Sofitel Luxury Hotels has continued its expansion in the Middle East and has announced the opening of its first property in Abu Dhabi and the group’s second property in the United Arab Emirates. Located at the eastern tip of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, the hotel is situated within walking distance of the seafront and close to the business and financial centre. Part of the new Capital Plaza Complex, the hotel is accessible to Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island, where the Louvre and Guggenheim will be located, as well as Yas Marina, Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World and Yas Links on Yas Island and the new business districts of Al Reem, home of the Sorbonne and Sowwah Islands. Robert Gaymer-Jones, chief executive of Sofitel Worldwide stated: “I am particularly happy to be welcoming this new flagship hotel to our network. “The Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is a precious asset for the brand both in the Middle East and internationally. “In addition to its strategic location in Abu Dhabi, its design based on contemporary art with some well-known French artists has ensured that this establishment is totally in line with the country strategic positioning.” Featuring a contemporary architectural style, the hotel blends perfectly with the urban landscape. The décor has been designed to showcase the finest in contemporary design. The lobby harbours an authorized and certified painting of a Pierre Soulages, French artist known as “the painter of black” and Jean Cocteau lithographs, while sculptures inspired by Brancusi are also displayed.