French-based Sofitel Luxury Hotels has confirmed 10 additional properties are under construction and due to begin opening at the end of next year. In the United Arab Emirates, it is developing the Sofitel Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road and the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Capital Plaza while in China, three contracts have been signed in the country's eastern and southeastern regions. Hotel spokesperson Rebecca Freestun said Sofitel Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road will be located on the city's main thoroughfare with a view of the Burj Dubai Tower and be just a short walk from the Dubai Mall shopping centre. The hotel boasts 435 guestrooms and suites, 147 apartments with services and various facilities including restaurants, bars, a fitness club and large sauna, two pools, a ballroom and several meeting rooms. Comprehensive facilities for business meetings and close proximity to the Dubai International Financial Center and the Dubai World Trade Center will position the hotel as a prime option for the meetings, incentives, conferences and events market. The hotel is scheduled to open by 2012. Sofitel Abu Dhabi Capital Plaza is currently under construction and will welcome guests in 2010. It will feature 233 guestrooms and 47 suites, a fitness club and sauna, a pool, restaurants, bars, several meeting rooms and the “Millesime Club”, an executive lounge with sea views on the top two floors. __
