The Manhattan Grand Hotel, developed in a nine-storey building originally constructed by State Trading Organisation (STO), will officially open tonight at a ceremony in Hulhumale' featuring a fireworks display.

Located near WAMCO at the end of Hulhumale' Phase 1, the hotel said the opening celebrations will include fireworks and a traditional bondibaiy. The public has been invited to attend the ceremony, scheduled to take place between 10pm and 10:30pm.

The five-star hotel has 162 rooms, cafés, restaurants and a conference hall. Its facilities also include an outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, and fitness centre.

The building established by STO to run a City Hotel was handed over to World of Business Pvt Ltd to develop Manhattan Grand in May last year.

According to HDC, World of Business will operate the hotel with 50 percent foreign investment. The project is backed by UAE-based Deep Seafood Company.

The hotel's development dates back to 2008, when STO signed an agreement with US-based Carlson Hotel Group. Construction was scheduled to begin in 2012, but the project was delayed for various reasons, with the property put up for sale several times.

The hotel was initially expected to operate under international brands, including Hilton and Radisson Blu. The project, which cost approximately MVR 115 million, was originally scheduled for completion in 2013. Its prolonged delay raised concerns among shareholders.

Completing and opening the hotel was among the priorities of the current administration.

In September last year, STO exchanged the Hulhumale' hotel property with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) for land in Hulhumale' Phase 2 in a deal valued at USD 20 million (approximately MVR 308 million).