Abu Dhabi no longer top choice for 5-star Jackson-themed hotel

The Chinese city of Tianjin overtakes Abu Dhabi as preferred choice for Jackson-themed hotel.

Abu Dhabi is no longer the preferred destination to launch the first Jacksons theme hotel.

Jermajesty Hotel and Resorts is now set to open in the Chinese port city of Tianjin after the parent company, the Jermaine Jackson led Jermajesty Holdings, entered an agreement with a local Chinese government company.

"Being involved in the hospitality business is a dream I shared with my brother Michael," Jackson said in a statement released yesterday.

"Rarely is there an opportunity for an upscale hospitality business to be able to capitalise on the success of a global entertainment brand. With the establishment of Jermajesty Hotel, that opportunity has finally arrived."

The about-face came after Jackson expressed his preference for the capital to be the inaugural destination.

The decision was made after a suitable Tianjin property was located with 30,000 square metres of floor space, able to accommodate 350 rooms.

The UAE remains in the frame according to Richard Li, the executive chairman of Go Connect, a digital media company with a 20 per cent stake in Jermajesty Holdings.

"I think he wanted Abu Dhabi to be the first one to go up but then the China deal came knocking and is ready made as the superstructure is already up, thus allowing us to fast track the development," he said.

"I think you will find that the big development in Abu Dhabi or Dubai will be substantial and you will hear more of them. Jermaine is a man in a hurry and so am I. There will not be a dull moment from this quarter."

Named after Jermaine's 12-year-old son, Jermajesty Hotel and Resorts is to be filled with memorabilia showcasing The Jackson family's near five-decade career.

Jackson said the family would soon begin discussing how to deck out the hotel.