Category Archives: Hotels

Dorchester Collection opens The Lana, Dubai, the first hotel in the Middle East. Offering 225 rooms and suites with eight dining concepts, The Lana is the tenth Dorchester Collection hotel and represents the next chapter in the brand’s unparalleled, global sensibility of service and quality. The first new opening for the group in more than a decade, the property sets a new benchmark for design and timeless care and enchantment in the city of Dubai. The Lana will also be home to the first Dior Spa in the UAE, set to open in April 2024. An architectural statement designed by Foster + Partners, the hotel represents the ultimate expression of trusted hospitality and elevated living, offering 225 rooms and suites and eight new dining concepts; including four that have been created with three of the world’s most celebrated chefs. The hotel’s sophisticated interiors have been designed and executed by the famed Parisian duo, Gilles & Boissier and incorporate a carefully curated section of more than 50 art pieces, commissioned by local and global artists. Commenting on the opening, Christopher Cowdray, president of Dorchester Collection, said, “As Dorchester Collection welcomes its first guests in the Middle East, we are entering a new era in our company history. The Lana is one of the year’s most anticipated hotel openings, and we are certain it will be celebrated for its remarkable design, superb location in one of the world’s most vibrant cities and a dining scene that will undoubtedly attract much local and international attention.” Conceptualised and managed on behalf of Dubai-based developers: OMNIYAT, The Lana is the first step in curating a new phase for the Downtown Dubai neighbourhood. Speaking about his …

Minor Hotels announced the continued expansion of its luxury Anantara brand in Oman with the upcoming development of a new resort in Bandar Al Khairan, Muscat. Located on the rugged Omani coast just 45 minutes from the capital, the new-build 121-key property is slated to launch in 2026. The resort in Bandar Al Khairan, to be operated by Anantara, will feature 51 guest rooms, 46 chalets, and 24 villas nestled along the mountain shoreline overlooking the crystal-clear water of the Gulf of Oman. Designed to offer contemporary luxury and set within a dramatic natural landscape, each generously sized guest room will be a stylish haven in the heart of the resort, while one and two-bedroom villas will be set separately among lush gardens for enhanced privacy. A selection of units will include private pools for exclusive relaxation and additional comfort throughout Oman’s hot summers. A dedication to gourmet dining will be found across five restaurants and bars including all-day international dining, a speciality restaurant, a beach restaurant, a delicatessen café, and a rooftop bar with spectacular sea views. The property will be owned by Musstir, the real estate acquisition and development arm of the MB Holding Company which also owns Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara on Oman’s south coast. This exciting new connection between Musstir and Minor Hotels to develop a second Anantara in partnership, marks a strengthened bond for two dynamic and forward-thinking groups and the next step in the continued evolution of Minor Hotels as a leading operator in this rapidly developing country. Further premium facilities at the new Anantara resort in Bandar Al Khairan will include an impressive infinity swimming pool and kids’ splash pool, a …

Kerten Hospitality and Hwadi, has announced a pioneering new venture: the Cloud 7 Hotel Al Ahsa, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As part of Kerten Hospitality’s ambitious expansion in Saudi Arabia, the Cloud 7 Hotel Al Ahsa project is a key highlight under ‘The Collective by Kerten Hospitality’ initiative. This initiative represents a visionary approach to integrating over 20 lifestyle and mixed-use projects across the Kingdom, with a strategic allocation of SAR 1.5 billion already achieved in 2023. This new venture is poised to seamlessly integrate with Al Ahsa’s vibrant landscape, positioning itself as a central hub for events and a focal point for community engagement. The project will have the capacity to host significant-scale events, supported by the addition of lifestyle-oriented rooms. The inclusion of local and GCC-based retail and dining concepts aims to create a diverse environment that transforms the hotel into a communal space where the local community can come together, enjoy the facilities, and connect at the event space—all in one convenient destination. Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, said, “The Cloud 7 Hotel Al Ahsa is an embodiment of Kerten Hospitality’s core values – innovation, community engagement, and a forward-thinking approach to hospitality. The project’s scope extends beyond traditional hotel services, focusing on enriching the Al Ahsa community through a socially resonant offering and experience that transcends the conventional hotel room.” Hwadi: A Symbol of Creativity and Excellence Hwadi’s collaboration in this venture is pivotal, bringing their extensive experience and a track record of over 200 successful projects. Their expertise in creative design, construction, and efficient project execution aligns perfectly with the ambitious scope of the Cloud 7 Hotel Al Ahsa project. Saif Albluwi, Hwadi …

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel proudly joins Dubai’s accessibility movement, achieving the notable milestone of becoming the first Jumeirah property to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) status, which awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This achievement underscores the hotel’s unwavering commitment to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all guests, as the CAC designation is reserved for organizations committed to delivering an elevated guest experience and fostering a welcoming environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and their families. Andy Cuthbert, general manager of Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, said, “The autism certification holds immense importance for Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. It signifies our continuous effort to create an environment where empathy, understanding, and inclusivity are paramount. It’s about fostering an atmosphere where every guest, including those on the autism spectrum, feels supported and valued throughout their experience.” Jumeirah Creekside Hotel’s milestone represents a significant achievement in Dubai’s city-wide initiative, led by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), to establish the city as the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere. This designation, granted by IBCCES, is reserved for communities offering an array of autism-certified accommodations, leisure, and entertainment options to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for autistic guests, individuals with sensory sensitivities, and their families. As part of the certification process, hotel staff undergo training on autism and sensory awareness, equipping them with the knowledge to welcome autistic guests to the facility. Additionally, an on-site assessment was conducted to develop sensory guides — a tool designed to enhance the guest experience by providing essential information about specific facilities and locations in the hotel. These guides include details regarding lighting, noise, and other …

Al Balad Development Company (BDC) announced the launching of Al Balad Hospitality — a visionary division dedicated to providing exceptional and authentic hospitality experiences. According to a BDC press release, the strategic initiative is in line with the overarching objective of transforming Historic Jeddah ‘Al Balad’ into a global, historical, and cultural destination on the tourism map. The launch of Al Balad Hospitality underscores a commitment to offering guests unparalleled luxury in the heart of Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hospitality sector in the region seamlessly combines authenticity, history, and contemporary amenities, offering visitors an immersive and enriching experience. Emphasizing the cultural richness of the area, Al Balad Hospitality goes a step further by providing local luxury products, promoting exploration, and upholding authentic hospitality etiquette to preserve the region’s heritage. As the parent brand of Al Balad’s hotel chains, Al Balad Hospitality introduces an array of hospitality options across three distinct categories. Al Balad Hospitality offers a diverse range of choices, from the splendor of luxurious heritage hotels extending from Jeddah to the world, to authentic heritage elegance redefined stays, and the flexibility of infinite choices that cater to all segments. These offerings aim to seamlessly connect visitors to the essence of the past, providing an exceptional and modern experience that fosters a genuine connection with the destination. (source SPA)

This extraordinary development, with an estimated value of AED 4.8 billion, will be ready for handover by 2026. The JW Marriott Residences & JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort will stand as a beacon in Marriott International’s residential portfolio. Following the announcement of their strategic collaboration with Marriott International in November 2023, WOW Resorts, a premium resort and residential developer, unveiled the JW Marriott Residences & JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort, on Al Marjan Island, one of the Northern Emirate’s premium tourism, business and investment destination. Al Marjan Island will be the home to the first JW Marriott branded residential property in the GCC. The luxury development is set to redefine coastal living in the UAE market and wider region. This significant development by WOW Resorts is anticipated to showcase the magnitude of their commitment to elevate the standards of residential living in the region. The development promises to be a fusion of cutting-edge design, world-class amenities, and unparalleled hospitality, creating an iconic landmark within the Al Marjan Island community. “This venture marks just the beginning of an exciting journey for WOW Resorts in the UAE. With more awe-inspiring projects in the pipeline, we are poised to redefine hospitality and real estate in this thriving market. We are ready to captivate and inspire residents in the years ahead, offering unparalleled experiences that reflect our unwavering dedication to excellence and commitment to the UAE,” said Anwar Aman, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of WOW Resorts. “We believe that the UAE has a discerning clientele with a taste for uncompromising luxury, and Ras Al Khaimah provides the perfect canvas for this vision. The breathtaking landscapes and thriving community of Al Marjan Island come together …

The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has signed a strategic partnership with Accor to nurture and develop Saudi talent within the hospitality industry. Through the “Tamayyaz by Accor” program, the collaboration seeks to offer fresh graduates and talented individuals a clear path for career advancement, expedite nationalization by identifying essential roles in each department, cultivate internal talent, implement onboarding programs, and design career growth plans. Upon completing the 6-month program, 256 trainees will be employed in their preferred departments within the hotels. To mark this partnership, the Ministry was represented during the signing ceremony by the Deputy Minister of Tourism for Human Capital Development, Engineer Mohammed Muin Bushnag, while Accor was represented by Jean-Jacques Morin the Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale and Economy division, in the presence of several officials. Engineer Mohammed Muin Bushnag, Deputy Minister of Tourism for Human Capital Development stated, “This partnership with Accor marks a significant milestone in our efforts to grow Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and create job opportunities for our citizens. With “Tamayyaz by Accor”, we are confident that Saudi talent will be well-equipped to succeed in the ever-evolving world of hospitality.” “Tamayyaz by Accor” encompasses three distinct tracks: Hospitality Specialist, Hospitality Operations, and Hospitality Leadership. The Hospitality Specialist track exposes local talent to the foundations of non-operating hotel departments such as Talent and Culture, Marketing, Finance, Business Development, and Guest Experiences. Meanwhile, the Hospitality Operations track targets departments like Food and Beverage, Front Office, Housekeeping, Culinary, and Engineering. The Hospitality Leadership track concentrates on fostering leadership skills by applying the Accor Leadership Framework. This track includes leadership shadowing, global leadership programs, and training initiatives funded by the Ministry of Tourism. Additionally, …

Rotana announced plans to launch 8 new properties, double key count surpassing 4400 in Saudi Arabia across 16 properties in total. Saudi Arabia presents one of the fastest-growing markets in the region, and Rotana is on track to meet its ambitious goal to double the number of rooms it currently runs in the Kingdom over the upcoming years. Commenting on the expansion plans and participation in the Saudi Tourism Forum 2024, Rotana’s Chief Operating Officer, Eddy Tannous, said: “Participating in the second edition of the Saudi Tourism Forum was a truly enriching experience. With ambitious developments and plans at hand, Rotana’s continuous engagement showcases our commitment to shaping the future of tourism in the vibrant Saudi Arabia market.” The eight new properties include four “Edge by Rotana” and one “Rayhaan by Rotana” in Riyadh, “Dar Rayhaan by Rotana” in Al Khobar, “Al Manakha Rotana” in Madinah, and an “Edge by Rotana” in Al Baha. The forum is a key hub for stakeholders to discuss and showcase tourism advancements, emphasising Saudi Arabia’s rich history and unique hospitality. Rotana has made a commitment to participate in the forum since its inception in efforts to be in line with the tourism initiatives set in the Kingdom’s vision for 2030 and to take part in shaping the Saudi tourism sector. Across the wider GCC, Rotana’s strong regional pipeline for 2024 also includes Onyx Arjaan by Rotana in Manama, Bahrain, Bomonti Arjaan by Rotana in Istanbul, Türkiye, Riviera Rayhaan by Rotana in Doha, Qatar and Luxor Rotana Resort in Luxor, Egypt. Additionally, Rotana is also expected to make its debut into the Algerian market with the launch of Azure Rotana Resort & Spa in the …

Zardun in NEOM will comprise three distinct and luxurious boutique hotels, offering in total 100 rooms and suites, all of which are informed by a vision of a more sustainable future within this newly restored environment. Each hotel will have a different theme so that guests can enjoy an array of experiences that take in amazing views down a stunning valley and out over the sea. Zardun will offer trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing and a variety of other sports and leisure pursuits, including stargazing, meditation and yoga. In addition, guests will be invited to join in educational and field programs on nature protection, conservation and re-wilding. Luxury ecotourism in Saudi Arabia has taken a major step forward with the announcement of Zardun, an exclusive sanctuary resort developed by NEOM, the sustainable region taking shape in the northwest of the Kingdom. Announced by the NEOM Board of Directors, Zardun has been designed to seamlessly blend contemporary luxury with nature. The unique destination is the latest in a series of coastal assets that form part of the ongoing development taking place across the NEOM region. Overlooking the crystalline waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, Zardun is a nature-based resort that will host four ultra-luxury signature buildings, all of which will merge harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Intended to redefine luxury within an environmental context, Zardun aims to offer the ultimate premium ecotourism experience for discerning guests. Covering an impressive four square kilometers, Zardun will be a carefully restored haven filled with native plants and animals. Stretching down from the mountains to the seashore, its breathtaking beauty will be experienced on arrival by visitors at its state-of-the-art experience center, which includes a …

Miral has marked significant progress across its ongoing sustainability commitments, with an aim to accelerate positive transformation across the leisure, entertainment, and tourism industry. Most recently, a 524-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) project was announced on Yas Bay Waterfront, with 920 solar modules designed to offset 450 tonnes of annual CO2 emissions at the destination. Earlier this year, Miral inaugurated Abu Dhabi’s largest solar rooftop project at Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, incorporating approximately 16,000 solar modules, producing nearly 40 percent of its annual energy demand with a 7-megawatt peak (MWp) capacity. The frameworks follow a similar agreement between Miral and Emerge to deploy on-site solar energy systems at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with a capacity of 8.4 megawatts (MW). In parallel, nearly 150 rooftop solar panels significantly reduce energy consumption across Miral’s three hotels, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton.Miral’s initiatives closely align with various national strategies for sustainability, such as achieving Net Zero by 2050, delivering on the outcomes of the recent 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), and advancing the UAE Union Aspiration for sustainability. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral, commented: “Sustainability remains an integral part of Miral’s vision to transform the leisure, entertainment, and tourism sector. Guided by the UAE’s vision to transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy, our continued commitment to combat climate change is testament to our efforts in creating a sustainable future for the next generation. Together with our partners, we will continue to become a more socially responsible organisation that significantly strengthens Abu Dhabi’s sustainability and eco-tourism ambitions and accelerates the Emirate’s long-term economic growth.” Miral’s commitment to sustainability is …