Minor Hotel Group (MHG), a hotel owner, operator and investor, has announced the addition of two new properties to its pipeline in the UAE.

Anantara Jebel Dhanna and Avani Jebel Dhanna in Abu Dhabi will soon begin development and both are scheduled to open in 2018.

The owner and developer of these two new properties is Dhabi Contracting and Aecom has been appointed as the lead architecture and interior design consultant for the project, said a Minor statement.

Jebel Dhanna is located along the coastal area of the Al Gharbia region in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, close to the ferry departure point for Sir Bani Yas Island, 240 km from Abu Dhabi city and 360 km from Doha (Qatar) and 125 km from the border of Saudi Arabia.

The Jebel Dhanna peninsula is relatively under-developed, with a royal palace bordering the new hotel developments and an industrial area close by. To the south east is Ruwais Industrial Zone and a neighbouring residential area, which will provide substantial demand for the two new properties, it said.

Anantara Jebel Dhanna Villas will have a total of 60 keys across three villa types: 20 one-bedroom villas, 38 two-bedroom villas and two impressive three-bedroom villas. The new Anantara will offer two restaurants and a pool bar, a gym, a swimming pool and an Anantara Spa.

The neighbouring Avani Jebel Dhanna Hotel will have 230 keys across two different room types: 170 deluxe rooms and 60 superior rooms including a kitchenette. Other facilities will include multiple dining options, a gym and a swimming pool.  Shared facilities will include flexible meeting and banqueting space, a kid’s club and outdoor recreation areas.

Anantara, a luxury hospitality brand, currently has 35 hotels and resorts in 11 countries. Anantara celebrated its 15th birthday in March this year. Launched in 2011, Avani is a vibrant upscale brand offering relaxed comfort and contemporary style in city and resort destinations.

These new properties in Abu Dhabi will join the growing Anantara and AVANI portfolio in the UAE. There are currently six Anantara properties in operation in the country – five in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai (Anantara The Palm Dubai). In addition, a new Anantara resort is under development in Ras Al Khaimah and a second Anantara resort will open in Dubai in 2018. The first Avani announcement for the country was made in September last year for the development of a resort in Dubai to open in 2018.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotel Group, said: "Minor Hotel Group is already well established in Abu Dhabi through our existing Anantara portfolio in the city, desert and on Sir Bani Yas Island and we are excited to today announce the first Avani in Abu Dhabi, to be developed alongside what will be our sixth Anantara. We are looking forward to partnering with Dhabi Contracting in this exciting new project.”  - TradeArabia News Service