The proposed mixed-use hotel development will involve the demolition of the existing tourist club and the construction of about three large buildings. The 400-room Hyatt Regency hotel will be operated by US-based Hyatt.

TDIC signed last year agreements with three other local companies - Al-Jaber Group, Al-Fahim Group and Rotana Hotels - to build hotels in the capital. In addition, TDIC is developing its own resort which will be operated by Angsana Resorts & Spa, a subsidiary of Singapore-based Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. In total, TDIC has identified at least 15 plots for new hotels, which will be developed by the private sector. The plots are being developed as part of TDIC's plan to add a further 4,000 hotel rooms in the capital over the next three years (MEED 5:5:06).

Another hotel project is also planned in the capital. Dubai-based Jumeirah is understood to have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a private developer for a mixed-use hotel development close to the Intercontinental hotel. The project will be Jumeirah's first in the emirate.

www.meed.com/tourism