JA Resorts & Hotels are proud to celebrate 40 years of operation in the UAE this year, having opened both the JA Hatta Fort Hotel in the Hajar Mountains and JA Beach Hotel at Jebel Ali Beach in 1981. 

 

40 years later, the homegrown hospitality group has gone from strength to strength, now featuring 10 distinct properties across the UAE and Indian Ocean. Recent additions to the brand include the JA Enchanted Waterfront Villas in Seychelles and the introduction of a new millennial focused brand in China. 

 

History 

 

In 1981, the Chairman of the DUTCO Group of Companies, Ahmed Baker was in discussions with HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum to build hotels and resorts in key locations in Dubai, which would become some of the first leisure hotels in the region. The Dubai Ruler personally recommended Jebel Ali Beach, near the new Jebel Ali Port and Town, which was also to be the home of a new airport, as a suitable location.   

 

His Highness had significant plans for the development of the Jebel Ali area. His Highness also recommended Hatta, as it was one of his favourite places in the Emirate, which was lacking development at the time. HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum was both interested and personally involved in discussions and he recommended that JA Hatta Fort Hotel be built in order to provide hospitality in the beautiful setting and environment of the Hajar Mountains. By February 28, 1981, both projects were complete, the Ruler of Dubai accompanied by Ahmad Baker commemorated the opening of both Hatta Fort Hotel and Jebel Ali Hotel. 

 

Performance of both heritage properties 

 

Described as the 'original heritage hotel in the heart of the action', the multi award-winning JA Beach Hotel underwent extensive renovation in 2019 including the addition of glass balconies, new restaurant fit outs and brand new spacious and bright bedrooms and suites. The hotel still retains some of its original features including the original Italian marble, the uniquely shaped family pool and a restaurant located at the top of the building, providing 360 degree views out across the lush landscaped golf course and the Arabian Gulf. Throughout the 40 years, the hotel is proud of achieving a 30 per cent repeat guest rate from top source markets including UK, France and Germany. 

 

The JA Hatta Fort Hotel has recently introduced a new café called Peaks and has developed many new outdoor areas amidst the extensive grounds. With the recent government investment and development into the Hatta area, the addition of an upgraded helipad at the mountain property has ensured that JA Hatta Fort Hotel is a central base for the many dignitaries visiting the region. A wonderful feature is the third generation families visiting the resort, as their grandparents did before them.  JA Hatta Fort Hotel has managed to offer through the pandemic a welcome destination for the many UAE based staycation traffic. 

 

Brand growth across UAE and Indian Ocean 

 

On top of the success of these two founding properties, JA Resorts & Hotels portfolio now features another eight distinct properties across the UAE and Indian Ocean, as well as a new brand in China targeting young travellers, announced in 2019. The upper midscale lifestyle hotels will be branded as ‘Big Bed by JA’ spread across various cities in China.  

 

Tropical Indian Ocean escapes include JA Manafaru, the idyllic luxury island resort in pristine, lagoon ringed Haa Alifu Atoll, at the northern tip of the Maldives and JA Enchanted Island Resort, an ultra-luxurious hideaway of 10 exquisite villas on a private island, in the middle of the protected Saint Anne Marine Park. In 2021, the group has also opened the new JA Enchanted Waterfront Villa's, a brand-new idyllic getaway in Seychelles featuring 10 villa resort residences on the east coast of Mahé. The picturesque and luxurious waterfront villas are situated on 8,000-sq-m of tropical scenery with access to a perched beach and very close to the airport.  

 

Within the UAE, guests can choose from the five-star JA Ocean View Hotel, as well as the deluxe hotel apartments of JA Oasis Beach Tower, both located along 'The Walk' in Jumeirah Beach Residence.  The Manor by JA is another more recent addition to the portfolio, a 247 key corporate hotel located in Al Furjan, Dubai, opened in January 2020. The flagship of the brand is the acclaimed JA The Resort - Dubai's largest experience resort in Jebel Ali beach area. The resort remains unique in the UAE with expansive landscaped grounds of fauna and flora, three unique hotels offering 800 suites and rooms between them– the award-winning JA Beach Hotel and JA Palm Tree Court and JA Lakeview Hotel, an award-winning new property opened in September 2019 and an abundance of entertainment facilities including a nine-hole golf course, shooting club, private marina, football, cricket and rugby pitches, a watersports centre, tennis courts and 800 metre private beach. 

 

What's next for JA Resorts & Hotels 

 

Despite the challenging hospitality landscape, the group continues to seek expansion opportunities and continuously improve the existing product with a number of new additions and experiences planned in the coming years. The homegrown hospitality brand will be celebrating its 40 years of success throughout 2021, with initiatives designed to recognise customers, partners and team-members. - TradeArabia News Service