2 Caesars hotels to open on Dubai’s Bluewaters
Meraas signs agreement with US operator and is aiming for Q4-18 openings
There will be two Caesars’ hotels – of Las Vegas fame – on the Bluewaters island in Dubai. This follows an agreement the Dubai-based holding company Meraas struck with Caesars Entertainment Corporation to operate an upscale 178-key “Caesars Palace” property and another with 301 rooms.
Both are expected to open in the fourth quarter of this year. Of course, the hotels will not feature any of the casino attractions, which is what made Caesars a must-see for anyone visiting Las Vegas. But the Dubai properties will still pack in quite a bit to make a visit and a stay a wholesome experience.
These will be the first Caesars’ branded hotels in the Gulf. Within the wider Middle East, Egypt operates a Caesars casino. Bluewaters will be the first project in its plan to expand into new markets through licensing and management arrangements.
Meraas’ intention with Caesars will also be to open up the hugely lucrative US visitor traffic into Dubai. This is where Caesars’ 55-million strong membership loyalty programme can weigh in.
In a statement, Mark Frissora, President and CEO of Caesars Entertainment, said, “We anticipate Bluewaters Island will evolve into the region’s top hospitality, dining and entertainment destination. This project represents Caesars’ ability to focus on our strengths in hospitality as well as reinforce our commitment and capacity to establish brands in new global markets.” Bluewaters is already gearing up to be one of Dubai’s near-term destinations. Lording over the landscape will be Ain Dubai, the Ferris wheel. Plus there is the network of residential buildings, with the units being among the most sought after in recent times. Incidentally, Meraas also developed the Bulgari resort and residences on Jumeirah Bay. “We are creating unique experiences and leveraging strategic partnerships to showcase the best of what Dubai can offer to its visitors,” said Abdullah Al Habbai, Group Chairman of Meraas. “The arrangement with Caesars Entertainment, which aims to establish Bluewaters as a world-class tourist attraction with exclusive international entertainment opportunities, is a significant achievement for the emirate’s thriving hospitality and entertainment sectors.”
In the last five years, Meraas has channelled Dh18 billion into its leisure and entertainment portfolio that includes Dubai Parks and Resorts, Roxy Cinemas, Hub Zero, Mattel Play! Town, The Green Planet, Dubai Arena, Ain Dubai, Laguna Waterpark and the latest – Dubai Safari.
Caesars Entertainment’s destinations attract more than 115 million guests annually. It operates 39,000 hotel rooms and more than 500 restaurants across 53 properties in five countries – the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa and Egypt. In addition, it organises over 10,000 live entertainment shows each year, with Las Vegas featuring prominently on the calendar.
Caesars gets to put on a fine show at Bluewaters
* Both hotels are expected to open in the fourth quarter of the year. The 178-key Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai will be the second such anywhere. It will feature one indoor and two outdoor swimming pools, a 630 square-metre spa and a health centre with views of Ain Dubai, as well as six restaurants. The property will also include an event hall, a meeting room and a business centre. Caesars will also operate the beach club and conference centre.
* Caesars Bluewaters Dubai will feature 301 rooms, two outdoor swimming pools, three restaurants, three meeting rooms, and an 850 square metre event hall. Both hotels will offer direct access to a 450-metre private beach.
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