Thai group sets five-year target to build six hotels in UAE.

The Thai group Minor International is looking to develop up to nine hotels in the UAE. And it plans to bring brands such as its upscale marque Avani to the region besides Anantara and Oaks.

'Our portfolio in the UAE will double by 2020,' said William Heinecke, the chairman and chief executive of Minor International. “But Abu Dhabi will remain our leading destination in the Middle East.”

The company manages nine properties in the Middle East, all in the UAE, including Oaks Liwa Executive Suites in Abu Dhabi.

The emirate has six properties managed by the group, five of which are managed by its brand Anantara. It is also looking at expanding to Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

The National