Fashion designer Giorgio Armani has opened his first luxury hotel in Dubai – offering a further boost to the emirate’s recent economic resurgence.

Armani Hotel Dubai – situated in the Burj Khalifa – is the first in a string of planned properties to be built in collaboration with Dubai’s Emaar Properties.

The unprecedented luxury hospitality venture is in every way Armani, with each element personally designed by the fashion legend in his trademark minimalist style.

The 160-room property occupies sixs floor of the Burj Khalifa - in addition to eight floors dedicated to the existing 144 Armani luxurious residences.

Following the opening Mr Armani said: “My ambition for Armani Hotel Dubai – the first of a collection of Armani hotels, resorts and residences that will soon circle the world – is to celebrate comfort and style by providing the highest standards of design, hospitality and service.”

The Emaar-Armani collaboration – initiated in 2005 - is set to follow the Dubai opening with the Armani Hotel Milano in 2011.

Other projects include Armani’s first resort, to be located in Marrakech, and Armani residences villas in Marassi, Egypt.

Emaar Properties chairman Mohamed Alabbar explained the opening of Armani Hotel Dubai would set a new benchmark in luxury hospitality globally.

“The hotel brings together two global competencies – the project management capabilities of Emaar and the superior aesthetics defined by Giorgio Armani.

“Armani Hotel Dubai will further also establish Burj Khalifa as one of the world’s unmatched luxury destinations,” added Mr Alabbar.

Armani Hotel Dubai will be home to eight unique dining experiences, as well as Armani/Privé - an upscale lounge, home to the world’s largest LCD screen and costing at least 3,000 dirhams per visit.

The world’s first in-hotel Armani/SPA will offer 12,000 square feet of wellness, where guests can enjoy treatment rooms, thermal suites, a fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel – where a standard room will cost 4,000 dirhams a night - will be home to the Armani/Dolci chocolates store; florist Armani/Fiori; and Armani/Galleria, showcasing select couture accessories.