Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi to open in first week of May

Dusit International will open its first property in Abu Dhabi in the first week of May to coincide with the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) from May 6-9 in Dubai.

The Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi comprises 402 guestrooms and 131 serviced hotel apartments and is located close to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC).

“We will be opening Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi in the first week of May; we’re trying to target having it during the ATM to give us an opportunity to promote the hotel and Dusit International’s growth in the region,” the hotel’s general manager Scott Mawhinney told Hotelier Middle East during a preopening visit.

The 37-storey glass tower features a conference centre with a separate entrance, pre-function area, individual function rooms and 785 sq m ballroom that can host up to 2000 guests.

Other features include five restaurants, DFiT health club, an outdoor pool on the 23rd floor and The Namm Spa, with eight treatment rooms.

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi director of sales and marketing Stefan van der Kruyf said the hotel was primarily targeting MICE business and rooms were already being sold at an introductory opening rate of AED 488 including breakfast.

“It’s out in the market already, the team is selling it. We’ve received a tremendous positive response from it and our introductory rate, we really want the people of Abu Dhabi and the UAE to come and experience and enjoy the hotel as soon as possible,” added van der Kruyf.

GM Mawhinney said he was targeting average occupancy levels of 65-75% by the year end.

“We really anticipate doing that type of occupancy. Abu Dhabi is growing tremendously right now so we’re opening up at the right time and right place to benefit Abu Dhabi’s growth,” said Mawhinney.

Log onto Hotelier Middle East later this week to 'meet the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi team' and see exclusive shots of the soon-to-open hotel.