InterContinental Abu Dhabi launches US$54.5 million Refurbishment

The Abu Dhabi InterContinental has started a major transformation of its rooms, dining, meeting and recreational facilities.

The refurbishment has just started and will run until the end of 2006 and, on completion of the AED200million ($54.5 million) project, customers will see a ‘new’ hotel and a new positioning for the InterContinental Abu Dhabi as a destination for both corporate and leisure business.

According to Abu Dhabi-based National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H) managing director, Abdulla Al Romaithi, location has always been a key factor in the hotel’s success, and he said the new-look facilities would enhance this appeal and enable the property to compete strongly in the dynamic Abu Dhabi market.

“To keep in rhythm with the measured sustainable growth in the hospitality sector in Abu Dhabi, the InterContinental hotel’s total refurbishment will further complement the world class facilities the emirate already provides for the business and leisure traveller,” he said.

The company has appointed US-based Turner Construction International to manage the contract, while Di Leonardo will be responsible for the interior refurbishment design. Ian Benham is the main project consultant.

Along with renovation of existing rooms and suites, the project will add a further 60 rooms, giving the property a total of 390 and making it one of the largest hotels in the city.

“As well as an impressive array of new dining options, we will also refine the meetings and conference facilities of the property to ensure they are second to none, providing a superior venue and environment to fulfil the increasing demand from the MICE sector in Europe and beyond.” said Al Romaithi.

Another key feature of the renovation will be the introduction of what is claimed will be the ‘most exclusive InterContinental lounge in the Middle East’, enhancing the credentials of the hotel as a superior executive retreat and meeting place.

As well as owning the InterContinental Abu Dhabi and the InterContinental Al Ain, NCT&H has a 15% stake in the Hilton Rabat in Morocco, and also operates Danat Hotels & Resorts, which has a portfolio of six hotels and resorts throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi. This includes the Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna, which is owned and managed by the group.

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