Cloud 9 is the first luxury pet hotel to open in Abu Dhabi. The project, which officially opened on Saturday, is the brain-child of Afra Al Dhaheri, a 24-year-old Emirati.

She has worked for four years to open her business. She said of the launch: "It was way harder than I thought it would be. But I was determined. I would fight, fight, and fight. To be open now, it feels so unreal. I'm not sure I even believe it yet."

The hotel is located in a villa in Khalifa City A. Her older sister, Alya, added: "She just set her mind to it, and she made it happen. And I think this is going to be a great change in the community."

The classy kennels were inspired when Ms Al Dhaheri found out some people abandoned their pets when they went on holiday.

The hotel can accommodate 27 dogs and 34 cats. It also includes a veterinarian clinic, doggy day care and a cat playroom. There are five VIP dog rooms and 14 VIP cat rooms which come complete with flat screen TVs.