Set Your Sights High On A New Dining Experience At
The Observatory In Dubia's Harbour Hotel & Residence

Dubai, UAE, November 19th, 2008 - Dubai's first gastro-lounge and restaurant, The Observatory, is now open at The Harbour Hotel & Residence in Dubai Marina.
Adding another dimension to the local dining scene, The Observatory is set to become one of Dubai's most popular restaurants offering delectable cuisine at affordable prices, in a relaxed and stylish environment. The Observatory sits on the 52nd floor of The Harbour Hotel & Residence and offers guests stunning views of The Palm and Dubai Marina.

Tony Williams, Senior Vice President, Resorts & Projects at Emirates Hotels & Resorts, said: "The Observatory offers a new and exciting dining experience. Living up to its name, it provides a fantastic vantage point with 360-degree views of Dubai. However, it is not only the view that will attract guests. The great food, vast wine selection, unobtrusive service, sophisticated lounge ambiance and overall value will ensure a memorable meal, leaving our guests wanting more."

The Observatory's menus have been created and designed by Executive Sous Chef Jordi Servalls Bonilla, who has combined the culinary influences of sophisticated Europe with generous portions and hearty, much-loved wholesome gastro-pub flavors. Made with the finest and freshest ingredients, these dishes are set to make an impression.

Over lunch, local business executives and Dubai visitors can enjoy fresh pastas or choose from homemade favorites such as crusty pies or seared fish dishes. Dinner guests are treated to gastronomic highlights including Seared Scottish Scallops, a Trio of Duck or classics such as Oxtail.

A delicious array of bar bites and sharing platters are also options, including taste sensations such as Mini Foie Gras Burgers, Baked Camembert and Seafood Tempura. On Fridays, The Observatory offers a sumptuous, buffet style, international champagne brunch.

Commenting on the menu, Servalls said: "I wanted to craft a menu which is informal and wholesome, but where creativity is also important. The menu presents dishes which are infused with a multitude of diverse flavors and we offer a wide spectrum of choice - essentially we are able to provide a menu to suit the palates of every guest.

Hundreds of hours of research went into locating the highest caliber ingredients. For example, we had identified 14 different foie-gras providers before settling on our supplier. Equally, we had spent a year finding suppliers for our range of organic vegetables."

For the wine connoisseur, an extensive international wine list accompanies the menu and a selection of 24 wines served by the glass.

A similar degree of thought and attention to detail has also been spent in the design of the dining and lounge areas. Contemporary Manhattan-chic, the design features leather seating and subtle backdrop lighting set against a palette of black and amber marble. An expanse of non-reflective glass surrounds the restaurant ensuring that the spectacular views, particularly at night, are never distorted by what is happening inside.

To celebrate the opening of The Observatory, guests dining at the restaurant will receive a complimentary glass of bubbly. Offer is valid until December 15th. The Observatory is open for lunch and dinner every day. For reservations call The Harbour on +971 (0) 4 319 4000.

About The Harbour Hotel & Residence
The 52-storey luxurious Harbour Hotel & Residence, a US $141 million investment for Emirates, opened its doors in November 2007. Located at the gateway entrance to the Dubai Marina, the hotel is set within Dubai's most sought-after lifestyle and fashionable districts.

The Harbour Hotel & Residence is part of Emirates Hotels & Resorts, the premier hospitality division of Emirates Airline. The division manages a portfolio of award-winning luxury conservation resorts and spas, as well as a Dubai-based fully-serviced luxury apartment complex.

About Emirates Hotels & Resorts
Emirates Hotels & Resorts is the new premium hospitality division of the Emirates Group. Whether it is an exclusive property or a large-scale business hotel, Emirates Hotels & Resorts' focus revolves around three key elements - personalized service, luxury experiences and superior location - a successful mix that has already delivered a plethora of awards for Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This coupled with the phenomenal equity developed by the quality of its airline operation, Emirates Airline, means that the establishment of the new property portfolio is hardly uncharted territory for the Group. In fact, it is a natural extension to the Emirates Group's current operations, credentials and reputation that leverages the best practices developed and perfected over the last 20 years. For more information, visit www.emirateshotelsresorts.com.