Category Archives: Hotels

The First Group Hospitality, one of the region’s fastest-growing hotel management firms, has announced its partnership with BB Holding to operate the upcoming Radisson RED Marjan Island—the first franchised Radisson RED in the UAE, scheduled to open in 2027. This partnership marks a major milestone for both companies: The First Group’s debut in Ras Al Khaimah and BB Holding’s first hotel development in the UAE, reinforcing investor confidence in the emirate’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector. Situated on the vibrant Marjan Island, the AED 215 million lifestyle property will feature 261 modern guestrooms and suites, along with four dynamic F&B outlets—an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop specialty venue, lobby café, and poolside bar. Guests will also enjoy a range of premium amenities, including a private beach, outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor play areas for children, and flexible meeting and event spaces. Commenting on the partnership, Rob Burns, Chief Executive Officer of The First Group, stated: “We are proud to expand our hotel operations into Al Marjan Island, one of the Gulf’s most exciting lifestyle destinations. Radisson RED Marjan Island represents a new chapter for The First Group, combining our operational expertise with Ras Al Khaimah’s fast-evolving hospitality landscape. This resort will enhance our growing portfolio while bringing an energetic, design-driven experience to one of the UAE’s most promising markets.” Michael Bagdasarov, Managing Director at BB Holding, commented: “A key factor in selecting The First Group Hospitality was their comprehensive package of centralized services, which was especially important for us as a new entrant to the UAE market. These services create the benefits of a large hotel cluster, reducing overheads across finance, HR, IT, and engineering, and improving overall profitability. …

Aleph Hospitality signed a hotel management agreement with Area Investment and Real Estate Development to operate its first hotel in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Scheduled to open in 2027, the 84-room hotel is located 30 minutes from King Fahd International Airport, Al Khobar, the Heritage Village and other local attractions in the city. Aleph Hospitality is currently in negotiations with hotel brands to secure suitable and international branding for the hotel. Present at the signing ceremony were Bani Haddad, Founder & Managing Director, Aleph Hospitality; Tariq Dowidar, Vice President Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality, and Ali Alqadadi, Business Development Specialist. Featuring 84 well-appointed rooms and suites, two food and beverage outlets, a fully equipped gym as well as meetings rooms, open office spaces and a multi-purpose hall, the newly built hotel will provide all the facilities and amenities for today’s traveller. Tariq Dowidar, Vice President Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality said, “We are thrilled to have been entrusted with the management of this outstanding new property in Dammam. We look forward to a successful partnership and to delivering outstanding value to the owners and an excellent experience to guests.” “This is a milestone development for us, and we are delighted to partner with Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the region, known for its regional expertise and for delivering strong operational efficiency and ROI, “said Rakan Saeed Raddad, Executive Vice President of Area Investment and Real Estate Development.

Accor  has renewed its long-standing management agreement with Munshaat Real Estate Projects for Pullman Zamzam Madinah, one of the most prominent premium hotels in the heart of the Holy City. The renewal reflects a trusted partnership and shared commitment to elevating service, design, and operational excellence in one of Saudi Arabia’s most visited destinations. Under this renewed collaboration, the 834-key property will embark on a four-year phased renovation program aimed at redefining the standards of premium pilgrim hospitality. The transformation will touch every aspect of the guest journey, from fully redesigned rooms and suites to upgraded restaurants, public spaces, and wellness facilities ensuring a seamless blend of contemporary comfort, spiritual serenity, and the Pullman brand’s hallmark of stylish connectivity. The project supports Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing Madinah’s position as a key destination within the Kingdom’s plan to welcome 150 million visitors annually by 2030. “Pullman Zamzam Madinah has long been a cornerstone of our portfolio in the Holy Cities,” said Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific at Accor. “Our renewed partnership with Munshaat Real Estate Projects reinforces our mutual confidence and commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences for pilgrims and travelers alike. This transformation will enhance the hotel’s positioning and contribute to Madinah’s growing reputation as a destination of choice for faith, culture, and discovery.” Eisa Al Eisa, Chief Executive Officer at Munshaat Real Estate Projects commented: “For years, Pullman Zamzam Madinah has been a trusted home for pilgrims visiting the Prophet’s Mosque. This new chapter symbolizes our dedication to continuous improvement and sustainable growth. Together with Accor, we are investing in the future of Madinah’s hospitality landscape and supporting the Kingdom’s …

Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) Bahrain, has entered into a joint venture agreement with MFive Services, a UAE-based specialist in housekeeping and cleaning solutions for the hospitality sector, jointly owned by Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) and Metro Global, to establish MFive Services in Bahrain, a company that will set new international standards of excellence in outsourced housekeeping operations. This strategic partnership represents a turning point in the evolution of professional housekeeping services in the Kingdom, setting a new benchmark for high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective services tailored for hotels, resorts, and serviced residences in Bahrain. The agreement was signed by Gulf Hotels Group, Metro Global Pte Ltd, and Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) during an official signing ceremony in Dubai. The ceremony marks a major milestone in advancing outsourced hospitality services in the Kingdom, setting the stage for a new standard of operational excellence. Founded in 2010 in the UAE, MFive Services has become one of the region’s leading providers of outsourced housekeeping and cleaning solutions, delivering services to over 60 hotels across the UAE, including several operated by major international hotel brands. The company’s success lies in its ability to combine specialized staff training, operational efficiency, and scalable systems that ensure consistent quality and cost optimization. Through this new venture, MFive Services aims to elevate the housekeeping outsourcing model in Bahrain by offering fully managed solutions that encompass staffing, supervision, quality assurance, and operational support. The business model delivers a complete, turnkey housekeeping department on an outsourced basis, providing the full team, from executive housekeeper to room attendants, along with daily supervision, training, operating supplies, and equipment, all aligned with each hotel’s own standard operating procedures and service levels. Quality …

Hilton announced the signing of an agreement with The Zubair Corporation to open three hotels in Muscat under the Waldorf Astoria, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton brands – doubling its footprint in the Sultanate. The signings mark the debut of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in Oman and underscore Hilton’s plans to diversify its portfolio and deliver trusted hospitality to emerging and established destinations across the region. The three hotels will be located within Barr Al Jissah, an iconic waterfront luxury development on Muscat’s coastline. Surrounded by rugged mountains and secluded beaches, Barr Al Jissah combines natural beauty with world-class hospitality experiences – making it a timeless destination for leisure visitors, wellness seekers, families, and business travellers, all within 40 minutes of Muscat International Airport. Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “The debut of Waldorf Astoria in Oman, alongside the new Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton properties, marks a significant new chapter for Hilton in the Sultanate. Oman’s rich culture, heritage, and natural landscapes continue to attract discerning travellers. These new properties will enable us to meet that growing demand across both leisure and business segments – supporting Oman’s Vision 2040, which aims to attract 12 million tourists annually to the Sultanate by 2040. Together with The Zubair Corporation, we are proud to bring this transformative destination to life and strengthen Oman’s position as a leading tourism hub.” Niels Bormans, Group Chief Executive Officer at The Zubair Corporation, added: “The collaboration with Hilton reflects our shared vision for Oman’s tourism future. By combining Hilton’s global expertise with our commitment to preserving the Sultanate’s heritage and natural beauty, Barr Al …

Ennismore announced the signing of SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, which is set to open later this year as the brand’s first all-inclusive resort outside of Europe, as well as Ennismore’s first lifestyle hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. With 257 bedrooms and suites across seven categories, each offering uninterrupted sea views, the property blends sartorial signatures and experiences with the region’s innate culture and sense of style. The colour palette is inspired by local nature and is composed of sunset oranges, sandy stone shades, deep ocean teal and shades of green. The use of light walnut wood, sandstone on the joinery with bronze metal details introduces a sense of warmth and comfort that defines each space within the guestroom. Nestled along Ras Al Khaimah’s lavish coastline, where desert, mangroves, mountain and crystal-clear waters collide to form breathtaking natural landscapes, SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, rooted in the world of fashion, will be a stylish getaway within a series of striking new buildings set against a backdrop of the Arabian Sea. The hotel offers five culinary experiences curated by Ennismore’s Global F&B Platform, including The Market, a casual restaurant from breakfast to dinner; Italian restaurant Chiano with the finest Mediterranean cuisine; Levantine restaurant Hadaba for elegant dinners; Floating World, a speciality restaurant with Japanese and Pan-Asian delights; and Savant a high-end cocktail bar with live entertainment on the 10th floor. Rounding out the food and beverage offerings, the resort has two pool bars, Cabini and Bungalow, the latter for adults only and an independent beach club. SO/ Ras Al Khaimah will have purpose-built spaces for meetings and events with a function hall for up to 345 guests, a pre-function area and four flexible break-out …

The First Group Hospitality, together with guest experience and operations platform Inntelo AI, announced a partnership with the goal of enhancing guest experiences across its growing hotel portfolio. Following a successful implementation at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, The First Group Hospitality will integrate the Inntelo AI system across all properties, including the highly anticipated Ciel Dubai Marina – Vignette Collection by IHG, soon to be the world’s tallest hotel. Through Inntelo, guests will enjoy an intuitive, AI-native concierge experience that connects requests, service delivery, and personalisation across every stage of their stay. Directly from their phones, guests can request additional amenities, order room service, make restaurant reservations, and even book local excursions – all powered by cutting-edge conversational and agentic AI. Guests can also access services through phone calls, voice commands or WhatsApp messaging in over 40 different languages. The partnership with Inntelo reflects The First Group Hospitality’s broader strategy of embedding artificial intelligence across its operations. The third-party hotel operator already leverages AI to support various areas of its business, including revenue forecasting, rate optimisation, restaurant reservations, customer satisfaction monitoring, and team scheduling. This collaboration extends The First Group’s innovation roadmap, connecting guest-facing AI with real-time operational intelligence and data-driven decision-making. “The First Group has always been at the forefront of innovation, carefully evaluating and implementing the latest solutions; having worked with Inntelo AI over recent months, we are incredibly excited and ambitious about how this cutting-edge AI technology sets us apart in the hotel management field,” said Tom Stevens, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, The First Group Hospitality. “This partnership with Inntelo AI will ensure every guest interaction, from arrival to departure, is powered by intelligence, efficiency, and …

Saudi entrepreneur Mohammed Khalid A. Sabbagh announced plans to open a new Ramada by Wyndham hotel in Madinah, one of the world’s most revered destinations for Muslim travellers. Developed in collaboration with Wyndham Hotels C Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, the upcoming Ramada by Wyndham Madinah will feature 77 well- appointed guest rooms and is strategically located in the Al Jamawat area on Al Salam Road, just 5 km from the Holy Mosque. The hotel will serve the growing number of domestic and international pilgrims visiting Madinah each year, offering convenience, comfort, and trusted hospitality under the Ramada by Wyndham brand. Once operational, the hotel will include modern guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a fully equipped gym, and contemporary interiors designed to provide a welcoming and reliable stay experience for both leisure and religious travellers. Mohammed Khalid A. Sabbagh, Owner of Ramada by Wyndham Madinah, said: “It is an honour to bring the renowned Ramada by Wyndham brand to the holy city of Madinah. This project represents my personal commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and contributing to the Kingdom’s rapidly growing tourism and hospitality sector. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to experience warm Saudi hospitality combined with the international standards that the Ramada by Wyndham name represents.” Mohammad Haj Hassan, Country Director – KSA, Wyndham Hotels s Resorts, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Mr. Sabbagh on this exciting development in Madinah, a city of deep spiritual and cultural importance. This partnership underscores Wyndham’s commitment to expanding our presence across Saudi Arabia and supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.” Saudi Arabia is one of …

Set to open in Riyadh by June 2027, IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan is developed in partnership with Wahat Sudair Hotels Company Limited, and will feature 216 modern guestrooms, designed to blend comfort and functionality, ideal for discerning travellers. Guests will enjoy a range of dining options, including a sumptuous all-day dining restaurant and its signature café – The Breakery, where lively urban energy meets the IntercityHotel brand’s German roots. The hotel will also feature a dynamic range of amenities, including an expansive ballroom, eight versatile meeting rooms, fully equipped gym, and swimming pool.  Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President and Head of Development, Middle East, India & Africa H World International, stated: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a driving force in our expansion strategy and an important source market with significant growth potential. We are committed to addressing the evolving needs of our discerning guests, and the launch of IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan, our second IntercityHotel in Riyadh, underscores the confidence and trust placed in our brands in the region. As our seventh IntercityHotel in the Middle East, the new hotel will showcase both the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to delivering a harmonious fusion of young and fresh aesthetics, coupled with unparalleled functionality and long-term commitment to shaping Riyadh’s hospitality landscape.” The signing of IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan aligns with H World International’s ambitious expansion plans, which focus on diversifying its presence through new signings across the region. This reflects the rising demand from both leisure and business travellers, particularly from key source markets such as Germany and China. Addressing this demand, H World International has already welcomed guests to the IntercityHotel brand in the region including IntercityHotel …

Oman is set to open 9,600 new hotel rooms between now and 2030, with 2,600 scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, says leading real estate advisory group and property consultant, Cavendish Maxwell. The upcoming keys will boost Oman’s existing inventory of 36,000 rooms by more than 25%, the company said. Cavendish Maxwell’s latest Oman Hospitality Market Performance insight and analysis reveals that 3-5 star hotel revenues rose to OMR141.2 million (US$367 million) in the first half of 2025, an increase of 18.2% on H1 last year. Room revenues contributed OMR83.7 million (US$217.5 million) – up nearly 22%. The strong hotel performance has led to 4.8% growth in hospitality sector employment in the country, with 10,800 people now working in the industry. 3-5 star hotels welcomed 1.1 million guests between January and June, up 9.2% from 2024. Khalil Al Zadjali, Head of Oman at Cavendish Maxwell, said: “Oman’s hospitality sector is entering a new era, driven by population growth, evolving travel patterns and strategic Government investment. H1 2025 recorded impressive increases in visitors, hotel bookings, revenues, room rates and employment, and we expect this trend to continue in the second half of the year, and beyond. “Oman’s population grew by 4.5% last year and 5% in 2023, with similar increases predicted through the decade. Domestic travel has risen in line with population growth, with Omanis taking longer trips and spending more per visit. While Gulf visitors still account for more than 25% of arrivals into the country, the number of visitors from further afield, including Europe, India and China, is increasing. With tourism expected to contribute 5% to GDP by 2030 – and 10% by 2040 – the sector is set to …