Opening Night At The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Spotlights "World's Tallest Hotel"

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, the JW Marriott luxury brand celebrated the newly opened landmark hotel in the Middle East and second Marquis worldwide – the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.  Featuring an exclusive performance by British singer / songwriter and recording star, Leona Lewis, the "World's Tallest Hotel" hosted more than 1,200 VIP guests, including international design icon Donna Karan, local singing sensation Salha and the Million Dollar Band, and Dubai television personality DJ Bliss.

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Party guests were greeted by fire dancers and stilt walkers and escorted into the hotel on a stunning signature JW Marriott black carpet.  Celebrities, local dignitaries and business leaders dined on international fare from six of the hotel's signature restaurants – Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar, Izakaya, Tong Thai, Prime 68 La Farina and the Arabic Restaurant– while enjoying premium beverages from Dubai's newest night spot, Vault.

Virgin Radio's Simon Heng and television presenter Diala Makki were the emcee's during the evening, guiding guests through a series of live performances by some of the world's most exciting artists. In just five minutes, world-renowned live artist Jean Pierre Blanchard astonished guests by transforming a blank canvas into a stunning image of surprise headline act Leona Lewis. Guests were then treated to an electrifying live performance of Lewis' hit song Bleeding Love as well as tracks from her new album, Glassheart.    

Other entertainment highlights included two performances by classical pop sensation, 2CELLOS. Young Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser achieved international fame when a YouTube clip of their unique cello version of Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal took the world by storm.  Their viral success led to a record deal with Sony Masterworks and an invitation to join Elton John on his worldwide tour.  2CELLOS wowed party guests with their eclectic mix of classical, pop and rock.

About JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
For more information about the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or to make a reservation, visit www.marriott.com, or contact the hotel directly on +9714 414 0000, via email at [email protected] or online at www.jwmarriottmarquisdubai.com.  Media can also visit www.jwmarriottmarquisdubaimedia.com.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today's sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 59 JW Marriott hotels in 23 countries; by 2015 the portfolio is expected to encompass 79 properties in 28 countries. Visit us online, www.jwmarriott.com, @jwmarriott and www.facebook.com/JWMarriott

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.