Nakheel inks deal with UK’s Premier Inn for new Dragon City hotel

Dubai-based developer Nakheel has signed a management deal with UK-based Premier Inn for a 250-room hotel at its Dragon City development.

This is Nakheel’s second deal with Premier Inn. The two previously signed an agreement to build a 372-room hotel, which is currently under construction, at Ibn Battuta Mall.

Scheduled to open in 2018, the new hotel at Dragon City is part of a new master plan that aims to transform the area into a huge retail, residential and recreational complex spanning more than 11 million square feet in built-up area.

The development will comprise of 2.2 million square feet of retail space as well as a new, twin-tower residential complex with 1,120 apartments. It will also have another Ibis Styles hotel that will be managed by Accor.

The Premier Inn-managed hotel will have a restaurant, a Costa Coffee outlet and a gym, the developer said.

The government owned Nakheel is planning to build nine hotels across its developments as part of its strategy to diversify from the residential segment.

Earlier this week the company announced a new partnership with Thailand’s Minor Hotels Group for a new 500-room resort at Deira Islands. In May, Nakheel also announced a joint venture with Spain’s RIU Hotels & Resorts for a 750-room all inclusive resort at Deira Islands.

In addition, the real estate firm is building the five-star Palm Tower Hotel and Residences on Palm Jumeirah and two hotels at Ibn Battuta Mall.