Al Osaimi Group has appointed Wilson Associates, Singapore, to handle the interior design of its Dh1.5 billion ($408.4 million) luxury resort, spa and residence project at the Crescent of The Palm Jumeirah.

The leading Kuwait-based developer has allocated a budget of Dh400 million for the furniture, fixture and equipment of its maiden venture in the UAE, which is set to be officially launched in February.

The move follows previously announced partnerships with renowned firms to render their expertise in the project, including APCC for contracting and enabling works, Projacs for project management, and Khatib and Alami for project contracting consultancy services and landscape design.

With initial design work set to commence within the first quarter of 2008, Wilson Associates is set to create a custom interior for the project in line with the Moroccan and Indian-based architectural themes adopted for the five-star family resort and seven-star luxury hotel respectively.

“As the foundation of our inaugural project in the UAE is being laid, we recognise the importance of our partnerships with the most respected firms in the industry. Wilson has proposed to us an impressive interior design for the resort and hotel facilities, which has truly captured the essence of both Indian and Moroccan cultures while encapsulating the aura of total relaxation and comfort,” said Abdul Rahman Al Osaimi, chairman of Al Osaimi Group.

The luxury resort project, which is being built on approximately 100 million square feet of prime land at the crescent of The Palm Jumeirah, comprises a seven-star luxury hotel, a five-star family resort and an upscale residential complex with a total of 180 freehold townhouses and penthouses.

“Our broad experience in luxury hospitality design has been responsible for our extensive reach in the international real estate and construction industry. We are very excited to be involved in The Palm Jumeirah project,” said Bernard Himel, managing director, Wilson Associates.-TradeArabia News Service