At 28,000 sqm, the 281-bedroom hotel will be situated in the district which is will become the new commercial events centre of the city, within easy access to downtown Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Exhibition events Centre and the airport.

The hotels new build property will be housed in a spectacular 12-floor curved glass structure designed by architect WS Atkins and Partners. The hotels interiors are being created by Dubai-based interior design specialists KCA International under the guidance of Olga Polizzi, Director of Design for The Rocco Forte Collection hotels. The hotel will deliver a classic blend of European and Middle Eastern design to the city. It will have a sophisticated, modern feel and as all Rocco Forte Collection hotels, will reflect its location by using local art and Middle Eastern accessories and fabrics. The owner and developer of the new hotel is Al Farida Investments, a composite located in Abu Dhabi which invests in hospitality and leisure, real estate and retail.  "We've dedicated twelve years in building our luxury hotels business in Europe, and are now very happy about expanding into the Middle East. The opening events of our new Abu Dhabi hotel next year will be a significant milestone for the Company and we are certain that the fresh approach we will bring to the region will be welcomed by both business and leisure travellers."

"I'm delighted to be operating once again in the region and especially in Abu Dhabi. The city's wealth and political position as capital of the UAE make it the perfect location for our important opening in the Middle East." The hotels spacious guest bedrooms will be decorated in green, yellow and terracotta shades and will feature large leather panels for the headboards, curved contemporary sofas, workstations with leather chairs and art work by local artists as well as the poet Adonis. The bathrooms will consist of walk-in showers, large bathtubs, marble vanity units and separate areas for the toilet and bidet. There will also be two luxury presidential suites measuring 290 sqm each composed of two balconies, a large bedroom, a dressing room with walk-in closets, a separate dining room, lounge, kitchen, study, bar area, bathroom, separate guest cloakroom and artwork by local artist Salwa Zeidan.

Additionally, a wide range of food and drink outlets with an all-day dining restaurant, a modern Chinese/Japanese restaurant, an à la carte Italian restaurant, a tea and coffee lounge, and a Brazilian poolside bar and restaurant. One of the design highlights of the hotel will be the Sky Bar which will be suspended upon the fifth floor of a ten storey atrium with spectacular views of the city and coastline. Legendary British chef and restaurateur, Mark Hix, who was also the original chef behind the famous Le Caprice and The Ivy in London, will act as a consultant for the restaurant and renowned Italian Michelin-starred chef, Fulvio Pierangelini, will be a consultant for the Italian restaurant. There will be a 2,000 sqm spa for relaxation which features ten treatment rooms, two double treatment rooms with a plunge pool, one hydrotherapy treatment room, fully-equipped gymnasium, yoga and pilates studio and beauty area. In extending local culture and tradition, there will be dedicated his and her areas of the spa with separate relaxation areas, changing rooms, indoor heated swimming pools, saunas, cold plunge pools and hammams, a large outdoor 25m swimming pool as well as a children's pool with a large wooden deck and seating area.

Designed also with the business events traveller in mind, the hotel will have conference and events facilities with its own dedicated meetings entrance, reception area, business centre and Executive Lounge . There will be seven meeting rooms, a large ballroom accommodating up to 500 guests seated and a pre-function area with a capacity of 500 guests standing. And finally, a traditional Arabic VIP majlis lounge for meetings of local dignitaries and members of the royal family will be available as well.