Dubai
World Africa, a subsidiary of Dubai World, has announced that it will
invest US$70 million in the development of a 5-star international
luxury hotel and 22,5ha of adjacent prime beachfront, with over 100
new upscale residential villas and townhouses.
The company, which has interests ranging from real estate to ports,
also announced the appointment of Kempinski Hotels to manage the luxury
beach resort in the Comoros. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of
Dubai World, said: “The development of the beach resort marks
the first stage of a strategic partnership between Dubai World Africa
and the Government of the Comoros. We believe our partnership and
the expertise of Kempinski Hotels will make a significant contribution
to the tourism offering in Comoros.”
Dubai World Comoros Limited, in which the Union of Comoros Government
is a shareholder together with Dubai World Africa, was established
specifically for the acquisition of this landmark property. The project
will undertake the redevelopment of the Comoros’ leading hotel,
Le Galawa Beach. This hotel, beach resort and spa is situated on Grande
Comore (Ngazidja) near the country’s capital Moroni -- located
on the Northern portion of Grande Comores on a pristine site which
includes three exquisite white sandy beaches.
The current structure will be demolished and give way to a brand new,
elegant 5-star international hotel. In
addition to foreign contractors, local entrepreneurs will participate
in the project ensuring that the local economy benefits from the development
of the new beach resort right from the very start of its construction.
The project is to be divided in two phases, the first phase entails
the completion of a 114 rooms hotel and 13 luxury bungalows. The first
phase will begin imminently with the demolition of the former hotel
structure. Completion is scheduled for early 2010.
“This
collaborative partnership will contribute to ensuring the Comoros
grows in its status as a leading tourist destination,” expressed
Dubai World Africa Director of Hospitality Operations Luis Pinheiro.
Dubai
World will also develop a tourism master plan for the country, in
conjunction with the Government. “We have a long term commitment
to Comoros and the region and this investment demonstrates confidence
in the Comoros economy and its future.”
Commenting
on the project, Ulrich Eckhardt, President, Middle East and Africa
of Kempinski Hotels, said: “The highest quality of the overall
development, concept, design and marketing position of the hotel will
meet standards of an international 5-star luxury hotel.” “Kempinski
has entered the global resort market in response to growing consumer
demand and we are proud of our association with the magnificent new
Comores beach resort,” added Eckhardt.
He
explained that Kempinski currently comprises many dedicated resorts,
each of which offers an exceptional range of leisure facilities, luxury
spa and a breathtaking location. Comoros archipelago is located in
the Mozambique channel and comprises four distinct islands which are
Grande Comore, Moheli, Anjuan, and Mayotte with a total population
of some 57,6000 habitants. The four islands are diverse and tourists
visit the Comoros for its beautiful beaches, reefs, hiking on the
largest active volcano in the world and its colourful local history
full of tradition and art.
