Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Sowwah Island marks the United Arab Emirates debut for the prestigious hotel group

ABU DHABI, 12 April 2010:  Mubadala Development Company ('Mubadala') and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts today announced their partnership in the development of Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Sowwah Island, a luxury  business hotel that will be built on Sowwah Island, at the heart of the UAE Capital's strategic new Central Business District. 

Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Sowwah Island will occupy a prime waterfront location adjacent to Sowwah Square, the island's flagship commercial development and the new headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, ADX.  Setting a new standard in hospitality, the hotel will combine elegant and spacious accommodations, leading-edge facilities and unparalleled levels of intuitive service in an architecturally striking building that complements its landmark location and also pays homage to Abu Dhabi's culture and heritage.

Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Sowwah Island will combine impressive and unique design elements with signature Four Seasons amenities. Comprising approximately 200  rooms and 125 residences with access to services provided by the hotel, it will include a full suite of conference and meeting facilities,  exciting and varied dining experiences, and an elegant rooftop pool, fitness centre and full service spa, set alongside a 150 meter long waterfront promenade offering spectacular views over Sowwah Square and the Abu Dhabi skyline.  Due to open in 2013, it will be the first United Arab Emirates property for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, which already manages nine leading hotels in the region and a comprehensive portfolio of exclusive properties located in the world's most  sought after business and leisure destinations.

John Thomas, Executive Director of Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality, comments, "The UAE's first Four Seasons hotel is the latest addition to the community of leading local and international companies, partners and brands that are coming together and contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of this premium, mixed use district.  We welcome Four Seasons as a strategic partner in Abu Dhabi's new Central Business District on Sowwah Island."

"We are pleased to have found a strong partner for this critical project in Abu Dhabi," says Scott Woroch, Executive Vice President Worldwide Development for Four Seasons. "We look forward to welcoming our guests from the Middle East and throughout the world to our new hotel in this vibrant district of a city in rapid evolution."

Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Sowwah Island is the latest milestone in the rapid development of Sowwah Island, which is a vital component of Abu Dhabi's long-term development plans.  As a globally recognized brand in the hospitality sector, Four Seasons premium service offer endorses the mixed use urban lifestyle being created on Sowwah Island; a lifestyle that responds to the fully integrated masterplan which brings together the best residential, commercial, hospitality, retail elements and a dynamic public realm to create a vibrant 24 hour business district. 

The design of Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Sowwah Island will be displayed to the public at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010 (18-21 April), where Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality are the headline sponsor. 

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About Mubadala Development Company
Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala) is a catalyst for the economic diversification of Abu Dhabi.  Established and owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, the company's strategy is built on the management of partnerships and long-term, capital-intensive investments that deliver strong financial returns and tangible social benefits for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and contribute to the growth and diversification of its economy.

Mubadala brings together and manages a multi-billion dollar portfolio of local, regional, and international investments and partners with leading global organizations to operate businesses across a wide range of industry sectors including aerospace, energy, healthcare, industry, information communications and technology, infrastructure, real estate and hospitality.  For more information about Mubadala please visit www.mubadala.ae.

About Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality
Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality (MREH) is a business unit of Mubadala focused on domestic and international projects in the real estate and hospitality sectors.  A critical component of Mubadala's broader mission, MREH is responsible for overseeing projects that are part of the development plans of Abu Dhabi and that help drive the local tourism sector.

With a mandate to drive Abu Dhabi's long-term development and deliver key projects within Plan Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan, MREH develops strategic, large scale commercial, residential and leisure districts to the best standards of quality, functionality and sustainability.  Key Abu Dhabi projects include the development of Sowwah Island, Sowwah Square, Arzanah and Mina Zayed Waterfront.

Within the hospitality sector, Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality is helping to drive the tourism sector by developing world-class hospitality projects in Abu Dhabi, attracting leading hotel operators to the Emirate.  MREH also owns 50% of luxury hotel operator Viceroy Hotel Group and has been actively driving its expansion into key gateway cities and leading destinations around the world.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality.  From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best.  The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees - people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service.  Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with 83 properties in 35 countries, and more than 40 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding.  For more information on Four Seasons, visit http://press.fourseasons.com

Mubadala Media Contact:
Salam Kitmitto
Edelman Public Relations
E: salam.kitmitto@edelman.com
M:  +971 (0)50 800 8268

© Press Release 2010