Dubai's Emaar Hospitality to operate first Maldivian property
Emaar Hospitality Group has had a busy summer with new hotels being announced in the UAE and Egypt. Now, Emaar Hospitality Group is set to expand to South Asia with a hotel management contract to operate Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa, a beachfront resort set in a private island in the Indian Ocean.
Located on Ari Atoll on a private island in the Indian Ocean, Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa is a 20-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport.
Emaar Hospitality Group now has 29 upcoming hotel projects in the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and now, Maldives. The group currently has 11 operational hotels and three serviced residences in Dubai, its home-market.
Scheduled to be operational in 2020, Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa is a part of the 2.42km2 Ethere Madivaru Private Island, owned by Adam Abdul Gafoor, chairman of Finolhu Investment Ltd. The property will span a total area of 75,000m2 and will offer 80 beach and over-water villas including selected units for sale.
Gafoor said in a statement: "We are delighted to welcome Emaar Hospitality Group’s Address brand to Maldives to manage our exceptional property that will complement our nation’s focus on tourism growth. With a strong intake of Middle East visitors, Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will appeal to visitors and investors from the region for holiday-homes and luxury stays in our country."
Olivier Harnisch, chief executive officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, who is featured on Hotelier Middle East's 2017 Power 50 list, said: "We will work closely in the design and development of the hotel project, with a focus on maximising its oceanfront location. Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will not only enhance our reputation as a global hospitality provider but also add value to the local economy through its role in promoting premium tourism and holiday home investments."