Premier Inn secures site for 4th hotel in United Arab Emirates

Premier Inn, the UK's biggest value-for-money hotel brand known for its guarantee of quality rooms, has secured a prime location to build its fourth hotel in the United Arab Emirates at Capital Centre - Abu Dhabi's new strategically-planned micro city comprising hotels, retail zones, and residential and commercial towers.

On the plot, situated immediately opposite the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Premier Inn will construct a 250-room hotel, taking full advantage of the location's accessibility and proximity to the site of many major events.

The purchase agreement for the plot was signed by Darroch Crawford, Managing Director PTI Gulf Hotels, Derek Swan, Emirates' Senior Vice President Business Development, Sanjay Tanna, Corporate Commercial Director of Capital Centre, and Mubarak Al Ameri, Deputy Commercial Director of Capital Centre.

Mr Tanna said: "Premier Inn is an established brand with an excellent track record in providing a great value-for-money hospitality product. We are delighted that they have selected Capital Centre for their first property in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre hosts a year-round flow of events and conferences; we are confident that the Premier Inn product will be popular amongst the many event delegates as well as other visitors to Abu Dhabi."

Mr Crawford said: "We are pleased to have secured a prime plot in Abu Dhabi's Capital Centre. Capital Centre's excellent infrastructure and proximity to Abu Dhabi's superb new events facility makes it an ideal location for Premier Inn. We look forward to breaking ground at the site later this year."

Premier Inn's first property in the UAE will be a 308-room hotel in Dubai Investment Park, currently under construction and scheduled for completion in first quarter 2008. It has also secured sites in Garhoud close to Dubai airport and in the Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Mr Swan said: "Demand from travellers seeking high-quality budget hotel accommodation in the UAE has been growing in tandem with the booming economy and massive tourism developments. Premier Inn is well-positioned to service this demand. We are on track with our plan to bring 830 new rooms into the market over the next 18 months, and launch some 5,000 rooms throughout the GCC over the next five years."

All Premier Inn hotels feature ensuite bathroom with shower and bath; king sized beds with duvet; remote control TV/radio alarm; tea/coffee making facilities; and a spacious desk area. Room rates are expected to be in the region of Dhs 400-450 (US$ 111-125).