Swiss-Belhotel International, headquartered in Hong Kong, plans to set up a new hotel in Dubai.

The company said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a leading investment company for the hotel. The name of the company was not given.

The announcement marks the group’s fourth property in the Gulf region, following quickly on the heels of hotel announcements in Kuwait, Doha and Sharjah.

The new 4-star business hotel will be called Swiss-Belhotel Elite, Dubai and will be located on the Mina Road nearby Port Rashid and the Dubai Cruise Terminal.  The hotel is ideally situated for business travellers, offering easy access to the World Trade Centre and commercial district of Dubai.

The low-rise hotel will feature 168 spacious rooms, three food and beverage outlets (including piano bar, all-day dining restaurant and a specialty restaurant), business centre, meeting rooms, retail shops, health club and gymnasium.

“Swiss-Belhotel Elite, Dubai is a new build which is currently under construction and is expected to be complete by year-end with a soft opening slated for May/June of 2008,” said Edgar Solenthaler, vice president, Operations and Development, Middle East, Swiss-Belhotel International.

“Until recently the potential of the four star bracket in Dubai has been largely untapped. With few brands entering the market, that trend is changing.  An increasing number of international brands including Swiss-Belhotel, have recognised the potential in Dubai and have either entered the market or made determined plans to do so. We will offer a much sought-after mid market solution for business travellers visiting the emirate,” he added.

The group intends to add several properties to its Middle Eastern portfolio over the coming years in both resort and city locations.

Swiss-Belhotel International offers complete management solutions encompassing all aspects of hotels, serviced apartments, club and golf operations. - TradeArabia News Service