BAWADI has signed an agreement with Gantoot Star General Trading to develop Pirates Cove Hotel & Resorts at an investment cost of AED 800 million.

The agreement was signed by Arif Mubarak, Chief Executive Officer, BAWADI and Saqer Bin Daen, Chairman of Gantoot Star General Trading.

Pirates Cove Hotel & Resorts will be one of the 31 thematic hotels currently under development at BAWADI. Of 4-star rating, it will comprise 800 rooms and six restaurants offering authentic and live pirate shows, antique exhibitions, jewellery displays and auctions that transport visitors to a time when “skull and cross-bone” black-flagged ships ruled the waves.

Saqer Bin Daen, Gantoot Star General Trading said: “Our privileged partnership with BAWADI marks a significant step for Gantoot in the hospitality sector. Aware of the high level of proficiency that BAWADI expects of any vendor, Gantoot will leverage its vast experience from diverse business sectors to create a distinctive tourist landmark in Dubai.” Welcoming Gantoot Star General Trading to BAWADI, Arif Mubarak, said: “BAWADI’s alliance with Gantoot Star is a win-win equation. A highly diversified group that is currently witnessing phenomenal growth, Gantoot Star will add immense value to the overall offering of BAWADI.”

The AED 100 billion hospitality and tourism development project representing a unique fusion of culture, history and leisure, BAWADI was launched on 1 May 2006 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Over the next eight years, BAWADI projects will double the current number of hotel rooms in the city. At centre-stage will be the world's largest hotel, Asia-Asia, which alone will add 6,500 rooms.