Radisson's development partner for the region,Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, will open a new hotelin Egypt in Sharm El Sheikh on the southern tip of theSinai Peninsula in March 2001. And Radisson SAS signeda long-term management agreement for The DiplomatHotel in Manama, Bahrain."The management of The Diplomat Hotel and the futureopening of a Radisson in Sharm El Sheikh furtherreinforces Radisson's overall global expansion plans,"said Jay Witzel, president of Radisson Hotels &Resorts.

Located in the heart of the diplomatic district ofBahrain's capital, The Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel has246 rooms made up of 23 suites, 32 Royal Club rooms,22 ``superior'' rooms and 166 standard rooms. Theproperty also has seven restaurants and bars, as wellas the largest banquet and conference facilities inBahrain. Refurbishment of the property is planned,including all guest rooms, restaurants and bars.

The $45 million, five-star Radisson SAS Golden ResortSharm El Sheikh, is due to open in March. It joins thechain's upcoming launch of the Radisson SAS ResortTaba in the final quarter of this year and next year'splanned opening of the Radisson SAS in Hurghada. Radisson SAS expects to eventually have 10 hotels inEgypt.