The Ritz-Carlton and Abjar Hotels International Extend Longstanding Partnership

Marriott International Inc., The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC and Abjar Hotels International have renewed the management agreement for The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai – the landmark beachfront property on JBR Walk that opened in 1998. The signing, which took place yesterday, December 4^th marks the extension of the owner-operator relationship for another 20 years.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai was one of the first luxury hotels to open its doors to guests on JBR Walk and has endured as a symbol of Arabian hospitality and global best practices, with its signature brand of intuitive service, world-class facilities, and guest-centered design. In line with the transformation of the JBR Walk into a retail, social, cultural and tourism hot spot, the property also boosted its scale, credentials, and capabilities in catering to business travellers, organising small and large-scale events as well as offering a range of dining options.

“In 1998, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai marked our entry into the UAE and was symbolic of the emirate’s burgeoning luxury hospitality industry. Today, the city is the golden standard in luxury hospitality and tourism, and we are proud to be part of its growth as well as the path forward,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director for Middle East & Africa (MEA), Marriott International.

“Our long term partnership with The Ritz-Carlton helped us play an integral role in elevating the city’s hospitality credentials. The extension of our partnership is testament to the continuing demand for luxury, heritage and quality in the Middle East as well as The Ritz-Carlton’s strong pedigree and capacity for reinvention. We look forward to catering to a diversity of guests over the next 20 years,” Yousef Al Mulla, Managing Director, Abjar International Hotels Limited.

From its Mediterranean-inspired architecture to its plush interiors, the resort has offered Dubai visitors and residents an oasis of tranquility and sophisticated luxury in the heart of JBR Walk. With a promenade of al fresco dining outlets and local souq-inspired offerings, the hotel offers guests the chance to escape the bustle of the city starting at the hotel’s doorstep.

The resort doubled its inventory with opening of a new wing in 2013, as well as complete overhaul of the existing wing which opened in 2014, the resort now features 294 luxury accommodations, including 193 guest rooms, 60 Club Level rooms and 41 suites. Ideal for business travellers, the exclusive club level accommodation provides access to the lounge with complimentary culinary offerings. For those looking for rest and relaxation, The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers Eastern and European treatments, a traditional hammam and a fitness center. The hotel’s nine restaurant and lounges, including the popular Arabian restaurant Amaseena, Pan Asian Blue Jade and the laidback beachside venue Palm Grill, offer families and couples stylish and comfortable venues to enjoy good food and great company.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, MD., currently operates more than 90 hotels in over 30 countries and territories.  More than 40 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is proud to offer The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® in which members can link accounts with Marriott Rewards® and Starwood Preferred Guest® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories.  The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR).

About Abjar Hotels International

A hospitality management company with a diversified portfolio of hotel property brands, the Almulla Group’s specialist hospitality business division – Abjar Hotels International, building on the firm twin foundations of a strong franchise management operation and the company’s own managed property brands. Abjar Hotels International has developed a balanced portfolio of franchise and managed properties covering limited service, 2-star, 4-star, 5-star and 5-star super premium deluxe property segments, focused on the vibrant and attractive Dubai market.
Spanning the key locations from the beach to the major business centres of the city, the Group’s hotels cater to every segment of the inbound tourism and business market of Dubai, with high quality accommodation complemented by a vibrant Food & Beverage offering and leisure services for guests. Visit the company webs site at www.almulla.com for more details.