The deal is the first time Marriott has brought its Renaissance Hotel & Suites and Courtyard by Marriott brands to the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Renaissance will have more than 400 rooms and suites and will overlook the corniche and downtown Abu Dhabi. The Courtyard will feature approximately 200 rooms.

The local/Lebanese Arabian Construction Company (ACC) has recently been awarded a AED694m ($189m) contract to build a shopping mall on the AED4.2bn redevelopment of Abu Dhabi's central market. In September it was awarded the AED2.7bn contract for the central market towers. By adding the retail areas, ACC's contract has been increased in value to AED3.4bn, a new record for the emirate.

The UK's Foster & Partners is the design consultant, while UK company EC Harris is the project manager (MEED 18:2:07).