Emaar Hospitality Group expands to South Asia
Emaar Hospitality Group has announced its expansion to South Asia with a hotel management contract to operate Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa, a beachfront resort set in a private island in the Indian Ocean, only 20 minutes by seaplane from Male airport.
Scheduled to be operational in 2020, Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will be the first-ofits-kind island hotel project by Address Hotels + Resorts, the premium lifestyle hotel and serviced residences brand of Emaar Hospitality Group.
A part of the 2.42 square km Ethere Madivaru Private Island, owned by Adam Abdul Gafoor, chairman of Finolhu Investment Ltd, Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa spans a total area of 75,000 square meters, with its design and contours defined by the vast coastline. The hotel project includes 80 beach and over-water villas including selected units for sale.
Adam Abdul Gafoor said: “We are delighted to welcome Emaar Hospitality Group’s Address brand to Maldives to manage our exceptional property that will complement our nation’s focus on tourism growth. Maldives has been the cornerstone of Indian Ocean tourism, and the government has announced visionary initiatives to drive the role of the private sector, including the long-term lease of islands for resort development. Address Hotels + Resorts bring a unique brand of hospitality that will appeal to the international holidaymakers in Maldives. With a strong intake of Middle East visitors, Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will appeal to visitors and investors from the region for holiday-homes and luxury stays in our country.”
Olivier Harnisch, chief executive officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “One of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, Maldives is an ideal fit to our expansion plans to take our proven competencies in hospitality to newer geographies. It is our privilege to have been chosen by Finolhu Investment to manage this iconic property in the Indian Ocean. We will work closely in the design and development of the hotel project, with a focus on maximizing its oceanfront location. Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will not only enhance our reputation as a global hospitality provider but also add value to the local economy through its role in promoting premium tourism and holiday home investments.”