InterContinental Hotels Group has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Seba Properties for the development of the InterContinental Fujairah Resort (IFR), a new beachfront property in UAE.

The 291-room hotel will be the first InterContinental beach resort property in the UAE and will establish a benchmark for quality and luxury amongst upscale resorts across the Middle East, said a statement.

Part of the growing portfolio of over 150 InterContinental hotels worldwide, IFR will connect guests with what is special about the destination, providing them with authentic and enriching 'in the know' experiences.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hajar Mountains with breathtaking views across the Indian Ocean, the resort will consist of a series of low-rise Arabesque village-style buildings, giving it a sense of place that is unique to Fujairah. The property’s design will combine contemporary design elements with strong Arab influences that reflect the local heritage and culture.

The five-star property is set along Fujairah’s 2 km coastline, on 69,500 sqm of land. It will offer a variety of restaurants, retail outlets, a health club and spa as well as a kids’ club.

Expected to open by the end of 2010, the resort will be surrounded by unspoilt natural landscapes which have made this tranquil Emirate a haven of relaxation for local, regional and, increasingly, international travellers.

“Fujairah is an up-and-coming destination for both business and leisure travellers. InterContinental has been the leading hotel company in the Middle East for over 45 years and we look forward to opening what will be our first resort in the United Arab Emirates,” stated Andrew Cosslett, chief executive for IHG.

“We are committed to creating uniqueness, elegance and an appropriate response to the location and we are confident that with a partner like IHG, we shall develop a world-class iconic resort,” added Rabih Karam, chief of Seba Properties.

Fujairah’s strategic plan is to position the Emirate as a premium tourist destination. The Fujairah government has allocated over Dh2.9 billion toward the development of the coastline and improving infrastructure of the Emirate.

A new 45km highway connecting Dubai and Fujairah will cut travel times between the two destinations to 30 minutes.-TradeArabia News Service