The Dubai-based Jumeirah Group has signed an agreement to operate a resort on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, the hotel company said in a statement.

Located on the north eastern cost of the island, the Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort will feature 294 guest rooms and private villas. DBI Design Corporation will carry out the architecture, interior design, landscape and master planning for the resort, which is slated for opening in 2017, it was revealed.

“We are delighted to have been chosen by His Highness Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan to operate his second Jumeirah hotel in the emirate of Abu Dhabi,” said Gerald Lawless, president and chief executive of Jumeirah Group.

“Abu Dhabi’s ongoing and impressive development as a tourism destination will be further enhanced by the Sa’adiyat Island project. It’s an exciting and ambitious venture and we look forward to bringing our Jumeirah resort experience to the Island,” he added.

Jumeirah Group currently operates 22 hotels, resorts and residences in the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The operator has an additional 26 hotels in the pipeline.