French hospitality group Accor is nearing a hotel deal at the Dubai Pearl project in Al Sufouh, in a move that reflects renewed activity around the development and continued progress on plans to revive the site.
Duncan O’Rourke, CEO of Accor’s Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, said the group is looking to finalize the agreement by the end of this year or early next year.
Speaking to British publication AGBI, O’Rourke said Accor is working with strong developers and products, while details of the agreement are moving closer to the signing stage.
Dubai Pearl Returns to the Forefront of Major Projects
Dubai Pearl is located in a prominent position at the base of Palm Jumeirah and is owned by Dubai Holding, giving the site added significance due to its proximity to some of the emirate’s most prominent tourism and real estate destinations.
AGBI reported in July that development activity had resumed at the site, while a source at Dubai Holding described the project as having become one of the company’s major large-scale developments.
The latest developments point to a new phase for the project, particularly as plans move toward a significantly larger concept than the original proposal.
O’Rourke said the new master plan is “larger than the original plan, and twice the size.”
According to data from the Dubai Development Authority, the Dubai Pearl site covers around 163,000 square meters, an area roughly equivalent to 23 soccer fields, highlighting the scale of the site and the opportunities it could offer under the new development plan.
A Landmark Hotel Planned for the New Development
O’Rourke also said Dubai Pearl will need a prominent hotel that serves as a key landmark for the destination, similar to the role of Atlantis The Palm on Palm Jumeirah.
At the same time, he explained that Accor is not necessarily the group expected to operate the project’s main hotel. However, the company is exploring the possibility of bringing Ennismore to Dubai Pearl, alongside a number of Accor’s luxury brands.
Accor holds a majority stake in Ennismore, whose portfolio includes several well-known hotel brands such as The Hoxton, Mondrian, Delano, and Banyan Tree.
Accor’s luxury portfolio also includes major international brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, and Sofitel, giving the group a wide range of options that could suit the nature and location of the Dubai Pearl development.
