First ME Hard Rock hotel in Abu Dhabi

World-famous lifestyle brand Hard Rock will develop and manage its first five-star hotel in Abu Dhabi, the Florida-based hotel chain announced signing an agreement with Aabar Properties, a unit of Abu Dhabi’s Aabar Investments. Hard Rock properties offer stylish and contemporary design and the thread that unites them all — music. The hotel is likely to open its doors to guests in 2014. The 378-room luxury hotel will be situated within the picturesque seafront of the Corniche and just a short distance from the modern city’s bustling financial district. Its first property in the Middle East will feature signature restaurants, entertainment and meeting facilities, including the renowned Hard Rock Cafe. Other key attractions include a Sky Lobby on the fifth floor podium, a Lobby Bar with outdoor entertainment deck and hookah lounge, as well as a 37th floor Sky Bar with swimming pool. With more than 12,000sqft dedicated to wellness and spa facilities, the resort will host the Body Rock fitness centre and signature Rock Spa. Additionally, guests of the hotel will enjoy the convenience of the state-of-the-art events and meeting facilities, as well as the business center, accompanied by six meeting rooms and a 5,200sqft ballroom. “We are looking forward to collaborating with Aabar Properties to complete the design process, embarking upon the development and construction, and, upon completion, extremely excited to manage the day-to-day operations of Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi,” Hard Rock Hotels executive vice-president Michael Shindler said. “This development marks an important benchmark in the overall global expansion of our brand.” Boasting a diverse portfolio and strong presence within Abu Dhabi, Aabar Properties enters into its first hospitality venture with the development of Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi, building on its heritage as a leading real estate development, management and investment company, with a focus on supporting Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030. “Aabar Properties is committed to developing real estate opportunities that directly contribute to the long term strategic development of Abu Dhabi. One of our key goals is to align with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, by creating a desirable and dynamic city for modern lifestyles,” Aabar Properties chief executive officer Khalifa Al Mehairi said. “I am very excited to develop the Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi, which is a milestone venture for Aabar Properties.” From Khaleejtimes