Accor : Sofitel Signs Milestone project in Dubai - Sofitel Dubai Wafi to become the luxury hotel brand's largest in the Middle East.

Sofitel Dubai Wafi to add 598 guestrooms and serviced residences to Dubai.

Dubai, UAE, June 6, 2017 - Sofitel has announced the largest Sofitel property in the Middle East with development partner MKM Commercial Holdings LLC. Expected to open in early 2019, Sofitel Dubai Wafi will join the luxury brand's growing portfolio of 14 hotels and 4,400 rooms in operation and under development in the Middle East.

Sami Nasser, Chief Operating Officer, Luxury Brands, AccorHotels Middle East, commented: 'We are delighted to work with MKM Commercial Holdings, one of our long standing partners, to develop this impressive project that will undoubtedly become a future flagship for Sofitel in the region. The development of this property is aligned with our strategy to operate one of our leading luxury brands across strategic locations in the Middle East.' He further added, 'Within the United Arab Emirates, we've established a strong presence with four operational hotels across landmark locations including Abu Dhabi Corniche, Downtown Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Residences, and now Wafi - a major shopping destination set to undergo a comprehensive retail and leisure expansion.'

Sofitel Dubai Wafi will feature 501 luxury guestrooms, inclusive of 86 suites, ranging in size from 55 square meters to 625 sqm, in addition to 97 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced residences to be operated on an extended-stay basis. The property will offer a number of dining concepts including an Asian specialty restaurant, gastro pub, a unique destination restaurant, bar and lounge on 43 and 44 Floors, a French lobby café, an all-day restaurant and a pool bar. Guests will have the option to relax and unwind at the SoSpa or use a comprehensive gymnasium, outdoor pools, private cabanas and a kids club. Business travelers will have access to 10 meeting rooms in addition to a 1,115 square meter ballroom.

Guests of Sofitel Dubai Wafi will enjoy close proximity to Wafi Shopping Mall, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and the Dubai International Airport. Corporate clientele will have convenient access to primary business and exhibition centers including the Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City and the Dubai International Conference and Exhibition Centre. Located adjacent to the iconic Raffles Dubai, both properties will form a luxury cluster within Wafi offering guests a range of shared amenities and services.

H.H. Sheikh Manna Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Chairman of MKM Commercial Holdings said: 'We are excited to sign this agreement with AccorHotels, our trusted partner for the Sofitel Dubai Wafi. We are confident that the Sofitel, through its distinct brand positioning and expertise in the luxury segment, will be able to complement our existing Raffles Dubai while cementing the strength of hospitality offerings present within the expanded and revitalized Wafi.'

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts offers luxury hotels with a difference, that combine French origin - a unique combination of elegance, savoir-faire and the art of hospitality - with the best of local culture in each destination. Sofitel Dubai Wafi will infuse the brand's essence with Arabic culture and design elements reflective of Wafi. Over the coming years, Sofitel will introduce stunning new hotels with the openings of Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, Sofitel Singapore City Centre, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Sofitel Mexico City Reforma.

'Sofitel Dubai Wafi signifies our ongoing commitment to expanding AccorHotels' presence in the luxury segment through our landmark design and quality driven concepts. Sofitel operates luxury hotels and resorts across key destinations in the Middle East including the Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel, Sofitel Jeddah Corniche, Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah and the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Through the development of the region's largest Sofitel, we look to strengthen AccorHotels' luxury offerings and cement our position as a leading luxury hotel operator.' concluded Nasser.

AccorHotels has 39 existing properties in the UAE, in addition to 23 others under development. In the Middle East and Egypt, AccorHotels currently operates 95 hotels encompassing 28,800 rooms across the luxury to economy segments. The Group's regional network is expected to double in number, bringing over 25,000 additional rooms and nearly 2,400 branded residences to the Middle East.

About Sofitel

Sofitel, AccorHotels' authentic luxury brand, blends local culture and French art de vivre to create magnificent moments for international travellers seeking a uniquely elegant experience.​

Guests staying at one of Sofitel's 120 addresses will enjoy design, culture, gastronomy and wellness. All over the world, Sofitel promises travelers looking for contemporary accommodation, a skillful blend of local culture and French art de vivre. Each address is distinctive, with its own 'cousu-main' service, stylish interior, and inspired and creative gastronomy. The brand's hotels are located in large cities like Paris, London, Berlin, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore and Shanghai, or set against wonderful landscapes in destinations like Morocco, Egypt, Thailand and even French Polynesia.

AccorHotels is a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4,000 hotels, resorts and residences, as well as in over 2,500 of the finest private homes around the globe.

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