1st Aloft Dubai resort

Aloft Dubai will be Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ first resort style property in the Middle East, complete with beach access when it opens in 2017.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide recently signed an agreement with Rashid Al Abbar, Chairman, Al Abbar Group, to open a 192-room Aloft on Dubai’s iconic man-made island – Palm Jumeirah. Scheduled to open in 2017, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will be the brand’s first resort in the Middle East, complete with beach access, when it opens its doors as the first mid-market hotel brand on the island.

“We are delighted to work with Rashid Al Abbar to debut our tech-forward Aloft experience to the Palm Jumeirah and bring the brand’s passion for live music, vibrant design and innovation to this exciting development,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Hotels Europe, Africa and Middle East. “The UAE remains our strongest growth market in the Middle East, and this deal reinforces the demand for mid-market hotel development in the region.”

Al Abbar commented, “This is a very exciting and prestigious opportunity for us to work with Starwood. From the moment we shortlisted the proposed brands for this venture, we were convinced that the Aloft brand was a clear leader and we are happy with our decision. We are confident that Aloft Dubai, The Palm will create a new level of experience for guests by providing an international, midlevel, resort style hotel in Palm Jumeirah, at attractive rates.”

Featuring an urbaninfluenced design, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will have 192 guest rooms, including 10 suites. Designed with the needs of the savvy hyperconnected traveller in mind, the hotel will feature SPG Keyless (keyless entry sys- tem that enables guests to use their smartphone or Apple Watch as a room key) and Wi-Fi throughout the property. For events and conferences, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will offer over 100 square meters of creative space including four meeting rooms equipped with the latest audiovisual technology.