R Hotels, the hospitality management division of the UAE-based R Holding, said it has awarded key construction and project consultancy contracts for the second phase of its new resort and spa in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

The company has roped in ANC Contracting as the main contractor, while the project consultancy deal was awarded to Erga Progress Engineering.

The new Palm Jumeirah property, being developed at a total investment of Dh500 million ($136.2 million), will include 253 rooms, a holistic wellness centre, two restaurants and family-friendly recreational facilities.

It aims to be the first four-star and sharia-compliant hotel in the upscale destination, said Samir Arora, the vice-president for operations (R Hotels), after signing the deal with Ibrahim Abu Shamat, the operations manager of ANC, and Joseph Sawaya, the resident manager of Erga Progress.

“The construction of our new hotel in Palm Jumeirah is in full swing, on track for its completion in 2016,” Arora said.

“We have our full trust on ANC’s and Erga Progress’ expertise in their respective fields, and in delivering high standards in all aspects of the project,” he added.

Established in 2008, R Holding owns, operates and manages four hotels across the UAE – Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman, Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman, Ramada Downtown Dubai and Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham.

Arora said the Palm Jumeirah property was its biggest investment to date. “This will exemplify our company’s vision of providing top-quality accommodation and facilities to our guests, complemented by top-notch service,” he added.

Shamat said ANC had always been keen in taking part in Dubai’s growing landscape by teaming up with esteemed groups like R Hotels.

“We are pleased to be given an opportunity to work with them on their new project at The Palm and this will be an excellent ground to establish a beneficial partnership between the two groups,” he noted.

 Sawaya said Erga’s recent deal with R Hotels’ new property in Palm Jumeirah marks a significant collaboration for both companies.

“With our team of experts, we will demonstrate professionalism in every step of our assigned tasks to ensure a first-rate output for the end-users,” he added.

Meanwhile, R Hotels has unveiled plans to develop a new 182-key hotel at Ajman Corniche with a total investment of Dh150 million ($40.9 million).

Construction is expected to commence in the third quarter (Q3) of 2015 with the target opening date of Q1 2017.

The new hotel will be located beside Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman, which is also owned and managed by R Hotels. Targeting both leisure and corporate segments, the property will feature rooms with sea views, a restaurant, spa and fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool.