National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels (NCT&H) today signed an agreement with Millennium and Copthorne Middle East Holding Ltd, the Abu Dhabi based global hotel and resort operators, to manage and operate its new hotel project in ADNEC, Abu Dhabi.

The agreement, signed today by Mr. Sultan G. Al Hameli, Managing Director, NCT&H, and Mr.Ali Hamad Lakhraim, President and CEO, Millennium and Copthorne Middle East, at Millennium stand in Arabian Travel Mart (ATM), entrusts Millennium with the responsibility of managing the upcoming hotel project in ADNEC, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

Mr. Sultan Al Hameli of NCT&H said: “This partnership with Millennium and Copthorne Middle East is another step in our ambitious expansion plans in Abu Dhabi, we are confident that this partnership is a positive initiative and looking forward to a long term & profitable relationship for both our shareholders. This partnership was achieved thanks to the vision and leadership of our Chairman His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan."

Ali Hamad Lakhraim said, “Thanks to all the support and great initiative that Abu Dhabi Government has taken which has resulted this to happen. We are pleased to be associated with NCT&H in this hotel development project. Once completed, will bring about dramatic progress to the already very dynamic development within ADNEC. Millennium is proud to be part of this development. We are confident that our experience and expertise in global hotel operating services can add impressive value to this hotel project.”

The Hotel is located on one of Abu Dhabi’s major city entrances; Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. The impressive 5-star deluxe hotel will be managed under the luxurious brand 'Grand Millennium'. The hotel will feature 725 rooms, suites & apartments.

Along with 14 state of the art meeting and conference facilities, as well as over 10 international Food & Beverage Outlets, with a Grand Ballroom for up to 1000 guests. The expected opening is Q3 2011. This initiative will further boost Abu Dhabi’s plan to expand its tourism and business infrastructure with close relationship with ADTA (Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority).

NCTH is fully committed to this development which has already started on ground and the main contractor’s contract will also be awarded soon. NCTH is also committed in further developing hotels within Emirate of Abu Dhabi which will include Sadiyaat Island Resort that would be managed by one of the world’s elite brands, the Bristol hotel in Abu Dhabi Island, Intercontinental Al Ain redevelopment and refurbishment plus many more in the western area of Abu Dhabi Emirate.