Zabeel Capital unveils Light Group Dubai

Dubai-based Zabeel Capital and The Light Group have announced the launch of Light Group Dubai, the leading hospitality development and management company's first operation outside the United States.

The creation of Light Group Dubai marks a crucial step in the transfer of The Light Group's distinct know-how and concepts to the GCC region and follows the joint venture partnership between the two companies in February 2008.

Based in Las Vegas, The Light Group is one of the United States' leading hospitality development and management companies.

The launch of Light Group Dubai follows the opening last month of the highly anticipated Yellowtail Sushi restaurant located at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas – the Light Group's fifth restaurant and its first since partnering with Zabeel Capital.

Zabeel Capital Managing Director Jbran Rahal said: "In the first half of 2008, the Middle East enjoyed the highest hotel room occupancy and average room rates globally at 74.3 per cent and $181 (Dh664) respectively. Combine this with the fact that more people than ever are visiting the region and airport expansion and development worth $43 billion is now under way in the Gulf and the future is very bright for the region's hospitality industry."

As part of the initial plans Light Group Dubai will introduce some of the company's tried and tested dining and entertainment concepts from Las Vegas, namely The Bank and Fix. Both of the original outlets are located at the prestigious Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas and bring a distinct offering and will provide a new level of hospitality to Dubai's nightlife.

Light Group Dubai's management will be made up of seasoned hospitality professionals from both the Us and UAE, allowing the company to merge the relevant expertise and knowledge.

The partnership unites the experience and innovation of the Las Vegas-based Light Group with the ambition and expertise of Dubai-based Zabeel Investments, delivering a distinct offering to both the US and UAE hospitality and entertainment sectors as well as markets further afield.

Andy Masi, Chief Executive Officer, Light Group said: "The launch of Light Group Dubai is not only significant because it marks an important milestone in our partnership with Zabeel Investments, it is also our first foray outside of the United States into what we see as one of the most dynamic hospitality markets globally."