CHI Hotels and Resorts signs 10-year deal for Ramada Hotel in Abu Dhabi

Malta-based CHI Hotels and Resorts (formerly Corinthia Hotels International) has signed a 10-year technical and hotel management agreement with Mainland Investment of Abu Dhabi, a wholly owned subsidiary of The National Investor. The agreement foresees the renovation, extension and operation of the current 120-room Mafraq Hotel in Abu Dhabi, to be re-launched as the 250-room Ramada Abu Dhabi Mafraq hotel in early 2010.

Designed in the Arabic style, the existing Mafraq hotel, with 120 rooms and suites, is located in the heart of a fast developing area in Mafraq, Abu Dhabi. The site is situated on the shoulder of a hill and commands a prominent position with sweeping views to the northeast.

Work on renovating the existing rooms and construction of a further 130 rooms will commence this year and is expected to finish by early 2010. When completed, the hotel will feature 250 superior rooms and suites, a multi-function conference area and business centre, an all-day diner and two speciality restaurants, an English style pub, an extensive fitness area containing separate male and female gymnasiums, saunas and steam rooms, two squash courts, tennis court, a pool area within landscaped gardens and a choice of boutiques.

“This new property fits perfectly in our current and long term expansion plans for this region” said CHI Hotels and Resorts chief executive officer and managing director Tony Potter. “Our joint venture with the Wyndham Hotel Group for the operation of the well established Wyndham and Ramada brands in Europe, Middle East and Africa, together with the upscale Corinthia brand, is proving to be the perfect catalyst for our management company to expand its operation in both established and new destinations. In the last year alone, the JV has enabled us to increase our portfolio by no less than six prime properties in destinations such as Algiers, Dubai, Egypt, England, Morocco and Romania.”

The Ramada Abu Dhabi Mafraq hotel is located about ten minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and near the main Dubai-Saudi highway. It is one of the closest hotels to the airport and is well positioned for Dubai (33 km) and the roads to the Western Emirates. It is also within easy reach of the main golf courses and the racing track in Abu Dhabi, while the city centre is about thirty minutes away.

Abu Dhabi is the capital and second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after Dubai. It lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. One of the world's largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi is actively diversifying its economy through investments in financial services and tourism.

In Abu Dhabi, perfect weather, tranquil beaches, lush oases, a vibrant city life, and a mixture of culture and traditions come together to create a one-of-a-kind destination. Whether it’s a visit to the emirate’s old souks, sipping a fragrant Arabic coffee, riding the dunes  on an exhilarating desert safari, or simply diving into a dazzling blue sea - Abu Dhabi is an ideal destination for both the business and leisure traveller.

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