and plays a major role in the emirate's rapid economic growth. Its primary aim is to play the role of a growth engine that powers development both locally and internationally.
Dubai World's investment spans four strategic growth areas of 21st Century commerce namely, Transport & Logistics, Drydocks & Maritime, Urban Development and Investment & Financial Services.
Its portfolio comprises some of the world's best known companies and a number of outstanding projects. This includes DP World, one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world; Drydocks World & Dubai Maritime City designed to turn Dubai into a major ship-building and maritime hub; Economic Zones World which operates several free zones around the world including Jafza and TechnoPark in Dubai; Nakheel the property developer behind iconic projects such as The Palm Islands and The World among others; Limitless the international real estate master planner with current development projects in various parts of the world; and Istithmar World, the group's investment arm that has a global footprint in finance, capital, leisure, aviation and various other business ventures.
The company's business strategy is driven by a combination of pragmatic acquisitions and prudent investments, designed to deliver real, measurable results to all its stakeholders. As one of the world's largest corporations, Dubai World embodies a commitment to work practices that are in harmony with corporate goals and environmental conservation and social responsibility. A strong, visionary leadership has ensured that its ideas are always innovative, ambitious and responding to the needs of sustainable development.
Dubai World believes that corporate success is symbiotic. Its corporate philosophy is based on strong fundamentals, best ethical practices and integrity. Dubai World's commitment to corporate social responsibility is reflected in its various social campaigns in education, healthcare, environment, employee welfare and the society in which it operates.
Dubai World Africa investments
Dubai World Africa Services (Pty) Ltd is a subsidiary of the holding company, Dubai World and shares a common vision, mission and value system.
Dubai World Africa is responsible for the acquisition and development of assets in Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
Dubai World Africa established the brand, Dubai World Conservation Africa, an eco friendly entity responsible for the investment in, preservation and responsible development of game reserves, wildlife conservation and eco tourism in Africa.
Dubai World Africa has assets in South Africa, Rwanda; Djibouti, Mozambique, Comores, Zanzibar, Senegal and Morocco.
For more information, please contact:
Sanaa Maadad
Manager, Media Department
Dubai World
Email: sana.maadad@dubaiworld.ae
Tel: +971 50 552 2610
© Press Release 2008
