Category Archives: Hotels

IHG Hotels & Resorts has officially opened the Crowne Plaza Alexandria Mirage Hotel, bringing modern comfort and world-class service to the heart of Alexandria. Located in the prestigious Smouha district, the hotel is perfectly placed for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel features 96 stylish rooms and suites, each with calming interiors, private balconies, and comfortable workspaces. Guests can enjoy top wellness facilities, including an outdoor pool, fitness studio, sauna, steam rooms, and massage treatments, perfect for relaxation or recharging after a busy day. Dining is a key part of the experience. The Curve, open 24/7, offers a range of international and local dishes. The Harp Bar and Lounge serves cocktails, light bites, and live piano music. The hotel also offers modern meeting spaces, including a grand ballroom and high-tech meeting rooms ideal for events, weddings, and conferences. Gehad Tantawy, CEO, said: “This hotel was designed for today’s traveller, someone who values comfort, connection, and great experiences.” Close to major attractions like the Citadel of Qaitbay and Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Crowne Plaza Alexandria Mirage is set to become a key destination in the city.

Jamaica is planning to build 11,500 new hotel rooms by 2030 as it looks to grow its tourism sector and welcome more visitors from the Middle East, says Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). “We want to attract more travellers from the GCC, so we’re building high-quality hotels with brands they already know and trust,” White said. He explained that many visitors from the Middle East prefer luxury international hotel brands, and Jamaica is working to bring those brands into the country. Jamaica has also been building strong connections with the region through events like the Arabian Travel Market and is exploring new flight options to improve access. To support this growth, the government is upgrading airports, improving road networks, and planning a third international airport, making it easier and faster for tourists to travel across the island.

Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, the design-led boutique property on the prime shores of Palm Jumeirah, unveils a new identity this season as Dubai’s first and only luxury lifestyle boutique resort. Inspired by art, fashion, and music, the resort has evolved from a stylish beachfront escape into a destination where contemporary luxury is lived through bold design, personalized service, and thoughtfully curated experiences. The name, Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, carries a significance beyond a numeral. The number eight symbolizes infinity, a seamless loop representing infinite experiences curated for the guests. At Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, this philosophy ensures every stay is not just memorable, but singular, guiding every detail from design and dining to elevated but highly personalized services. At the heart of the resort’s reimagined vision is the Infinity Floor — ten exclusive infinity suites with private access to the Infinity Rooftop and personal butler service. Seven of these suites feature modern, minimalist luxury with uninterrupted Arabian Gulf views. Three themed suites offer immersive experiences designed for distinctive lifestyles: ● The Pulse Suite – a private boutique fitness retreat with state-of-the-art equipment and wellbeing-focused design, ideal for guests seeking energy and movement. ● The Creator Suite – a space tailored for inspiration, creativity, and photography, providing the perfect backdrop for artistic pursuits. ● The Gaming Suite – a playground for digital entertainment, E-gaming, while combining comfort and technology for endless hours of elevated play. Together, these infinity suites embody Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort’s philosophy of luxury as an experience, not just a stay. Already a hub for lifestyle and culinary experiences, the resort is home to ENVY, its vibrant all-day dining venue, Sparkles by Envy, an …

Melia Hotels International and LALIGA have announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening their presence in the Middle East, one of the world’s fastest-growing luxury markets. The agreement unites Spain’s iconic football league with the  globally recognised hospitality brand, blending sport, lifestyle, and travel. Under the partnership, Melia Desert Palm and ME Dubai will feature CASA LALIGA, dedicated spaces for fans to watch matches. Pony Line Sports Bar at Melia Desert Palm will transform into a fully branded LALIGA hub, offering VIP seating, Spanish tapas, and immersive match-day experiences, while the resort’s Layali Villa will provide private screenings with exclusive LALIGA memorabilia. ME Dubai will host a CASA LALIGA lounge at Central, including merchandise, table football zones, themed tapas and cocktails, and special beverage offers. The collaboration also includes MeliaRewards VIP experiences, from premium matchday access to private stadium tours, and special content filmed for LALIGA Show in Arabic at Meliá properties. Digital campaigns will run across LALIGA’s social media channels, reaching over 50 million followers globally. Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá, highlighted the alliance as a union of two global Spanish brands sharing excellence and passion, while LALIGA President Javier Tebas emphasised its role in expanding the league’s footprint in the Middle East.

Kerzner International Holdings Limited has assumed management of The Meydan Hotel, Dubai’s landmark trackside hotel owned by Dubai Holding. Following enhancements to rooms and public areas, the hotel is now accepting reservations for early 2026. The Meydan Hotel, uniquely built into the grandstand of an international horse racetrack, offers guests a front-row experience to world-class racing. The property features some of the city’s largest rooms and suites, all with balconies, and is located just 15–20 minutes from Dubai’s key business and leisure hubs. Kerzner plans to bring its signature service and innovative touch to the hotel while preserving its racing heritage. Guests can look forward to upgraded culinary experiences, including the all-day Mediterranean restaurant Farriers, the Saddle Bar, and the Tea Lounge. The hotel also offers event spaces for up to 50,000 guests, a 9-hole golf course, padel and tennis courts, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Michael Heyes, CFO of Dubai Holding Hospitality, said the management handover aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision, supporting the Meydan district’s growth as a residential and lifestyle hub. Kerzner’s portfolio in Dubai includes iconic properties such as Atlantis, The Palm, One&Only Royal Mirage, and Bab Al Shams, and the company now adds The Meydan Hotel to its Rare Finds collection, continuing its legacy of shaping Dubai’s hospitality landscape.

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced that the first phase of resorts and attractions on Shura Island will open to guests in the coming weeks. The debut includes three world-class hospitality brands: SLS Red Sea, The Red Sea EDITION, and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort along with Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course. The launch represents a key milestone for Vision 2030, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s efforts for economic diversification and sustainable tourism. “Shura Island embodies our mission to redefine tourism while protecting and celebrating nature,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG. “With its opening, we move closer to delivering a truly regenerative tourism experience.” When fully complete, Shura Island will feature 11 luxury resorts, including Four Seasons, Jumeirah, Raffles, and Rosewood. Designed by Foster + Partners under the “Coral Bloom” concept, the development blends harmoniously with the natural environment and is fully powered by renewable energy. Guests will access the island via a 3.3km crossing, the Kingdom’s longest internal bridge or through Red Sea International Airport, which is expanding its network with new direct international flights.

Sun Siyam Resorts marked 35 years of island hospitality by unveiling their rebrand in Dubai to the travel trade. The rebrand introduces The Home of the Maldivian Spirit as the group’s guiding philosophy, reflecting a renewed commitment to authentic Maldivian experiences while embracing modern luxury and creativity. All six resorts, including the group’s Sri Lankan retreat, are now unified under The House of Siyam and organised into three collections. The Luxury Collection, led by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, offers exclusivity and indulgence. The Lifestyle Collection, featuring Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World, focuses on adventure and entertainment for families, couples, and groups. The Privé Collection, including Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and Sun Siyam Pasikudah, prioritizes privacy and personalized comfort. A highlight of the rebrand is the introduction of Signature Experiences that immerse guests in Maldivian culture. These include culinary and heritage journeys, the Maldives’ first overwater photo studio, vibrant social evenings at Sun Siyam Beach Club, Moonlit Cinemas, Hidden Treasure Chests, and plant-based dining adventures. The launch of Siyam Rewards, a digital membership program, offers tailored itineraries, room upgrades, and optional carbon offsets, strengthening guest relationships while supporting sustainability initiatives through Sun Siyam Care. Founder Hon. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed said their goal was to share the warmth of the islands and its people with the rest of the world. CEO Deepak Booneady added that the rebrand is not just about design but about the experience, cultural authenticity, purpose-driven hospitality, and creating moments that spark joy.

The wait is over as Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG announced its opening is set for November 2025. It will be the world’s tallest all-hotel tower, featuring the highest infinity pool on the planet. Soaring 377 metres across 82 floors, the hotel promises a new era of luxury hospitality with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai skyline. Managed by The First Group Hospitality, Ciel Dubai Marina offers 1004 rooms and suites, eight distinctive dining venues, and a sky-high luxury spa on the 61st floor. Highlights include Tattu Dubai, with its sky pool on level 76 and sky lounge & terrace on level 81, offering 360° views, world-class cuisine, and an unforgettable rooftop experience. Guests can explore diverse culinary experiences at West 13, East 14, and Risen Cafe, while enjoying premium amenities including a state-of-the-art gym, Soluna Beach Club access, and family-friendly spaces such as a kids club and splash pad. Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group, called it a landmark development that will redefine upper-upscale hospitality in Dubai, blending innovation, design, and luxury.  

As the first-ever Kimpton in the region, the 212-room luxury lifestyle hotel brings the brand’s sophisticated yet playful approach, refined design, socially engaging spaces and human-centered hospitality, to the heart of Riyadh’s most dynamic neighborhood. Founded in San Francisco in 1981, Kimpton, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has become a globally celebrated brand known for its design-led hotels that serve as vibrant community hubs. The debut of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh marks a significant step in the brand’s strategic expansion into the region, catering to the growing demand for authentic, design-led luxury experiences. The debut of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh marks the brand’s exciting expansion into the Middle East, offering a fresh, design-led approach to hospitality in the Kingdom. Rising gracefully across 16 floors, the hotel blends contemporary elegance with the brand’s playful personality. Guests can expect thoughtfully curated spaces, from breezy skywalk access to the metro to in-room yoga mats, luxury bedding, and mini-bars stocked with locally inspired treats. Whether travelling for business or leisure, every stay is enriched with unexpected touches that make the experience distinctly Kimpton.

Located on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, the beachfront residences feature 141 units. Ras Al Khaimah economy is on track to grow by an average of 4 per cent annually from 2024 to 2027*, paving the way for some of the biggest names in hospitality and real estate. The projected growth of Al Marjan Island continues to be an immense draw for buyers and investors not only with a residential market boom but also a surge in tourism and hospitality.  The agreement was signed in the presence of dignitaries of Marjan and Marriott, including Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan, who joined ATARA leadership to commemorate the milestone. This flagship project is the cornerstone of ATARA Development’s expanding portfolio, underscoring the company’s strategic shift towards primary development. With a robust pipeline of over 1 million square feet planned in the next two years, it represents a major step in ATARA’s growth. Building on a strong track record of sold-out projects in Dubai’s most prestigious locations such as Pearl Jumeirah Island, La Mer South Island, and Dubai Islands, this collaboration with Marriott International sets a new benchmark in luxury living and reinforces ATARA´s position as a lead developer. “We are delighted to welcome ATARA Development and The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort to our vibrant community,” said Arch. Abdullah Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan. “Located on the prime shores of Al Marjan Island, this project reflects the caliber of world-class developments we envision for our destination. By combining ATARA’s expertise in luxury residences with Sheraton’s legacy of hospitality excellence, it offers a distinctive proposition for both residents and investors — further strengthening Al Marjan Island’s position as …