Emirates airline and Group, the largest aviation and travel services provider in the Middle East, has appointed Marriott International as the hotel operator of the AED1.8 billion ($490 million) Park Towers, a 1,614-room twin-tower hotel and apartment property which Emirates is currently constructing on Sheikh Zayed Road, adjacent to Dubai's premier Business Bay district. The contract was signed on Tuesday. Under Marriott management, the property will be branded as one of the top-of-the-line JW Marriott Marquis luxury hotels. This will include two guest room towers rising from a six-story building housing lobby and public space. The first 807-room tower is scheduled to open in 2011 and the second tower in 2013. Both parties have been collaborating on the details of the new hotel's design, which will see it emerge as one of Dubai's top properties. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates airline and Group, said: “Emirates has always supported Dubai's continued growth. The development of this new 1,614 room property reflects our commitment to, and confidence in, the city's ongoing success. “As a leading international hotel management group operating several successful brands, Marriott has the track-record and the global infrastructure to maximize the value of our AED1.8 billion city center investment. We believe this property will emerge as one of Dubai's top hotels and will contribute to attracting both leisure and business travelers to the city. We very much look forward to working together to add to Dubai's five star luxury experience.” “The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai will be a unique and visually stunning hotel without pretense that welcomes the world to this incredible city,” said Edwin D. Fuller, president & managing director, International Lodging, Marriott International. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Emirates. Their recognized commitment to excellence, unparalleled service and exquisite taste all make Emirates the perfect partner to introduce this special hotel. We are confident it will quickly become the finest address in Dubai. Marriott has always had a strong commitment towards Dubai, and we believe this relationship with Emirates cements our position as a regional hospitality leader.” __
