Category Archives: Hotels

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of The Venue, Vignette Collection Jeddah Corniche. This collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s dynamic Al Harithy Group marks a significant milestone in Jeddah’s hospitality sector, catering to the growing demand for authentic, curated hospitality experiences in the bustling city. Slated to be rebranded by late 2025, the 193-key property is situated on the vibrant Jeddah Corniche with views overlooking the Red Sea Coast. This strategic addition reinforces IHG’s commitment to aligning its growth with the tourism ambitions under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The property will undergo renovation and open as The Venue, Vignette Collection Jeddah Corniche next year, blending contemporary elegance with the property’s rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1997, ensuring a luxury upper-upscale experience. The hotel will feature a diverse range of amenities, including Jeddah’s first pillar-less wedding hall, ‘Duniaty,’ along with indoor and outdoor pools, three dining venues, a state-of-the-art business center, 13 meeting rooms, SPA fitness center, and beauty salon. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “The signing of The Venue, Vignette Collection Jeddah Corniche aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Jeddah, as a gateway to the holy cities and a thriving commercial hub, plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem. This partnership with Al Harithy Group demonstrates our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences tailored to this dynamic destination, while celebrating its history and culture.” The Vignette Collection is a family of one-of-a-kind, exclusive hotels curated for guests seeking rich and varied stay experiences. The brand allows owners of world-class independent hotels to retain their distinctive identity while …

After another record event in 2024, Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, will return to Dubai from 27-29 October 2025 for what will be a milestone event for organisers The Bench, marking 20 years in the UAE for the region’s leading hospitality and tourism investment event, previously known as AHIC. FHS World 2024 saw a record 1,596 attendees representing 735 companies from 60 countries, of which over 550 were women faciliated by the organiser’s #FHSWomenPower initiative. The FHS World Advisory Board convened in Dubai last week to discuss and shape the vision and agenda for this year’s event. The Advisory Board comprises some of the hospitality industry’s most prominent leaders, including Anthony Costa, Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle, Candy Capital; Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Modon Hospitality; Amit Arora, Chief Executive Officer, Arada; Dinky Puri, Founding Partner, Eagle Wing; Othmane Jabri, Principal, Real Estate and Hospitality (Investment), Investment Corporation of Dubai; Nicolas Mayer, Partner, Global Industry Leader Tourism, PwC; Philipp J. Klohr, Senior Vice President, Mubadala Investment Company; Jeff Tisdall, Chief Business Officer Accor One Living, Global Head of Mixed-Use, Ahmed Nazim, Managing Director, Maldives Fund Management Corporation; Aboudi Asali, Executive Vice President, Hotels & Hospitality MENA, JLL, and Saahil Lalit, Vice President | Lodging Development EMEA, Marriott International. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, said: “This will be a very exciting year for us as we celebrate our 20th anniversary in the UAE, and at Madinat Jumeirah where it all began in 2005, and we’re thrilled to have Jumeirah as our Host Sponsor again to mark this milestone moment.” Thomas B. Meier, CEO of Jumeirah, said: “It’s a pleasure to once again sponsor and host FHS World at Madinat …

Select Group announced the acquisition of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, in a landmark transaction valued in excess of AED 200m+.  The Radisson Blu Hotel occupies a prime location in Dubai, surrounded by global corporate headquarters, including META, Pfizer, Samsung, and Mastercard. Select Group plans to embark on a comprehensive refurbishment of the property, with a focus on enhancing its food and beverage offerings to address a critical gap in the area’s hospitality landscape, as well as enhancing all the accommodation and other public areas to cater to the strong demand generators through the corporate catchment. Commenting on the acquisition, Rahail Aslam, Founder & Chairman of Select Group, said:  “We are excited to announce the acquisition of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, marking a pivotal milestone in our ongoing commitment to securing prime assets in strategic locations.  This addition to our hospitality portfolio signifies a key step in our growth journey. As part of our vision, the property will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment program for rooms, public areas and food & beverage venues to enhance the experience for travellers and residents. Our upgrades aim to create dynamic offerings that meet evolving demands, solidifying our dedication to excellence in hospitality.” The deal, brokered by Andrew Love, Regional Partner and Head of Capital Markets at Knight Frank MENA, represents the highest recorded hotel sale transaction in Dubai’s Media Free Zone. Andrew Love, Regional Partner and Head of Capital Markets at Knight Frank MENA, added:“The sale of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City is a testament to Dubai’s continued evolution as a global hotspot for hotel investment. As the highest recorded hotel sale transaction in the Media Free Zone, it demonstrates …

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel in partnership with AirOWater Global unveiled the region’s first 100% water from air sustainable water bottling plant. This innovative initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing critical environmental challenges while setting a new benchmark for water logistics, water security & plastic free environment & sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. The launch event was graced by His Highness Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Department of Tourism Development and His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Ahmed Alsayed Alhashmi, Director General of Ajman Department of Tourism Development. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, expressed his pride in leading this transformative project. “We are proud to launch this sustainable initiative with this bottling plant, which promotes the concept of plastic-free reusable glass bottles. This initiative not only reduces plastic waste in landfills but also leverages an untapped resource – water from air. We believe this solution is a game-changer and will inspire other hotels to adopt similar sustainable practices,” said Hamdani. Shubhojit Mahalanobis, Co-Founder and Partner at AirOWater Global, highlighted the significance of this partnership. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and commend their unwavering commitment to sustainability. Our water-from-air technology and reusable glass bottle model have empowered the hotel to go plastic-free while boosting their ESG credentials. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and exploring new opportunities in the Northern Emirates.” The state-of-the-art bottling plant at Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel produces an impressive 365,000 liters of pure drinking water annually by harnessing atmospheric moisture. This revolutionary “water-from-air” technology eliminates the need for plastic bottles, providing a plastic-free solution for the hotel’s water requirements. The plant …

Makkah Clock Royal Tower (a Fairmont hotel) clenched the title of ‘Best luxury hotel, KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. The hotel is an iconic landmark in the heart of Makkah. Adjacent to Al Masjid Al Haram, it is the closest luxury hotel to Al Kaaba, making it the ideal choice for Umrah and Hajj. With 76 floors, 1,650 elegant rooms and suites, and breathtaking views of Al Kaaba, Al Haram, and Makkah’s skyline, the hotel offers unparalleled comfort. Enjoy family-friendly stays, Fairmont Gold exclusivity, or the refined luxury of the Royal Floor.

Hyatt announced a management agreement with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in AlUla, Hyatt Place AlUla. Expected to open by end of 2025, the hotel will add a total of 215 keys to the Hyatt room portfolio in Saudi Arabia and provide a new destination of choice for World of Hyatt members and guests visiting the region. The planned introduction of Hyatt Place AlUla is part of broader efforts by Hyatt to showcase rich heritage and unique landscapes to international visitors. “We look forward to adding Hyatt Place AlUla to our growing portfolio of properties in the region,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. “This significant project underscores our commitment to expanding our brand presence in key leisure and business markets. We are thrilled that this upcoming hotel will provide more choice to our World of Hyatt members looking to explore the culture and beauty of AlUla.” Hyatt Place AlUla will include 215 modern styled guestrooms, two food and beverage outlets, meeting space, a pool, and a fitness center, ensuring comfortable stays regardless of the travel occasion. Whether traveling for work or to explore AlUla, a rising cultural destination, the new hotel will seamlessly blend functionality with its renowned charm, providing a local home-base for guests and members. Once operational, the property will participate in World of Hyatt, the industry’s fastest growing loyalty program, that offers approximately 51 million members a variety of valuable benefits around the globe, such as member-only offers, room upgrades, free nights, late checkout, and more. Abeer AlAkel, CEO of Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU), said, “The agreement with Hyatt advances RCU’s regeneration of AlUla …

Marriott International announced the signing of Sheraton Al Khobar Al Hamra with Ashaad Company – marking the debut of the Sheraton brand in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in 2028, Sheraton Al Khobar Al Hamra will reflect the brand’s new vision with its design and activations, use of technology and welcoming communal spaces. “Sheraton has had a long-standing presence in the Kingdom, and we are excited to work with Ashaad Company to further expand the brand’s portfolio in the country with its entry into Al Khobar,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. “This hotel will embody Sheraton’s new identity, offering guests a unique experience through enhanced services and designs while staying true to its legacy. This deal also further supports the demand we are seeing for business and leisure travel into the Eastern Province of the country.” Ali bin Mohammed Al Ali, Chairman of Ashaad, commented: “In light of the great momentum in the Kingdom, driven by transformational developments and its growing reputation as a regional and international hub for global events, we at Ashaad are proud to be part of this remarkable transformation. Our strategic agreement with Marriott International and Aleph Hospitality to introduce the prestigious Sheraton brand to the city of Al Khobar represents an important step in our commitment to delivering world-class hotel projects. This collaboration reflects our dedication to enhancing the hospitality sector by providing unparalleled experiences to guests from around the world. The new Sheraton Al Khobar Al Hamra will embody creativity and sophistication, in line with the brand’s new identity while meeting the aspirations of visitors and residents of the Kingdom. We are honoured to contribute to …

Valor Hospitality Partners signed a strategic Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Karmastaji Group to oversee a portfolio of 3 hotels in Dubai, 259 keys and 5 outlets. This partnership underscores the trust that Dubai-based Karmastaji Group has placed in Valor Hospitality Partners Middle East to deliver exceptional operational efficiency and maximize investment returns. Valor’s expertise in hospitality management continues to help visionary developers like Karmastaji Group transform their assets into successful business ventures. Julien Bergue, Co-Founder & Managing Partner for the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia at Valor Hospitality Partners, commented: “We are proud to partner with Karmastaji Group, a forward-thinking developer with a robust pipeline of projects aimed at elevating hospitality investments and modern living standards in the UAE and GCC region. At Valor, our mission is to contribute to the UAE’s hospitality success story by delivering operational excellence and sustainable growth. Together, we aim to achieve exceptional results aligned with the visionary goals of Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sectors.” By leveraging its comprehensive range of services—including acquisition advisory, branding, asset management, and innovative food and beverage concepts—Valor Hospitality Partners ensures its partners achieve long-term value creation and success. Rashed Karmastaji, Chairman of Karmastaji Group, added: “Partnering with Valor Hospitality Partners is a strategic step in our journey to expand our portfolio and set new benchmarks in the UAE’s hospitality sector. With Valor’s proven expertise, we are confident in delivering exceptional guest experiences and achieving our current and future business objectives.” As Dubai continues to thrive as a global tourism and hospitality hub, Valor remains committed to supporting the UAE’s and Dubai 2040 vision. By collaborating with developers like Karmastaji Group, Valor solidifies its position as a trusted and preferred …

Marriott International signed an agreement with Al Qimmah Hospitality Company and Amwaj Real Estate Company to open a 2,179-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in 2026, the Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem would become the brand’s largest hotel in the world, providing exceptional hospitality, modern comfort and unparalleled convenience for visitors and pilgrims alike. Dr. Abdul Razzaq BinDawood, Chairman of Al Qimmah commented, “The signing of the agreement reflects the the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework which aims to position the country as a global hub for religious and cultural tourism and continues to promote cultured real estate development. We are constructing high-quality towers within the Al Naseem District, as part of our ongoing commitment to serve guests and travelers to the Holy Mosque. This will be one of our largest developments to date and continuation of our strategic collaboration with Marriott International.” “We are pleased to build on our relationship with Al Qimmah Hospitality and BinDawood Trading with this landmark agreement to open the world’s largest Courtyard by Marriott in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. “This agreement underscores Marriott International’s commitment to supporting the growth of the Kingdom’s tourism sector and reinforces the continued demand we are seeing for our portfolio of brands in the Holy City of Makkah.” The Courtyard by Marriott brand has the largest global footprint among Marriott’s portfolio of over 30 brands, focusing on thoughtful, sophisticated design elements and amenities, providing travelers with an elevated experience to relax and recharge. Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem is anticipated to comprise 2,179 thoughtfully designed guestrooms …

Luxury international hotel chain Delano has set up its Dubai home on Bluewaters Island. The brand has been brought to the city by Ennismore, which is also behind the operations of Banyan Tree Dubai, situated on the same island. With 251 rooms, including 84 suites – some with private pools – and amenities like an ocean-front swimming pool, exceptional dining concepts and more, Delano Dubai defines opulence and promises five-star hospitality.