Ritz-Carlton Dubai celebrates opening of new wing

he Ritz-Carlton was one of the first luxury beachfront hotels to open its doors in Dubai and the resort continues to go from strength to strength.Having first opened in 1998, the hotel has set the standard for other establishments to follow over the years.Bosses at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company have this week (April 11th) opened a new wing at the glamorous building and the occasion was marked by a special event along the Arabian Gulf.More than 400 VIP guests from around the world were invited to the gathering, where they were treated to gourmet food and stunning views across the bay.The new wing has been named ‘Shorooq’ – which is the Arabic term for sunrise – and it includes 148 guest rooms, as well as two royal suites. In addition to this, the new part of the hotel has a Club Lounge, dining venues, spa, more swimming pools, as well as indoor and outdoor events spaces.Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, said it is fitting that the “rebirth” of the hotel comes in the same year that the complex celebrates its 15th anniversary.”The Ritz-Carlton is renowned for setting the benchmark in luxury hospitality, offering true craftsmanship that continues to create indelible memories,” he remarked.”We have taken a commanding role in the luxury segment, leading in every measure of guest satisfaction in Index Studies all over the world.”Of course, the area in which the Ritz-Carlton was built in 1998 is now unrecognisable, with glamorous resorts springing up all around the city.Now is a great time for investors to purchase hotels, apartments and villas, as more and more people are taking holidays in the emirate. This has enabled property owners to increase their room and rental rates in the past 12 months.Indeed, a recent study by HotelsCombined showed that resorts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) continue to lead the way when it comes to hotel price rises.According to the research, MENA establishments have hiked their rates by eight per cent in the last year – double the global average.Click here for your free property investment guide