DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 6, 2013 -- The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., the leader in luxury hospitality, has unveiled plans to open its first property in Rabat, the prestigious capital city of the Kingdom of Morocco, bringing the number of hotels currently under development in the brand's growing North Africa portfolio to three.

The owner of the urban resort is Sienna Investment Group, an investment vehicle established in Morocco. The architectural and design team of the luxury property consists of Scape Design Associates as the Landscape Designers, and Architects, WATG. Construction is underway, and The Ritz-Carlton expects the resort to open in December 2014.

The urban resort will be situated approximately 10 minutes' drive from the city center, within the grounds of the most highly esteemed golf course in the Kingdom, The Royal Golf of Dar Es Salam, designed by Robert Trent Jones over 40 years ago. The golf estate which comprises three courses, frequented by Rabat and Morocco's high society, is set within a stunning 440 hectare oak forest, surrounded by an array of flora and breathtaking lakes, and will provide the scenic backdrop to The Ritz-Carlton, Rabat, located near the 10^th tee of the main course.

Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company said; "We are delighted to have been chosen by Sienna Investment Group to manage such a unique property, in such a prestigious city in Morocco and North Africa. The heritage of Rabat, combined with the unique location within a world-class golf estate, will provide an incredibly appealing proposition for the affluent global traveler."

The city of Rabat is the seat of the Moroccan government and home to the majority of its government agencies, providing the capital with a prominent status.

Sienna Investment Group, the owner, noted the importance of selecting the right management company; "We selected The Ritz-Carlton to manage this property as it was essential to select a brand with the same caliber of prestige as the city of Rabat itself, and one that is in keeping with the grandeur of The Royal Golf of Dar Es Salam."

The resort will benefit from 120 guest rooms, 15 one-bedroom and five, two-bedroom villas, expected to appeal to dignitaries and government delegations from around the world.

Further properties currently under construction in North Africa include The Ritz-Carlton, Tunis, Carthage, a resort featuring 129-suites, situated close to the world heritage site of Carthage and Morocco a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Tamuda Bay, an exclusive upscale resort nestled along the unspoiled waters of the Mediterranean, approximately 60 kilometers east of the city of Tangiers, featuring a 98-luxury room hotel with 35 pool villa suites, a beach club and an 18-hole Nicklaus design golf course.