InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has partnered with Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding Company to launch the Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park – the first property to begin trading under the brand’s new name.

Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park will be operated by Ishraq Hospitality Management, a subsidiary of Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding Company, the exclusive developer of the Holiday Inn Express hotels in the GCC countries, excluding Saudi Arabia.

This is the second Express property to open in Dubai within 12 months, said an IHG official.

Leading on from the success of 'Express by Holiday Inn Dubai Internet City,' the 171 room Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park will cater to the growing demands for limited service hotels, offering competitive pricing, quality accommodation for both business and leisure travellers and the reassurance that an international brand brings.

IHG and Ishraq also announced the impending opening of another property in Dubai - Jumeirah in August, growing the Express estate to three within the UAE.

“This is a landmark opening for IHG and we are delighted to be again working in partnership with Ishraq to launch the second Express property in the Middle East,' said John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG, Middle East and Africa.

'The limited service sector is a burgeoning new segment in the Middle East and IHG is committed to ensuring that we are at the forefront of this development,' he remarked.

“The fact that we have two Express properties opening in such a short period highlights our dedication to growing the limited service sector throughout the region and delivering a great night’s sleep at an affordable price,” Bamsey added.

Catering primarily to the short stay frequent business traveller, Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park is conveniently located on Sheikh Zayed Road close to the major business districts of Dubai; just 5 minutes from Dubai International Financial City and a short drive from the commercial hubs of Jebel Ali Free Zone, Media City and Internet City.

'For those precious moments of down-time the hotel is also located near to major shopping centres and within a short walking distance from Safa Park, Dubai’s largest public park.'

Each of its modern rooms come with a pillow menu, enhanced en-suite facilities with a power-shower all designed to provide guests with a more refreshing and comfortable stay.

Sami Al Ansari, Ishraq chief executive officer, expressed delight at working alongside IHG to bring another Express property to the Middle East.

'Our third property, Dubai - Jumeirah is due to launch in the next few weeks ensuring we are in a strong position to lead the limited service sector across Dubai, with Ishraq’s aggressive expansion plans for the greater region already in progress,' Al Ansari noted.

Developed by IHG, Express by Holiday Inn is the world’s largest limited service hotel brand and is growing rapidly. Worldwide there are more than 1,800 properties and more than 158,000 rooms operating under this brand flag.-TradeArabia News Service