Centara to debut in Dubai with $716m ‘family-centric’ resort

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s homegrown hotel group, and Nakheel, UAE-based master developer, has signed their joint venture with a construction contract worth AED 2.63 billion (USD 716 million) to build a 601-room beachfront resort at Dubai’s Deira Islands.

The new property, Centara Deira Islands Beach Resort Dubai, will be the group’s first property in the UAE and will open in 2020. In line with the increasing popularity of Dubai as a tourist hot spot, the resort seeks to significantly boost the emirate’s four-star market – a fast-growing segment which recorded a 10% growth in 2017.

Thirayuth Chirathivat, Centara’s CEO said: “This is Centara’s first hotel in Dubai, and the UAE, and signifies our presence in a major gateway city in the Middle East. This signing ceremony marks a profound milestone of expansion for Centara as we continue to extend our upscale resort portfolio internationally.

The contract was signed in Dubai at a ceremony led by Nakheel’s chairman, Ali Rashid Lootah, together with delegates from Centara. According to both parties, the project’s mobilisation will begin immediately.

(Front row): Mohamed Moustafa Arafa, contracts manager, Parkway International Contracting LLC; Suparat Chirathivat, EVP – corporate development, Central Group; Sanjay Manchanda, CEO, Nakheel (Standing): Ali Rashid Lootah, chairman of Nakheel

Set on a prime beachfront location at Nakheel’s Deira Islands waterfront city, Centara Deira Islands Beach Resort Dubai will be managed by Centara, which has a standing portfolio of over 12,000 keys across 60 hotels and resorts in Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East. It will offer 601 sea-view and city-facing rooms with a strong emphasis on ‘family-centric' accommodation. 114 rooms will feature bunk beds and approximately 90% of the rooms will be connectable, ensuring optimal options and comfort for families of all sizes.

In addition, the family-centric resort will feature a waterpark, multiple restaurants including indoor, alfresco and rooftop options, kids’ clubs, spa and family entertainment options.

"Shaping and diversifying Dubai’s tourism offering with AED 27 billion"

Ali Rashid Lootah, chairman at Nakheel, said: “Nakheel continues to play a pivotal role in shaping and diversifying Dubai’s tourism offering with an AED 27 billion hospitality and retail expansion that supports our government’s vision.

“The joint venture with Centara underlines our commitment to working with trusted international brands to bring new hospitality concepts to Dubai, and today’s crucial milestone brings this exciting new resort ever closer. I look forward to delivering one of Dubai’s most sought-after destinations for travellers from all over the world.”