Corinthia to run hotel in Abu Dhabi

Malta-based CHI Hotels and Resorts (formerly Corinthia Hotels International) has signed a 10-year agreement with the United Arab Emirates’ leading investment house, Mainland Investment, for the renovation, extension and operation of the 120-room Mafraq Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The hotel is to be re-launched as the 250-room Ramada Abu Dhabi Mafraq hotel in early 2010.

Designed in the Arabic style, the Mafraq hotel is located in the heart of a fast developing area in Mafraq, Abu Dhabi.

Work on renovating the existing rooms and construction of a further 130 rooms will commence shortly. When completed, the hotel will feature 250 superior rooms and suites, a multi-function conference area and business centre, an all-day diner and two speciality restaurants, an English style pub, an extensive fitness area with separate male and female gymnasiums, saunas and steam rooms, two squash courts, tennis court, a pool area within landscaped gardens and a choice of boutiques.

“This new property fits perfectly in our current and long term expansion plans for this region” said CHI Hotels and Resorts chief executive officer and managing director Tony Potter.

“Our joint venture with the Wyndham Hotel Group for the operation of the well established Wyndham and Ramada brands in Europe, Middle East and Africa, together with the upscale Corinthia brand, is proving to be the perfect catalyst for our management company to expand its operation in both established and new destinations. In the last year alone, the joint venture has enabled us to increase our portfolio by no less than six prime properties in destinations such as Algiers, Dubai, Egypt, England, Morocco and Romani,” said Mr Potter.