DUBAI—InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed two new properties in Dubai: Crowne Plaza Dubai Business Bay and InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Business Bay.
Both properties are in partnership with API Hotels & Resorts, and their location in Dubai’s Business Bay area, the planned business capital of the region, is in line with IHG’s strategy to grow these brands in emerging business epicenters.
Expected to open in 2019, Crowne Plaza Dubai Business Bay will be situated on the Business Bay Canal, near the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, as well as other developing commercial and residential communities.
With 290 rooms and suites, the hotel will offer all-day dining options, as well as a gym and an outdoor infinity pool. There will also be a ballroom and several meeting rooms for conferences and events.
The InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Business Bay will be situated on the Business Bay canal extension of the Dubai Creek, across from the Crowne Plaza Dubai Business Bay. The area, currently under development as part of Marasi Business Bay, will have the region’s first purpose-built yachting destination, floating restaurants and cafés across five marinas, more than 1,250 berths, on-shore boutiques and entertainment facilities.
This waterfront property will offer 30 studios, 60 one-bedroom, 60 two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom suites.
“In the Middle East, we are currently engaged in the strategic expansion of the Crowne Plaza brand, as well as growing the footprint of our InterContinental Residence Suites,” said Pascal Gauvin, COO India, Middle East & Africa, IHG. “In support of these goals, we are delighted to be working with API Hotels & Resorts, an eminent partner with a proven track record in high quality hotel developments across the UAE.”
Jassim Al Ali, CEO of API Hotels & Resorts, added: “In order to maximize further growth opportunities in the Middle East, we believe that we need to add a global operator with an internationally recognized brand to our portfolio and IHG, as a market leader with over 5,000 hotels worldwide, fits this profile perfectly. Furthermore, both InterContinental and Crowne Plaza have established reputations around the world, and we’re excited to be adding these iconic names to our portfolio here in Dubai.”