Category Archives: Hotels

Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road announces its complete repositioning alongside its extensive renovation project. Residents and tourists are now invited to experience in the one-of-a-kind “Fairmont Feeling”, a blend of opulence, warmth, and personalized service that lingers long after departure. This remarkable transformation ushers in a new era where luxury and lifestyle converge harmoniously and marks a reimagining of the guest experience, setting new standards for unforgettable stays. Recently celebrated its impressive 20th anniversary, the hotel embarks on a transformative journey with the objective of driving modern luxury and enticing the contemporary guest. With its prime location, just moments away from the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, the reimagined Fairmont Dubai extends a warm welcome to its guests, offering a blend of sophistication and contemporary elegance, which pays tribute to the art of embracing one’s authentic self. Fairmont Senior Vice-President, Middle East & Asia Nils-Arne Schroeder states ” Fairmont Dubai has successfully renovated its spaces and is now ready to transform guests’ experience. Through a full repositioning, prioritizing personalized service, F&B, and a new look and feel, the property is to become the leading choice among hotels in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai”. The hotel’s remarkable transformation includes renovations to the lobby and the modernization of 394 rooms and suites. The contemporary design features a soft colour palette and natural materials mirroring the surrounding landscape. Warm timber accents reflect desert dunes, and bespoke light fixtures and deep ocean blues create a cozy atmosphere, paying homage to both Fairmont San Francisco and the Arabian Gulf. Situated amidst renowned venues like Bagatelle, OPA, Bistrot Novanta, and The Theater, this property has expanded its allure with a fresh array of dining and …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a franchise agreement for its second Vignette Collection hotel in Dubai in partnership with ‘The Heart of Europe’ scheduled for a grand opening in January 2026, Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai, will mark a significant milestone for The Heart of Europe, solidifying IHG’s presence within The World Islands – an archipelago of manmade islands located in the Arabian Gulf, off the coast of Dubai. The Vignette Collection brand allows owners of world-class independent hotels to retain their distinctive identity while benefitting from IHG’s global scale and luxury and lifestyle expertise. The upcoming Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai, is located in ‘The Heart of Europe’, a self-sustaining holiday destination spanning across six islands, each blending European architectural charm with top-tier hospitality, embracing luxury and innovation on shores of tranquil beaches. The Heart of Europe encompasses a variety of opulent properties, including beachfront villas, premium hotels, an innovative underwater living experience, and an array of top-tier amenities such as climate-controlled streets and the coral institute dedicated to preserving and revitalising the marine ecosystem. Once completed, Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai will feature 150 rooms overlooking the Arabian Gulf in a prime location along a pristine beach and crystal-clear sea. True to the Vignette Collection brand, the property will seamlessly merge exclusivity with community and locality and feature a unique Andalusian-inspired design with contemporary architecture. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We are excited to partner with The Heart of Europe to bring the second Vignette Collection resort to Dubai, a testament to IHG’s …

IHG Hotels & Resorts debuted its premium voco hotels brand in Saudi Arabia’s Holy City  with the official opening of voco Makkah. The hotel is part of the Maad Hospitality Towers Development in Makkah, a mixed-used megaproject that includes restaurants, lounge areas, and event halls. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & resorts said: “We’re very pleased to increase our presence in the Kingdom while catering to the needs of guests travelling to Makkah during the Hajj or Umrah seasons. When it’s time for the journey of a lifetime, voco Makkah is with you every step of the way.” “Religious tourism remains the bedrock of the Kingdom’s tourism growth, with a goal of attracting 30 million pilgrims to the Kingdom by 2030. Saudi Arabia’s National Vision 2030 is an ambitious blueprint of the country’s long-term goals and expectations, and we look forward to catering to the influx of pilgrims at voco Makkah.” The 4321-room property is thoughtfully designed with accommodation from two up to four guests, perfect for families or groups travelling together. All rooms feature the contemporary classic comfort of a voco hotel design. Guests will benefit from multiple reception areas for ease of check in, separate praying areas for male and female, and the ability to walk to the holy mosque. The property also boasts 20,000 sqm of dining facilities. Close to Mina Valley and Mount Arafat and only 1.5km from Masjid al-Haram (City Centre), guests can enjoy a prime location with premium amenities. Global cuisine from international chefs is served around the clock in four eye-catching towers which include anything a guest could need. From a mini shopping mall to a barber …

Thynk announced the acquisition of ‘Please ask m’, a pivotal step in fortifying its hospitality cloud solution. This acquisition aligns seamlessly with Thynk’s strategic growth initiatives, aimed at providing hoteliers with an augmented suite of software to elevate sales and operations, deliver superior guest experiences, and harness actionable data-driven insights. Pascal Petit, CEO of Thynk, said: “The integration of Please ask m’s functionalities into Thynk’s hospitality cloud represents a confluence of aligned interests and core competencies. The fusion of these platforms is expected to significantly enhance our value proposition for hoteliers, facilitating increased revenue potential and operational efficiency.” Thynk’s hospitality cloud, recognized for streamlining hotel operations and leveraging data for insightful decision-making, will now be complemented by Please ask m’s robust revenue generation modules. This strategic addition ensures that hoteliers are not only equipped with top-tier operational tools but also with advanced mechanisms to identify and capture new revenue opportunities and improve the customer journey. Mark Struik, Founder of Please ask m, commented: “With Thynk we have a shared vision, one that sees beyond today’s constraints. The addition of our revenue generation modules to Thynk’s cloud ecosystem is like giving hoteliers a key to countless new doors of opportunity.” With this acquisition, stakeholders can anticipate a cohesive platform that addresses the multifaceted needs of the modern hospitality industry. Nils Scheers, COO of Thynk, added: “The integration process has been initiated with a focus on seamless transition and operational continuity. We remain committed to delivering consistent and enhanced value to our clients.” Thynk remains dedicated to its mission of providing unparalleled solutions to the hospitality sector and views this acquisition as a significant milestone in its journey towards industry leadership.

AlUla Development Company signed a hotel management agreement with Six Senses, to open Six Senses AlUla in Saudi Arabia in 2027. The agreement was signed by Fabien Toscano, Chief Executive Officer of AlUla Development Company, and Neil Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer of Six Senses, and in the presence of AlUla Development Company Managing Director Naif AlHamdan during a ceremony at Maraya – Guinness World Record holder of being the world’s largest mirrored building – located in AlUla. Luxury hotel Six Senses AlUla will span across 1,200,000 square meters and will be built within a breathtaking natural oasis adorned with lush palm groves, embraced by dramatic red-sandstone cliffs. It will feature 100 guest villas and 25 residences, which will be designed to seamlessly integrate with AlUla’s breathtaking natural landscape. Naif AlHamdan, Managing Director of AlUla Development Company commented that the agreement represents the company’s commitment to increase luxury hospitality offerings in one of the most ancient archaeological sites, adding: “We are working to enrich the hospitality offerings and experiences in AlUla so that we can enable visitors to explore its rich history amidst its natural picturesque setting.” Fabien Toscano, Chief Executive Officer of AlUla Development Company, commented on the partnership, “We are excited to join hands with Six Senses to open a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel in AlUla. The venture aligns with our commitment to elevating the hospitality offering in AlUla and marks another significant stride in our pursuit of sustainable development, contributing to the economic diversification and transformation of Saudi Arabia in line with Vision 2030.” Neil Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer of Six Senses, commented on the venture, saying, “Bringing to life the drama and beauty of a site with unprecedented …

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced the successful completion of an investment deal with Kingdom Holding Company (KHC). The SAR 2bn Joint Venture (JV) brings together RSG and KHC in a 50/50 partnership to develop and own the Four Seasons Resort Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, expected to open in early 2025. The highly anticipated luxury resort is situated on Shura Island, the main hub island at The Red Sea destination. It will offer 149 rooms and suites, plus 31 residential properties, as well as six restaurants and lounge outlets, meeting and events spaces, a marine discovery center, and a Kids For All Seasons space. “This partnership strengthens our unwavering commitment to transforming the tourism landscape in Saudi Arabia. We share a common vision of creating extraordinary destinations that not only drive economic growth and job creation, but also preserve precious ecosystems, aligning perfectly with the aspirations outlined in Vision 2030,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG. Eng. Talal Ibrahim Almaiman, CEO at Kingdom Holding Company, said: ” We are proud to partner with RSG in the execution of one of the Kingdom’s most exciting projects and look forward to creating value for our respective shareholders. This investment will form part of our broader strategy on further investments in the Saudi Arabian high growth market.” Shura Island will be home to 11 resorts in total, and will include residential properties, an 18-hole championship golf course, a 118-berth marina, and an exceptional retail, dining, and entertainment experience. The collaboration between RSG and KHC comes at a time when tourism in the Kingdom is experiencing remarkable growth. Tourism’s share of GDP has already shot from a modest 3% to an impressive 7% since …

ENVI Lodges has partnered with Oman’s Ministry of Defence Pension Fund to develop a sustainable mountain lodge in the heart of Al Jabel Al Akhdar. Marking ENVI’s foray in the Sultanate, the ecolodge will provide a unique mountain stay experience while promoting environmental conservation, a brand proposition aligned to the Oman National Tourism Strategy 2040 target of 11.7 million visitors and 80,000 hospitality keys focused on nature, adventure and sustainable initiatives. The Ministry of Defence Pension Fund’s representative said: “Partnering with ENVI Lodges to open the first ecolodge of its kind in Oman, is a strategic move that contributes to the responsible development of the Sultanate’s tourism industry. The lodge will appeal to the growing number of travellers seeking eco-friendly accommodation and authentic destination experiences, reinforcing Oman’s reputation as hotspot for nature and adventure.” When it opens in 2025, ENVI Al Jabel Al Akhdar will feature 40 luxury expedition tents designed by Tenthouse Structure, a renowned South African architect of tented wilderness developments. Each unit will overlook the Hajar mountain range and offer guests an elevated adventure experience while minimising environmental impact. These precision-engineered, hand-crafted tents will be insulated and include a heating system for the winter season, ideal for Al Jabel Al Akhdar, which sits at 2,000 metres above sea level. Facilities will include a farm-to-table restaurant, some private pools, fitness and wellness centre, library, guest arrival area, an Insta-worthy swimming pool, a kids club, and kitchen garden, while an adjacent events space will host community activities such as markets and food trucks. The lodge will offer guests the chance to explore nearby villages, interact with local farmers and hike to discover the hidden treasures the famous Omani mountain …

Red Sea Global (RSG) revealed Thuwal Private Retreat, an exclusive, buy-out only island destination set to welcome guests next year. Located on a pristine 1.7-hectare sandy islet in a spectacular coral archipelago on the Red Sea coast, the intimate destination offers stunning natural beauty complemented by discreet architecture, offering ultimate luxury in complete privacy. The island resort boasts a spacious main three-bedroom villa, three one-bedroom suites, a beach club, gym and wellness center. The curated travel experience begins as soon as guests arrive, entering via a private jetty to be greeted by the guest experience team at a stunning welcome center. “Thuwal Private Retreat has been created to allow guests the chance to disconnect from the stresses of daily life, and instead reconnect with their closest companions. Our belief is that the sublime Red Sea coast combined with tailored luxury experiences will deliver a peerless escape for the most discerning travelers,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. The creation of Thuwal Private Retreat represents a new phase for Red Sea Global, with the destination sitting separately to The Red Sea and Amaala, and as a wholly RSG-owned brand. There are no third-party hospitality or hotel operators involved for the first time in RSG’s development history. “This is a milestone for us personally. It is the latest project we can reveal since we announced our expanded portfolio of projects last year and it is significantly advanced in terms of delivery. It is also the first time we are creating a destination owned and operated end-to-end by the expert team here at Red Sea Global, from development and planning to accommodation and guest services,” added Mr. Pagano. In line …

The First Group partners with Charge&Go marking a significant milestone in sustainability, The Group will be installing Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at its six hotels, making it Dubai’s first hospitality company to embrace this forward-looking practice for the environment. Underpinned by a resolute dedication to environmental protection and guest comfort, the initiative solidifies The First Group hotels’ position as a premier destination for sustainable hospitality. By adopting eco-conscious measures, the Group caters to the growing desires of environmentally aware travellers. More than just a convenience, this endeavour underscores the brand’s pledge to a greener planet, further enhancing its reputation as an industry leader in responsible hospitality in a competitive market. The EV charging stations will be located across six of the brand’s properties – The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, The First Collection Business Bay, Tryp by Wyndham Dubai, Wyndham Dubai Marina, Citadines Metro Central Dubai, and Grand Heights. Muammar Nasir Al Rukhaimi, CEO, Etisalat Services Holding (ESH), subsidiary of e& said: “This partnership demonstrates our dedication to ‘Charge&Go’ and our support for electric mobility in UAE. We are committed to leading the conversations on sustainability and exploring the limitless possibilities with technology. Today, innovation goes beyond ground-breaking products and solutions; it also involves making choices that benefit the environment and generations that will inherit this planet from us.” “We take great pride in this significant milestone alongside our valued partner, Charge&Go as it exemplifies our commitment to sustainability within the dynamic realm of hospitality. As the UAE steers towards a sustainable economy, we acknowledge our key role as a partner in shaping an environmentally conscious future. This initiative underscores our commitment to being catalysts of positive change …

NH Collection Dubai The Palm is pleased to announce the launch of its vegan friendly rooms, the very first vegan-friendly rooms in Dubai. As a leading sustainable hotel, NH Collection Dubai The Palm has strived to minimise its environmental impact since its launch earlier this year. The property boasts an in-house water bottling plant, eliminating the need for plastic water bottles. Additionally, solar panels generate hot water, and condensed water from the air conditioning system is repurposed for irrigation purposes. Taking sustainability to the next level, NH Collection Dubai The Palm will be offering vegan-friendly rooms starting from October 2023. These rooms will feature a wide range of sustainable and vegan amenities, ensuring a compassionate and responsible stay for guests. The vegan friendly rooms will offer duvets, pillow fillings, and mattress toppers made from sustainable materials. Guests will also find a selection of vegan amenities in the room, along with compostable amenities and vegan snacks. The wet amenities are 100% vegan, while the dry amenities are carefully crafted from sustainable products, completely free from animal-derived ingredients and never tested on animals. NH Collection Dubai The Palm goes beyond the in-room amenities and extends its commitment to sustainability throughout the hotel experience. Shower caps and sanitary bags provided are compostable, while pens and pencils are plantable, allowing guests to leave a positive mark on the environment. Furthermore, all dry amenities are thoughtfully packaged in natural, plastic-free materials. To complement the eco-friendly ethos, NH Collection Dubai The Palm exclusively uses vegan-friendly wet amenities in their rooms. These products are free from sulphates, parabens, silicon, and gluten, creating a vegan-friendly and cruelty-free experience for guests. NH Collection Dubai The Palm also embraces innovative …