Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide have revealed the designs of the first aloft hotel in the Middle East. The new hotel, which is to be incorporated into the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2009; it will be owned by ADNEC and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

Since signing the agreement last week, neither party has wasted any time in moving forward, revealing a unique and contemporary aloft design for the 4 star, 400+ room hotel, which complements the striking architecture of the Exhibition Centre.

ADNEC’s Business Development Director, Sanjay Tanna, said:

“The new aloft brand is the perfect marriage between an operator and the owner. Exhibition attendance numbers are soaring and ADNEC expects 1.5 million visitors in 2008. By 2009 numbers are predicted to increase and aloft, being strategically positioned adjacent the Exhibition Centre, will directly benefit from this high foot-fall.

“aloft is one of eight hotels which are planned for Capital Centre. They are being developed so that the emirate of Abu Dhabi can meet the growing demand for business tourism facilities which is being generated by the successful Exhibition Centre.”

President Europe, Middle East & Africa, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., Roeland Vos, added:

“This will be a fantastic hotel. Capital Centre, is the ideal location for our new lifestyle brand, aloft, which will offer a total business and leisure experience.

“Guests will be able to read the paper, work on their laptops with wireless internet access, de-stress at either the re:charge fitness centre or splash, the indoor or outdoor pool and re:fuel at the 24 hour, food and beverage area.”

Incorporated in to the Exhibition Centre and forming part of Capital Centre, the aloft hotel will provide a total sensory experience. Every guest room will have a nine-foot ceiling, oversized windows - creating a bright and airy environment, a walk-in shower, amenities created by bliss spa and an ultra-comfortable signature bed.

Each guest room is also a combination of a high-tech office and entertainment centre, featuring wireless internet access and plug & play – a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry such as PDA’s, cell phones, mp3 players and laptops – all linked to a large flat panel HDTV ready television for optimal sound and viewing.