Nakheel plans new Ibn Battuta Mall hotel

Nakheel has announced the signing of a letter of intent for a management agreement with Thailand’s Minor Hotel Group for a 372-room hotel located at Ibn Battuta Mall.

The 14-storey hotel will be managed under the Avani Hotels & Resorts brand, according to Emirates 24/7.

The latest development will be one of two Nakheel hotels at Ibn Battuta, and one of 10 in its overall hotel portfolio.

Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah said: “We continue to work with reputable international partners to bring new brands to Dubai, further enhancing and diversifying the emirate’s hotel accommodation offering in line with the government of Dubai’s vision.”

Minor Hotel Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier said: “Following the recent announcement about our strategic partnership with Nakheel and the development of the UAE’s first Avani at Deira Islands, we are thrilled that a letter of intent has already been signed for the second Avani in the UAE.

The new agreement is the second collaboration between Nakheel and Minor Hotel Group in five months.

Last September, the two companies announced a planned joint venture for a 500-room Avani beachfront resort at Deira Islands.