R Hotels' Palm Jumeirah property piling work. R Hotels' Palm Jumeirah property piling work.

UAE based R Hotels is on track with its plans for its property on the Palm Jumeriah in Dubai.

The firm claims that it will be the first property on the man-made island shaped to look like a palm tree that will not serve alcohol, and is set to take a different approach on its establishment located on the east crescent of the island.

Sources close to the hotel told Hotelier Middle East that the efforts will be focused on attracting the tourists and travellers seeking a wellness experience. The hotel, which is still in talks with a few operators, will have several wellness and treatment offerings as its unique selling point.

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The groundwork for the US $136.2 million (AED500 million) project was completed ahead of deadline, with the second phase of construction of the 30,000 m2 resort set to have begun by July.

Work is currently underway and R Hotels are in no hurry to lock down an operator, with the UAE-based hotelier scouring their options before finalising on one.

The property is said to meet four star norms, however nothing has been finalised yet. R Hotels are confident of a Q4 2016 opening, with an estimated 253 rooms on offer.