Southern Sun is set to mount a comeback into the Dubai hotel market a month after it ceded its downtown operations in Dubai to Emaar Hospitality Group, Richard Weilers offshore MD for South African hotelier disclosed on Wednesday.

“We’re in very advanced discussions with another developer for properties in Dubai and the region,” ArabianBusiness quoted Mr Weilers as saying.

The MD said Southern Sun is keen on completing the Dubai hotel deal by the end of the year.

Early July, Emaar Hospitality Group announced the acquisition of the South African operator’s two hotels – four-star Al Manzil and Qamardeen properties, to which Mr Weiler attested the handover was hitch-free.

The acquisition is said to have triggered the comeback. However, Southern Sun has not slowed down. The hoteliers signed an agreement for the development of a four-star deluxe property in Jeddah.

The group also plans to launch into the Abu Dhabi market with a hotel in 2013.

Image via iufost2010