Category Archives: Hotels

The Hospitality Network announced the dates for the 2023 MEA Stakeholder Conference, scheduled from 7th to 9th November at Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts in Dubai, UAE.  The 2023 MEA Stakeholder Conference is set to attract over 500 decision-makers, including hotel owners, giga developers, operators, and key consultants, collectively operating and developing hundreds of hotels across the region.  By discussing the latest trends and challenges facing the industry, the conference fosters investment into innovation and sustainability as key drivers for the rapid growth of the industry. It also serves as a nexus for various domains such as Information Technology, Engineering and Technical Services, Design and Procurement, helping to enhance inter-departmental communication and facilitating knowledge exchange. This exclusive, invitation-only event will convene senior leaders from across the Middle East & Africa’s hotel industry, fostering collaboration and promoting innovations and sustainability within the sector.

Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has joined EarthCheck, the world’s foremost certification, consulting, and advisory group for luxury travel and tourism organizations. Moreover, the Ras Al Khaimah resort has proudly achieved the Benchmarked Bronze Status. This marks the initial phase of the ongoing journey with EarthCheck’s certification process. As part of this journey, organizations progress through bronze, silver, gold, and platinum levels and ultimately attain the esteemed EarthCheck Master status. The Benchmarked Bronze Status acknowledges unwavering commitment to measuring and monitoring sustainability performance. “Being a new resort, merely a year old, and at the outset of our pursuit to become a more sustainable hotel, attaining the Benchmarked Bronze Status is an immense accomplishment. We remain steadfast in our dedication to achieving more in this domain while upholding EarthCheck’s quality and purpose,” said Fabien Chesnais, General Manager of Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. He continues “Every member of our team at Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is part of this journey. Each staff member undergoes sustainability training, and we’ve established a Green Team that convenes regularly to explore novel ideas and champion sustainable practices within the resort. “We recognize the environmental and cultural assets that draw visitors to Ras Al Khaimah, making it an extraordinary destination with resorts adorned by pristine clear waters and sandy beaches. It is our responsibility to protect and responsibly manage these assets, and we’re resolute in fulfilling our role.” In line with EarthCheck, Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island champions sustainability, prioritizing local suppliers, embracing waste reduction, and transitioning to digital resources. Guests join the cause by opting out of daily linens change, using eco-friendly plunger bottles for bath essentials, and discovering Ras Al Khaimah through local …

Hilton announced the signing of a management agreement with Samrya Hospitality to welcome The Plaza Doha to LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Located in the heart of Doha and offering the highest standards of luxury, the hotel is set to redefine the hospitality experience in the city. Whether guests are seeking a luxurious getaway, a cultural exploration of the areas surrounding the hotel, or on business travel, the Plaza Doha will offer a memorable stay experience and the unparalleled bespoke services that LXR Hotels & Resorts is known for. The Plaza Doha brings a classic Parisian concept to the city, with its magnificent design, sophisticated interiors and attention to detail. The hotel offers 290 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each adorned with Parisian flourishes, inviting guests into a world of refined indulgence. Guests can enjoy a wide range of culinary options, including an American bakery, a juice bar and The Courtyard restaurant.  Several additional outlets are set to open, as well as a bespoke spa and wellness concept. In addition to offering an array of experiences for discerning travelers, The Plaza Doha takes immense pride in being one of Doha’s most magnificent wedding venues. It boasts an entire floor dedicated solely to a ballroom, meeting rooms and two board rooms luxuriously furnished for all business needs. The main highlight is The Grand Ballroom which features a high ceiling, extravagant chandeliers, wall designs and a private connection to a Bridal Suite. The elegant hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of Doha on C-ring road, adjacent to popular museums, Souk Waqif and a ten-minute drive from Hamad International Airport. Its unique location further enhances the allure of this luxury city hotel, …

Red Sea Global (RSG), The Red Sea and Amaala, has become the first company in Saudi Arabia to receive the prestigious Mostadam Diamond Certification for its flagship Turtle Bay Hotel. Mostadam’s expertise and guidance is playing a pivotal role in creating vibrant and sustainable communities in the Kingdom. Red Sea Global has worked closely with the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing to help define the innovative Mostadam criteria. Together, they are creating vibrant and sustainable communities in the Kingdom, paving the way for a more sustainable and ecologically responsible housing sector for current and future generations. This esteemed accolade, received under the patronage of HE Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, Majid bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Hoqail, recognizes RSG’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and green building practices, including energy efficiency, renewable energy uptake, water use efficiency, improved connectivity, enhanced health and comfort, as well as integrated construction waste management. The hotel comprises 144 keys arranged in multiple blocks overlooking the Red Sea. “We consistently embrace sustainable practices in our developments, from design through to operations. We have chosen to power our destinations using 100% renewable energy sources and are incorporating state-of-the-art waste management systems into our infrastructure. This certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, regenerative tourism development and environmental stewardship.” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Red Sea Global has constructed 5 solar farms to enable the first phase of The Red Sea to be off grid powered solely by sunlight, with more than 760,000 solar panels, in place. The group also announced a multi-utilities concessions agreement for Amaala this week, and across the two destinations, expects to save one million tons …

The luxury five-star hotel in Fujairah, Rotana Resort and Spa opened a mini golf course amidst the magnificent Hajar mountains and the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean in time for the upcoming season. Located near the kids’ club, kids and parents can play at the 300 sqm course every day from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. The child can learn self-control and perseverance to achieve great results and can burn around 300 calories per hour at the 6-hole course in a fun environment and friendly atmosphere. All ages are welcome to the new mini golf course where the cost of one hour is AED 50 including two putters and two balls, the cost of 30 minutes is AED 35 including two putters and two balls, and the cost of any additional hour is AED 15 including one putter and one ball. Guests can also enjoy their time at the large swimming pool that is now open until midnight till the end of September 2023 along with Sharkeys and pool bars serving tropical cocktails and fresh juices to the guests. The 1073 m2 swimming pool is 1.3m deep and features kids, babies, and adults parts with a slider for kids for a day full of fun and excitement. Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa includes impressive collection of diverse dining options comprising Waves Beach Restaurant, a trendy venue offering a dining experience to suit every occasion with a delicious à la carte dinner menu, and Mozaique which offers an expansive buffet with a vast range of international dishes. Bar Muda lounge bar and terrace is one of Fujairah’s most popular lounge bars where guests can have a good time with friends …

Valor Hospitality Middle East signed an agreement with owning company Ezz Asass International to manage the Four Points by Sheraton branded property. This agreement also marks the second collaboration between Valor Hospitalty Middle East and Marriott International in Oman. Scheduled to open in 2024, the 85 room hotel is in the city of Duqm, on the southern coast of Oman. The hotel is strategically located within the Special Economic Zone of Duqm (SEZAD), and within minutes from the SEZAD Headquarters and opposite the Police Training centre. With recent projects announced in Duqm, the hotel will offer a convenient choice for corporate travellers and a slowly growing leisure segment are being drawn by stunning beaches. The Four Points by Sheraton Duqm is anticipated to reflect the brand’s promise of ‘travel reinvented’, providing everything that matters most to today’s travellers seeking balance on the road. A timeless style coupled with comfort and genuine service allows guests to kick back and relax.  The  hotel will feature guest rooms with abundant daylight, an airy atrium lobby, two dining venues, indoor pool and gym, meeting rooms and private car parking space. “Since announcing our first property in Oman last year, we are so pleased to grow our presence with a second Four Points by Sheraton, in Duqm this time”, said Julien Bergue, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Valor Hospitality Middle East. “We are fortunate to have a trusted and reliable businesses owner in Ezz Asass International. We’re naturally excited to partner with Marriott once again. With 300+ keys confirmed in Oman we hope to establish a base here in the coming months” Bergue continued. Hamad Abdullah Al Harthy, Chairman of Ezz Asass International, said, “We are …

In a move that redefines luxury hospitality, Address Hotels and Resorts has launched ‘Nuha’, a pioneering virtual hospitality concierge. This cutting-edge AI system, conceptualized and developed in-house, made its grand debut at the iconic Address Downtown Hotel in Dubai, the week commencing 4th September 2023. This visionary step makes Address Hotels and Resorts the UAE’s first luxury Hospitality Group to leverage AI specifically crafted for the hospitality domain. ‘Nuha’, or “نُهى” in Arabic, translates to guidance and self-restraint, capturing its essence of offering knowledgeable assistance to guests while upholding unparalleled service excellence. Where many virtual assistants lack the nuance of human interaction, Nuha, powered by ChatGPT technology, offers guests a conversation that’s natural, intuitive, and deeply personal. This ensures guests are not just assisted, but genuinely understood and valued. Mark Kirby, Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group, commented, “At Address Hotels, we merge technology with the heart. ChatGPT’s conversational capability combined with human warmth makes our guests feel truly seen and heard. This meld of technology and personal touch places Address Downtown Hotel at the forefront of hospitality innovation.” Nuha’s comprehensive services include: Hotel Inside-Out: Beyond a mere directory, Nuha offers an in-depth tour of Address Downtown Hotel, highlighting everything from luxurious rooms to gourmet dining and tranquil spa sanctuaries. Emaar’s Expanse: Nuha isn’t limited to a single location. It’s the passport to Emaar’s vast and opulent collection, giving a panoramic view of their splendid offerings. Dubai Unveiled: Whether it’s iconic marvels or Dubai’s best-kept secrets, Nuha is the aficionado, guiding guests on an unmatched journey through the city. Stay Current, Stay Connected: With Nuha, guests have their fingers on the pulse of Dubai, from vibrant events to cultural celebrations …

Ennismore and Banyan Tree Group and part of the Accor Group, have inked a landmark deal with Dubai Holding, to open Banyan Tree Dubai in November 2023. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Accor, signed the agreement with Amit Kaushal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding. Banyan Tree Dubai will replace the existing Caesars Palace Dubai and following a phased stage of brand related upscaling improvements, the repositioned resort will feature 179 rooms, including 30 suites and a brand-new four-bedroom villa with its own private entrance, pool and beach. A key focal point of the resort will be its wellness offering with the signature Banyan Tree Spa featuring its own reception, relaxation area, gym, indoor and outdoor yoga spaces, dedicated F&B space, private mini rainforests, hydrotherapy pools and treatment rooms. The resort will have five restaurants and bars, each carefully curated through a collaboration between Ennismore’s in-house F&B concept studio, Carte Blanched, and Banyan Tree Group, to offer guests a diverse culinary experience. Banyan Tree Dubai will also include 96 private residences comprising one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units with a dedicated lobby, outdoor swimming pool and access to the hotel’s facilities. As part of a long-term strategic partnership agreement between Accor and Banyan Tree Group signed in 2016, Banyan Tree Dubai will be co-operated by Banyan Tree Group and Ennismore, following a similar operational model applied in Banyan Tree La Cigale Doha, Qatar and Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Accor, said: “We are thrilled to be at the beginning of a promising development partnership between Accor and Dubai Holding, and the announcement of the opening of a stunning Banyan Tree …

Wirgan for Hotels Services has announced the opening of Wirgan Makkah Al Noor which represents a distinctive luxurious getaway close to all Makkah historical places. This distinguished 4-star hotel redefines comfort with 1386 furnished rooms and suites offering stylish and comfortable accommodation to Umrah and Hajj guests, as well as business travellers. Following the recent opening of Wirgan Makkah Al Azizieh, Wirgan Makkah Al Noor is the second property of Wirgan for Hotels Services, raising the Wirgan inventory to around 2,000 rooms. Strategically located in Al Hajj road, Wirgan Makkah Al Noor caters to the needs of both business travellers and pilgrims with modern amenities and amazing views of Jabal Al Noor and the surrounding mountains. Murad Alsabah, Cluster General Manager of Wirgan Makkah Al Azizieh and Wirgan Makkah Al Noor, said, “We are delighted to introduce Wirgan Makkah Al Noor that provides unparalleled hospitality experience to guests. We look forward to provide an exceptional gateway with utmost comfort and attention to detail to create unforgettable memories for all our esteemed guests.” “With an unwavering commitment to excellence, serenity, and modesty, Wirgan for Hotels Services is committed to delivering an authentic and elegant hospitality experience fusing grace and spirituality in an exceptional journey across all aspects of the hotel”, he added. Wirgan Makkah Al Noor features a wide range of rooms and suites with superior rooms that are designed with relaxing areas, comfortable workspaces and exquisitely designed bathrooms. The junior suites overlook Jabal Al Noor (Mount of Light) and include a relaxing sitting area, comfortable workspace, and a private bathroom. The family suites are generously designed with style and comfort including spacious king bedrooms, sitting areas, workspaces, dining areas, equipped …

AlUla Development Company (UDC), fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) signed an agreement with Marriott International to open an Autograph Collection property in Saudi Arabia. Expected to open in 2025, the hotel will be located in the heart of downtown AlUla. Spanning across 22,635 square meters, the Autograph Collection hotel will be situated in central AlUla, adjacent to the AlUla Museum and opposite the Farmer’s Market. Plans for the hotel include 250 rooms and suites, and extensive recreational and entertainment offerings including four dining venues, a spa, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a business center, meeting facilities and retail space. The agreement was signed by Naif AlHamdan, Managing Director of UDC, and Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International in the Saudi capital city of Riyadh. Naif AlHamdan, Managing Director of AlUla Development Company, commented on the agreement. “we are thrilled to partner with Marriott International to open an Autograph Collection hotel in AlUla. This collaboration aligns with our objective of enhancing the hospitality, tourism and real estate sectors in AlUla and ensuring an unforgettable experience for our visitors. AlUla Development Company is committed to building on AlUla’s extraordinary heritage, history and natural beauty through sustainable development and will contribute to the economic diversification and tourism goals of the Kingdom, in line with PIF’s strategy and Vision 2030 – and this is just another step in that direction.” “We are delighted to work with AlUla Development Company to bring Autograph Collection Hotels to an exciting destination for global travelers to discover in Saudi Arabia,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “We look forward to building this relationship with UDC and continuing to …