(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Nothing is small in Dubai, and while the new Ibn Battuta Gateway development owned by Seven Tides might not look that big, its entrance is an archway larger than the Arc the Triomphe in Paris. The unusual entry leads to offices, luxury apartments, and a five-star hotel.
So far, only the offices are operating, a total of 400,000 square feet set in 11 stories, aimed at companies that do business in Abu Dhabi as well as Dubai. The location is at the outskirts of Dubai on the main highway leading south to the capital of the UAE.
"Ibn Battuta Gate is a new portal to a maturing location that balances city and retreat, excitement and relaxation, business and pleasure," said Brett Whalley, Head of Commercial Leasing at Asteco, the property services company which is managing the development for Seven Tides.
Next to go on line are 166 residential apartments due to be available for long term rental in February. They will be followed in May by the opening of a 396-room hotel from the Swiss Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts group.
Michael Scully, Managing Director Hospitality for Seven Tides said, "Ibn Battuta Gate is already a landmark with its striking architecture and will appeal to those who appreciate sophistication and five-star luxury, whether for business or leisure."
Residents, hotel guests, and people who work at the Ibn Battuta complex will be able to commute by metro when a new station opens next month providing direct access to the Jebel Ali free zone as well as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Internet and Media City, Dubai Financial Centre, Dubai World Trade Centre and central Dubai itself.
Seven Tides which is based in Dubai is an internationally oriented holding company established in 2004 with a portfolio of property in hospitality and commercial and residential sectors in London and Dubai.