Category Archives: Hotels

In partnership with AIMS Holding, IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to bring its ultra-luxury brand, Regent, to the holy city of Makkah, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s evolving hospitality landscape. IHG and AIMS have signed an agreement to brand and operate a property that is strategically located just steps from Al Haram Al Sharif. With construction already underway, the hotel is moving ahead of initial timelines, reinforcing IHG’s commitment to expanding its luxury portfolio in the region. Regent Makkah will offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Holy Mosque, Masjid al-Haram and Al Kaaba, offering an exceptional retreat with world-class comfort for travellers visiting Islam’s holiest city. The hotel will redefine opulence in Makkah, ensuring an exclusive, serene, and refined experience in one of the world’s most spiritual destinations. The hotel will house 330 meticulously designed rooms and suites, each featuring state-of-the-art technology, thoughtfully curated wellness experiences that cater to both relaxation and spiritual well-being, ensuring a truly elevated stay. Adding to its grandeur, the property will feature an expansive presidential suite on a high floor, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Haram and Al Kaaba, setting a new benchmark for luxury accommodations in the city. The Regent Makkah will offer a supreme culinary journey with specialty restaurants led by acclaimed chefs. Additionally, a world-class spa and wellness centre will enrich the experience with rejuvenation and relaxation offerings in a setting of unparalleled comfort. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are excited to launch Regent Makkah, a brand that embodies the pinnacle of luxury and hospitality. This property will not only elevate the guest experience in Makkah, but also …

The Tower Plaza Hotel Dubai was recognised as the ‘Best City Hotel’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “It gives us immense pleasure for winning the “Best City Hotel” award at the Arabian Travel Awards. It is an incredibly important and significant achievement for the whole team. It not only validates the hard work and dedication but also reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for our guests.”-Haitham Galal, General Manager, The Tower Plaza Hotel Dubai

Golden Tulip Media Hotel won the title of ‘Best 4 Star Executive Hotel’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “I am happy to be among the successful leaders here, so thank you to the organisers. I hope to see you here next year as well. Our strategy is to grow as a hotel to improve and strengthen guest experiences in Dubai, and we want to be at the same pace as the city.” -Hamed Al Kalbani, General Manager, Golden Tulip Media Hotel

Corinthia Hotels and Dubai General Properties announced their partnership on a landmark hotel and residential development in the heart of Dubai. The skyline-defining structure will showcase refined design, opulent interiors, exceptional amenities and unmatched personalised service. This visionary project will redefine the traditional hotel and branded residences concept, introducing Corinthia’s Mediterranean soul and inventive hospitality to Dubai for the first time. Set within a two-tower structure on the rapidly redeveloping Sheikh Zayed Road near the celebrated Museum of the Future, the development will rise to iconic heights, exceeding 500 metres and ranking among the world’s tallest buildings. Featuring a distinctive contemporary architectural style, conjoined by a cantilevered sky lobby extending over 200 metres above the ground, visible from both the north and south elevations. This architectural marvel will transform the city’s striking skyline, setting a new standard for luxury living and hospitality in a destination renowned for its unrivalled collection of five-star hotels. Simon Casson, CEO of Corinthia Hotels, commented: “We are proud and honoured to be bringing the Corinthia brand to Dubai, a city I know and love from my decade-long residence here. This architectural gem honours the ambitious vision set forth by the inspired leadership of Dubai and is made possible by our valued partnership with Dubai General Properties. Both hotel and residences will be defining in their design and level of aspirational luxury; matched only by the elevated, intuitive service levels delivered by the people of Corinthia, with the Spirit of Corinthia.” On track to become a global landmark, the new development will showcase the five-star luxury Corinthia Dubai, alongside Corinthia-branded serviced penthouses and apartments, each offering breathtaking views and elegant interiors. Guests and residents will have …

Rotana is working on its strategies to attract more visitors this Ramadan and beyond. Timur Ilgaz, Area Vice President – Dubai & Northern Emirates, Rotana Hotels & Resorts shared in an exclusive interview with TTME. What is your strategy for attracting visitors during Ramadan and the Eid holiday, particularly from Abu Dhabi and the GCC? Tailored Offerings: We design special packages that include iftar and suhoor experiences, showcasing a mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine, while ensuring the ambiance reflects the spirit of Ramadan. We also offer flexible booking options, ensuring guests can enjoy extended stays with exclusive rates. Emphasizing Cultural and Local Traditions: At Rotana, we prioritize integrating local culture and customs into our experiences. During Ramadan, we focus on promoting the values of generosity, family, and togetherness, which resonate with our guests. This can include activities such as traditional storytelling sessions, local music performances, and showcasing regional crafts. Exclusive Eid Celebrations: Eid is a time of joy and celebration, and we create memorable experiences for families and business travellers alike. From lavish Eid brunches to special events and entertainment, we ensure that our offerings are both exciting and culturally relevant. Community Engagement: We emphasize the importance of giving back, so we partner with charitable organizations to host events that support local communities, ensuring that our guests can participate in meaningful initiatives. Enhanced Customer Experience: Our focus is always on service excellence, so we ensure that staff are well-trained to cater to the specific needs of Ramadan and Eid guests. This includes offering special touches, such as pre-arrival communications and thoughtful amenities that enhance the guest experience. By delivering a balanced combination of cultural sensitivity, exclusive offers, and high-level …

Taj Dubai walked away winning the title of ‘Best Luxury Hotel’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Best Luxury Hotel in Dubai at the Arabian Travel Awards is a prestigious recognition that highlights the hotel’s commitment to unmatched service, worldclass experiences, and excellence in one of the world’s most competitive luxury markets. This award not only strengthens its position as an industry leader but also enhances its reputation, guest trust, and market visibility while motivating the team to set new benchmarks in luxury hospitality.”-Saurabh Tiwari, Area Director, Middle East & CIS, Taj Hotels.

Mövenpick Hotel Wa’ad Al Shamal has officially opened its doors, marking a significant milestone as the first five-star hotel in Saudi Arabia’s Northern region. Mövenpick Wa’ad Al Shamal 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. For relaxation and wellness, guests can enjoy dedicated male and female spa areas featuring indoor swimming pools, separate fitness centers, steam rooms, saunas, and rejuvenating massage services. Whether for business or leisure, Mövenpick Wa’ad Al Shamal delivers a seamless experience, offering comfort, convenience, and authentic Saudi hospitality in one of the Kingdom’s most promising emerging destinations. The grand opening was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan Bin AbdulAziz, Governor of the Northern Borders Region, in the presence of His Excellency Minister of Industry and Minerals Bander Al Khorayef, and His Excellency Vice-Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs, Khaled Al Modaifir, alongside Moustafa Manoon, Vice President of Operations, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Accor, and other distinguished guests. To mark the occasion, His Royal Highness, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony underscoring the hotel’s contribution to the region’s growing tourism sector and alignment with Vision 2030. Owners Abdullah Al Jaber and Abdulrahman Al Jaber presented a specially crafted key to Naseer Thodi, General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Wa’ad Al Shamal, as a symbolic gift, celebrating the hotel’s debut. Guests were welcomed with a vibrant cultural experience, beginning with the traditional Arda dance, a symbol of Saudi heritage and unity. The celebrations continued into the evening …

HBX Group  and Minor Hotels have announced the global expansion of their preferred distribution partnership. The expanded partnership builds on the success of Minor Hotels and HBX Group’s existing collaboration in Europe and the Americas. Under the agreement, Minor Hotels will add 181 properties from Asia, Australasia, Africa and the Middle East to its distribution partnership. The group will also designate HBX Group as a preferred B2B distribution partner, enabling streamlined distribution, optimised operational costs, and greater control over rates and inventory. HBX Group’s global network, which connects 60,000 travel distributors across over 190 source markets, will now have access to over 560 Minor Hotels properties across 58 countries. These include renowned brands such as Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, Tivoli, NH, NH Collection, nhow and Oaks. Looking ahead, Minor Hotels announced its intent to add nearly 300 properties to its portfolio over the next three years, which will also join the preferred distribution partnership. Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer at HBX Group, commented: “This global partnership represents a significant milestone in our collaboration with Minor Hotels. By consolidating distribution efforts and reducing operational complexity, we are enabling Minor to streamline its strategy and focus on reaching high-value markets where we can add real value. HBX Group becomes an extension of Minor’s commercial arm, bringing their brands to markets and customers that would otherwise be out of reach. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for what a true partnership between a hospitality group and a distribution tech platform should look like.” Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels, added: “Our partnership with HBX Group has been instrumental in maintaining our agility and efficiency, allowing us to leverage best …

The National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels (NCT&H)  announced the strategic expansion of its luxury hospitality portfolio through the addition of four world-class properties. The newly integrated properties include two of Abu Dhabi’s most distinguished luxury resorts—The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa—as well as two internationally renowned destinations: Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives and the newly opened Cheval Blanc Seychelles. These additions expand NCT&H’s portfolio, increasing its capacity to nearly 1,500 rooms and strengthening its presence in the ultra-luxury segment. This significant development strengthens NCT&H’s position as a leader in the domestic and international luxury hospitality sector and reaffirms its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to guests. H.E. Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani, Chairman of the Board – NCT&H, commented: “The integration of these prestigious assets marks a transformative chapter for NCT&H, positioning us as a key player in the global luxury hospitality market. Our expanded portfolio allows us to offer unparalleled guest experiences while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a premier destination for high-end tourism.” This transaction was made possible through a strategic partnership with Alpha Dhabi Holding, which acquired a controlling stake of 73.73% in NCT&H. This investment further strengthens NCT&H’s ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the luxury hospitality sector and reinforces Alpha Dhabi’s commitment to driving impactful growth in high-potential markets. With a legacy of excellence in hotel ownership, management, and operations, NCT&H continues to play a pivotal role in promoting Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality industry. The newly acquired properties complement NCT&H’s existing luxury assets, which include InterContinental Abu Dhabi, InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi, Danat Al Ain Resort, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, and Dhafra …

Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai bagged ‘Best 5 Star Business Hotel’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “We are humbled and grateful to be recognised for this award for the second year, and we will continue to strive for excellence in everything we do. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. Winning this award is a great honour as it celebrates dedication, and the exceptional service of our team. It is a significant recognition of the team effort, passion, and outstanding service. Our mission is to create memorable guest experiences and emphasises our dedication to excellence.”-Amro Nagah, General Manager, Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai.