R Hotels reveals AED1.5b investment plan

Company continues to expand aggressively by opening new properties this year

Ajman, UAE (September 22, 2013) – R Hotels, the hotels and hotel management subsidiary of R Holding, is investing AED1.5 billion towards its acquisition and development plans and it is on track to double its hotel portfolio to six hotels by the end of 2015. 

Currently, R Hotels owns, manages and operates three hotels in Dubai and Ajman under the Ramada brands – Ramada Downtown Dubai, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman and Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman. It is planning to increase its portfolio by opening three more hotel properties in UAE during the next two years.

Sumair Tariq, Managing Director, R Hotels said: “R Hotels has kept a consistent growth strategy since its inception. Our focus has been on trophy assets and building a strong team. We are on track in terms of our acquisition and development and will be opening our second property this year in JBR, the Walk. We plan to invest AED1.5 billion towards our acquisitions and development over the next three to four years, and have already committed AED500 million in 2013.”

Tariq also revealed that the company has started work on Palm Jumeirah as their next area of interest. He added:  “We believe this growth pattern will continue and we will double our portfolio of assets over the next two years.  We have created a niche market being a dry hotel, focusing on the product and guest services and building strong operations. We take pride in having a young, energetic, and efficient team that is positive and growth oriented.”

Part of the investment plan is to bring new hospitality brands to the UAE to cater to the demands of the ever-growing tourism industry. The openings of the new properties are expected to create additional jobs for the local workforce.

“The year 2013 reaffirms the growth in UAE”s tourism industry and studies show that this growth trend will continue in the next three to four years before it stabilizes. During the first and second quarter of this year, our properties recorded significant growth in their occupancy rates, even during the summer season when business is generally slow. Both the Ajman and Dubai properties recorded rise in their revenues above the general market trend so we are continuing to see a steady demand for our properties,” said Tariq.

R Hotels recently added Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman to the list of hotel properties it owns and manages. Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman is located in the heart of Ajman, it has its own private beach and is 20 minutes from Sharjah Airport and 30 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport.

Ramada Downtown Dubai directly faces Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa and has the most spacious studios to one- and two-bedrooms, all featuring well-equipped kitchen units and large bathrooms. The property features a restaurant, meeting rooms, a business center, a coffee shop, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre.

Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman has the largest room inventory in Ajman and Sharjah, ranging from Executive Rooms to Executive Suites and Ambassador Suites. The property features a 500+ capacity banquet hall, the Orchid Restaurant, a coffee shop, meeting rooms, a fitness centre, spa and swimming pool.

“R Hotels is a part of a dynamic organization that is committed to create opportunities and is aggressively growing and will soon have presence in every emirates of the UAE. We are constantly developing new ways to deliver quality and enjoyable travel experience to our valued and loyal guests. R Hotels also takes pride in being a leader towards going green and has taken several initiatives over the last couple of years including the 100% organic waste recycling in Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman. In addition the group actively contributes to several charitable causes and community outreach. Our new properties are designed for the new generation of business and leisure travellers who demand style and substance at the best of locations. We are excited about the new properties that will definitely contribute to the growth of the group and the country's tourism industry,” concluded Tariq.

About R Hotels R Hotels, established in 2008, the hospitality management division of R Holding owns, manages and operates hotels, serviced apartments, portfolio in the UAE. The company's objective is to achieve growth by developing or acquiring a select number of new hotels in strategic locations and maximizing returns through proper strategic market positioning, strong management team, competitive physical facilities and appropriate franchise affiliations. The R Hotel brand stands committed to acquainting guests with true Arabian heritage and hospitality. Employing a team of professionals with extensive hospitality experience, R Hotels has built up a good reputation in the hospitality with its signature hotels – the Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman, Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman and the Ramada Downtown Dubai.