27 March 2007

ABU DHABI --Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), the development arm of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), is to build a luxury 5 star Arabian retreat -- Qasr Al Sarab -- in the emirate's Liwa desert at the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali).

Qasr Al Sarab will be built seven kilometres from the main Hamim Highway crossing the Rub Al Khali, made famous in the West through the work of desert adventurer Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed the desert expanse in the 1940's.

"Today Liwa desert attracts many visitors and has become a much desired tourist destination not only to be travelled across by those with nomadic aspirations, but also as a special place to spend time and experience" said Shaikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of ADTA and TDIC.

"This will be a signature destination in Abu Dhabi's expanding and rapidly diversified tourism offering. It brings an added dimension in breadth of product appeal."

The retreat, will lie 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and will boast a five-star hotel with 150 rooms and 50 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom villas, a luxury health spa, conference centre, adjoining excursion and tented villages, a children's playground and an observatory.

Construction of Qasr Al Sarab is due to begin in May this year and is scheduled for completion within two years. The retreat will be managed by an international hospitality operator which has yet to be appointed.

"Qasr Al Sarab will have significant appeal among UAE residents, tourists from around neighbouring Gulf states and beyond and will also have a substantial draw among the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions segment offering an environment in which to hold corporate gatherings," said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA and Managing Director, TDIC.