DUSIT SIGNS PROJECT IN NEW CAIRO

Extending its reach to newer horizons, this time to the land of the pharaohs and the pyramids, Dusit Hotels & Resorts proudly announces the company has entered into an agreement with United Company for Tourism & Real Estate Development, owners of LakeView Hotel, Spa and Villas, to develop a project comprising a hotel, residences, and spa project in the New Cairo district of Egypt.

The New Cairo district, referred to as the "Land of Gold," is a unique strategic location. It has the hallmark of being one of the best new urban developments in Egypt, adjacent to the main Southern Highway Route that serves road traffic to all of the coastal tourist areas on the Red Sea, Hurghada, Al Gouna, Quesir, and others. There will be a bridge linking new Cairo to Giza and the Pyramids, and it is only 20 minutes from Cairo International Airport. The LakeView development is catering exclusively to an A-plus market of locals and expatriates. Within walking distance of the developments, there are at least 10 international schools and five universities, where a hospitality college is envisaged by Mr Emad El Hazek, the developer of LakeView Villas. In addition, the resort complex will also be an attractive destination for the US and European leisure and corporate travelers.

The Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo will open in two phases. The first phase is the hotel with 203 rooms and suites, a club lounge, an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool and laundry, will open in June 2008. The second phase completes the full serviced apartments project in December of the same year. It comprises 106 residences with one or two bedrooms, an Asian-themed restaurant, a large, fully equipped ballroom occupying 1536 square meters including a pre-function terrace, a gourmet bakery, a Business Center, a unique multi unit shopping Bazaar as well as a bank.

Additional facilities, in phases three and four, are the opening (December 2008) of the Spa & Wellness Center and the opening (December 2009) of the Country Club respectively. The former will provide private treatment rooms and a beauty salon, covering an area of 3000 square meters. The latter will incorporate a large pool and bar, 15 cabanas for day use, kid's club, gymnasium (600 square meters), six tennis courts, two squash courts, two ethnic restaurants, as well as a clubhouse that houses a cigar bar, coffee shop, game room, meeting rooms and a large reception bar.

The Food & Beverage concept is unique at the Dusit Thani LakeView hotel and residences because all the restaurants have "no boundaries," meaning, items from all restaurant menus can be ordered at any restaurant. Also, the Banqueting team will provide unmatched extensive outside catering service par excellence that will be a unique experience in this market.

Octavio Gamarra, Senior Vice President, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, said, "We're extremely excited about our new hotel project in Cairo. It will be Dusit's gateway to Asia and the Middle East for European and North American travelers. I've always considered Cairo a 'must visit destination,' a place one should see at least once in a lifetime."

Pictured at the contract signing of the Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo project are Mr Chanin Donavanik (center, left), ManagingDirector and CEO, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, and Mr Emad El Hazek (center, right), Chairman, LakeView Villas.

For further information, kindly contact:
Ms Lalana Santos
Director - Corporate Public Relations & Communications
Dusit Hotels & Resorts
Tel: +66 (0) 2200 9999
Fax: +66 (0) 2636 3547
E-mail: lalana@dusit.com