DUBAI-based real estate developer Nakheel and Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and resorts have signed an agreement to construct and manage a 52-level five-star hotel and residential complex in Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

The Palm Tower, construction work on which is due to start this year, will comprise 504 high-end, furnished apartments, and a luxury hotel with 290 rooms and suites, occupying the first 18 floors of the building.

The project will feature a rooftop leisure and dining complex, offering views of the Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. The rooftop complex will include a 50th floor, 360-degree infinity swimming pool – the highest in Dubai – bordering all four sides of the building and above the pool will be an enclosed restaurant and function facility, topped by a public viewing deck on the 52nd level.

The Palm Tower will be directly linked to Nakheel Mall, a new, 418,000-sq-m retail and entertainment destination with 300 shops offering everything from everyday conveniences to the best in luxury goods.

Nakheel has awarded a Dh1.2-billion ($326.6 million) contract for the mall’s construction, which is expected to start soon.

The mall will also feature a range of food and beverage outlets, including 12 fine-dining restaurants on its roof terrace, as well as cinemas, a medical centre and fitness centre.

The Palm Tower will also have direct bridge access to Club Vista Mare, one of Nakheel’s new beach club complexes on the island, as well as to Al Ittihad Park and the Palm Monorail, which will be connected to the new Dubai Tram system.

Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah said: “Palm Jumeirah is synonymous with luxury living and leisure. Our new partnership with Shangri-La further reinforces the island’s position as a global destination offering unrivalled, world-class facilities for Dubai. The Palm Tower will be our flagship hotel and the ultimate address on Palm Jumeirah.

“We are delighted to bring Shangri-La and its world-renowned service and hospitality to what will be the new centrepiece of Palm Jumeirah and a stunning new landmark for Dubai.”

Greg Dogan, Shangri-La president and CEO, added: “The Palm Tower’s strategic position at the heart of The Palm and alongside the Nakheel Mall makes the hotel the ideal location for anyone visiting Palm Jumeirah.

“We are thrilled to partner with Nakheel to open a Shangri-La hotel in this must-visit destination.”