Jumeirah, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality group, and Saraya Aqaba Real Estate Development, recently signed a Letter of Understanding following the announcement that Jumeirah will manage a select group of 5-star luxury hotels and a water park in the new large-scale real estate tourism project, Saraya Aqaba, Jordan.
Saraya Aqaba was founded by Saraya Jordan, a real estate development holding company, who will develop the project over the next four years. Once completed, Jumeirah will manage the luxury hotels and water park within the development that is expected to transform the beachfront town of Aqaba in to a world-class waterfront resort city.
Mr. Ali Kolaghassi, Vice Chairman, Saraya Aqaba, said: "In line with our commitment to growth and development, we are delighted to announce the signing of the LOU with Jumeirah to be the operator and asset manager of an important part of the Saraya Aqaba site, and together we shall pioneer in the hospitality industry in Aqaba, striving for unsurpassed excellence in a high potential location." He added: "With Jumeirah as operator of the Saraya Aqaba site, we are positive that it will become a highly acclaimed destination complying with our high standards and expectations."
A key feature of the development will be a man-made lagoon on the coast, which will be surrounded by hotels and other facilities that will captivate and impress visitors with its old Arabian magic.
Gerald Lawless, Chief Executive Officer for Jumeirah, said: “We are pleased to announce that Jumeirah has been selected as the management company for a select group of 5-star luxury hotels and a water park within Saraya Aqaba. We look forward to being involved in what will be a world-class tourist, residential and business destination.”
Saraya Aqaba will be developed in the heart of Aqaba on a total area of 610,000m, bringing Jordan in to the new economic era currently witnessed in other countries in the region.
About Saraya Aqaba
Saraya Aqaba Real Estate Development Company (“Saraya Aqaba”) is a Jordanian private shareholding company, whose founding shareholders include Saraya Jordan, Jordan’s Social Security Corporation, Aqaba Development Corporation, and Arab Bank plc. Saraya Aqaba will implement the US $610 million “Saraya Aqaba Project”, a premier tourism and leisure destination, with a mixed-use themed development. Situated on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, the construction of the Saraya Aqaba Project and its man made lagoon will be completed in January 2009, adding approximately 1.5 km of beachfront to the city of Aqaba. The Project comprises approximately 610,000 square meters of master-planned development, combining the splendor of an authentically styled ancient city with the modern luxuries of a world class resort. It features five luxurious hotels, various residential opportunities (beach front villas, town houses and apartments), office space, a contemporary shopping district, an old souk, a water park, a convention centre, and a wharf promenade. A bustling “city within a city”, uniquely designed in a culturally authentic manner; Saraya Aqaba is set in the midst of a rich and textured environment of lush gardens and sparkling waterways.
Jumeirah
Jumeirah properties are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The Dubai based luxury hospitality group encompasses the world renowned Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel, the multi-award winning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Club Resort and Spa, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
The group’s activities are however, not restricted to hotel and resort management. The Jumeirah portfolio also includes Wild Wadi, regarded as one of the premier water parks outside of North America and The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, the region’s only third level academic institution specializing in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Jumeirah has also expanded internationally and manages the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London’s Belgravia.
