Starwood will grow its Middle East portfolio 75% by 2017
by Helen Andrews | 30 Apr 2015
Starwood has announced it will significantly expand its portfolio in the Middle East, as part of an US$8bn (E7.1bn £5.3bn) global growth plan, with new openings already underway in the region.
Speaking at the opening of the new Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, Michael Wale, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and the Middle East said: “The Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai highlights our commitment both to the region and to our development pipeline, as we strive to grow our portfolio by 75 per cent in the Middle East by 2017.”
The Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai is the first new-build in Dubai for the Starwood Sheraton brand for more than 30 years. The hotel is part of a three-tower mixed-use complex developed by Abdulsalam Al Rafi Group.
Features of the 54-storey tower Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai include 416 bedrooms, 58 suites, 180 serviced apartments, a business centre, rooftop swimming pool, three restaurants and a 1,000sq m (10,764sq ft) signature Shine Spa with nine gender-separate treatment rooms and a couples’ suite.
About Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Sheraton has more than 430 hotels in over 70 countries around the world. The brand recently completed a $6 billion global revitalisation programme and is in the middle of a US$8 billion global expansion over the next three years.
Sheraton is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, which has more than 1,200 properties in 100 countries and over 180,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.
Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with a range of brands: St Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft, Element and the recently introduced Tribute Portfolio.
Starwood recently announced it will spin off its Starwood Vacation Ownership business into a standalone public company by the end of 2015. Starwood Vacation Ownership provides vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and access to Starwood brands.
About the Abdulasalam Alrafi Group LLC
AbdulSalam Alrafi Group LLC was formed as a private company in 1959. It expanded into real estate development and property management in 1970 and has grown into one of the largest property developers in the UAE, with a portfolio of over 30 properties including commercial and residential towers such as the Chelsea Tower, Al Salam Du Tower and Marina Heights. AbdulSalam Alrafi Group is family-managed and led by chair Mohamed Al Rafi and CEO Fahad Al Rafi.
The lobby of the Sheraton Grand Dubai has been designed as a wide open social space Credit: Sheraton
The 1,000sq m (10,764sq ft) Shine Spa occupies the 52nd floor of the property Credit: Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai
Starwood has announced it will significantly expand its portfolio in the Middle East, as part of an US$8bn (E7.1bn £5.3bn) global growth plan, with new openings already underway in the region. Speaking at the opening of the new Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, Michael Wale, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and the Middle East said: “The Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai highlights our commitment both to the region and
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