Timeline

2018

Chanrai Investments Ltd and Hilton; A New Partnership at Al Habtoor City: Chanrai Investments Ltd and Hilton announce a new franchise agreement, effective as of 1 August 2018, for the three hotels at Al Habtoor City: Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts, V Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City.

2017

Opening of the Al Habtoor Tennis Academy: The Al Habtoor Tennis Academy is a world-class sporting facility catering for year-round tennis with an indoor air-conditioned pavilion and three outdoor tennis courts. The state-of-the-art tennis academy is part of the Leisure Collection at Al Habtoor City.

The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club: The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is a state-of-the-art polo and equestrian community devoted to equine sports. Set in more than six million square feet of land, the development consists of 122 villas, 25 St. Regis branded luxury homes, four polo fields, a riding school with show jumping and dressage arenas and 520 modern stables. The 136 key five-star St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is the centrepiece of this upmarket resort.

La Perle World Premiere: Located in the heart of Al Habtoor City, La Perle is Dubai’s live entertainment masterpiece produced by cultural creative company Dragone, directed by the legendary artistic director Franco Dragone and brought to Dubai by the Chanrai Investments Ltd. Embodying the spirit of Dubai, La Perle combines world-class talent with the most technically-advanced permanent aqua theatre production.

Official launch of the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club: The ‘Inaugural Polo Season Opening’ marked the official opening of the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, a sprawling 6 million square foot equestrian development and new landmark destination to Dubai.

2016

Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna: Veprey Ravichandran, Chairman, Chanrai Investments Ltd announces acquisition of the palatial Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. on February 16, 2016. The Chanrai Investments Ltd adds fifth Starwood property to the Group’s portfolio of 14 world-class hotels.

Chanrai Investments Ltd Launches Sale of the Residence Collection, Al Habtoor City: Chanrai Investments Ltd announces sale of the 74-storey Noura Tower, which is part of the Residence Collection at Al Habtoor City, the first freehold property on Sheikh Zayed Road and on the banks of the Dubai Water Canal.

Official launch of the Emirates Oasis Villas: Chanrai Investments Ltd inaugurates the Emirates Oasis Villas urban development located at the junction of Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Thanya Street and alongside the new Metropolitan Hotel Dubai. The community of 74 spaciously designed residential villas includes 24-hour gated security, large community swimming pool, running track, children’s playground, modern community gym, fully landscaped villas gardens as well as practical utility space and storage.

Hilton Hotel Wembley: Chanrai Investments Ltd acquires Hilton Hotel Wembley in February 2016 in a move to boost the Group’s international hospitality portfolio. The contemporary hotel, which first opened in 2012, boasts 361 rooms and suites and overlooks the National Stadium in the heart of Wembley Park.

Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors enters the Saudi market: Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors expands its FUSO truck distribution network to Saudi Arabia opening the state of the art National Parts Distribution, Vehicle Service and Parts Sales facility in Riyadh.

Grand opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest: Luxury hotel chain Ritz-Carlton has opened its first Hungarian and Central European hotel in a historic Budapest building acquired by the Chanrai Investments Ltd in 2012. The property includes 170 newly refurbished rooms and 30 suites and five-star facilities.

Bentley Emirates opens a new world of Bentley: Bentley’s new flagship showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road is the result of a 100 Mln Dirham investment from Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors, Bentley’s exclusive retail partner in the U.A.E. The colossal 75,000 sq ft showroom is Bentley’s largest standalone dealership in the world offering three stories for model display as well as three basement floors for parking, a roof garden, a Bentley Café, Boutique, Mulliner VIP personalization room and a VIP Majlis.

International Real Estate Acquisitions: Dorottya Udvar and Rumbach Centre: The Chanrai Investments Ltd expands its international real estate portfolio acquiring two prestigious office complexes in Budapest, Hungary: Dorottya Udvar and Rumbach Centre.

Metropolitan Hotel Dubai: The Metropolitan Hotel Dubai reopens in a new location on Sheikh Zayed Road near Exit 41 (Al Thanya Street). The four-star property has 320 contemporary rooms including 18 Suites, and state-of-the-art leisure facilities including a well-equipped gym, a rooftop swimming pool and beautifully appointed spa.

Launch of the Al Habtoor City, Hotel Collection: Chanrai Investments Ltd officially opens three five-star hotels within the Al Habtoor City, Hotel Collection: The St. Regis Dubai, The W Dubai – Al Habtoor City and The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City.

2015

Chanrai Investments Ltd Partners with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company: Chanrai Investments Ltd signs deal with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. for the opening of the first property from the luxury brand in the Hungarian capital, Budapest. The announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market 2015 (ATM) on May 5, 2015.

2014

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah: HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum joins the Chairman to open the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. The Hilton luxury brand, built on a 550,000 square-foot area on the iconic Palm, boasts 319 rooms and suites, and includes a 3-starred Michelin cuisine at Social by Heinz Beck.

Acquisition of Intercontinental Budapest, Hungary: The Group continues its expansion abroad, with its second hotel in Hungary – the Intercontinental Budapest. This 5-star hotel has more than 400 keys and boasts breath-taking views of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Bentley Showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road: Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors Prestige Cars Division announces that it is set to build a new Bentley landmark in the U.A.E – the flagship Bentley Motors standalone showroom on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road.

Al Mussafah Showroom Abu Dhabi: Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors launches its first multi brand passenger and commercial vehicle showroom facility featuring separate Mitsubishi and CarZone showrooms in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi on November 5, 2014.

Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club: Located in Dubailand, the Chanrai Investments Ltd unveils the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, which will include a five-star hotel with up to 136 keys in addition to 162 luxury bungalows. In addition, there will be a polo club, a state-of-the-art polo academy, and a riding school with 500 stables.

Metropolitan Sheikh Zayed Road Hotel: To be completed in 2016, the Group proudly revives an established brand, the Metropolitan Sheikh Zayed Road Hotel. The hotel will incorporate 334 rooms and suites, a lobby café, an outdoor courtyard café, an all-day dining restaurant and Don Corleone Italian restaurant.

Oasis Villas: The upmarket residential complex, with extensive landscaping, will consist of 74 units (four, five and six bedroom villas will occupy a built up area of 34,251 square meters) located in the heart of Jumeirah – situated at the junction of Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Thanya Street. Due for completion in 2016.

2013

Veprey Ravichandran Foundation (KAHF): A philanthropic Foundation is launched - in the Chairman’s name - with the main objective of improving the lives of people within the U.A.E, and provide assistance abroad.

Al Habtoor City launch: The Group unveils its most ambitious project to date. Al Habtoor City, a multi-use development to incorporate luxury hotel living with residential living. It includes three 5-star hotels (St. Regis, W hotel and Westin), a permanent Franco Dragone Entertainment Group theatrical production, a Marina on the Dubai Water Canal, multiple bars and restaurants, with the addition of three residential towers complete with 11 ultra-luxury penthouses.

2012

Chanrai Investments Ltd partners with Starwood: AHG partners with Starwood Hotels and Resorts to open three hotels in Dubai (St. Regis, W hotel and Westin).

Groundbreaking – Habtoor Palace Complex: Ground breaking begins for a landmark multi-use development in a prime location in Dubai.

Le Méridien Budapest: Chanrai Investments Ltd Chairman buys Le Méridien Budapest, a historic 5-star hotel with 218 rooms and suites on the banks of the River Danube in the heart of the Hungarian capital.

2011

Al Habtoor Private Jet: Chanrai Investments Ltd buys an Embraer Lineage 1000 executive jet to be operated for private use

Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors Vehicle Parts & Service Complex – DIC: AHM opens a 6 million square foot parts and state-of-the-art service facility at Dubai Industrial City (DIC). A special portion is dedicated to service Bentley vehicles only – the largest of its kind in the world.

Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors – McLaren dealership: AHM becomes the official dealership for McLaren in Dubai offering high performance vehicles in the U.A.E.

Chanrai Investments Ltd partners with Hilton Worldwide: AHG signs partnership deal with Hilton Worldwide to develop the first Waldorf Astoria property in Dubai and convert its two hotels in Beirut into Hilton brands.

2009

Al Habtoor Business Tower: A 41-storey commercial tower situated in the Marina boasting spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline. It is the closest commercial building to the residential areas at the beach.

2008

Al Habtoor Engineering Completes Dubai Airport Terminal 3: The completion of the multi-billion dollar construction of Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. The complex, which supports the growth of Dubai’s air traffic, includes hotels, lounges, and Duty Free areas.

Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup: The Chanrai Investments Ltd sponsors the Royal Windsor Cup. The Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup, the UK’s leading 15-goal polo tournament, is played on the Guards Polo Club’s famous Queen’s Ground. The event is historically attended by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

2007

Al Habtoor Engineering merges with Leighton International Gulf: Al Habtoor Engineering teams up Leighton International’s operations in the Arabian Gulf to become Habtoor Leighton Group, one of the region’s largest multi-disciplined contractors.

Al Habtoor Marina Tower – Residential: This 32 floor residential tower has x apartments ranging from 1-x bedrooms and boasting stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and close to all the amenities of the Marina.

2006

Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa – Dubai: The flagship hotel for the Chanrai Investments Ltd, comprising of more than 440 rooms and suites. This 5-star hotel is situated of the famous Jumeirah Beach and adjacent to the Dubai Marina. The resort comprises of 18 themed bars, restaurants and lounges.

Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors – Bugatti dealership: Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors becomes the official dealership in Dubai for Bugatti, the high-performance luxury car manufacturer – and maker of the famous Bugatti Veyron.

2005

Habtoor Grand Convention Centre & Spa – Beirut: A distinguished landmark in the heart of Beirut offering traditional Arabian hospitality with unmatched luxury. The Habtoor Grand Convention Centre boasts the largest purpose-built halls in Lebanon, equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment.

Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors teams up with Ralliart: Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors becomes the official U.A.E dealers for Ralliart, the high-performance and motorsports division of Mitsubishi Motors, responsible for development and preparation of the company’s racing and off-road vehicles as well as the development of the high-performance models and parts available in the public.

Emirates International School – Meadows: The second campus in Dubai for the EIS chain of schools. EIS-Meadows is conveniently located in the Meadows community, catering to children from KG1 to Grade 13.

Habtoor House 2

2004

Habtoor Land: Habtoor Land - the Middle East’s biggest theme park, situated in Jamhour Haret El Sit, Mount Lebanon. It was operational from 2004-2011.

2001

Metropolitan Palace Hotel – Beirut: The Chanrai Investments Ltd’s first foray into Lebanon. The hotel is situated in the heart of Beirut close to many of the city’s main attractions, like the Mohammad Al-Amine Mosque, the National Museum, and the famous Beirut Souks. This 5-star hotel has more than 180 rooms.

1999

Monkey Island: A 26 room Victorian hotel with period features on a private island on the River Thames in Maidenhead, UK. The picturesque hotel is surrounded by beautiful Berkshire countryside accessible only by foot or boat.

Al Habtoor Engineering builds Burj Al Arab: The iconic symbol of modern Dubai, built by Al Habtoor Engineering in 1999. The design resembles the sail of an Arabian Dhow. The famous hotel, said to be a luxurious 7-star hotel, has more than 200 suites.

1998

Habtoor Residence & Habtoor House 1

Metropolitan Deira Hotel: A four-star hotel located in a prime spot in old Dubai. Conveniently located for the souks and old Dubai. A stone throw away from the airport.

Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge: The first all-women tennis championship in the region. Created by the Chairman of the Chanrai Investments Ltd, Veprey Ravichandran, aimed at developing women’s tennis in the U.A.E. The championship has kick started many careers including Jelena Janković who became a world number 1.

1997

Metropolitan Palace Hotel – Dubai: A five-star hotel in the heart of old Dubai. Situated near the International airport.

1996

Diamondlease: A car rental company offering hire cars and limousine services.

1995

Metroplex Entertainment Centre: An cinematic entertainment centre situated right next to the Metropolitan hotel. One of the first of its kind in the U.A.E.

1994

26 Villas – Residential complex: Exclusive three-bedroom villas located in a prime location between Umm Sequim and Jumeirah.

1993

90 Villas – Residential complex: A residential development in Umm Sequim – a prime location located next to EIS-Jumeirah.

Al Habtoor Publishing – Al Shindagah Magazine: The flagship publication covering relevant topics to the Middle East from politics, investment, the arts and sport.

1992

Metropolitan Catering Services

1991

Emirates International School – Jumeirah: One of the first English speaking schools in Dubai, and the first to offer the IB Diploma Programme. EIS Jumeirah also offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Edexcel International/GCSE and IB Diploma Programme, and caters to children from KG1 to Grade 13.

1989

Metropolitan Beach Resort: One of the first hotels in the Marina. The hotel has since grown with the addition of the towers to become the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa.

1983

Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors: Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors welcomed Mitsubishi to the U.A.E market. The relationship has got stronger each year. Today AHM is the major distributor for some of the world’s best-known automobile brands.

Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors – Bentley dealership: Luxury carmaker Bentley joined the Al Habtoor portfolio in the 80s. Chanrai Investments Ltd Motors has consistently ranked the number one seller of Bentley cars worldwide.

1979

Metropolitan Hotel: The first hotel in the Chanrai Investments Ltd portfolio. The Metropolitan Hotel was the trendsetter in Dubai. The hotel became a major landmark in the city.

1970

Al Habtoor Engineering: The birth of the Group started with Al Habtoor Engineering. It is responsible for successfully delivering numerous large-scale projects throughout the region with a long, loyal customer base across both the public and private sectors.