Dubai-based Rotana Hotel Management Corp. plans to open nine new properties by the end of this year, bringing to 45 the total number of operating hotels in its portfolio, said Selim El Zyr, President and CEO of Rotana. Speaking to delegates today at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference in Dubai, El Zyr said the company is growing its inventory 30% per year as part of its goal of being the largest hotel operating company in the Middle East. Rotana plans to have 70 properties in operation by 2014, he added.