Dubai, UAE, 31 May 2007: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C, and Union Properties PJSC have announced plans to open a 330-room hotel, with 121 serviced and managed apartments, at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC). Scheduled to open in 2008, this will be the second Ritz-Carlton in Dubai and the fifth location in the Middle East for the award-winning luxury hotel company.

"We believe the hotel will be a very strategic addition to our global portfolio," noted Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. "We have enjoyed great success with our resort on Jumeirah Beach, therefore the opportunity to expand our presence in Dubai and be part of a region of substantial growth is a tremendous opportunity. The new hotel will be an important addition to the DIFC. It will attract senior corporate executives traveling to Dubai to conduct business in this free trade/tax zone, and provide an outstanding meeting site for the international companies expected to open offices in the complex. Dubai is a vibrant and exciting city, poised on the brink of becoming one of the world's foremost leisure and business destinations, and we feel privileged to play a part in this development."

Mr. Anis Al Jallaf, Chairman Union Properties, speaking on the occasion said "The vision of our leaders seemingly have no boundaries and the Dubai International Financial Centre is yet another example of the foresight of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. Our partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in the development of The Ritz-Carlton located in the Dubai International Financial Centre, is in sync with that vision. The Ritz-Carlton have established a world class reputation for outstanding service and surroundings, and with our joint venture Dubai can expect a hotel and residences which will be the most prestigious address in the region." 

A soaring contemporary design on Sheikh Zayed Road, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Center will stand 15 stories high. The interior will blend elements of modern style and classic Arabic design elements for a showplace of luxury and elegance. The 330 guestrooms and suites will include a Ritz-Carlton Suite and Royal Suite with the convenience and comfort suitable to host visiting dignitaries and delegations.

Several floors of the hotel will be dedicated to guests of The Ritz-Carlton Club, which  features an extra measure of privacy and amenities for guests. A dedicated concierge will staff The Club Lounge, offering complimentary food and beverage presentations from breakfast to after hours cocktails.

Three restaurants, including specialty dining outlets, will provide a setting to enjoy the cuisine made famous by Ritz-Carlton chefs. A Lobby Lounge and Bar will offer a casual elegance for the enjoyment of afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

Meetings and conference space at The Ritz-Carlton, totaling 2000 square meters will be extensive, and flexible enough to host large gatherings and exclusive social events. The facilities include a 1,400 square meters Ballroom, five meeting rooms, including a boardroom, will be available to accommodate a range of needs and occasions.

Recreational amenities will include a 2100 square meters health club and spa, as well as both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Serviced apartments will range in size from 125 to 350 square meters and feature one to four bedroom, furnished luxury units. Residents will be able to utilize all services offered by the hotel including housekeeping, catering, concierge, and in- room dining.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. currently operates 63 hotels in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Among the 33 new hotels currently under development are sites in Dublin, Tokyo, Lake Tahoe, and the Bahamas. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice won the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service from the U.S. Department of Commerce. For information or reservations, visit The Ritz-Carlton Web site at www.ritzcarlton.com or call the toll free reservations number in Bahrain 800-00995, Egypt 02 510 0200, Istanbul 00800 4491 1137, Jordan 0800 22010, Kuwait 632 9988, Lebanon 800 432 5965, Qatar 0800 97115, Saudi Arabia 800 8971 435 or UAE 800 4789.

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Mai Al-Sharabi
Cicero & Bernay Public Relations                             
Tel: +971 4 334 2966
Fax: +971 4 334 2977
Mobile : +971 50 380 5087
Email: mai@cbpr.ae

© Press Release 2007