JUMEIRAH, the global luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, on Sunday announced it has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi United Hospitality LLC to develop Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort in Abu Dhabi. Expected to welcome guests from September 2018, Al Wathba Desert Resort will be developed by leading hospitality company, Abu Dhabi United Hospitality and operated by Jumeirah. A luxurious, quintessential Arabian- > Marc Dardenne, Jumeirah’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Growing the Jumeirah portfolio is one of our strategic priorities, and we are very pleased to partner with Abu Dhabi United Hospitality on this development initiative, aligned with the UAE Vision 2021. Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort will be the 12th luxury Jumeirah hotel in the UAE and this innovative project offers Jumeirah a wonderful opportunity to showcase our truly Arabian hospitality. We are confident the Resort will be an outstanding destination and will further boost tourism in the emirate.” Sultan Al Hemeiri, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi United Hospitality, said: “We are excited about developing Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort, which we believe will draw international attention, bolstering UAE’s tourism potential. The Resort will leverage the scenic and calm desert landscape providing a rich and luxurious experience to tourists and residents alike. We are pleased to work with a home-grown global hospitality brand with a strong track record such as Jumeirah Group, and we look forward to a fruitful partnership to support Abu Dhabi’s Leadership on establishing a key tourist destination.” With this strategic addition, Jumeirah will expand its luxury portfolio, which currently extends to 20 luxurious hotels and resorts around the world. Jumeirah has a strong pipeline with 18 hotel management agreements signed for its luxury Jumeirah hotels and resorts, and a further five agreements in place for its recently launched second brand, Zabeel House by Jumeirah. — SG