Mid-2015 Opening Planned for 281-room Hard Rock Hotel Dubai Marina, Part of Marina 101 Development
Orlando, FL - October 29, 2014 - Hard Rock International - owner of one of the world's most iconic and recognized brands - along with Abu Dhabi Financial Group (ADFG), a renowned multi-billion dollar alternative investment firm headquartered in Abu Dhabi, and Sheffield Holdings, a leading developer in the United Arab Emirates, announce Hard Rock Hotel Dubai Marina.
Projected to open in mid-2015 and to be managed by Hard Rock International, the hotel will be housed in the exciting Marina 101 development set within the highly sought after Dubai Marina neighborhood. Boasting 101 floors, Marina 101 will be the second tallest building in the UAE upon completion. The tower will be divided into three different levels, the first of which is the 281-room Hard Rock Hotel, the collection's first property to open in the Middle East, occupying the first 33 floors. Hard Rock Hotel Dubai Marina will feature a soon to be unveiled club lounge and dining establishment on the 101st floor complemented by the brand's signature world-class entertainment.
"As an on-going effort to continue expanding the Hard Rock Hotels portfolio, we are thrilled to announce Hard Rock Hotel Dubai Marina with experienced partners like the Abu Dhabi Financial Group," said Hamish Dodds, chief executive officer of Hard Rock International. "We look forward to launching our hotel product to a region already familiar with and embracing of our cafe brand."
"We are pleased to bring the Hard Rock Hotel Dubai to the Marina 101 development at a time where Dubai's tourism sector is experiencing continued rapid growth," said Jassim Alseddiqi, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Financial Group. "When choosing a hotel to be placed, we were seeking an iconic global brand boasting the same irreverent spirit as the destination it represents and found that in our collaboration with Hard Rock."
Hard Rock Hotel Dubai Marina will roll out the red carpet for guests with unparalleled live music performances and unique amenities, such as the Rock Spa®, featuring its newly unveiled Rhythm & Motion spa menu, and the Body Rock® workout facility. Guests can choose from a variety of fine dining and entertainment options. Additionally, the property will offer pre-function meeting and event space, including an outdoor terrace at lobby level and the 101st floor lounge area, legendary music memorabilia, a world famous Rock Shop® featuring Hard Rock's iconic merchandise and The Sound of Your Stay® - the brand's all-encompassing music amenity program exclusive to guests of the hotel.
The project is located in the premium area of Dubai Marina, close to other popular projects, such as Jumeirah Beach, Marina Walk, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City. Also close at hand are some of the most famous shopping destinations in the UAE, such as Mall of the Emirates, The Dubai Mall and a vast selection of other premium restaurants and retail stores. The Marina 101 tower will be fully equipped with health clubs and swimming pools on different levels, along with other leisure facilities.
Abu Dhabi Financial Group's collaboration with Hard Rock International and Sheffield Holdings on the project is in keeping with its core strategy of investing in local opportunities while partnering with prestigious, world-renowned brands, particularly in the hospitality sector. In addition to its interests in the UAE, Abu Dhabi Financial Group is actively invested in real estate developments and hotels globally, with a specific focus on London, UK and Eastern Europe. Following the opening of Hard Rock Hotel Dubai Marina, guests' exclusive experience will be further enhanced by the presence of Abu Dhabi Financial Group's distinct luxury lifestyle brand.
Internationally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock Hotels offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all - music. Hard Rock's current Hotel portfolio is located in the world's most desirable resort destinations, as well as urban gateway cities. The dynamic properties cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today's cosmopolitan, modern travelers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable accommodations, whether for business or leisure travel, and who connect with the authentic and powerful Hard Rock vibe.
For more information or to book a stay at any of the Hard Rock Hotels, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.
About Hard Rock International
With a total of 191 venues in 59 countries, including 145 cafes, 21 hotels and 10 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Biloxi, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Juan, Asuncion and Marseille. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Daytona Beach, Los Cabos, Dallas-Fort Worth, Abu Dhabi, and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.
About ADFG
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, ADFG is a multi-billion dollar alternative investment firm with operations encompassing investments, asset management, advisory and research, financing and structuring solutions, and real estate development. ADFG is a pioneer in alternative investments with a focus on financial services, real estate and debt. For more information on ADFG, visit www.adfg.ae.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
