172 rooms will be available for stadium guests and tourists in 2016 as officials break ground on the new Aloft hotel.

Yesterday saw the groundbreaking ceremony in Al Ain, next to Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. New 172-room hotel is planned to provide infrastructure for tourists and stadium guests.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has signed an agreement with Al Ain Club Investment Company last year. The hotel will represent Aloft, one of Starwood’s brands. Aloft Al Ain will be an integral part of the city's 500,000 sqm mixed-use development around the new stadium.

Together with residential, office and recreational facilities the complex is expected to become a prime destination in the region. Opening is planned for 2016.

© HBZ Stadium