Now Open: The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre Takes its Place in Luxury Group

Hotel Features Largest Ballroom and Tallest Waterfall in the City's Financial District

DUBAI, UAE, January 12, 2011 - After much anticipation and years of preparation, The
Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) officially opens
its doors today. The 341-room hotel, with 124 executive residences, is the
second Ritz-Carlton in Dubai and the sixth property in the region for the
luxury hotel company.

Lothar Quarz, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC was
joined by hotel owners and senior leaders from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Company, L.L.C. for a private official ribbon cutting ceremony. "This day
marks the beginning of an exciting new journey," states Quarz. "I am truly
proud of our ladies and gentlemen who have worked hard to put the final
details into place. It is their work ethic, commitment to providing the best
service, and relentless determination that will elevate our guests'
experiences and set us apart from our competition."

Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer for The
Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. said, "The company philosophy is to design
hotels that are casually elegant, with the occasional classical influence as
appropriate. This hotel is a stunning example of that strategic direction."
Humler added "Being able to expand our presence in Dubai and be part of a
region of substantial growth is a tremendous opportunity. Of course, we were
quick to welcome the chance to provide an outstanding meeting venue for the
international companies that already have a presence in this complex."

As the only hotel to be directly linked to the complex of
buildings in Dubai International Financial Centre, the social hub will be at
No. 5, the hotel bar located in the prime welcoming position at the end of
this pathway. A dramatic 30 meter (100 feet) wine wall that is home to 3000
bottles of the finest varietals in the world is a focal point for gourmands
and wine connoisseurs. Other dining selections include Blue Rain, the
signature Thai fine-dining restaurant; Can Can, a French all-day dining
brasserie and the Center Cut steakhouse, providing multiple settings for the
enjoyment of the cuisine made famous by The Ritz-Carlton chefs. The Lobby
Lounge & Terrace offers a casual elegance for the enjoyment of afternoon tea.
Each restaurant boasts an expansive outdoor terrace.

A unique design facet of The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC showcases a
10-storey outdoor waterfall cascading down the building directly into the
courtyard facing the lobby. A total of eight striking water features are
situated throughout the hotel, which are not only aesthetically and aurally
pleasing, but lend themselves to the feng shui belief that the constant flow
of water signifies wealth and prosperity.

Recreational amenities include a fully equipped health club
and luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering 13 treatment rooms.

Guests who wish to be among the first to stay or hold their
event at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre may telephone
+971-4-372-2555 or click www.ritzcarlton.com/dubaiifc.

Notes for Editors:

Photo download: bit.ly/glmGUy

Video stream: tiny.cc/jdsxk

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md.,
currently operates 73 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East,
Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are
under development around the globe with future openings which include Toronto
and Hong Kong, the tallest hotel in the world. The Ritz-Carlton is the only
service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige
National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For
more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll
free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at
www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

    Contact: Lynn Gervai

    Director of Public Relations
    P.O. Box 126034
    Tel: +971-4-372-2626
    Email: lynn.gervais@ritzcarlton.com

Contact: Lynn Gervai, Director of Public Relations, P.O. Box 126034, Tel: +971-4-372-2626, Email: lynn.gervais at ritzcarlton.com