Rosewood Abu Dhabi, the ultra-luxury hotel located on Al Maryah Island, on Monday celebrated its grand opening in a ceremony inspired by honorary hospitality traditions of past, and infused with elements of Emirati culture and history. Echoing Rosewood\'s newly relaunched brand identity; the opening ceremony was entitled Rosewood Abu Dhabi: Unlocking A Sense of Place and symbolized an age-old hospitality tradition whereby unlocking the hotel door and then permanently discarding the key represented the official opening of a property. The event was complemented by traditional Ayyala dancers and Al-Ras and Takhamir drummers who greeted guests on arrival. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), opened the hotel in attendance of Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, CEO of Mubadal Development Co., Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General TCA Abu Dhabi, Jasem Al Darmaki, Deputy Director General TCA Abu Dhabi, Ali Eid AlMheiri, Executive Director, Mubadala Real Estate and Infrastructure (MREI), Sonia Cheng, CEO, Rosewood Hotel Group, Radha Arora, President Rosewood Hotels and Resorts and additional dignitaries and distinguished guests. Ali Eid AlMheiri, Executive Director, Mubadala Real Estate and Infrastructure (MREI), commented: \"The vision for Al Maryah Island has always been for the development of a vibrant urban community supported by leading businesses from around the world. The presence of an internationally renowned hotelier like Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, coupled with their innovative Sense of Place values, reinforces the core essence and world-class amenities that this district has to offer. As businesses, shops and restaurants continue to open, we believe Sowwah Square will take its place not just at the heart of Abu Dhabi\'s business community, but in hearts of the greater community, providing a new and exciting destination for everyone.\" Luigi Romaniello, Managing Director, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, commented: \"Rosewood Abu Dhabi exemplifies the Rosewood Sense of Place philosophy through a distinct and personalized luxury lifestyle experience in the heart of Abu Dhabi. I would like to thank the Government of Abu Dhabi, Mubadala Development Company, our dedicated team and all of our valued guests for making today\'s opening event a reality. Inspired by the glistening Arabian Gulf and the deep rooted history with the dhow, our hotel has a distinct character which appeals to residents and tourists alike.