Accor has opened the doors to its first Novotel property in Sharjah, introducing the midscale brand’s signature relaxed and lively hospitality concept in one of the UAE’s fastest-growing destinations. The 200-key Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, which is owned by and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and United Investment Group, boasts a prime city location, next to the convention and exhibition centre and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, overlooking the Al Khan Lagoon, and close to major leisure attractions. Dubai and Sharjah international airports are less than 20 minutes away. With modern facilities, intuitive services and a natural and contemporary design that maximises guest comfort and social spaces, the property is set to make its mark as a business, leisure, meetings and wellness hub for savvy travellers and the local community. “The opening of Novotel’s first property in Sharjah is perfect timing, with industry and tourism in the emirate – the UAE’s third largest economy and culture capital – growing at a rapid rate,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Middle East & Africa, Accor/ Marc Descrozaille, Chief Operating Officer, Gulf (excluding KSA) and Sub Saharan Africa, Accor. “It marks an exciting milestone for the brand in a destination with strong demand for high-quality midscale hospitality concepts that offer travellers and the local community a convenient and stylish place to meet, socialise, relax and achieve that all-important work-life balance.” Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre features 200 rooms and suites with lagoon views, including Executive Suites designed for business travellers and family rooms that can accommodate two adults and two children, with complimentary breakfast for under 16s. The wellness offering spans a spa, outdoor swimming pool with terrace overlooking the lagoon, a gym with cardio and resistance equipment, male and female saunas and the choice of well-balanced contemporary cuisine options from the property’s three F&B outlets - the Tahi Arabic restaurant serving Middle Eastern specialties, all-day buffet-style dining venue and 24-hour coffee shop in the lobby. For executive travellers, two high-tech meeting rooms accommodate up to 55 guests, complemented by a business centre with support team, while families with young children will appreciate the kids’ corner and the property’s proximity to major attractions including Sharjah Aquarium, Qanat Al Qasba, Khalid Lagoon Corniche, Al Majaz Waterfront, Mamzar beach park and Sharjah Heritage Museum. His Excellency Abdullah Sultan Al Oweis, Board Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of Expo Centre Sharjah said that the hotel is within the Chamber’s vision to create an environment conducive to supporting the exhibitions and conferences sector and the outcome of a strategic partnership between the Chamber and Accor Hotels Group and global Accor. Having hotels built to international standards positively impacts exhibitions and conferences and all other events related to Expo Centre Sharjah, one of the first centers in the region dedicated to organizing and hosting divers events. Al Oweis added that the positive cooperation that has produced the hotel will be the catalyst for more joint cooperation in the future. “I am delighted to officially open the doors to one of Sharjah’s most hotly-anticipated properties, based on its desirable city location and raft of customer-intuitive facilities that enhance the emirate’s growing reputation as a destination for business, families and culture,” said General Manager Ayman Hassan. “With is modern and flexible venues and public spaces, dynamic yet effortlessly casual atmosphere and innovative experiences that promote wellbeing, I am certain our guests will feel comfortable and at home during their visit or stay.” Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre is Accor’s second hotel in the emirate where it already operates the ibis Styles Sharjah and expands the group’s network of Novotel properties in the UAE to five, with its sixth, Novotel Bur Dubai also on track to open this year.