30 May, 2006. Dubai, United Arab Emirates:- In support of the growing tourism sector  in the UAE, S.S. Lootah Group, a local business conglomerate established in Dubai in 1956, announced its plans to invest a further  Dhs 500 million to expand its Islamic hotel brand Jawahara, Arabic for gem, into a chain. "Our current portfolio includes three operating properties in Dubai, a 4 star hotel, a deluxe Hotel apartments and a low budget hotel under revamp now". Stated Nasser Saeed Lootah, Director, Hotel Division, S.S. Lootah Group. "Our current investment in Jawahara Hotels and apartments exceeds Dhs. 200 million and we are planning a further Dhs.500 million to expand our chain into other emirates in the UAE." Said Lootah.

S.S. Lootah Group Hotel Division was established in 1976, a year after group founder and chairman, Haj Saeed bin Ahmed Al Lootah, founded Dubai Islamic Bank, the first Islamic bank in the world to cater to the specific needs of visitors who want to experience authentic Arab and Islamic heritage. "We are not aiming to compete at the luxury level alone, Jawhara hotels offer hospitality based on the UAE traditions, and family values in a modern facility that is ideal for  both leisure and business travelers from all nationalities." Said Lootah. "We are catering to visitors from GCC and other Arab and Muslim countries in the region, a niche segment that will continue to contribute to the growth of the UAE tourism industry in the future" He added.

The Islamic family oriented hotels in the UAE are largely under-serviced. S.S. Lootah expansion plan will add over 1000 hotel rooms and serviced apartments under the "Jawahra" brand. "We are planning to launch a hospitality company as part of our expansion plan to operate independent properties on behalf of owners in the UAE and the region." Said Lootah. " Our average room occupancy since January this year has been 90 per cent,  we are confident of the demand level and the feedback we have from both guests and industry is extremely positive." He added.  

Jawhara properties, Al Jawhara Gardens Hotel and Al Jawhara Hotel Apartments are just four minutes drive from the Dubai International Airport and two minutes from Diera City Center. Both properties offer 'Halal' food and provide all modern hospitality facilities in a family oriented environment.

-Ends-

Notes to the Editor:
About S.S. Lootah Group
Founded and chaired by Haji Saeed Ahmed Al-Lootah in Dubai in 1956, S.S. Lootah Group employs more than 6,000 people in the United Arab Emirates. The group continues to be a leader with its diverse and successful business ventures, non-profit educational institutions, entrepreneurship, veracity as well as its profound dedication to corporate citizenship and sustainable development.

S.S. Lootah group is the name behind many successful, entrepreneurial business and community ventures in the United Arab Emirates. The extraordinary portfolio that carries the hallmark of the visionary Haji Saeed Al Lootah includes the first contracting company in the UAE in 1956, the first Islamic bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, in 1975, an Islamic Educational Foundation, graduating students within a 15 year study curriculum and houses the Technical Institute for vocational training, Dubai Medical and Treatment Research Centre, Dubai Medical College for Girls, established in 1986 and Dubai Pharmacy College established in 1992 to name but a few.

The group diversified interests include established consumer brands like Co-Op Islami, food products as well as leading companies across key business sectors, namely construction, building materials, ready-mix concrete, Real Estate, engineering consultancy and general trading among others.

The legacy of the Lootah family continues with the second generation carrying out a series of projects involving cutting edge technologies in the UAE as the country seeks to take its rightful place in the forefront of development in the 21st century. Established in 1999, S.S.Lootah International facilitated partnerships and cooperation with leading international companies, forming successful partnerships and joint ventures. The new business arm has executed major sophisticated projects, a Natural Gas Distribution System in Sharjah, a first for the UAE and the Gulf and the implementation of clean energy project using compressed natural gas for vehicle fueling have been successful lead projects.

Today, S.S. Lootah Group pursues a challenging vision to enhance the environmental, intellectual and cultural climate in the region with entrepreneurial projects and activities. With capabilities to develop and support some of the largest projects in the construction, natural gas networks, telecommunications, alternative energy, environmental research and sustainable development and education domains, the group will continue its heritage of taking the lead to cater to the needs of national growth.

For further information please contact:
Hassan Mohalal,
S.S. Lootah Group,
Phone: +9714 2972222,
Mobile: +97150 4515041,
Fax: +9714 2971183,
E-mail: hassan.mohalal@lootah.com

© Press Release 2006