UAE-based master developer Nakheel and leading Thai hotel group Centara Hotels & Resorts today cemented their USD 136 million joint venture with a construction contract worth USD 80 million to build a 601-room beachfront resort at Dubai’s Deira Islands. The family-centric resort will feature a waterpark, multiple restaurants, kids’ club, spa, fitness center and business facilities.

The two entities have appointed Parkway International Contracting LLC to deliver Centara Deira Islands Beach Resort Dubai – Centara’s first in the UAE – which is set to open in Q4 2020.  A new hospitality concept for Dubai, the resort will significantly boost the emirate’s four-star accommodation – the fastest-growing segment in 2017 – in line with government tourism goals.

The resort will also be managed by Centara, whose growing portfolio already includes over 12,000 keys across 60 hotels and resorts in Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.

Mobilization will begin immediately, with construction completion in Q4 2020.

Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah said: “Nakheel continues to play a pivotal role in shaping and diversifying Dubai’s tourism offering with a AED 27 billion (USD 7.3 billion) hospitality and retail expansion that supports the government’s vision. Our joint venture with Centara underlines our commitment to working with trusted international brands to bring new hospitality concepts to Dubai, and today’s crucial milestone brings this exciting new resort ever closer. I look forward to delivering one of Dubai’s most sought-after destinations for travellers from all over the world.”

Centara Hotels & Resorts is part of Central Group, which has interests in the merchandizing, real estate, retailing, hospitality and restaurant sectors. Centara entered the Middle East market with the opening of Centara Muscat Hotel last year, with imminent openings in other Gulf States.

Suparat Chirathivat, executive VP, corporate development, Central Group, said: “This is Centara’s first hotel in Dubai, and the UAE, and represents our arrival in a key gateway city in the Middle East. We believe that the unique design and service of Centara Deira Islands Beach Resort Dubai will offer unforgettable holiday experiences to guests. With Nakheel’s development expertise and Centara’s record of delivering and inspiring extraordinary guest experiences, we will create a unique resort that surprises and delights guests for years to come.”