Abu Dhabi-based Aldar Properties has made public its appointment of US hotel company Marriott International to manage one of its hotels on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Marriott International will begin operating Yas Island hotel on 1 July after a period of refurbishment that will see the hotel reopen under the W Hotels mark, a chain of luxury hotels owned by Marriott International.

The refurbishment includes upgrades to the existing lobby and pool facilities, with the hotel remaining open to guests during this period. Aldar Properties has a portfolio of seven hotels in the area.

The “W” brand currently operates hotels in Dubai, but the Yas Island opening will mark the debut of the brand in Abu Dhabi.

Work is ongoing on Yas Island, with Aldar Properties appointed as the strategic partner in the relocation of Abu Dhabi’s media and entertainment free zone to new facilities on the island.

The first phase is valued at an estimated AED1bn ($272.2m) and aims to attract 10,000 working professionals from the media sector to the island.

This will form part of the AED12bn ($3.26bn) Yas Bay master development comprising entertainment and residential areas.