Category Archives: Hotels

Rotana announced the upcoming launch of Rotana DISCOVERY on 1 December 2025, its new global loyalty programme developed under the framework of its membership in the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and integrated into the award-winning GHA DISCOVERY platform. The launch marks the transition of Rotana Rewards Select into Rotana DISCOVERY, connecting members to a world of benefits. Through this partnership, Rotana’s loyalty members gain access to 950 hotels across 100 countries and join a global community of over 32 million travellers. This milestone reinforces Rotana’s long-term commitment to delivering on its brand promise of Treasured Time while expanding its international recognition and loyalty reach. The introduction of Rotana DISCOVERY marks a key milestone in the company’s international growth ambitions. As Rotana continues to expand its presence across the MENAT region and beyond, the partnership with GHA strengthens its ability to deliver greater value to guests, partners, and owners. With more than 79 operating hotels and a robust development pipeline across multiple markets, Rotana remains focused on innovation and connectivity as central pillars of its hospitality strategy. Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Rotana, said: “Hospitality has always been about people, the connections we make, the moments we share, and the recognition that makes every guest feel valued with a real sense of belonging. With Rotana DISCOVERY, we are deepening those connections while expanding our reach on a global scale. This partnership with Global Hotel Alliance allows us to bring the essence of Rotana’s hospitality to new audiences around the world, reinforcing our brand’s position as a regional leader with an international footprint built on trust, consistency, and genuine care.” Chris Hartley, Chief Executive Officer of Global Hotel Alliance, said: “The …

At the eighth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards in Dubai, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island was recognised as the Best Family Friendly Resort in Northern Emirates. Arabian Travel Awards referred to as the Oscars of the industry honour the visionaries, innovators, and leaders who have significantly contributed to the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. It was a night which celebrated excellence, recognised achievements. The aim is to encourage them to continue promoting travel, tourism, and hospitality in the region. Fair and unbiased, the Arabian Travel Awards follow a systematic method of internet-based voting. These awards are supported by Tourismbreakingnews.ae, TravelTVmiddleeast.news, and TravTalk Middle East, premier media partners for the event’s coverage. The awards are divided into four categories: Personal Awards, Business Awards, Trending Awards, and Partner Awards. They include awards for Best Business Hotel, Best Family Friendly Hotel, Best City Hotel, Best Green Hotel, Best Leisure Hotel, Best Destination Management Company, Best Hotel Apartments, Best B2B Travel Portal, and Best Luxury Hotel to name a few.

Rua Al Madinah Holding, a PIF company, and Adeera signed a partnership agreement to operate and manage two buildings comprising 250 hotel rooms and 120 luxury residential units under its brand Alia, within Rua Al Madinah Project, which is being developed near the Prophet’s Mosque. The signing comes as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the hospitality sector and empower national brands within its large-scale development projects. Naif bin Saleh Al Hamdan, Chairman of Rua Al Madinah Holding, stated: “This partnership with Adeera reflects our commitment to empowering national capabilities in the hospitality sector and strengthening their presence within our major development projects. Rua Al Madinah Project represents a continuation of our efforts to realize the objectives of the Public Investment Fund and Saudi Vision 2030, advancing sustainable development that reinforces Madinah’s position as a leading cultural and urban destination.” For his part, Eng. Ahmed Al Juhani, CEO of Rua Al Madinah Holding, emphasized that the collaboration with Adeera marks a promising new beginning for local companies in hotel management within Rua Al Madinah Project, which brings together leading global hospitality brands. He added that this agreement is the first of its kind and expressed his optimism that Adeera will play a key role in enhancing hospitality services, reflecting authentic Saudi identity while maintaining the highest international standards. Stefan Leser, CEO of Adeera Hospitality, stated that “Rua Al Madinah Project represents a distinctive addition to the Kingdom that will serve millions of visitors.” He expressed his delight in partnering with Rua Al Madinah Holding on this ambitious project and affirmed Adeera’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s efforts in serving the Guests of the Two Holy Mosques. Leser added …

A landmark transformation unfolds in Dubai Production City as Vintage Grand Hotel joins the prestigious Marriott portfolio, becoming the area’s only five-star hotel and the first Marriott-branded hotel and executive apartments in the community. This milestone marks a bold new chapter in UAE hospitality, blending international standards of opulence, design innovation, and connectivity in one exceptional destination. From 18 November 2025, guests can enjoy all the privileges of Marriott Bonvoy® – Marriott’s award-winning global travel and loyalty program, including exclusive rewards, points, and benefits across more than 8,000 hotels worldwide, as well as recognition and privileges in Dubai Production City. The property’s full transformation will come into fruition in Q1 2026 with the debut of the Marriott Hotel and the UAE’s largest Marriott Executive Apartments – a dual-branded destination redefining short and long stays with exceptional space, service, and sophistication. The reimagined property, comprising two distinctive towers, has been thoughtfully designed to cater to both transient and long-stay guests. The hotel tower will embody the refined comfort and timeless sophistication of Marriott Hotels, while the serviced apartment tower will transition into Marriott Executive Apartments, ideal for long-stay residents and relocation clients seeking a seamless balance of magnificence and convenience. As the only five-star property in Dubai Production City, it also offers the largest room and apartment inventory in the area, complemented by a diverse range of room categories to suit business travelers, families, and long-term guests alike. Drawing inspiration from Marriott’s global design ethos, the transformed spaces feature modern interiors, elegant furnishings, and cutting-edge in-room technology, creating a sense of warmth and sophistication throughout. The hotel’s enhanced F&B portfolio introduces multiple new dining venues and bars, each blending stylish design with …

Naeem Darkazally is a hospitality leader with commercial and asset management experience. His career path is filled with rich experience. He has worked in senior management positions with leading international hotel chains, such as Marriott, IHG, Le Meridien, and Millennium & Copthorne, as well as major grassroots operators like Rotana, where he was a key player in successfully opening 12 Rotana hotels in various destinations. Owning the Abjar Group, he managed to restructure a multi-branded franchised hotel’s all commercial disciplines. In April 2021, Darkazally moved to Tourism Authorities — firstly in Ajman, UAE and thereafter at Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism — as a hospitality advisor on strategies and developments.

Located in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), and a 20-minute drive from King Khaled International Airport, W Riyadh-KAFD will be a brand debut for W Hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will offer an urban escape in the vibrant capital. Set to feature 210 luxury guestrooms and suites, seven restaurants, retail space, expansive event and meeting facilities as well as the brand’s iconic Whatever/Whenever service, W Riyadh – KAFD will bring the brand’s bold design, innovative culinary experiences, and always-on programming to locals and international visitors alike, positioning the property to emerge as an icon of hospitality in Riyadh. Design plans for the property also include signature brand spaces such as the Living Room, WET Deck®, AWAY® Spa, and FIT® fitness centre. KAFD stands as the world’s largest LEED-certified mixed-use business destination, spanning 1.6 million square metres of luxury residences and hotels, office spaces, retail outlets, and entertainment and cultural venues. From its sustainable design and eco-friendly operations to smart infrastructure and LEED-certified buildings, KAFD epitomises the core values of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to evolve the hospitality sector and create sustainable developments.

Hilton announced the opening of Hilton Bahrain City Centre Hotel & Residences, introducing a new era of residential-style living and world-class hospitality in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Ideally located in the heart of Manama’s Al Seef District, this new property blends the comforts of home with the sophistication of Hilton hospitality. Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, officially inaugurated the property. The opening marks a new milestone in Bahrain’s luxury hospitality scene. Mr. Mahmood Mohamed Faqeeh, the owner of the hotel, highlighted the project’s strategic importance and expressed pride in bringing a flagship premier living property to the Kingdom. With 594 elegantly designed studios, one, two and three-bedroom suites, and penthouses, Hilton Bahrain City Centre Hotel & Residences offers a fully equipped kitchen in each room and modern amenities, creating the perfect home-away-from-home experience for extended stays, families, and long-term guests. With most rooms boasting sweeping views of the Bahrain skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Perfectly positioned adjacent to Bahrain City Centre Mall and within close reach of pristine beaches, the hotel is less than five kilometers from Bahrain Financial Harbour, The Avenues Mall, and Bahrain Exhibition Centre. Just 17 minutes from Bahrain International Airport, the property is ideally suited to both business and leisure travellers. Dining is an integral part of the Hilton Bahrain City Centre experience, featuring four unique venues. The Collective Café specialises in artisanal coffee, premium teas, elegant pastries, and afternoon tea service. The Collective restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine, crafted using locally sourced ingredients, along with artisanal breakfast options. Super Bass introduces a fun, all-American burger concept to Manama, while the Pool Lounge provides a relaxed setting for …

The latest addition to Rixos Hotels’ All-Inclusive portfolio is Rixos Murjana. This expansive property situated in King Abdullah Economic City presents the Kingdom’s largest kids club, the most thrilling integrated waterpark, the finest wellness rituals, gourmet dining, and so much more. Set along the untouched shores of the Red Sea, the soon-to-open Rixos Murjana is a self-contained paradise where everything you desire is effortlessly within reach. Consistently offering guests hospitality experiences that transcend the ordinary, this new Rixos Hotels’ property in Saudi Arabia is set to redefine hotel stays in the Kingdom. Spanning 275,000 square metres, the very best of indulgence, relaxation, and adventure come together in an All-Inclusive experience like no other – all-encompassing, uncompromising, and unmatched. As Saudi Arabia’s largest all-inclusive resort, every detail has been carefully crafted to create extraordinary stays for all ages. Complete with personalised service, contemporary comfort, and captivating Hijazi architecture that blurs the lines between elegant interiors and stunning coastline, Rixos Murjana allows every moment to flow seamlessly. Among its standout features are the serene, Maldivian-inspired overwater villas at Club Privé, offering a truly elevated escape, alongside 488 beautifully appointed rooms and suites tailored to every style of stay. Guests can savour their stay at their own pace by lounging on the 600-metre private beach, indulging in rejuvenating treatments at Anjana Spa, enjoying immersive live entertainment, or joining expert-led fitness classes at Exclusive Sports Club. At the heart of the resort’s offerings is a curated culinary journey: from global flavours at Terra Mare’s international buffet, to exquisite steaks at Alâ Aksam, and Mediterranean charm at MykOrini, inspired by the spirit of Mykonos and Santorini. Guests can also enjoy the relaxed elegance of Piazzetta …

Kerten Hospitality is expanding its presence in the Kingdom with Cloud 7 Al Murjan Island Resort – Dammam, a bold new addition to Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province waterfront. Cloud 7 Al Murjan Island Resort – Dammam will feature 74 overwater chalets, introducing one of the region’s most distinctive coastal hospitality concepts. The resort will also be home to Nyssa Beach, a ladies-only beach club offering a spa, wellness and fitness facilities, elegant salon services, and curated social and workspaces—an inspiring destination designed to enrich and empower the women’s community of Dammam. Designed by Zuhair Fayez Partnership under the vision of Dr. Zuhair Hamed Fayez; one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential architects who recently celebrated 50 years of shaping the Kingdom’s architectural landscape, the resort is part of a visionary, mixed-use development blending hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and wellness. Marwan Al Qaydy, CEO of Koushan Real Estate Development Company, “The development of Al Murjan Island marks a defining milestone for us, as it brings to life one of Dammam’s most iconic mixed-use destinations. As a self-contained island, it is designed as a vibrant hub where hospitality, entertainment, lifestyle, and leisure seamlessly come together on a single world-class waterfront, redefining premium coastal hospitality in the Eastern Province. Our partnership with Kerten Hospitality reinforces our commitment to delivering unmatched quality and guest-centric service. Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for hospitality in Dammam, ensuring every visitor to Al Murjan Island enjoys an experience defined by innovation, authenticity, and exceptional service.” Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, commented, “Al Murjan Island represents the kind of purposeful destination that defines our vision for hospitality in Saudi Arabia. Together with Koushan Real Estate Development Company, we …

Valor Hospitality Partners and King Khalid Tourism & Hospitality Campus University have signed a cooperation agreement designed to develop talent and strengthen hospitality capabilities across the Aseer region. This partnership goes beyond academic collaboration; it represents a shared investment in empowering Saudi youth and supporting the Kingdom’s tourism transformation under Vision 2030. Rooted in the cultural richness of Abha and the broader Aseer community, the partnership bridges education and industry through structured internships, training programmes, applied learning, mentorship, guest lectures, research collaboration, and defined employment pathways and create a career for the Saudi nationals. The focus is to equip Saudi students not only with operational skills, but with the confidence, leadership mindset, and cultural authenticity needed to shape the future of Saudi hospitality and the rest of the world. Valor Hospitality brings to the Kingdom its globally established fully integrated management and operations solution and its distinctive philosophy, “A Whole World of Local,” which blends international standards with local identity to create meaningful guest experiences and unlock long-term value for communities and investors. Julien Bergue, Co-Founder and Managing Partner – Middle East, Africa & Asia at Valor Hospitality Partners, said: “This partnership goes to the heart of who we are. We are not only operators, but we are also enablers of growth. By working alongside King Khalid tourism & hospitality University, we are supporting and empowering a new generation of Saudi hospitality professionals who carry both world-class training and the warmth of authentic Saudi and middle eastern hospitality. The Kingdom’s tourism future will be shaped by its people, and we are proud to contribute to that journey.” Jana Bader, Country Head of Business Development (KSA) and Regional Director of PR & …