Mandarin Oriental to Operate Resort in Abu Dhabi

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. February 11, 2010

February 10, 2010 - The property, which is being developed by Abu Dhabi-based Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), is scheduled to open in 2013. This will be Mandarin Oriental's first foray into the Middle East, providing the group with an exceptional opportunity to extend its brand to one of the Persian Gulf's foremost business and leisure destinations.

Mandarin Oriental today announced it will manage a new luxury resort and branded residences on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The property, which is being developed by Abu Dhabi-based Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), is scheduled to open in 2013. This will be Mandarin Oriental's first foray into the Middle East, providing the group with an exceptional opportunity to extend its brand to one of the Persian Gulf's foremost business and leisure destinations.

Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi will feature 160 guestrooms and suites, as well as 35 serviced apartments and 50 branded Residences at Mandarin Oriental. All guestrooms will be styled with subtle design touches reflecting the group's oriental heritage. Mandarin Oriental's renowned customer-centric and sophisticated in-room entertainment systems will be a prominent feature.

Other facilities will include an all-encompassing Spa at Mandarin Oriental which will introduce the group's award-winning spa concepts to a new audience, providing holistic rejuvenation and relaxation in a serene, meditative setting. Innovative dining opportunities will abound in six restaurants and bars, and the hotel will also feature extensive and elegant meeting and banqueting rooms. Further leisure facilities include a private beach club, a comprehensive fitness centre and a large outdoor swimming pool. Hotel guests will enjoy preferred access to the visually appealing 18-hole championship Saadiyat Beach Golf Course designed by Gary Player, which will wrap around the resort.

Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi will be located on Saadiyat Island, the natural island being developed in an environmentally sensitive manner, situated 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city. The hotel will sit on a pristine stretch of beach with protected sand dunes and extensive ocean views.

Aiming to become one of the world's foremost leisure and cultural destinations, Saadiyat Island will comprise 19 kilometres of white sandy beaches, two championship golf courses and a marina. In addition the island will be home to the world's largest concentration of cultural institutions, including the, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, all of which will be open in 2013.

The hotel will have easy access to Saadiyat's cultural offerings and will be a 25-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International airport.

Mubarak Al Muhairi, Managing Director of TDIC, said “We are pleased to partner with Mandarin Oriental on their first ever Middle East venture. TDIC aspires to provide unprecedented levels of luxury hospitality in Abu Dhabi, and Mandarin Oriental will further complement the distinctive leisure offerings on Saadiyat Island. This agreement demonstrates Abu Dhabi's evolution into a global tourism destination as it seeks to attract 2.3 million tourists by 2012.”

Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 42 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 26 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 14 in the Americas and 11 in Europe and North Africa. In addition, the group operates, or has under development, 14 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the group's properties.