It is one of the iconic architectural marvels of the capital: a hotel that emerges like a stingray from the Abu Dhabi landscape. The Abu Dhabi Armed Forces Officers Club has been renamed Erth and is set to emerge with a whole new identity and refurbishment by 2022.
Just a five-minute drive from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, this hotel is a landmark of Abu Dhabi history. The building was first constructed in 1983, where it served as a recreational facility for the UAE armed forces. It was then rebranded as a hotel in 1997: The Abu Dhabi Armed Forces Officers Club (AFOC).
The hotel was first inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and is steeped in history and heritage as one of the longest-running hotels in the city.The new name and facilities aim to reposition the facility as a homegrown Emirati resort. The name means legacy in Arabic, which offers an important nod to the building’s history. As well as the name, the resort will have new renovations, restaurants, and leisure facilities to explore.
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What are the new facilities?
Private villas
Erth will feature private villas with access to a one-kilometre private beach and private pools. You’ll be able to look out of the floor-to-ceiling windows in your private villa and see a view of the gorgeous Arabian Gulf. There will also be a butler service to cater to whatever you need. Sounds like a true getaway.
Six new restaurants
Al Rimal is a new Emirati restaurant that serves Khaleeji cuisine. Beetza serves (you guessed it) pizza. Both of these are already open to the public. New restaurants Ramsa, Hidd, Asrah, and Bahanis are all coming soon and will be spread out across the resort offering different cuisines and views of the property.
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Leisure facilities
Al Fayy Garden will be a wadi-inspired getaway featuring native flora and desert plants. Al Waryah will feature a swimming pool with sun loungers. The Erth facilities will also include an Olympic-sized swimming pool for hardcore athletes, a mixed martial arts studio, basketball and squash courts, a bowling alley, and a shooting range.
Can we move in, suite-life style?
Khor Al Maqtaa. afoc.ae/en/ (052 497 5308).
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