Latest landmark on Sheikh Zayed Road to be on the site of city’s oldest hotel

The Al Habtoor Group has launched one of the region’s biggest luxury hotel and entertainment development. To be built on a prime location on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, the complex will be built on the site of one of Dubai’s first hotels. The 34-year-old Metropolitan Hotel, which now stands on this location, will be demolished to make way for the new undertaking.

With John R. Harris & Partners as concept design architects, Khatib & Alami Consolidated Engineering Company as lead design consultants, the construction of the project is to commence in the first quarter of 2012, with expected completion within 48 months.

Khalaf Al Habtoor, chairman of Al Habtoor Group, commented: “Parting with the Metropolitan Hotel, our first hospitality venture is not easy as it is filled with great memories, but I always believe in looking forward. The tourism industry in the UAE and Dubai in particular, is constantly and steadily growing, and we have to be prepared to cater for the growing need of its visitors and residents alike”.