Category Archives: Hotels

Frasers Hospitality opened Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain, its third property in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Distinctively premium, Fraser Suites properties are timelessly elegant and located in highly desirable addresses, offering thoughtful service curated for the most discerning travellers. Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain premieres a diverse range of 63 thoughtfully designed premium apartment suites set to redefine luxury living in the Kingdom of Bahrain, catering to both business and leisure travellers with an elevated home-away-from-home experience. Accommodations include nine one-bedroom, 42 two-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom serviced suites ranging from 107 sqm to 192 sqm. Guests can take advantage of in-suite dining facilities, the L’una breakfast buffet or can visit N’ovetto, the property’s lobby café managed by award-winning chef Susy Massetti. N’ovetto, meaning ‘little egg’ will debut the chef’s first quick serve café and offers guests breakfast and a variety of fresh food throughout the day including cakes and pastries crafted in Massetti’s Al Liwan bakery, delivering the same exceptional quality that patrons have come to expect at Massetti’s nearby restaurant N’ovo. Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain is strategically located in the vibrant Al Hamala neighbourhood, a suburban area in the northwestern region of the main island providing guests with modern amenities and convenient proximity to Dumistan Beach, the Sakhir Desert in Al Riffa and the town of Zallaq, home to the Al Zallaq Mosque. For a cultural experience, UNESCO world heritage site, Dilmun Burial Mounds, is also within easy reach. Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain becomes the cornerstone of Seef Properties’ mixed-use Al Liwan development – a new entertainment district offering direct access to the Al Liwan Mall. designed to cater to a ‘Live, Work, and Play’ lifestyle. Steps …

Marriott International announced its plans to strengthen their commitment towards hospitality with some key campaigns in the region as well as obtaining the “Green Key” certification for all their properties. Speaking at a media gathering Sandeep Walia COO Middle East Marriott International shared, “Mangroves store carbon dioxide give out oxygen four times more than trees so you will see more mangrove plants. We started our journey this year in Ajman in January then we move into Dubai and Fujairah and we started in Saudi as well. St.Regis Red Sea in Saudi is 100% renewable energy on this island. All local, solar energy being generated and 100% on the whole island for everything is renewable. Zero waste in terms of food as well. We want to see that we don’t throw away. We have a responsibility and opportunity for us to make a change. Water will be a big thing and being mindful and instead of flying bottles making it locally and reduce the transport of bottles. Sustainability is engraved into everything we do, everybody is asking about it, whether it is the traveller, booker or operator, everybody is getting into it and doing the right thing. It is no longer a trend, but it is the way forward and here to stay which is the good part. It is the part where we give back to the community and the area we take it from so a lot we did in that space in 2023. We started this big project of mangroves which we started from the UAE itself. We partnered with Etihad, and we conducted mangrove planting in Abu Dhabi but instead of doing a few we did a …

Raffles Hotels & Resorts and NEOM unveiled plans to debut a new resort in Trojena, the year-round mountain destination located in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Slated to open in 2027, Raffles Trojena will reimagine mountainside hospitality, offering guests unprecedented access to discover and explore the region’s incomparable beauty. “We are thrilled to collaborate with NEOM on the creation of Raffles Trojena, an architecturally significant resort that will showcase the very best in modern luxury hospitality and underscores Raffles’ commitment to growing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Trojena is set to be a destination unlike any other, and this mountainside retreat continues the Raffles legacy of growing in the world’s most compelling locales, providing our guests with an opportunity to ignite their passions through highly personalized service and experiences.” – Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts Positioned among the majestic mountains in Trojena, Raffles features a unique and striking ring-shaped design, offering stunning scenic views of the surrounding destination from every vantage point. The resort is set to include 105 guestrooms, which are arranged around the perimeter of the ring, offering guests the highest level of comfort in addition to unobstructed vistas and privacy. Circular zones and meticulously landscaped gardens on the ground level will encourage exploration and discovery, while the roof, comprised of a variety of circular apertures, allows for ample natural light. The Raffles resort will also feature the signature hallmarks for which the globally renowned hospitality brand is known, including its legendary butler service, exceptional culinary offerings, and an emphasis on destination arts and culture. “Trojena is set to redefine the understanding of luxury hospitality and mountain tourism. We are thrilled to work with Raffles to …

Miral champions sustainability as Miral inaugurates Abu Dhabi’s largest solar rooftop project at Warner Bros. World  Abu Dhabi, incorporating approximately 16,000 solar modules, producing nearly 40 percent of its annual energy demand with a 7-megawatt peak (MWp) capacity. This will benefit Miral’s three hotels, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton. The frameworks follow a similar agreement between Miral and Emerge to deploy on-site solar energy systems at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with a capacity of 8.4 megawatts (MW). In parallel, nearly 150 rooftop solar panels significantly reduce energy consumption across Miral’s three hotels, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton. Miral’s sustainability drive extends to its three hotels on Yas Island. In addition to more than 45 electric car chargers for guests, the hotels are committed to minimising single-use plastic bottles, reducing food waste, and implementing energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning systems. Innovative technologies, such as air-to-water generators, produce more than 148,200 litres of pure, drinkable water for guests per day across all three hotels – equivalent to almost 302,400 plastic water bottles. Additional water conservation and harvesting measures contribute to substantial annual savings in water consumption, exceeding 1,200,000 litres between all properties. In addition, nearly 150 solar collectors for hot water systems ensure collective monthly savings of 72,000 kWh in energy consumption. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral, commented: “Sustainability remains an integral part of Miral’s vision to transform the leisure, entertainment, and tourism sector. Guided by the UAE’s vision to transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy, our continued commitment to combat climate change is testament to our efforts in creating a sustainable …

Azizi plans to invest up to AED 60 billion over the next five years, adding close to 20,000 new keys to Dubai’s hotel stock through the launch of 50 upmarket luxury hotels and resorts and an ultra-luxury, seven-star hotel in Dubai, operated by Azizi Hospitality. Azizi Developments recently announced the start of construction of its tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, soon to be the second tallest skyscraper, which will feature a vertical mall, luxury residences and opulent penthouses, a seven-star hotel, a one-of-its-kind observation deck, and numerous high-end F&B options, among other unique and exciting features and amenities. Azizi Developments’ Sales Gallery can be visited on the 13th floor of the Conrad Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Intercity Hotel Bawshar in Muscat opened marking Deutsche Hospitality’s fourth IntercityHotel branded property in the Sultanate of Oman, and the sixth IntercityHotel branded property in the Middle East. Situated in close proximity to the Mall of Oman, the hotel opening was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with distinguished VIPs and stakeholders. IntercityHotel Bawshar Muscat boasts 96 cozy guest rooms and state-of-the-art amenities that offer business and leisure travelers an urban and lively experience. IntercityHotel Bawshar Muscat redefines comfort and style, seamlessly blending modernity with Oman’s rich heritage. Adorning the new CityNest design concept, each room category is designed with large floor-to-ceiling windows for abundant natural light, while the décor connects travelers to Oman’s local heritage. The hotel offers four room categories: the Deluxe Suite, Accessible King Room, Standard Twin Room, and Standard King Room. It caters to discerning travelers alike, offering scenic views of Sultan Qaboos Mosque, state-of-the-art amenities including fully equipped kitchenettes in the Deluxe Suites and more. CitySquare: The place to work, meet, eat and relax The hotel also offers guests smart food and beverage (F&B) offerings in the property’s vibrant CitySquare – a dynamic space for meeting, working, and enjoyment. Whether a business or leisure traveler, IntercityHotel Bawshar Muscat promises a unique stay with a perfect blend of modernity and convenience. IntercityHotel Bawshar Muscat will feature the innovative food and beverage concept “The Breakery” where lively urban energy meets the IntercityHotel brand’s German roots. Guests can immerse themselves in the welcoming aroma of homemade and freshly baked delights to go for those on the move or to stay for those who want to take a break at the hotel. From contemporary designs and service to culinary offerings …

In a series of proactive steps, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah hosted carbon emission experts, conducting audits, and empowering its staff through awareness sessions. Driving a new step for environmental responsibility in the hospitality sector Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, announced the commencement of its comprehensive strategy towards achieving zero carbon emissions. The journey towards zero carbon emissions began with a site visit conducting Greenhouse Gas assessment in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard and level 1 energy survey and analysis audit by the Climate & Conservation Consortium (CCC) headed by Sanith de S. Wijeyeratne, Director/CEO and his expert team in energy, carbon management and green buildings. Leveraging the CCC’s expertise, their team meticulously assessed every aspect of the hotel’s activities, from energy consumption and waste management to transportation and procurement practices.  Their insights have laid the foundation for a targeted strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. Furthermore, the initiative includes a series of informative awareness sessions for its staff, giving sessions delving into the intricacies of carbon emissions, exploring impacts and the importance of mitigation strategies. “It’s encouraging to witness Coral Beach Resort Sharjah’s proactive stance on carbon emissions.  Their initiative demonstrates a commendable dedication to sustainability that will undoubtedly inspire change in the industry”, Sanith de S. Wijeyeratne, Director/CEO of Climate & Conservation Consortium (CCC), said during the awareness sessions. “Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond words to tangible action,” says Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah.  “By hosting experts, conducting audits and empowering our team, we are taking concrete steps towards our goal of zero carbon emissions.  We believe that this step will be able to inspire others to follow suit and driving positive …

In 2023, Dubai hotels occupied room nights soared to a record high of 41.70 million, marking a 11% increase compared to 2022 (37.43 million). This growth also represents a substantial 30% rise from the pre-pandemic figures of 2019, which saw 32.11 million occupied room nights. Reflecting the commitment of the city and hospitality sector to offer competitive pricing, the 2023 ADR of AED536 matched the ADR in 2022. The hotel sector’s robust performance is also evident in its RevPAR growth – an increase of 6% compared to 2022 (AED415 vs. AED391) and a growth of 33% over the pre-pandemic period of 2019 (RevPAR of AED312). Guests’ Length of Stay was 3.8 nights in 2023, a 10% increase from 3.4 nights in 2019. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “As Dubai continues its exponential growth in alignment with the D33 Agenda set forth by our forward-thinking leadership, we remain committed to further elevating our standards and to advancing with innovative and distinctive world-class infrastructure, experiences and attractions. The extensive range of offerings and Dubai’s reputation as a secure, inclusive and accessible destination have been consistently recognised across multiple global indices, culminating in the city being crowned the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third year in a row in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024.   Hotels outperform pre-pandemic levels across all metrics Dubai’s hospitality sector, which is integral to the emirate’s destination promise and overall growth of the tourism industry, continued to perform strongly, surpassing pre-pandemic levels across all hospitality metrics – Occupancy, Occupied Room Nights, Guests’ Length of Stay, Average Daily Rate (ADR), and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). Occupancy remains …

It was announced that Nujuma Ritz Carlton Reserve will open by Q2 in the Red Sea which will be the first Ritz Carlton Reserve in this region; Nujuma will be the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only six Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide. The resort will feature 63 one-to-three-bedroom water and beach villas surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will form part of the eagerly anticipated Red Sea destination and offer a highly personalised leisure experience that blends intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and indigenous design.  This slice of paradise is situated on a breathtaking set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands. Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort will feature 63 one-to-three-bedroom water and beach villas. Foodies can enjoy an array of culinary outlets, including a specialty seafood restaurant. The resort will offer a range of luxurious amenities and exceptional services, including a lavish spa, swimming pools, kids club and a variety of other leisure and entertainment offerings, including a Conservation House. Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a complete escape to the unexpected: a private and transformative travel experience that is centered around human connection and brings together unique elements of the local culture, heritage and environment.  

All-inclusive premium holiday resort leader, Club Med, announces its membership with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance). This move further cements Club Med’s commitment to industry-wide environmental sustainability, marking a significant stride toward Net Positive Hospitality. The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a global consortium representing over 50,000 properties and 7 million rooms, is eager to leverage Club Med’s experience in sustainable development and innovation. This partnership is a testament to Club Med’s motto, “The Place to be happy is here; the moment to be happy is now. But it’s also tomorrow,” signifying its implication in creating harmonious and nature-immersed experiences for travellers. For over 60 years, Club Med has championed sustainable practice with 70% of new or majorly renovated resorts since 2018 being built to globally recognised BREEAM standards. Most of Club Med Resorts are “Green Globe” certified, guaranteeing sustainable best-practices. Club Med’s “Bye Bye Plastic” programme, aimed at eliminating single-use plastic from its resorts, further underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship. In 2023, Club Med was named the best hospitality tourism company to work for by French economic magazine Capital, highlighting its commitment to employee well-being and development. CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Glenn Mandziuk, welcomes Club Med, stating, “Club Med’s sustainable credentials are widely acknowledged in the industry, and their innovation and sustainable practices will undoubtedly contribute to our five-year strategy to realise Net Positive Hospitality.” Gregory Lanter, Chief Development, Construction & Property Officer, says, “as we embark on the acceleration of our CSR strategy, we are thrilled to join the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. We believe that Club Med, born of a shared utopia that fulfilled the dreams of many, helped shape tourism in the 20th century. Therefore, …