Bulgari will open its fifth hotel in Dubai in 2015, it was announced recently. Dubai-based real estate development company Meraas Holding signed an agreement with Bulgari Hotels and Resorts to bring the luxury hospitality brand to Dubai.

The Bulgari Hotel at Jumeirah Bay Island in Dubai, a six million square feet mixed-use development, sculpted in the shape of a titanic seahorse and located off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Road, will feature low-rise residential villas and a marina.

The Bulgari Hotel in Dubai will be the world’s fifth Bulgari Hotels and Resorts property, following the opening of Milan in 2004, Bali in 2006, London in 2012, and Shanghai that is anticipated to open in 2015.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Abdulla Al-Habbai, group chairman of Meraas Holding, and Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari Group, in Rome at Bulgari's historic flagship store dating back to 1933 that was recently reopened after a “spectacular renovation.”

Framed by lush landscaped gardens, the luxury marine complex will spread over 1.7 million square feet. The Bulgari Hotel will comprise 100 rooms and suites in the main hotel buildings, as well as 20 hotel villas and a full range of luxury hotel facilities.

The hotel has been designed by Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners and will offer a mix of traditional and modern themes through the juxtaposition of new and conventional architecture, aptly reflecting the design and style of the surrounding area.

Al-Habbai said: “Our agreement with Bulgari Hotels and Resorts marks a new milestone. Through this key partnership, we will be expanding our portfolio in the hospitality sector in line with Dubai Vision 2020 for tourism.”

Jean-Christophe Babin said: “It is a privilege to work with Meraas Holding, and we look forward to unveiling the Bulgari concept in Dubai as our debut offering in the region.”