Four Seasons says work is underway on Dubai hotel

Dubai Contracting has commenced construction works on Four Seasons’ first hotel in Dubai, executive vice president of worldwide development Scott Woroch confirmed to Hotelier Middle East.

Speaking at the International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin last week, Woroch said he could not reveal details of the development, but said an official announcement would be made soon.

“We’re very actively engaged on a project in Dubai. It’s no secret that’s a market we’ve been monitoring closely and trying to find the right deal, and I think now we’re very close to making an announcement – we’ve got a great site,” Woroch revealed.

“It’s something we’re very excited about. It’s going to position the brand in very good location, with a great partner,” he added.
The Toronto-based hotel firm has been looking for a suitable location in Dubai since construction of a Four Seasons hotel in Festival City was called off by developer Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate in June 2009 - at the height of the global economic downturn - according to Woroch.

“Dubai is one of the most important markets in the Middle East, it’s a large in-point for a lot of travellers into the region and from an international perspective it really is the most established [Middle East] destination from North America, Europe and Asia,” he explained.

“Dubai has been very successful in being both a business and a leisure destination and that’s one of the reasons the market has been so successful.”

However, Woroch said there was room for the further development of attractions in Dubai: “There’s always room for adding more attractions, but what’s developed over the last several years is dubai as a beach destination and as a world-class shopping destination”.