DUBAI: Sonder Holdings Inc. is set to open a 401-unit property at Business Bay in Dubai later this year.
Developed by SAAS Properties and operated by Sonder, the 35-story building will become the largest property in Sonder’s global portfolio.
Driven Properties, a Dubai-based real estate development management consultancy, advised both parties on the deal.
Martin Picard, co-founder and global head of real estate at Sonder said: “We’re building the future of hospitality, applying design and technology to meet the needs of modern travellers, while offering developers flexibility and freedom from daily operational responsibilities. Opening our third location in Dubai makes us one of the largest full-building serviced apartment operators in the market, and the region remains a focus for Sonder. We’re proud to partner with SAAS Properties, a highly regarded real estate developer.”
Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, chief executive officer at SAAS Properties said: “Sonder combines local expertise with a global brand that appeals to the modern generation of travellers. Sonder is an experienced and well capitalized partner and we’re pleased to have them manage and operate our Business Bay property, which will provide guests with high-end accommodation and amenities, in a premium location moments from the Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai.”
Sonder Business Bay features 401 serviced apartments from studios to three bedrooms. Amenities will include a lobby, a swimming pool surrounded by cabanas, restaurant and drinks outlet, and a fitness centre.
Located close to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa it will be ideal for both leisure and business travellers.
Sonder Business Bay joins the existing 465 units Sonder operates at its two other locations in Dubai, bringing its total portfolio in the city to 866 units.
Sonder JBR The Walk opened in late 2019, and was joined by Sonder Downtown Towers in autumn 2021. Both properties offer serviced apartments with up to four bedrooms, with on-site amenities including a swimming pool and fitness room at each property.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Sonder operates in more than 35 cities across ten countries – seven of which are in EMEA – and has approximately 19,300 live and contracted units worldwide as of Q1 2022.
The company partners with real estate owners and landlords to lease, manage and operate hotel and multi-unit buildings in prime locations.
Earlier this month the company laid off 21 per cent of its corporate employees and seven per cent of its frontline staff, as part of a restructuring.
