Starwood Hotels & Resorts yesterday announced it has signed an agreement with Mr.Rashid Al Abbar to open a 192-room Aloft on Dubai’s iconic man-made island – Palm Jumeirah.

Scheduled to open in 2017, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will be the brand’s first resort in the Middle East, complete with beach access, when it opens its doors as the first mid-market hotel brand on the island.

Featuring an urban-influenced design, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will have 192 guest rooms, including 10 suites, with plush platform beds, large walk-in showers and complimentary Bliss® amenities.

The resort will offer guests access to a 500-metre stretch of beach, complete with sun beds and a gazebo for leisurely lounging.

Designed with the needs of the savvy hyper-connected traveller in mind, the hotel will feature SPG Keyless—Starwood’s industry-first keyless entry system that enables guests to use their smartphone or Applewatch as a room key—and fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

The Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest man-made island and one of the most ambitious developments in the world, and the Aloft resort will be located on the right side of the Palm’s crescent.