Riu Dubai, Nakheel’s 800-room joint venture with Spain’s RIU Hotels & Resorts, is set to open in December 2020, bringing a new hospitality concept to Dubai and marking the 100th RIU establishment worldwide.
Fit out of the resort – RIU’s first in the Middle East and the first 4-star, all-inclusive beachfront resort in Dubai – has been completed, with the splash water park in the final stages of construction and landscaping work under way.
Thorsten Ries, Managing Director, Nakheel Hospitality and Leisure, said: “Our first international joint venture brings a new dimension to Dubai’s tourism sector, providing a fresh concept in accommodation and attracting a new market segment to the emirate. We are proud to partner with RIU to create the Riu Dubai, a shining example of our commitment to delivering a diverse range of tourism-related projects in line with government goals.”
The news comes as Nader Ghosheh Sayfi is named General Manager of the resort, which will be the first attraction to open at Nakheel’s Deira Islands coastal city.
Nader has spent his entire 27-year hospitality career with RIU, running 10 resorts and opening several five-star, all-inclusive properties, including, most recently, the Riu Palace Tikida Agadir. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Hotel Management, and master’s degrees in International Commerce and Tourism, specialising in new destinations, and in Protocol, Communications and Events. He also speaks fluent Arabic, English, Spanish, French, Italian and German.
“It is an honour to join this incredible resort and be part of RIU’s first venture in the Middle East, made all the more special as this is our 100thproperty worldwide,” he said. “We are already seeing a lot of interest from guests keen to experience Dubai’s famous wow factor, and are thrilled to be opening in time for the festive and peak travel seasons.”
Located on a prime beachfront plot, the resort has800 rooms and suites, most with a sea view, and an abundance of dining and leisure facilities, including 10food and beverage outlets, three swimming pools and two children’s pools, a fitness centre, spa, beauty salon, children’s club and conference facilities. Guests will also enjoy a packed sports and entertainment programme, with daily and nightly events and live shows.
Deira Islands, Nakheel’s new, 15 square kilometre waterfront city, has added 40 kilometres of coastline to Dubai, and is transforming the emirate’s oldest and most traditional trading hub into a world class destination for living, tourism, retail and leisure.
