Category Archives: Hotels

Hilton is on track to triple its presence in Egypt with plans to open 25 hotels across the country, including the signing of more than ten new properties under the global hospitality company’s award-winning brands. Hilton’s growing pipeline brings it closer to its aim of exceeding 40 hotels operating in Egypt over the coming years. New signings include the debut of Hilton’s lifestyle brand, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, on the African continent, as well as Egypt’s first Curio Collection by Hilton, and an all-inclusive resort under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand. Hilton is also set to open the highly anticipated Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi, located in the capital’s upscale Maadi district. The hotel is slated to open in early 2025 and will feature contemporary rooms with panoramic views of iconic landmarks like the Nile and the Pyramids. Commenting on Hilton’s growth in Egypt, Carlos Khneisser, vice president, development, Middle East & Africa (MEA), Hilton, said: “Egypt is our longest standing market in the MEA region, where we’ve been operating for more than 60 years. We are excited to continue building on this legacy as we accelerate our growth, and we look forward to working closely with our valued owners to provide guests with reliable and friendly stays across the country. The debut of our lifestyle brands in Egypt marks an important milestone, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the rich experiences the country has to offer.”

Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel will open in Diriyah, amidst a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Riyadh with 134 guestrooms including 23 suites. Nestled within a labyrinth of alleyways, the hotel is the first to open in Diriyah and captures the region’s low-contour, mudbrick architecture with open courtyards and spaces to gather. Sand-hued walls and graceful arches showcase local artwork, rugs and hand-crafted artifacts that flow through into the 134 guestrooms including 23 suites. The guestrooms reflect Nadji design with light cream hues and geometrical patterns complimented by local art, books and artifacts. Ancestral poetry pays homage to the cherished Arabian art of storytelling and enhances every turn down service. Guests are invited to explore the ancient roots of Saudi Arabia through guided tours of the nearby UNESCO site, attend storytelling sessions, poetry readings, and culinary tours, each crafted to provide a deep connection to the local heritage.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Mövenpick Wa’ad Al Shamal, in Saudi Arabia’s northern region. The hotel features 245 rooms and suites, including two Presidential Suites that offer an exceptional blend of comfort and modern design. The hotel also offers 18 state-of-the-art meeting rooms and expansive banqueting facilities, creating the ideal destination for conferences, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations. Whether for business or leisure, guests will find a setting crafted to inspire and connect.A beacon of elevated hospitality, this property brings Mövenpick’s signature service excellence to Wa’ad Al Shamal, a strategic economic and industrial hub that plays a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions. Dining at Mövenpick Wa’ad Al Shamal offers a culinary journey through five distinct experiences.Yasmeen Restaurant offers a vibrant selection of Saudi and international cuisines, celebrating the flavors of the region with a contemporary twist. Zafaran Restaurant immerses guests in the rich culinary traditions of Türkiye, providing a truly authentic dining journey. For a refreshing retreat, the Oasis Pool Bar serves signature drinks and light bites in a relaxed poolside setting. The Flora Lobby Lounge provides a welcoming space for guests to unwind with Mövenpick’s signature coffee blends and pastries and invites guests to indulge in the celebrated Mövenpick Chocolate Hour, a daily immersive chocolate tasting experience that delights visitors of all ages. With its commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering connections, Mövenpick Wa’ad Al Shamal marks a transformative step in the region’s hospitality landscape. Over 55% of the workforce are Saudi nationals, reinforcing the hotel’s alignment with the national goal of empowering the local workforce. Paul Stevens, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Middle East, Africa & Türkiye …

It was announced that The Red Sea EDITION is slated to open by summer 2025 in Shura Island, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. EDITION Hotels is launching its second outpost in Saudi Arabia with the opening of The Red Sea EDITION. Nestled on the enchanting Shura Island, this new resort is part of the Kingdom’s visionary Red Sea Project, blending cultural richness with modern sophistication. The hotel will feature 240 meticulously designed guestrooms, including an array of spacious suites. Multiple restaurants and bars set the stage for curated lifestyle experiences the brand is known for globally, while amenities including the spa, swimming pool, and state-of-the-art gym create the ideal setting for a serene, relaxing retreat. As the latest addition to EDITION Hotels’ collection of individualised, one-of-a-kind properties, The Red Sea EDITION exemplifies the brand’s commitment to taste-making design, innovation and a new generation of luxury hospitality.

Paramount Hotel Dubai has been honored with the Best 5-Star Lifestyle Hotel award at the prestigious seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. The event celebrated the visionaries and pioneers driving excellence in the Middle East’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, underscoring the region’s commitment to becoming a global tourism leader while balancing luxury and sustainability. This award celebrates Paramount Hotel Dubai’s unique approach to luxury, blending Hollywood-inspired artistry with exceptional service to create a cinematic experience that’s both immersive and memorable. It reflects Paramount Hotels’ dedication to building a legacy that redefines hospitality—where every guest is celebrated as a “star” within an ambiance that captures the magic of Hollywood. A statement by Dean, SVP of Hospitality for DAMAC Hotels and Resorts, “It’s a great honor to be recognized among industry leaders. This award is a tribute to the creativity, hard work, and commitment of our exceptional teams at Paramount Hotel Dubai. It reinforces our vision to redefine luxury and elevate the art of hospitality, delivering experiences that resonate long after our guests have left.” Pascal, General Manager of Paramount Hotel Dubai, added, ‘We are proud to be recognized among leaders in travel and tourism. This accolade reaffirms our commitment to ‘for the creative, by the creative’—crafting extraordinary experiences where every detail, from cinematic design elements to immersive moments, transports our guests from the silver screen to real-life wonder. We are thrilled to bring this recognition home and will continue to set the stage for unforgettable stays, where our guests are the stars of their own Hollywood-inspired journeys’. With 2025 on the horizon, Paramount Hotels is set to continue its ascent in the luxury hospitality space. Paramount Hotel Dubai will …

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced that bookings are now open for its third self-operated property, Desert Rock. Nestled in the heart of an untouched desert landscape where the mountains meet the sands, Desert Rock offers a timeless luxury experience designed to immerse guests in the raw beauty of the natural world. “We are ready to welcome guests to Desert Rock, our third self-operated hotel in the Red Sea Global hospitality portfolio. This is more than just a hotel — it is a unique property, crafted into the rock face, offering a truly immersive experience where luxury and nature come together to create a truly unforgettable escape,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. “Whether you are looking to explore the desert and mountains with our adventure team at Akun, unwind in total privacy, or indulge in world-class dining and wellness, Desert Rock offers something extraordinary for every guest.” Desert Rock spans 30,000 square meters of unspoiled land, where architectural mastery meets ancient rocky outcrops. The resort is located just 20 minutes from Red Sea International Airport, making it a convenient yet remote escape for those seeking adventure, tranquillity, or a blend of both. Designed with seamless integration into the rugged terrain, Desert Rock features a variety of accommodations, including pool villas, luxury suites, and private retreats, each offering a unique way to experience the splendor of the surrounding landscape. Villas and Suites Each villa and suite at Desert Rock have been thoughtfully crafted to embrace the natural surroundings, offering an atmosphere of serene luxury. Guests can choose from a range of options, including: Wadi Villas: Ideal for families, these spacious, desert-inspired one- and two-bedroom villas offer private pools and expansive …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted the inaugural Retrofit Summit, bringing together key stakeholders from the hospitality industry, financial institutions and government agencies, alongside industry experts. The Summit addressed the need for retrofitting existing hotels and venues in the emirate to enhance their energy efficiency. The event also served as a platform for industry leaders to exchange best practices, explore innovative retrofitting technologies, and discuss the growing role of sustainability in hotel operations. HE Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Retrofit Summit is an important milestone in supporting the emirate’s journey towards a more energy efficient future, in line with the ambitions of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy. As Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector continues to evolve, this Summit accelerates the adoption of solutions that reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. By fostering industry-wide collaboration and drawing from data-driven insights, we are paving the way for the transition to energy-efficient hotels and venues, while advancing our mission to protect and preserve Abu Dhabi for future generations.” The hosting of the Retrofit Summit stemmed from an extensive Energy Audit Assessment project launched by DCT Abu Dhabi last year, which assessed energy consumption across all hotels and five venues in the emirate, offering tailored recommendations for energy efficiency improvements. Each establishment received a detailed report outlining actionable steps to enhance their sustainability, underscoring DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to support the green evolution of its hospitality sector. Representatives from over 20 organisations and six exhibitors participated in the event, sharing success stories from initiatives that have already delivered notable sustainability gains in Abu Dhabi. The Summit featured speeches …

RAK Properties Ras Al Khaimah announced that is has completed the design phase for its upcoming Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Ras Al Khaimah, located in Hayat Island on Mina, the company’s premium waterfront lifestyle destination. The resort will feature 156 elegantly appointed rooms, junior and executive suites, and luxurious sky villas, each offering unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf and Ras Al Khaimah’s majestic mountain range. The sky villas, with their expansive terraces and private plunge pools, will provide guests with an elevated experience of privacy and exclusivity, offering a 270-degree view of the surrounding bay and sea. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Ras Al Khaimah marks a key milestone in RAK Properties’ ongoing mission to attract globally recognised luxury brands to the emirate. The collaboration with Nikki Beach, renowned for its signature blend of music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art, will bring the brand’s barefoot luxury experience to the heart of Mina, further positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a premier destination for both relaxation and recreation. The design, developed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed architecture and design firm Gensler, captures the essence of Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty while echoing the distinctive character of the Nikki Beach brand. Spanning 33,580 square meters, the resort’s architecture is characterised by organic forms and soft textures that reflect the fluidity of the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. Inspired by the emirate’s coastal and maritime heritage, the design blends natural materials like sand-hued walls with organic, earthy textures. Local cultural touches, including nautical elements, are thoughtfully woven in to create an authentic connection to Ras Al Khaimah’s rich traditions. Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, …

Hilton is accelerating its plans to more than double its portfolio in Morocco with the signing of nine hotels across seven of its global brands, including the debut of its iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand in the capital city of Rabat, as well as the introduction of its luxury LXR Hotels & Resorts, lifestyle Curio Collection by Hilton, and value-driven Hampton by Hilton brands to the country. Carlos Khneisser, vice president, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said: “With 13.1 million tourists visiting Morocco in the first nine months of this year, an increase of around two million compared to the same period last year, the country is experiencing significant momentum as a sought-after tourist destination. These nine new signings will add more than 1,300 rooms and around 1,500 Team Members to Hilton’s growing portfolio in Morocco, where we plan to expand our footprint to over 20 hotels in the coming years. The introduction of new brands – and expansion of existing ones – demonstrates our commitment to catering to the different needs of guests visiting the country where we’ve enjoyed a strong legacy dating back almost six decades. We look forward to working closely with our valued owners to deliver Hilton’s globally recognised hospitality to guests at these outstanding hotels.”

Palladium Hotel Group is set to charter new territories following its agreement with Hard Rock International to operate hotels under Hard Rock Hotels and Reverb Hotels in Saudi Arabia. Palladium Hotel Group will be infusing the region’s hospitality market with over 50 years of expertise, following a record-breaking 2023 with an annual revenue of 1.069 billion euros. The group is actively seeking investors and real estate partners with properties that align with the Hard Rock International brand’s bold, lifestyle-focused appeal. Palladium Hotel Group’s impressive portfolio spans over 40 hotels and 13,000 rooms across seven countries, managed under ten distinctive brands, including TRS Hotels, Ushuaïa Unexpected Hotels, and BLESS Collection Hotels. Renowned for delivering exceptional guest experiences and prioritising team wellbeing, the group consistently upholds the highest standards in every venture. This global expertise positions the group as a key player in introducing innovative hospitality solutions to Saudi Arabia’s evolving market. The collaboration builds on a decade-long relationship, with Palladium Hotel Group already managing three standout Hard Rock Hotels in Spain, – Ibiza, Tenerife, and Marbella. The expansion into Saudi Arabia aims to merge Hard Rock International’s signature world-class entertainment and cutting-edge designs with Palladium Hotel Group’s hospitality managing expertise. Together, they aspire to redefine travel experiences for modern guests seeking something fresh and exciting. Jesús Sobrino, CEO of Palladium Hotel Group said, “At Palladium Hotel Group, our vision revolves around creating exceptional guest experiences while fostering sustainable growth and meaningful local partnerships. Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, we see great potential in bringing our expertise in hospitality management to this dynamic market, adding value through innovation and authenticity.” Carlos Ortega, Corporate Global Development Sr. Director of Palladium Hotel Group added, …