Taj adds to its portfolio in the Middle East
April 5, 2005

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, Indias leading hospitality group, has extended its presence in the Middle East, by entering into a strategic tie-up with ETA Star Property Developers LLC to develop and manage the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, a luxury resort at the Palm Island Jumeirah crescent in Dubai. Increasing the shoreline of Dubai by 120 kms (72 miles), the Palm Island Jumeirah is considered the worlds most unique man-made island. Spectacular homes, world-famous waterfront resorts, boutique hotels, shopping, spas, marinas and dynamic canals, make The Palm the most imaginative and luxurious commercial cum residential project in the world.

Commenting on the new venture, Raymond Bickson, managing director, The Indian Hotels Company Limited, said, This is part of IHCLs strategy of expanding into the key gateway cities of the world. Dubai today is fast emerging as a leisure destination in addition to being the commercial hub of the region. A second hotel in Dubai is proof of the vast potential that it holds. This new luxury resort will clearly reinforce Tajs dominance of the region.

ETA Star has been quick to make its move on the UAEs property scene with residential and commercial projects in advanced stages of development in prime localities. Today we are delighted to have entered into a partnership with Indias leading chain of hotels to manage our resort development in Dubai. We are confident that, with the proposed launch of Taj Groups luxury resort at the Palm Island Jumeirah, ETA Star will further strengthen its leadership in Dubai's property market said Abid Junaid, executive director, ETA Star Properties.

To be unveiled in 2007, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Dubai will be targeted at the premium leisure and business travellers. With its excellent location on The Palm, the resort has the advantage of offering part views of the ocean, Burj Al Arab and the Dubai skyline. The resort will commence operations with 220 rooms including deluxe guestrooms and luxurious suites, providing guests with all the modern-day facilities and services including specialty F&B outlets, extensive banquet areas, a spa, an entertainment club and car parking. It is proposed to draw inspiration from the palaces of India and weave in influences that have characteristics of the Middle East and West Asian region.

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces current portfolio in the Middle East includes the Taj Palace Hotel in Dubai; Taj Sheba Hotel, Sana`a in Yemen and the Sohar Beach Hotel in Oman.