EXCLUSIVE: Seven Tides brings Dukes brand to Dubai
Dubai-based luxury property developer and holding company Seven Tides, has confirmed it will open its first self-operated property in the Middle East in January 2016 under its “quintessentially British” Dukes brand.
Dukes Oceana, located on Palm Jumeirah next to Oceana Beach Club, comprises a five-star 273-room hotel and adjacent 227-key serviced apartment building.
It is the first international property for the Dukes Collection brand, which has its flagship hotel, Dukes London, in the Mayfair area of the UK capital.
In an exclusive interview with Hotelier Middle East, Seven Tides CEO Abdulla Bin Sulayem commented: “In Dubai if you operate in another location it could be tough, but we have a prime location here with beach access.
“We’re in Palm Jumeirah, we have the mall being constructed opposite the hotel so we have a lot of USPs to give us the advantage. Of course being on the Palm means nothing if you don’t stand out as a hotel.
“The concept of Dukes is 'your home far away from home' and that you feel as a customer you would love to go back. Everyone gets five-star treatment and is well remembered the second time they visit.”
The hotel will offer a private beach, indoor pool, and outdoor infinity pool plus a gym, along with a number of British-themed restaurants.
These comprise the Great British Restaurant (GBR) serving modern British brasserie-style cuisine, a traditional fish and chips café located on the promenade overlooking the Dubai Marina and JBR Walk, and an Asian restaurant to be on the top floor of the hotel, with the concept to be confirmed.
Additionally, the hotel will have its signature Dukes outlets from London. These include Dukes Bar, the Champagne Lounge for afternoon tea or light dining, and the al fresco Cigar and Coffee Lounge.
In Dukes Oceana Dubai Residences, the one- and two-bed apartments are targeted at the regional and international investment community, with Seven Tides guaranteeing a return on investment (ROI) of 10% per annum for the first five years.
Sold as fully furnished freehold residences, the 185 studios and 42 one-bedroom apartments range in size from 256 - 656 ft2 (studios) and 782 - 834 ft2 (one-bedroom apartments).
Prices start from AED 760,000 (US $206,906.90) for a studio, with a one-bedroom commanding up to AED 2.5 million ($680,614.80).
Bin Sulayem revealed that Seven Tides is also looking into another two projects, with one in Dubai, which will “most likely” be another Dukes property.
Another international project is also being considered, according to Bin Sulayem who said: “We’re looking at different options. It will probably be the Maldives or Seychelles or somewhere like that.”
Established in 2004, Seven Tides has developed a portfolio of commercial, residential and resort properties.
In its current hotel portfolio, the company owns Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, Mövenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai and it owns and operates Dukes London, as well as Dukes Oceana Dubai.