Jumeirah Signs First Venu Hotel For Meraas’ Bluewaters Island Project

Dubai-based hotel operator Jumeirah announced that it has signed the first deal for its new hotel brand, Venu, with developer Meraas Holding for its upcoming Dhs6 billion Bluewaters Island project in Dubai.

Jumeirah will operate the Venu Bluewaters Island Hotel and adjoining serviced residences, which will function under the Venu Living brand, a statement said.

The properties, slated to open in 2017, will offer close to 300 hotel rooms and 119 serviced apartments.

The hotel will offer beachfront access, a range of restaurants, a spa and conference and meeting facilities.

Venu, a ‘contemporary lifestyle brand’, was first announced in 2010 and stalled a year later following the economic downturn. It was revived by Jumeirah in September last year.

It will operate as an independent brand and aims to attract guests who are seeking simplicity and style, the company said.

Jumeirah, a member of Dubai Holding, also confirmed that it is in talks with a number of developers in the Middle East, Asia and Europe to expand the Venu brand.

The new management agreement brings the total number of properties in Jumeirah’s future hotel pipeline to 26, in addition to the 22 already in operation.

Jumeirah Group President and CEO Gerald Lawless said: “Opening our first lifestyle Venu hotel is a significant milestone for the Jumeirah Group and an exciting achievement towards our goals for expansion.”

Cherif Hosny, chief hospitality officer, Meraas Holding, added: “Bluewaters Island is a unique proposition that will enrich Dubai’s tourism offering. Our partnership with the Jumeirah Group to operate Venu hotel within the island is in line with our objective to grow our portfolio in the hospitality sector to cater to the 20 million projected tourists that Dubai is set to attract by 2020.”

Bluewaters Island, a mixed-use development located off the coast of Dubai, will feature retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones. It will also house Dubai-I, the world’s largest ferris wheel.

When ready, the island is estimated to attract around three million visitors every year.