Al Habtoor Engineering Enterprises has launched construction of a Dh1.2-billion ($326 million) hotel on The Palm Jumeirah called the Habtoor Island Resort & Spa.

“As early as 2002, Al Habtoor Group finalised the purchase of a plot at the Palm Jumeirah, hence, one can say that Al Habtoor Group was the very first to own a major site in this now world-renowned man-made island, after which a lot of property owners and developers took interest in the project as well,” comments Rahim Abu Omar, the chief executive of Habtoor Hotels.
“Al Habtoor Group is the proud owner of Crescent Plot 34, an essential part of the island that has an approximate size of 47,541.36 sq m.  Among the many vacant areas at the time of purchase, this particular location was selected for its best shoreline and favourable waters, ideal for most types of water sports activities,” he continues.
Abu Omar says that  the Habtoor Island Resort and Spa will start rising to its splendour “very soon”. It will be the seventh property under Habtoor Hotels’ management, and is expected to open its doors to welcome guests in 2010. 
The resort will feature 217 rooms and suites, 91 luxurious apartments and four exclusive villas.
The rooms and suites will be spread over the entire area, some with private swimming pools and gardens, and all with natural tropical plant barriers giving the impression of living in a tropical forest with plants specially imported. 
The food and beverage facilities include 10 themed restaurants and bars, including a floating seafood restaurant and a rooftop fine dining restaurant.  Conference and banquet facilities include two ballrooms, multi-functional rooms and fitted boardrooms spread over an area of 2,350 sq m.
Leisure facilities at the resort will include an extensive spa and gym over an area of 2,000 sq m, swimming pools (lap pool, children’s pool, and a leisure pool with an infinity edge), three tennis courts, a games room and a children’s playroom.