Abu Dhabi Rises as Tourism Beacon
MAY 3, 2007. The buzz about Abu Dhabi continues at Arabian Travel Market after Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) signed an agreement with Marriott International to operate the first JW Marriott Abu Dhabi Resort and Spa.
"We are sure that this partnership will bring immense benefits for both ADNH and Marriott International," says H.E. Khalifa Nasser Bin Huwaileel Al Mansoori, Chairman of ADNH. "Abu Dhabi is developing itself as a major hub for business and cultural tourism, and we believe that JW Marriott is coming into the UAE capital at the most opportune time," he added.
The JW Marriott Abu Dhabi Resort & Spa will feature several interconnected towers with 360 rooms, 88 one, two, and three-bedroom chalets, 33 executive suites, large banquet facilities and a variety of dining experiences, with several rooms overlooking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
"Within the past few years, JW Marriott brand has grown exponentially," Ed Fuller, President of Marriott International told Breaking Travel News: "Today, the Collection encompasses 36 hotels and resorts in 17 countries with plans for 50 properties over the next several years in key global gateway cities and resort destinations."
Desert Islands destination
Abu Dhabi is also promoting its "Desert Islands" destination, which will consist of eight islands and an onshore gate. It will comprise of the former Royal nature reserve of Sir Bani Yas Island, Dalma Island and the Discovery Islands.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates Group, praised Abu Dhabi's Desert Islands as an "an amazing project".
He was visiting the models at Arabian Travel Market saying it "was a very important project for the tourism industry of the whole country." Sheikh Ahmed also commented on the cultural district of Saadiyat Island, which lies just offshore the UAE capital, as "an incredible project."
The Cultural District is one of seven distinct districts planned for Saadiyat Island - which translates from Arabic as 'Island of Happiness.' The district will be home to the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi contemporary art museum and the Louvre Abu Dhabi designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.
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 
