Abu Dhabi Mafraq Hotel opens after two-year refurb

Abu Dhabi's Mafraq Hotel has reopened its doors to the public after completing a two-year refurbishment programme.

The hotel was purchased by The National Investor (TNI) in 2007, and then embarked on the refurbishment which cost US $50 million and saw the property expand in size from 121 to 250 rooms.

Five F&B concepts have been introduced for this latest incarnation of the property: The Burlington Grill, a signature grill restaurant; Olive Branch, featuring all-day Mediterranean cuisine and a number social venues including Hunters B&R, asian-fusion themed Rimal and the Courtyard Oasis by the pool.

For TNI , this is its first move into the hospitality sector, but it resisted the urge to default to an established operator.

TNI vice president of real estate Rob Rowell explained: "After careful consideration and the establishment of our own track record in operations, we decided to continue to leverage the Mafraq name to highlight the uniqueness of the property and strengthen its own independent brand.

"There is no doubt that this exceptional asset has benefited from the close relationship between TNI as owners and the bolstered management team at the hotel. Additionally, third-party specialists from the hospitality industry have allowed us to utilise a wealth of local and international knowledge, the results of which speak for themselves. We have reinvigorated a hotel that serves an important and real niche in the Abu Dhabi market."

Mafraq Hotel originally opened in 1996, with the official relaunch set for November.