International: Delano Debuts in Dubai

By Balazs Szekely, Associate Editor

Rendering of The8 project

Morgans Hotel Group is bringing its Delano Brand to the Middle East through a recently announced partnership with IFA Hotels & Resorts. Delano Dubai will be the third member of the portfolio and it is set to open in 2017.

Morgans Hotel Group is a hospitality company that owns or partially owns and operates 14 boutique hotels in the United States and Europe comprising more than 3,000 rooms, while also involved in the acquisition and redevelopment of hotel properties. In addition to the Delano chain – currently represented in Las Vegas, NV and South Beach, FL – MHG is also the owner of the Mondrian, Hudson, and A Morgans Original brands. The firm enters the Middle Eastern market this year with a new 270-key Mondrian property, opening in Doha, Qatar.

Situated on Palm Jumeirah, the 110 units at Delano Dubai will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom high-end fully furnished apartments along with a Presidential Suite. The deluxe hotel apartment property will form part of a contemporary mixed-used resort development known as The8. Currently under construction, the master plan will feature both Delano-branded hotel apartments as well as residential properties offering diverse facilities and entertainment. IFA Hotel Investments will oversee the asset management and operational aspect of the development.

CEO Joe Sita said: “The selection process saw many international brands interested in the project. I am delighted with the final choice of the Delano brand, backed by Morgans Hotel Groups’ expertise.”

Launched in 2014, The8 has been architecturally designed to be sleek and modern, drawing inspiration from the fashion, design, and lifestyle elements of Miami’s South Beach. It will contain resort-style features like water-sports facilities, a gym, tennis courts, a signature beachfront restaurant, beach cabanas, barbeque and event areas, as well as dedicated amenities for young families.