Within months of the successful opening of its first hotel in Dubai on Jumeirah Beach Road, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced the development of a second, complementary location in the heart of the city’s International Finance Centre.
Four Seasons Hotel Dubai at DIFC, expected to open in 2016, is conceived as a sophisticated oasis where international business travellers in particular will find their every need anticipated and where local executives will find a favoured place for informal meetings, entertaining colleagues and celebrating the day’s achievements.
“Our entry into Dubai has been extremely well received by locals and global travellers alike, and we are very pleased to be able to offer them a second Four Seasons experience in the city,” says Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Together with our partner Bright Start, we introduced Four Seasons to the Dubai market last year and raised the standard for luxury hospitality in this incredibly competitive market. We look forward to building on our reputation with our second hotel, at the epicentre of the financial district.”
“In line with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s vision for Dubai, we believe our latest investment in the hospitality sector will further open up opportunities for continued growth and contribute to Dubai’s status as a major luxury tourist destination. The strategic location within DIFC was carefully chosen to cater to high end business travellers and will be of the highest quality,” states Shahab Lutfi, CEO of Bright Start which also owns Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeriah Beach.
“Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has set the benchmark in luxury hospitality over the past 50 years and has proven to be the right partner for our Jumeirah Beach resort, of which we are very proud. We are delighted to further this partnership for the DIFC hotel and believe the strength of the brand, which is synonymous with luxurious travel, will allow us to take a strong leadership position. The synergies of the two properties, beach and city, under one brand were very compelling.”
Carlo Stragiotto appointed General Manager
Four Seasons has also announced the appointment of veteran hotelier Carlo Stragiotto as General Manager of the new hotel. Most recently Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Milano, the tri-lingual Italian counts Four Seasons hotels and resorts in Paris, Istanbul, Las Vegas and at the Red Sea among the assignments during his 22-year history with Four Seasons.
“Carlo is the ideal choice to lead the team at our second location in Dubai, and we look forward to his unique insights as we create this luxurious hotel in the heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities,” says Christian Clerc, President Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa.
About Four Seasons Hotel Dubai at DIFC
New York-based Tihany Design, which also designed several of the restaurants at Four Seasons at Jumeriah Beach, is creating the new hotel’s modern interiors.
With entrances at the ground level reception area and from the upper level retail concourse, Four Seasons will blend seamlessly with the surrounding 110 acre (45 hectare) International Finance Centre while providing a welcoming retreat within. Its 106 rooms will be characterised by impeccable craftsmanship, bespoke details and high tech efficiency, as will four executive-style meeting rooms. With Dubai now the world’s number one air travel hub, a 24-hour restaurant is one of many thoughtful features and amenities designed for the international business traveller. A lobby level tea lounge and terrace will provide a relaxed setting for casual meetings or shopping breaks, while the 8th floor sky bar and cigar room on the mezzanine will be the perfect places for after work cocktails with breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa. An intimate spa and fitness centre will offer a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation, and a rooftop garden will feature an above-ground glassed-in pool surrounded by private cabanas as well as a juice bar.
