World's tallest hotel opens today

In a week for tall openings, Rotana, the UAE-based hotel group, is set to officially open the world's tallest hotel today.

The Rose Rayhaan by Rotana on Sheikh Zayed Road is 72 storeys and 333 metres high and offers 481 rooms, suites and penthouses, Omer Z Kaddouri, senior vice president of Rotana, said.

It is also looking to make it into the Guiness Book of Records once it is officially opened.

The new hotel will operate under the group's alcohol-free brand, the second in the group after the Al Marwa Rayhaan in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

"This alcohol-free option reflects our respect for the culture and beliefs of our guests and our dedication to fostering a new Arabia in today's world," said Daniel Mathew, general manager.

In September, Rotana said it is pushing ahead with expansion plans despite the economic slowdown and was on track to open 13 properties across the MENA region in 2009.

The Abu Dhabi-based chain currently manages 68 hotels in 26 cities across the region.

Click here to see a HotelierMiddleEast.com video from the top.

The most recent - the Al Marwa Rayhaan in Makkah - was its first in the kingdom and is part of the Rayhaan brand.