Hard Rock International And Aabar Properties Announce Development Of Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi

ORLANDO, Fla., June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International today announced an agreement with Aabar Properties, a subsidiary of aabar Investments PJS for the development and management of Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi, a five star international hotel located in the United Arab Emirates' capital city of Abu Dhabi. The 378-room luxury hotel will be ideally situated within the picturesque seafront of the Corniche and just a short distance from the modern city's bustling financial district, marking Hard Rock Hotels' exciting entrance into the Middle East.

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Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi will feature an assortment of signature restaurants, entertainment and meeting facilities, including the renowned Hard Rock Cafe. Other key attractions include a beautifully appointed Sky Lobby on the fifth floor podium, spectacular Lobby Bar with outdoor entertainment deck and hookah lounge, as well as a 37^th floor Sky Bar with swimming pool.

With more than 12,000 square feet dedicated to wellness and spa facilities, the resort will host the Body Rock® fitness center and signature Rock Spa®. Additionally, guests of the hotel will enjoy the convenience of the state-of-the-art events and meeting facilities, as well as the business center, accompanied by six meeting rooms and a 5,200 square foot ballroom.

"We are looking forward to collaborating with Aabar Properties to complete the design process, embarking upon the development and construction, and, upon completion, extremely excited to manage the day-to-day operations of Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi," stated Michael Shindler, executive vice president of Hard Rock Hotels. "This development marks an important benchmark to the overall global expansion of our brand."

Boasting a diverse portfolio and strong presence within Abu Dhabi, Aabar Properties, enters into its first hospitality venture with the development of Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi, building on its heritage as a leading real estate development, management and investment company, with a focus on supporting Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030.

"Aabar Properties is committed to developing real estate opportunities that directly contribute to the long term strategic development of Abu Dhabi. One of our key goals is to align with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, by creating a desirable and dynamic city for modern lifestyles," said Khalifa Al Mehairi, CEO of Aabar Properties LLC. "I am very excited to develop the Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi, which is a milestone venture for Aabar Properties."

Internationally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock properties offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all – music. Hard Rock's current Hotel and Casino portfolio is located in the world's most enviable resort destinations, as well as urban gateway cities. Hard Rock Hotels cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today's cosmopolitan, modern travelers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable properties, whether for business or leisure travel.

To book a vacation experience at any of the Hard Rock Hotels, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 175 venues in 53 countries, including 138 cafes and 16 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau, Penang, Singapore, Punta Cana and Panama.  Additional hotel and casino projects planned to open in 2012 include Cancun and Vallarta; Riviera Maya in 2013; and Abu Dhabi in 2014. Additional announced hotel and casino projects include Aruba, Hungary and Northfield Park. Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

About Aabar Properties
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Aabar Properties is a real estate development, management and investment company, and a subsidiary of aabar Investments PJS, which is owned by International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC). Building on Aabar's heritage as one of Abu Dhabi's leading investment companies, Aabar Properties is establishing itself as a market leader in the real estate sector, domestically and internationally, through its core strategy of collaborative partnerships with investors and end users alike. Aabar Properties is currently focused on supporting Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030 by developing an extensive range of properties predominantly located in Abu Dhabi, with projects that involve a wide range of master developments, including Al Raha Beach, Al Reem Island, Rawdhat and Saraya. For information on Aabar Properties, visit www.aabarproperties.com

SOURCE Hard Rock International