Category Archives: Hotels

Millennium Hotels & Resorts Middle East announced the signing of its first Millennium Central property in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in partnership with Hasaad Real Estate, on stage at the Saudi Arabia Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC), held in Riyadh from January 21-22, 2020. Following the opening of the first Millennium Central hotel in Downtown Dubai just six months ago, Millennium Central Jeddah will mark the brand’s debut in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is the fourth hotel in the Millennium Central brand portfolio. A four-star hotel with 210 rooms and suites spread across two towers, the Millennium Central Jeddah will feature three food & beverage outlets, a swimming pool, a health club, three meeting rooms and an event hall with outdoor area. Millennium Central is the group’s urban four-star brand in central urban locations featuring contemporary design fused with local influences including signature art in each of the properties. In December, Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA revealed its ambitious development plans for Saudi Arabia with a goal of operating 25 hotels kingdom-wide by 2025. The group is targeting strategic locations in every region across the country as it maps out its blueprint for growth over the next five years. Commenting on the signing, Kevork Deldelian, Chief Executive Officer, Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, said, “The signing of the Millennium Central Jeddah represents our ongoing commitment to development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a market we have been operating in for five years.”

Avani Hotels & Resorts announces signing of the first Avani property in Kenya. The Avani Nairobi Suites is currently under development by Fedha Group, one of Kenya’s leading real estate developers. Scheduled to open by the end of 2020, the new-build 15-storey property will further strengthen the Avani brand’s presence in Africa, alongside its existing properties in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique and Lesotho. Avani Nairobi Suites will offer 120 keys, comprising of 90 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom serviced apartments. The all-suite property will be located in the heart of Westlands, a prime business and leisure district of Nairobi, with direct access to an array of multi-national corporations, restaurants and bars all just a 40-minute drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. “With Avani already present with six properties in Southern Africa in addition to a very successful resort in the Seychelles, this is a significant strategic step for the brand to debut in Kenya,” said Javier Pardo, Vice President Avani Hotels & Resorts. Ramine Behnam, Vice President Development for EMEA Minor Hotels, also commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Fedha Group for this new property in Nairobi’s strategic Westlands district, introducing the Avani brand in Kenya and bridging a strong existing leisure offering across East Africa.” “Minor Hotels are exactly the growing and forward thinking hotel group that we are proud to partner with – Nairobi is again deservedly in the news with a new facility worthy of its International City status.” said Dhruv Pandit, CEO of Fedha Group, the Developers.

Marriott International announces signing a landmark agreement with Nahdet Al-Mashaer to open a 2,600-room Fairfield by Marriott property in Makkah. The agreement is expected to deliver the first Fairfield by Marriott property to the Middle East and Africa region, create the largest Fairfield hotel in the world and bring one of the largest hotels to the growing religious destination of Makkah. Construction for the Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem has already commenced and the hotel is slated to open in 2023. “We are thrilled to be working with Nahdet Al-Mashaer to create a distinctive Fairfield by Marriott that will serve Makkah, the sought-out destination for rising numbers of religious pilgrims. We expect this hotel to become a popular destination, especially given the strong demand for high-quality lodging in the Holy City.” said Jerome Briet, Marriott International, Chief Development Officer, Middle East and Africa. “As a company, we remain focused on developing projects that further enhance Makkah as one of the most important destinations in Saudi Arabia while supporting the overall growth and development of the Kingdom. We are excited to collaborate with Marriott International to open the Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem, which will be one of the largest hotels in the Holy City. The reliability of the Fairfield by Marriott brand, Marriott’s world-class service standards and the central location of the property, will make it an ideal hotel destination for those visiting for Umrah and Haj when the property opens in 2023,” said Emad Hejazi, Chairman of Nahdet Al-Mashaer.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) to open an office in Riyadh in March 2020. The news comes as IHG continues to expand its portfolio in the Kingdom in response to Vision 2030 and the opportunities it presents to the tourism and hospitality sector. The new office will also drive the performance of IHG’s existing estate further in the country and simultaneously support the expanding portfolio, as well as the company’s ambition towards leading ‘Saudization’ efforts in the industry. To lead IHG’s business in Saudi Arabia, Bastien Blanc has been appointed as Managing Director, KSA and Bahrain effective March 1, 2020. In his current role with IHG, Bastien is responsible for leading the operations across IHG’s portfolio of hotels in the Middle East and Africa, including KSA. In his new role, Bastien will be responsible for driving both growth and performance for IHG in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. With extensive experience of working in KSA, Bastien has been deeply ingrained into the market. He has also been leading IHG’s ‘Saudization’ efforts which he will continue to drive further in his new role. Bastien will continue to report to Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, IMEA, IHG. Commenting on the recent developments, Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, IMEA, IHG said, “Saudi Arabia is a key market for IHG in the Middle East. With Saudi Vision 2030 and the rapid socio-economic transformation in the country, we believe, the tourism and hospitality industry will continue to be presented with unparalleled opportunities. We are therefore, pleased to solidify our presence in the country with the opening of a new office in the capital city, and appoint a talented team led by Bastien, to drive our growth and performance in …

Radisson Hotel Group announces the signing of Radisson Hotel Apartments Muscat Ghala Heights in the Sultanate of Oman. The newest addition brings the group’s portfolio up to eight hotels across five brands – including Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Park Inn by Radisson – and will strengthen the group’s leading position within the Sultanate. Due to open in Q4 2022, the Radisson Hotel Apartments Muscat Ghala Heights will perfectly complement Radisson Hotel Group’s array of city and leisure hotels across Oman. Guests requiring even more space or a longer stay will find exceptional accommodation in the hotel’s 280 serviced apartments. The newly-build hotel will have a lobby bar, an all-day dining restaurant and one specialty restaurant. Guests will be able to enjoy an outdoor swimming pool as well as leisure facilities such as a ladies’ and men’s fitness studio. The hotel’s conference venue will offer 850sqm, including two conference rooms and one large ballroom of fully equipped, state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities for the local and international business communities.  Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “The Radisson Hotel Apartments Muscat Ghala Heights marks the arrival of the city’s second Radisson and will be our 5th hotel in Muscat. We thank our partners for their trust and look forward to an exciting and rewarding journey, creating opportunities for our guests, owners and employees.” Saud Bin Hamed Bin Issa Al Tae (owning company) said, “We are delighted to partner with Radisson Hotel Group on this project and to be able to contribute to the tourism sector in Muscat. Radisson Hotel Apartments Muscat Ghala Heights will be a great addition to Muscat and we’re looking forward to working …

Dusit Princess Residences Dubai Marina officially announced its highly-anticipated reopening, bringing in an exciting new chapter in the Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ property. The hotel will be opening its doors on the February 1, 2020 after undergoing a complete renovation designed to facilitate business and leisure. Discerning travellers can expect new levels of unparalleled, tastefully-designed living spaces and extraordinary service following the hotel’s renovation. The 35-story building has been revamped with fully-furnished luxury apartments, holiday homes, and residential units designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving a spectacular view of the Marina. Each unit will come with a choice of either one, two, or three-bedroom configurations and are all fully integrated with comprehensive facilities and services to make guests feel right at home. Additionally, the property will offer a variety of large, glamorous penthouse options, perfect for any in-city get away. “It is our wish and utmost desire that our guests will continue to create memories and new experiences at the hotel, we want our guests to feel the comforts of home no matter where their travels might lead them,” says Bassam Zakaria, General Manager of Dusit Princess Residences Dubai Marina. The hotel will also be a health-frantics dream hub, set to adopt a more health conscious property, introducing a brand new fitness outlet, KO8 Fitness Center, as well as a wholesome eatery, Baker’s Kitchen. Dusit Princess Residences is within easy proximity to Bluewaters Island, The Beach, neighbourhood eateries, shopping malls, and just minutes away from the bustling The Walk JBR, a strip packed with Dubai’s top restaurants and shops.

Accor has partnered with UAE entertainment giant, Bulldozer Group, to unlock more exclusive and dynamic experiences for members of its newly launched lifestyle loyalty programme, ALL – Accor Live Limitless. The collaboration builds on Accor’s ambition to become a lifestyle enabler, with Bulldozer Group famed for its portfolio of original nightlife venues and award-winning restaurants, including Gaia, Scalini and Shanghai Me as well as state-of-the-art productions and cutting-edge events through BASE Dubai that are setting regional and global trends. Following the deal between the two leading lifestyle brands, ALL – Accor Live Limitless members will be offered privileges at most Bulldozer Group venues and restaurants, including BASE Dubai, an immersive open-air super club that regularly plays host to A-list celebrities. Backstage passes and meet-and-greets with artists are also up for grabs as part of partnership benefits. Diamond members will also be entitled to receive special benefits at Bulldozer Group restaurants with the choice of premium dining experiences including Shanghai Me, Scalini and Gaia. The exclusive privileges don’t end there; during the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which takes place every November, Accor will host an exclusive F1 party and other exciting hospitality events for ALL members. “As an operator of dynamic nightlife venues and restaurants with a distinctive atmosphere, the Bulldozer Group is the perfect fit for Accor and what it has set out to achieve with ALL – Accor Live Limitless,” said Yigit Sezgin, Chief Commercial Officer, Accor Middle East & Africa. Evgeny Kuzin, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Bulldozer Group, said, “A limitless lifestyle is an important part of our core culture, an ideology that we promote and facilitate for all of our clients, and one of …

Luxury five-star hotel C Central Resort The Palm marks the beginning of 2020 with a milestone event – its grand opening in Dubai. A 203-key luxury beachfront hotel with magnificent views of the Arabian Gulf, C Central Resort The Palm is strategically located in Dubai’s iconic man-made island, home to some of Dubai’s top luxury resorts – the Palm Jumeirah. “We are pleased to launch C Central Resort The Palm, a rare gem that sparkles in the sea, where guests can truly experience privacy and beachfront living, unwind and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean,” says Abdulla Al Abdulla, Chief Operating Officer of Central Hotels. “Our top clients are travellers and tourists from the CIS market, as well as guests from GCC & Middle East, Southeast Asia, Far East Asia, Europe and Latin America,” adds Basel Eshak Butrs, General Manager of C Central Resort The Palm. Featuring 192 spacious and well-equipped rooms, 11 stunning suites, four distinctly themed F&B outlets, a world-class spa & wellness centre, and a state-of-the-art gym, C Central Resort The Palm exemplifies a grand canvas of contemporary sophistication and luxurious tranquility. Both leisure and business travellers are in for something new & exciting. Within close proximity to prominent business districts, top attractions and the airports, the new hotel is the perfect address for modern travellers.

Meraas has announced a partnership with Hilton that will see three hotels at Al Seef operate under Hilton brands. Hilton will operate the Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef and Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton. Originally opened in 2018, the three hotels are located at Al Seef, the bustling waterfront destination by Meraas that blends traditional Arabesque scenery with a contemporary vibe, along the shore of Dubai Creek. Mukesh Sodani, Deputy CEO of Meraas, said, “To be collaborating with three Hilton brands is a testament to the diversity of the hospitality portfolio we have developed and delivered over the past decade in Dubai. It’s another example of how we continue to enhance the hospitality sector in Dubai and contribute to achieving the Emirate’s Tourism Vision 2020.” Commenting on the opening of these hotels, Rudi Jagersbacher, President for Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Hilton, said, “We are delighted to be adding these three spectacular hotels to our portfolio here in Dubai. Reflecting the best of both old and new Dubai, they are perfectly suited to our brand portfolio and are great additions to our existing properties in the city.” Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef offers contemporary hotel spaces featuring modern artwork in the lobby and public areas, a stylish restaurant featuring free hot breakfast and a bright aesthetic that provides a place to relax and recharge with comfortable spaces. The 200-room Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef is located in the heart of old Dubai and is home to a Mediterranean restaurant and rooftop bar. The property will undergo minor changes to its public space in Q1 2020 to create …

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Ajman, Ramada by Wyndham Beach Hotel Ajman and Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche, organised a roundtable with a focus on the correlation between sustainability and profitability. The panel, composed of seven experts in the field of sustainability and hospitality shared their respective insights on the topic. With the theme ‘Sustainability: responsibility or profitability?’, they discussed the commercial advantages of different eco-friendly practices, and deliberated on the challenges of getting all industries on board. The discussion also included the importance of creating awareness across all stakeholders, aligning the company’s vision vis-à-vis the projected benefits, and the long-term financial gains of sustainable schemes and their effect on overall business model.   Iftikhar Hamdani, Cluster General Manager, The Ramada Hotel and Suites by Wyndham Ajman, highlighted, “Ramada Ajman has been campaigning for sustainability since 2012 and we have established an outstanding case study on its commercial benefits within our operations. We have an annual savings of AED120,000 from our zero landfill initiative, and  have proven that it is possible to have a profitable and socially-responsible business. Another point that we want to highlight is the value of staff retention in the success of any campaigns related to sustainability, which equates to higher profit for the business.” The other panellists are John Arnold, director of GreenGood Eco-Tech; Harbinder Singh, managing director of Sudeku; Rafik Kamel, director for franchise operations for Middle East and Africa of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Khadeeja Balkhi, CEO and editor-in-chief of The CSR Journal; Fraz Ajmal, chief services officer of Qissa’ Go.