Dubai opens world's tallest hotel

The world’s tallest hotel, the 333m-hgh Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, has opened in Dubai, but it is unlikely to hold its title for long.

A soft opening began at the 72-storey, 482-room Rose Rayhaan last week.

The hotel’s architect was Khatib & Alami Group and the contractor was Arabian Contracting Company (ACC).

The Rotana hotel looks set to be overtaken later this year by the Ritz-Carlton, however, which will occupy floors 102 to 118 of the 484m-high International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong later this year.

Both developments will be outdone by the Makkah Clock Royal Tower in Saudi Arabia though. Due to open in the third quarter of 2010, this 76-storey hotel will be 577m high, according to client Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.

The Rose Rayhaan is alcohol free and its developers Bonyan International Investment Group say it “complements the Arabian culture”.

Construction began on the tower, which is near Dubai Mall, in 2004.

Omer Z Kaddouri, senior vice president UAE operations for Rotana, said: "Rose Rayhaan is not only the tallest hotel in the world but also the UAE flagship for Rotana's alcohol-free brand Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts.

"Rotana will be operating 11 hotels in Dubai, with two more scheduled to open during the first quarter of 2010, which will add 547 rooms to Rotana's inventory in Dubai.

"Rotana currently operates 1,344 rooms just on Sheikh Zayed Road.”