Non-alcoholic brand Flora Hospitality has unveiled plans to open four new properties in Dubai over the next three years.

The company currently operates seven hotels and hotel apartments in the UAE but has launched a AED750mn ($204m) expansion plan.

Flora said it has selected the locations in Dubai and expects to be able to offer a portfolio of at least 11 hotels by 2016, increasing its total inventory from 780 rooms to more than 1,700.

The expansion plan includes an AED400m investment on a luxury property project in Dubai Downtown. Construction will begin this month and the hotel is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2016.

Two other four-star properties of 186 and 272 rooms are planned in Al Barsha, near the Mall of the Emirates, and in Al Garhoud and are expected to open by end of 2016.

“Dubai’s hospitality sector has been recording a strong growth rate and promises continued expansion thanks to the decision to award the city the right to host the Expo 2020,” said VA Hassan, chairman and CEO of Flora Hospitality. “With our properties reaching above-market average occupancy rates of 87 per cent, it is our aim to aggressively expand our portfolio over the next three years.”