www.sarayajordan.jo With an impressive portfolio of tourist development schemes underway, Saraya Jordan joins the Middle East Travel and Tourism Summit (METTS) as the Main and Diamond sponsor to showcase its development plans and commitment to sustainable development through tourism.

Organised by the Middle East Association and Compass Rose International Ltd. Of the UK, in association with Events UnLimited, METTS will be held at the Dead Sea, Jordan on 26-27 February 2006 under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, to provide a platform for senior international and regional executives to discuss the opportunities and challenges in developing the tourism sector.

أ¢â‚¬إ“We are pleased to support this summit for its key role in building strong partnerships between local, regional and International tourism pioneers. Saraya Jordan demonstrates full responsibility towards supporting initiatives and forums that aim to contribute to the development of the Jordanian tourism sector," said Mr. Ali Kolaghassi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Saraya Jordan.

Saraya Jordan, a real estate development private shareholding corporation, is embarking on a large scale state-of-the-art project in Aqaba, Jordanأ¢â‚¬â„¢s Red Sea city, estimated to cost $600 million. Saraya Aqaba is a beachfront development that comprises approximately 610,000 square meters of mixed-use property. The development will be built around a man-made lagoon that will add 1.5km of beachfront to the marine city. Saraya Aqaba includes five 5-star hotels; residences ranging from beachfront villas to townhouses to apartments; a water park; a convention center; a wharf promenade; an outdoor amphitheatre and an old souk.

Saraya Aqaba will be completed in 2009 and is predicted to create more than 3,000 jobs during its construction period and over 6,000 jobs once the project is completed.

Jumeirah, the Dubai-based hospitality group, will operate three of the development's five luxury hotels, in addition to its water-park. Starwood Hotels and Resorts will operate the other two hotels under its أ¢â‚¬إ“Luxury Collectionأ¢â‚¬آ‌ brand, which are the Harbor Hotel, a luxurious beachfront resort built according to traditional Middle Eastern architecture, and Al Manara Hotel, which encompasses a rich, traditional design.

"Saraya Aqaba is committed to engage all aspects of Aqaba and its community in the development of the area and the preservation of its heritage," Mr. Ali Kolaghassi added. "Saraya Aqaba seeks to ensure having the right mix of new homes, hotels, leisure facilities and employment space in order to create an attractive, lively development that has the full backing of the local community. During the Middle East Travel and Tourism Summit 2006 we will be able to highlight the developments of our projects and the opportunities they provide."

The first annual METTS focuses on sustainable development through tourism, and is designed to assist in developing tourism markets in the Middle East & North Africa; METTS will explore a broad spectrum of topics assisting in development of the travel and tourism industry.

Underpinning all panels will be a core focus on sustainable development through responsible tourism. The panels will cover tourism-related subjects including infrastructure development and investment, the growth of the aviation industry in the region, private sector engagement in the sustainability of tourism, human development and job creation, women entrepreneurialism in the region, as well as an update on major regional development projects including Saraya Jordan.

Other plans for Saraya Jordan include Saraya Dead Sea, a luxury resort to be developed at the Dead Sea أ¢â‚¬â€œ the lowest point on earth. The project will include various hotels, a golf course and other entertainment facilities, for a rich dynamic experience at 400 meters below sea level.

The exclusive design and build contractors for Saraya's projects are Saudi Oger Ltd, who will ensure the delivery of the highest specifications and construction standards. The leading real estate specialist Asteco will act as the sole worldwide selling agent for the residential and retail component of Saraya Aqaba.