Rosewood opens in new Abu Dhabi business hub

The Rosewood Hotels & Resorts brand is making its debut in the UAE with the opening of its five-star Rosewood Abu Dhabi hotel, 1 May 2013.

The 189-key, 34-storey property located on the waterfront of Sowwah Square is at the core of Abu Dhabi’s Central Business District (CBD), which is being developed as a hub for the emirate by Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure (MREI) as part of the government’s long-term urban development plan.

Sowwah Square marks Phase 1 of the Al Maryah Island’s (formely Sowwah Island) development. 

“The opening of Rosewood Abu Dhabi marks an exciting milestone for Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure as the hospitality component of our portfolio advances. This development also represents the next stage in the evolution of Sowwah Square as it moves closer to a realising its vision as a thriving urban hub,” said Ali Eid AlMheiri, executive director, MREI.

The Rosewood Abu Dhabi property is headed by managing director Luigi Romaniello who has been with Rosewood Hotel and Resorts for more than 13 years. He leads a 300-member team gathered from more than 60 countries, which say the group, has been trained and fully immersed in the local culture over the past six months.

The resort offers nine restaurant and lounges, eight conference and event spaces including a ballroom which will accommodate up to 1,000 guests plus a Sense Spa.

“The opening of Rosewood Abu Dhabi is a spectacular addition to our existing Middle East hotels and a significant milestone for us as we continue our global expansion,” said Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts.

In addition to Rosewood Hotel Abu Dhabi, Sowwah Square, the heart of Abu Dhabi’s new Central Business District (CBD), is comprised of four Grade ‘A’ commercial towers, a second hotel offering and The Galleria at Sowwah Square, a luxury fashion and dining district connecting the entire mixed-use development to the waterfront.