World's tallest hotel opens doors for guests in Dubai

As Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, the world's tallest hotel at 333 metres and 72 floors, opened its doors to the public yesterday in Dubai, hotel management group Rotana announced it will increase its portfolio to 68 properties by 2012, with plans to open 10 hotels every year for the next four years.

Comprising 482 rooms, suites and penthouses, Rose Rayhaan is the second property to open under the Rayhaan Hotels and Resorts brand by the group, which is headquartered in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

Talking about Rotana's expansion plans, Selim El Zyr, President and CEO, Rotana said in a statement: "It is part of our strategic aim to have a property located in every key city in the Middle East and North Africa and this goal is being steadily achieved through careful long-term planning and timely action."

The hospitality company has already signed on new management agreements for properties in the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Emirates Business made several attempts but was unable to contact a group representative.

In the recent past, Rotana signed a joint venture with Orascom and Shuaa to manage five Centro by Rotana properties in Egypt.

Shuaa Capital Saudi Arabia announced the signing of a master agreement with Rotana to develop 17 four- and five-star hotels and resorts in addition to hotel apartments across Saudi Arabia, comprising 5,500 rooms.

This year has marked aggressive growth for the group, which opened six properties across the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi, Syria and Lebanon.

The group also launched new hotel brands in its portfolio to include Centro Hotels, Rayhaan Hotels and Resorts and Arjaan Hotel Apartments. (With inputs from Bindu Rai)

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