EAST, RODA HOTELS HAS AMBITIOUS PLANS, INCLUDING THE JEWEL OF THE CREEK MEGA DEVELOPMENT OF WHICH IMAD ELIAS, CEO, RODA HOTELS, REVEALS DETAILS.

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What are the main facts we need to know about the Jewel of the Creek development?

IMAD ELIAS: The project area is approximately 125,675m2 overlooking the Dubai Creek, between Al Maktoum Bridge and the floating bridge.

The development and the infrastructure for the entire project started in 2006 with the addition of approximately 6,000 available underground parking.

The development will be completed in several stages and the current phase includes a five-star luxury hotel with 438 rooms, four residential towers with 756 apartments, 20 restaurants, a lagoon complete with a beach and the surrounding amenities, as well as a marina that can accommodate up to 65 yachts.

The construction of the current phase has been approximately 75 percent completed.

Construction work was completed for all floors, and the opening of the current stage is scheduled for August 2017.

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What facilities will the second phase entail?

IMAD ELIAS: Our preparations for the next phase are 20 percent complete.

This stage will include a four-star hotel with 403 rooms and a three-star property with 405 rooms, debuting Roda’s lifestyle brand.

The project will also feature two residential towers with about 389 apartments, a small shopping centre, a non-alcoholic hotel and a multipurpose exhibition space. We expect to complete this stage in 2017.

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What brands can guests expect to find at the project?

IMAD ELIAS: We have established a company to manage all hotels owned by Dubai International Real Estate, called Roda Hotels, which currently manages the project in addition to other two properties in Dubai in the Jumeirah area and Jumeirah Beach Residence.

In addition to this, other hotels are also under construction and are expected to open in the coming years.

As for the leisure facilities and restaurants, there is a plan to attract global brands to manage a number of food and beverage outlets.

TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Please tell us about the development’s financial background.

IMAD ELIAS: The estimated cost of the venture is about AED4 billion (USD1.09 billion) and it is founded by Dubai International Real Estate and other local banks.

This project is considered one of the biggest in Dubai and it is called the Jewel of the Creek due to its prime location overlooking Dubai Creek.

We would like to revive this historic area through this project and become one of the most unique tourist attractions in the heart of Dubai‘s heritage area.