The Taj Group of Hotels

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, India’s leading hospitality group, has extended its presence in the Middle East, by entering into a strategic tie-up with ETA Star Property Developers LLC to develop and manage the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, a luxury resort at the Palm Island Jumeirah crescent in Dubai. Increasing the shoreline of Dubai by 120 kms (72 miles), the Palm Island Jumeirah is considered the world’s most unique man-made island. Spectacular homes, world-famous waterfront resorts, boutique hotels, shopping, spas, marinas and dynamic canals, make The Palm the most imaginative and luxurious commercial cum residential project in the world.

Commenting on the new venture, Mr. Raymond Bickson, Managing Director, The Indian Hotels Company Limited, said, "This is part of IHCL’s strategy of expanding into the key gateway cities of the world. Dubai today is fast emerging as a leisure destination in addition to being the commercial hub of the region. A second hotel in Dubai is proof of the vast potential that it holds. This new luxury resort will clearly reinforce Taj’s dominance of the region."

"ETA Star has been quick to make its move on the UAE’s property scene with residential & commercial projects in advanced stages of development in prime localities. Today we are delighted to have entered into a partnership with India’s leading chain of hotels to manage our resort development in Dubai. We are confident that, with the proposed launch of Taj Group’s luxury resort at the Palm Island Jumeirah, ETA Star will further strengthen its leadership in Dubai's property market" said Mr. Abid Junaid, Executive Director, ETA Star Properties.

To be unveiled in 2007, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Dubai will be targeted at the premium leisure and business travelers. With its excellent location on The Palm, the resort has the advantage of offering part views of the ocean, Burj Al Arab and the Dubai skyline. The resort will commence operations with 220 rooms including deluxe guestrooms and luxurious suites, providing guests with all the modern-day facilities and services including specialty F&B outlets, extensive banquet areas, a spa, an entertainment club and car parking. It is proposed to draw inspiration from the palaces of India and weave in influences that have characteristics of the Middle East and West Asian region.

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces’ current portfolio in the Middle East includes the Taj Palace Hotel in Dubai; Taj Sheba Hotel, Sana`a in Yemen and the Sohar Beach Hotel in Oman.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces | Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of South Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 56 hotels in 37 locations across India with an additional 14 international hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, UK, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.

About ETA Star Properties: ETA Star Property Developers LLC is the property development arm of the ETA - Ascon Group. The prime objective of the company is to harness the growing commercial opportunity in Dubai's freehold market. ETA Star has embarked on an ambitious programme to develop commercial and residential properties to cater to a discerning international clientele. Developments over 4 million square feet of built-up area are already underway and many more are planned over the coming months. For more details please log onto .

About Taj Palace Hotel Dubai | The Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces manage the Taj Palace Hotel Dubai. The hotel has 147 executive rooms (the largest in the city), 12 suites and 90 apartments. Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, is India's largest and finest global hotel company. It comprises 57 54 award-winning hotels in 39 locations throughout India and an additional 13 hotels in key international destinations outside India. From world-renowned landmark hotels to modern business properties, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of world-class service and modern luxury. Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. The Taj Palace Hotel Dubai is owned by Juma Al Majid Establishments. For more information on Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces Taj Group of Hotel, please log on to . Alternatively visit for more information about the Taj Palace Hotel Dubai.

Bessie Salomon
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IHCL