Indian Hotels to set up resort in UAE island

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) signed a hotel operation agreement today with Saraya Islands for a mixed-use resort in the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah in the UAE.

The islands, a 45-minute drive from the Dubai International Airport, are strategically located between the desert and the mountains and the Arabian Gulf.The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa will operate one of the six hotel properties which would be developed on the islands.

The Taj Exotica, expected to be up by 2011, will be a five star property including 180 rooms with suites, 30 bungalows, spa and health club targeting a niche clientele as the destination attracts both business and leisure travellers.

IHCL, which has an international sales office in Dubai, would be looking to expand its presence in Gulf countries.

The Taj Group already has properties in the Gulf region - the Palm Islands (with a year and half of construction activity), the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa and a golf resort project in Doha, a management contract for a beach resort in Jumeirah in Dubai - want to enter the Emirates market as it is a large emerging market globally and will allow IHCL to launch the Taj brand in the market that is growing strategically.

Raymond Bickson, managing director and chief executive officer, IHCL, said, "We are looking at developing 10,000 rooms over the next 36 months. We would be looking at markets like Europe, North America and Australia but also would focus on China, Vietnam and the Maldives and the emerging markets of Russia and Africa. We already have a strong global footprint and will continue looking at opportunities for global alliances."