Real Estate Companies

The desert rose

Mohammad Al Alabbar Chairman Emaar Properties

Leading the charge of Middle Eastern interests in the Indian hospitality business, Emaar Properties is slowly positioning itself to carve its name amongst the leading hotel players in the country and shape the future of this industry. Mohammad Al Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties talks about his India vision

"It is our aim to develop and operate unique hotel branded products at five-star levels that are internationally recognised as the finest 'lifestyle' oriented hotel or resort. And provide seamless integration of spectacular design, cutting edge technology and world-class service in the markets where we plan to make our presence felt," summed up Mohammad Al Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, as the group’s mission in the business of hospitality.

Having tied up with Giorgio Armani to create a unique boutique hotel brand, it is poised to enter the Indian market with its plans to set up one of India's largest convention centre in Hyderbad with a 4000-seating capacity.

The game plan

"Being a company equipped to understand the nuances of business in our region - Middle East, our knowledge amongst other region may not necessarily be optimum. Therefore, we choose to partner with realty majors in different countries for our international endeavours," expresses Al Alabbar.

Following this strategy for its India foray the group has entered into a joint venture with Delhi-based MGF Developers. Through this venture Emaar is to bring in India's largest FDI in real estate of Rs 18,000 crore. Besides this earmarked figure, Emaar MGF is to invest US$ one billion in the development of various hotel projects across the country.

On the horizon

Continuing with its aggressive yet planned focus on the Indian realty and hospitality market, Emaar is set to introduce the Armani brand of boutique hotels in India.

Al Alabbar revealed that in its initial phase Armani Hotels & Resorts will build about 10 hotels in the snazziest cities of the world. "And if all goes as planned, India too will see an Armani hotel. Currently, we are deliberating on the selection of a city; it is either Mumbai or Delhi. Our Indian partner has already been given the brief to scout for a suitable location. While Emaar will construct and manage, Giorgio Armani will look after the design and supply of products," he reveals. Emaar plans to set up 10 luxury and 15 to 20 budget hotels in various parts of India in the next two to five years, he further divulged.

Al Alabbar believes…

"India is the country of the moment, whether it for business, leisure, medical or spiritual reasons, international tourists are going to flock to this country. The opportunities are abound in the business of hospitality and in a matter of time it will be sector where the best of the world will compete for a slice of the Indian hospitality pie," concludes Al Alabbar.