Al-Jaber Group today announced that it has awarded DEPA United Group (DUG), the Middle East’s leading hotel interiors contracting company, an AED 46 million (USD 12.6 million) contract for turnkey build, finishing and fit-out of the guestrooms for Between the Bridges Hotel, the 220 room hospitality and leisure icon located on a 900 metre stretch between the Al-Maqtaa and Al Musafah bridges in Abu Dhabi.

“Given the high quality of work required, the unique design concept and technical requirements, awarding this contract to DEPA was a natural decision. DEPA’s exceptional reputation in the market, its portfolio of top exclusive hospitality companies and its vast experience in the field were the key determining factors in our decision,” said Obeid Al-Jaber, Chairman of the Al-Jaber Group.

With a heavy emphasis on Arabian heritage in the concept and design of ‘Between the Bridges’ Hotel, DEPA worked hand in hand with the designer, Wilson and Associates, and the project team at a very early stage to create the authentic, airy feel. DEPA had also deployed its highly trained experts to build two mock up room for demonstration purposes that illustrate how high quality materials, furnishings and finishings combine with the design concept to create exceptional result.

“We are very excited about winning this important contract to work on the Between the Bridges Hotel, which was designed to follow a theme of Arabian heritage,” said Mohannad Sweid, DEPA CEO. “DEPA’s design and implementation teams, in close cooperation with Roya International – the client representative – and the designers, have put together an amazing concept utilizing top quality furnishing and materials.”

“Marble floors and natural stones combine with high quality fabric in red, blue and natural earth scheme colors provide the utmost comfort and depict an environment of warmth and antiquity,” elaborated Clifford Rip, Senior Interior Designer at Wilson and Associates. “With a mandate to bring back the aura of Arabian antiquity, we introduced sophisticated furnishings, decoration elements and antiques to the design concept. Intricate Arabian arches and Arabesque designs complete the fine picture of a bygone day.”

The AED 800 million project, once completed in early 2007, will also include ‘Executive Apartments’ ranging from studios to 4 bedroom living spaces with communal swimming pools. A tranquil spa facility – made up of three floors consisting of massage, treatment and steam rooms – will lead out to open air terraces overlooking the sea.

A 10 thousand square meter retail and leisure area is to house high end fashion and lifestyle brands, family entertainment facilities and a variety of restaurants.

Surrounded by 21 thousand square meters of perfectly landscaped and manicured gardens, the property will be crisscrossed with canals navigated by water taxis to transport visitors around the complex.

Roya International is acting client representative and development manager with the master planning work conducted by North Point, interiors designed by Wilson and Associates, KEO design development consultants and design and construct contractor work by ALEC.