Category Archives: Hotels

Novotel Riyadh Sahafa was recognised as the ‘Best 4-Star Hotel’ at the inaugural edition of the Arabian Travel Awards  Saudi Arabia 2025. “It’s a great honour to be nominated this evening for this prestigious award. I hope that we will gain many awards by the end of this lovely night. It’s a good recognition and an excellent recognition, not only for me but also for the hotel team. And for me, it’s kind of a coronation of all the efforts that have been happening since.”- Hessa Almazroa, General Manager, Novotel Riyadh Sahafa.

Scheduled to open late 2026, Lincoln Casablanca, A Radisson Collection Hotel will be situated in the heart of Mohammed V Avenue in the historical city center. One of North Africa’s most important heritage restorations, the Art Deco “The Lincoln Hotel” was built in 1916 by the renowned French architect, Hubert Bride. Renovations are underway to revive the iconic hotel, offering a peaceful sanctuary within walking distance of the city’s major attractions, such as the Casablanca Marina, Old Medina, and Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Africa.

As the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global tourism and hospitality hub, payment infrastructure is playing a growing role in protecting profitability and financial efficiency. Beyond occupancy levels and room rates, international collections, exchange rate fluctuations, and delayed settlements can quietly impact margins for hotels and restaurants operating across borders. PaySelect, an innovative UAE-based payments comparison platform, is reshaping how hospitality businesses manage their payment infrastructure, enabling them to compare and implement more efficient payment processing, cross-border transactions, and FX solutions tailored to their operations. “Hospitality operators often focus on revenue growth, yet the way funds move into and out of the business has a direct impact on profitability,” said Sissel Nielsen, Founder & CEO of PaySelect. “We work with hotels and restaurants to modernise their payment infrastructure, reduce avoidable international costs, and improve settlement predictability — without disrupting their commercial relationships.” Hotels receiving payments from overseas tour operators, travel agencies, and global partners frequently rely on traditional bank transfers that involve intermediary banks, retail FX spreads, and multi-day settlement cycles. These inefficiencies can restrict liquidity and create operational friction, particularly during peak seasons. Through PaySelect’s network of regulated payment and FX partners, hospitality businesses can collect international payments via local accounts in key source markets such as Europe, the UK, and the United States. Overseas partners transact domestically, while funds are consolidated and settled into the UAE more efficiently, often within one business day. This structure improves cash flow visibility, reduces hidden charges, and enhances financial planning across properties.

Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai is proud to announce the completion of the renovation of its iconic Oud Metha Ballroom and the enhanced Al Nakheel Meeting Rooms, reinforcing the hotel’s position as one of Dubai’s most trusted destinations for unforgettable events. Blending timeless elegance with modern event functionality, the refreshed Oud Metha Ballroom brings together generous scale, seamless accessibility, and understated sophistication, reimagined for today’s experiential celebrations. Centrally located yet discreet, the venue features a separate private entrance, valet access, and thoughtfully designed guest circulation, ensuring every arrival feels elevated, private, and intentional. A defining highlight of the ballroom is its hydraulic stage, a powerful storytelling feature that creates dramatic reveal moments, from bridal entrances and keynote unveilings to luxury brand and automotive launches. Supported by production-ready infrastructure and generous ceiling height, the ballroom is designed to host everything from refined weddings to high-impact corporate events with ease and confidence. For decades, the Oud Metha Ballroom has held a special place in Dubai’s social scene, welcoming generations of families, corporates, and institutions who return to celebrate life’s most meaningful milestones. In a world where connection is increasingly rare, it remains a place of reconnection, where people gather to share moments that matter. “The Oud Metha Ballroom has always been more than an event space; it is part of the social heritage of Mövenpick Bur Dubai and a venue where generations have celebrated their most important milestones,” said Damir Kartal, Cluster General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai. “With this renovation, we are proud to elevate the ballroom and our meeting rooms into a future-ready destination that reflects modern expectations, while staying true to what defines Mövenpick: generosity, …

In 2027, Radisson Collection will introduce Egypt to its premium portfolio, with the opening of a new resort in Port Phoenice on the Red Sea. Surrounded by pristine coral reefs and untouched coastline, Port Phoenice will be a new, waterfront community featuring Radisson Collection Resort, Marsa Alam Port Phoenice, alongside luxury residences, a golf estate, retail centres and more. A playground for water enthusiasts, this 294-room resort will offer world class diving and snorkeling, serene private beaches, sunset sails, plus a dedicated diving centre, three pools, and beachfront restaurants.

In response to ongoing flight disruptions, Palazzo Versace Dubai is supporting travellers who may experience unexpected delays in the city. To assist affected guests, the hotel is offering a complimentary stay including breakfast, subject to availability and confirmation of travel status. The team remains in close contact with the relevant UAE authorities and continues to follow official guidance to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both guests and colleagues. Palazzo Versace Dubai is fully operational and ready to provide comfort and assistance during this time. Travellers needing support are encouraged to contact the hotel directly on +971 4 556 8888 or via email at reservations@palazzoversace.ae.

Soon set to transform the skyline, Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai will introduce a new benchmark in refined urban living. Tower 1 will house 145 hotel keys alongside 49 private residences ranging from two- to five-bedroom layouts. Tower 2 will present 42 exclusive three- and four-bedroom residences, offering elevated privacy and panoramic city views. Designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the striking twin-tower development blends sculptural architecture with bespoke interiors inspired by the heritage of Baccarat. Perfectly positioned in Downtown Dubai, just steps from the financial district, the project offers seamless access to world-class retail, celebrated dining venues, cultural landmarks and vibrant nightlife. Together, the development promises an address defined by architectural distinction, curated luxury and an unparalleled lifestyle in the heart of the city.

A new European-inspired luxury retreat is set to open this year at The Heart of Europe, expanding the growing hospitality portfolio on The World Islands. The upcoming Marbella Resort Dubai, managed by IHG Hotels & Resorts, will bring Spanish coastal charm to the destination. Inspired by the vibrant town of Marbella, the property will feature 150 rooms, including suites, chalets and cabanas overlooking the sea, a snow plaza and the destination’s signature raining street. The resort will be surrounded by nine coral reefs covering more than 500,000 square metres, reinforcing its immersive island experience. Dining will reflect authentic European flavours across six venues. Guests can enjoy live cooking and sangria at Descanso, tapas at Casa Bougainville and Spanish coffee and pastries at The Citrus Gem. The launch marks another milestone in the evolution of the World Islands project.

Mercure Hotel Khamis Mushait wins ‘Best 4 Star Corporate Hotel’ at the inaugural Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “This award matters because it reflects how well the hotel welcomes guests day after day to the Aseer region. From well-appointed rooms to efficient service, it shows that Mercure Hotel Khamis Mushait understands and delivers what both corporate and leisure travelers need-” Muin Serhan, CEO, Amsa Hospitality

Spanish luxury brand Gran Meliá has confirmed the opening of its new five-star property in Dubai in 2026. The highly anticipated hotel will rise on the tip of La Mer, occupying a prime double-fronted plot overlooking Port De La Mer Marina. The upper-luxury beachfront property will feature 140 metres of private beach frontage and uninterrupted panoramic sea views, positioning it among the most exclusive coastal developments in the city. Located within Dubai’s prestigious Jumeirah district, La Mer is renowned for its curated mix of retail, dining, hospitality and leisure attractions, making it a vibrant lifestyle destination for residents and visitors alike. The site also benefits from close proximity to Port De La Mer’s upscale residential apartments and is within short driving distance of Dubai’s key corporate hubs and leisure landmarks, reinforcing its appeal to both business and high-end leisure travellers.