Category Archives: Hotels

Radisson Hotel Group announced the debut of its second brand and third hotel in Morocco with the signing of Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle in partnership with Al Hoceinia Hospitality. With construction already underway, the hotel is scheduled to open in 2023 and will consist of 133 guestrooms and suites. Located in the heart of Casablanca’s vibrant and exclusive Gauthier district, one of the prominent corporate, financial and entertainment districts, Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle is just 2.5 km from the glistening La Corniche, the charming Old Medina, and Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world. The hotel will offer a unique view over the Arab League Park and will also form part of La Citadelle, a new, premium mixed-use development which will comprise of residences, offices and retail outlets. Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa & Turkey, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Morocco is a strategic bridge between Europe and the rest of Africa, and a key focus market in our African development strategy. We aim to grow our Moroccan portfolio to over 15 hotels within the next three to five years, and Casablanca is a key city where we are looking to expand our footprint to more than five hotels. Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle is the Moroccan debut of our fastest-growing brand in Africa, and marks our third hotel in the country, joining our other two successful properties, Radisson Blu Hotel, Casablanca City Center and Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden. We expect to introduce each of our remaining three brands but also cover all segments, from business hotels to resort properties, as well as serviced apartments. I would like to take …

Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel has launched a range of deals for the Dubai property, from long-stay deals to residents’ special offers. The property, which launched in late 2019, and located just a short walk from Ibn Battuta mall with its range of shopping, dining and entertainment, is offering 30% off room rates for UAE residents looking for a city staycation. Guests will also be able to avail a 25% discount on F&B, 20% on laundry, and receive a complimentary room upgrade and late checkout. With glittering city views from its rooftop pool, the property is the perfect urban getaway for a short stay with per night prices starting at just AED 129 per room exclusive of taxes. Within easy reach of the metro, the hotel is also conveniently located to hop around the city, connecting to locations such as Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai. For those looking for a change of scene or relaxed accommodation with none of the commitments, guests can take advantage of the great value long-stay rates. One month with daily breakfast is just AED 6000 while guests can avail room only for just AED 5000 per month by booking 30 nights or more. Long-stay guests will be able to enjoy 20% discount on food and beverage at Missippi’s Pool Bar & Social Hub. For all in-house guests looking for a beach day, Avani Ibn Battuta is also offering exclusive access to Palm Jumeirah’s Riva Beach Club for only AED 30 per person with complimentary transfers. Yann Decaix, the property’s newly appointed general manager, said: “The way people travel has changed immensely since the pandemic and as such, our offers reflect a changing market. Dubai is …

As one of the destinations the travellers from the Middle East can enjoy during this summer, Maldives has been receiving the highest numbers from the region over the past year. At the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market, Maldives pavilion received the highest number of visitors as well as the destination opened way ahead of others with precaution. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has introduced a Summer Family Camp-Cation to combine family vacation with an amazing kids’ camp for the little ones this summer in the Maldives. The unique summer camp setting featuring sports, crafts and arts will provide little ones with awesome fun filled with discovery, while offering the parents perfect beach holiday with entire family. The ‘Play Hard, Pause Hard’ customizes experiences for adults and for kids elevating every moment as a ‘Hard Rock state of mind’. The unique camp setting features 3 distinctive curriculums featuring sports, crafts, and arts. Highlights of the program include the sports curriculum with Aerial Arts at The Stage, the aerial arts studio, with award-winning aerial instructor Lauren Ault introducing a new form of art to the kids as their express their creativity, improve their coordination and gain superhero balance and strength as they familiarize with apparatus such as silks, hoop, juggling, trapeze, and hammock. Street Safe, a self-defense program created by Master Leo Vieira of CHECKMAT Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy and conducted by Gold Medalist and brown belt Miguel Gomez will develop confidence amongst the little ones through social discipline while introducing them basic skills of body movement, leverage and flow.  The arts and craft curriculum as well promises an equally exhilarating time with various types of dance lessons, music classes, gardening tutorials, marine life …

Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of Radisson Blu Resort, Riyadh Hills Itlalat, and Radisson Blu Resort, Riyadh Hills Shalalah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Despite the challenges due to the pandemic, Radisson Hotel Group is continuing its strong expansion as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With over 45 hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments in operation and under development, Radisson Hotel Group and its investors remain committed to increasing its presence and promise towards the Kingdom. As the economic and commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is the largest city within the Kingdom and remains a strategic destination for the Group’s expansion. Over the past years, major international companies who have established their regional headquarters in Riyadh have once again endorsed the capital’s ambitions to become one of the top business cities in the world. The city has also announced the launch of a series of megaprojects with aim of beautifying the capital and aligning its urban development goals with the ambitious Vision 2030. Whilst the Kingdom continue its efforts to become one of the leading business hubs, Riyadh has also been adding multiple entertainment and leisure ventures to attract tourists from both the country and abroad. From shopping malls and parks to desert trekking and museums, Riyadh has a range of different activities to try. Elie Milky, Vice President Business Development, Middle East, Cyprus, Greece and Pakistan, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “We are proud to announce our new partnership with Al Haqbani Holding and Al Khair Capital Saudi Arabia. The signing of both Radisson Blu Resort, Riyadh Hills Itlalat and Radisson Blu Resort, Riyadh Hills Shalalah will positively contribute to Saudi Arabia’s …

21st edition of the Hotel Show kicked off at the World Trade Center with 250 exhibitors, the three day event will conclude on 2nd June 2021. The Hotel Show Dubai is the largest event of its kind in the region connecting industry leaders from over 20 countries for the first time in more than a year, making up for time missed during the pandemic. Visitors can look forward to three days of engaging networking and rich inspiration, enhanced with a world-class line-up of conferences and seminars, supplemented with a host of live competitions and demonstrations. Andy White, Senior Vice President at dmg events says, “Our aim at The Hotel Show 2021 is to educate, inspire and entertain. We’re delighted to be back after 15 months, and, as a result have focused on developing outstanding content for this year’s edition. We are pleased to have doubled the number of seminars and have three times as many speakers as previous editions. We are delighted with how day one has done with an array of things to experience under one roof and can’t wait for days two and three.” International participants at this year’s show are predicting the 21st edition to unveil a wealth of trade and tourism insights, as well as solidify restored confidence in the region’s growing hospitality market. Experts predict that the UAE will be one of the fastest tourism markets in the world to recover from the pandemic, due to its strong governance and regulatory framework, and rapid vaccination roll-out. Muhammed Khomeini, Director of Indonesian Trade Promotion Center and organiser of the official Indonesian pavilion comments; “Nine Indonesian manufacturers are participating at the Hotel Show Dubai. Dubai has been rated the safest city in the world for business and leisure travellers. The city’s rapid economic …

BOLLYWOOD PARKS Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts has monumental plans for the rest of 2021 with its array of exciting launches. These include two world-first rides and record setting thrills inspired by the Now You See Me and John Wick movies at MOTIONGATE Dubai, the region’s first and a world record breaking wooden coaster at BOLLYWOOD PARK Dubai, and the launch of the Middle East’s first LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND Dubai. Rami Mashini, Vice President Sales, Marketing, and Strategic Partnerships at DXB Entertainments said, “Being one of Dubai’s leading tourist destinations, we are dedicated to continually think about ways to innovate and expand our incredible theme parks. We promise amazing experiences to our guests and this year will see Dubai Parks and Resorts launch record-breaking concepts that will set the standard for theme parks in the region, and will raise the thrills at the park to new heights. It is an exciting time for everyone as people are able to move around Dubai more freely, and international travellers can start to plan their trips to Dubai. We couldn’t be happier to be launching these world-first rides, and an incredibly unique hotel destination for families this year, so we can look to the future together and have something exciting to look forward to.” This year, the region’s largest Hollywood-inspired theme park, MOTIONGATE™ Dubai will substantially add to its offering as the park will become home to the first ever theme park coaster that has been inspired by the global hit action franchise, John Wick, as well as introducing the world’s fastest single-car spinning coaster that has been based on the popular heist thriller franchise, Now You See Me. Reaffirming the already …

IHG Hotels & Resorts, has signed a Management Agreement with Mabany Edris to open Holiday Inn New Assiut Asayla. The hotel was signed at a ceremony in Egypt in presence of Abdel Fattah Al-Assi, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and Mohamad Anwar, Deputy Head of Urban Communities Authorities. IHG has a strong legacy in Egypt, having opened its first hotel in 1980s, and currently operates over 2000 rooms and have more than 800 rooms in the pipeline, across brands. The announcement follows several high-profile signings this year, across IHG’ luxury and lifestyle, premium, essentials and suites collections, underscoring the company’s progressive expansion plans across the MEA region. Further, the signing strengthens IHG’s mainstream portfolio in MEA, in line with demands across key markets in the region. Commenting on the signing, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said, “As Egypt continues to appeal to business and leisure travellers, we are committed to accelerating our growth and diversify our offering to cater to the needs of varied guest profiles, and also supporting development of new cities and tourist destinations in the country . We are also very pleased with the strong progress we are making in expanding our presence in the mainstream segment across the MEA region. The region is poised for a new era of travel as it undergoes a historic period of growth and transformation, and we anticipate demand from a wider base of travellers who will look for wide-ranging hospitality options. He added, We are excited about this new venture with our partner Mabany Edris who has a wealth of experience in the property sector locally, and we look forward to welcoming guests to …

Marriott International unveil a collection of one-of-a-kind adventures in the Middle East and Africa curated in partnership with Quintessentially, the world’s leading luxury concierge company. Available to book now, each distinct itinerary features extraordinary experiences unique to the destination, paired with luxurious accommodations, flawless service and exceptional culinary offerings. “Our guests are seeking new ways to explore a destination with a renewed sense of discovery and desire for personalised experiences,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “Following our successful partnership with Quintessentially last year, which saw the launch of several distinct itineraries across Europe and the United States, we are thrilled to enhance our collaboration by debuting this series of bespoke adventures across the Middle East and Africa. These unique itineraries will offer guests access to immersive and luxurious journeys created with the expertise of this leading concierge company.” Luxury guests are increasingly seeking bespoke holidays which offer a more private approach. These curated experiences reflect this trend and address the growing demand for personalised experiences in trending and emerging markets.  Whether travelling to Jeddah or the Seychelles, the bespoke itineraries promise an unforgettable escape to some of the region’s most vibrant cities and island retreats. Guests can cruise the Gulf Sea by private yacht, enjoy a majestic evening in Dubai’s sand dunes, explore the unique marine eco-system in Abu Dhabi’s mangroves, snorkel in Saudi Arabia’s pristine coral reefs or spend an afternoon island hopping in the Seychelles, and more. “As the resurgence of safe travel gains momentum, we are delighted to expand upon our partnership with Marriott for this exclusive Middle East and Africa adventure series,” said Darren Ellis, Group …

Majid Al Futtaim has announced that it will be the Official Hotel Partner for the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The partnership was officiated at an event held by Majid Al Futtaim at the Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates on Monday 24 May. The celebration was attended by Her Majesty’s Ambassador Patrick Moody, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner Simon Penney, UK Commissioner General for Expo 2020 Dubai Laura Faulkner OBE, and officials from the Department of International Trade UAE. Majid Al Futtaim was represented by Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, Fuad Sharaf, Managing Director, UAE Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties and Khalifa Bin Braik, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim – Hotels. The collaboration aims to foster opportunities between Majid Al Futtaim, UK entities, businesses and travellers in the lead up to Expo 2020 – and beyond its six-month run that begins on 1 October 2021 – by promoting the company’s compelling range of hospitality, leisure and entertainment experiences, shopping and F&B offerings. In line with this, the agreement will see Majid Al Futtaim host distinguished guests and celebrities from the UK and provide them with exclusive VIP services and experiences during Expo 2020. This will include hosting all British delegations in its world-class hotel brands. Additionally, opportunities to participate in key UK Pavilion business events will be an important benefit for Majid Al Futtaim and its partners as part of the relationship. Khalifa Bin Braik, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim – Hotels, said, “Becoming the official hotel partner of the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 is an incredible honour. As proud partners, we look forward to welcoming the British delegations and their …

Accor is opening its first Raffles Resort in the Middle East, on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Set to open in the last quarter of 2021, Raffles the Palm Dubai will be the first ultra-luxury addition to Accor’s existing diverse portfolio in Dubai. The group is partnering with Emerald Palace group (EGP), which has been successfully developing and constructing residential projects in Ukraine, UAE and Russia since 1996. At present, EGP has 8 new developments under construction, with a further 10 at project stage. “We are pleased to partner with Accor to establish the first Raffles resort in the Middle East. Our international expertise in developing and constructing hotel and residential projects combined with Accor’s knowledge, presence and prestigious brand portfolio set the grounds to open the best hotel in town!” mentioned Dr. Nver Mkhitaryan, Owner of EGP Group. Raffles the Palm Dubai will be situated within 100,000 sqm landscape on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island and archipelago. Its privileged location boasts panoramic sea views and vistas of the Dubai’s iconic skyline while offering a tranquil and private escape, just a short drive away from the city’s vibrant attractions. Once open, the resort will offer 389 luxurious rooms – starting from 65sqm- , suites and villas, each of them featuring a balcony and terrace showcasing unparalleled sea views. Not only will this new property offer unrivalled hospitality, it will also go beyond expectations by providing the legendary Raffles butler service and offering eight new unique lifestyle food and beverage experiences. Guests looking to relax during their stay will be able to indulge in Cing Mondes Spa, an award winning 3,000sqm Parisian brand with an iconic …