Category Archives: Hotels

Valor Hospitality Partners strengthens Dubai presence by signing of a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) for a Portfolio of Hotels with the Karmastaji Group

Valor Hospitality Partners signed a strategic Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Karmastaji Group to oversee a portfolio of 3 hotels in Dubai, 259 keys and 5 outlets. This partnership underscores the trust that Dubai-based Karmastaji Group has placed in Valor Hospitality Partners Middle East to deliver exceptional operational efficiency and maximize investment returns. Valor’s expertise in hospitality management continues to help visionary developers like Karmastaji Group transform their assets into successful business ventures. Julien Bergue, Co-Founder & Managing Partner for the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia at Valor Hospitality Partners, commented: “We are proud to partner with Karmastaji Group, a forward-thinking developer with a robust pipeline of projects aimed at elevating hospitality investments and modern living standards in the UAE and GCC region. At Valor, our mission is to contribute to the UAE’s hospitality success story by delivering operational excellence and sustainable growth. Together, we aim to achieve exceptional results aligned with the visionary goals of Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sectors.” By leveraging its comprehensive range of services—including acquisition advisory, branding, asset management, and innovative food and beverage concepts—Valor Hospitality Partners ensures its partners achieve long-term value creation and success. Rashed Karmastaji, Chairman of Karmastaji Group, added: “Partnering with Valor Hospitality Partners is a strategic step in our journey to expand our portfolio and set new benchmarks in the UAE’s hospitality sector. With Valor’s proven expertise, we are confident in delivering exceptional guest experiences and achieving our current and future business objectives.” As Dubai continues to thrive as a global tourism and hospitality hub, Valor remains committed to supporting the UAE’s and Dubai 2040 vision. By collaborating with developers like Karmastaji Group, Valor solidifies its position as a trusted and preferred …

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World’s largest Courtyard by Marriott to open in Saudi Arabia with 2000 rooms

Marriott International signed an agreement with Al Qimmah Hospitality Company and Amwaj Real Estate Company to open a 2,179-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in 2026, the Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem would become the brand’s largest hotel in the world, providing exceptional hospitality, modern comfort and unparalleled convenience for visitors and pilgrims alike. Dr. Abdul Razzaq BinDawood, Chairman of Al Qimmah commented, “The signing of the agreement reflects the the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework which aims to position the country as a global hub for religious and cultural tourism and continues to promote cultured real estate development. We are constructing high-quality towers within the Al Naseem District, as part of our ongoing commitment to serve guests and travelers to the Holy Mosque. This will be one of our largest developments to date and continuation of our strategic collaboration with Marriott International.” “We are pleased to build on our relationship with Al Qimmah Hospitality and BinDawood Trading with this landmark agreement to open the world’s largest Courtyard by Marriott in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. “This agreement underscores Marriott International’s commitment to supporting the growth of the Kingdom’s tourism sector and reinforces the continued demand we are seeing for our portfolio of brands in the Holy City of Makkah.” The Courtyard by Marriott brand has the largest global footprint among Marriott’s portfolio of over 30 brands, focusing on thoughtful, sophisticated design elements and amenities, providing travelers with an elevated experience to relax and recharge. Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem is anticipated to comprise 2,179 thoughtfully designed guestrooms …

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Delano opens in Bluewaters Island, Dubai with 251 rooms and 84 suites

Luxury international hotel chain Delano has set up its Dubai home on Bluewaters Island. The brand has been brought to the city by Ennismore, which is also behind the operations of Banyan Tree Dubai, situated on the same island. With 251 rooms, including 84 suites – some with private pools – and amenities like an ocean-front swimming pool, exceptional dining concepts and more, Delano Dubai defines opulence and promises five-star hospitality.

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Stirling Hospitality will oversee the development phase of the first franchised Radisson RED hotel on Marjan Island, valued approximately at AED 215 million

Stirling Hospitality Advisors announced the signing of Radisson RED as the brand for an exciting new hotel project on Marjan Island. Scheduled to open in the Summer of 2027, the upscale lifestyle hotel will become the first franchised Radisson RED property in the UAE. Stirling Hospitality will oversee the development of the project, which is estimated to cost AED 215 million. The Radisson RED Marjan Island project is set to offer approximately 280 keys and an array of amenities, including four F&B outlets. Guests can look forward to an all-day dining restaurant, a lounge bar, a specialty restaurant, and a poolside bar. The hotel will also feature premium facilities such as an outdoor pool, a fully equipped gym, a Spa, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, indoor and outdoor kid’s facilities. Conveniently located on Marjan Island 4, the property will be just steps away from the upcoming Wynn integrated resort and a short stroll from the beachfront, complete with a private area exclusively for hotel guests. The upscale lifestyle property will introduce a refreshed design concept for Radisson RED in the Middle East. The brand’s signature loft-industrial aesthetic will embrace a softer, resort-inspired style that incorporates natural materials and muted tones perfectly suited to the ambiance of Marjan Island. SSH International Consultants has been appointed as the Lead Design Consultant, with Stirling’s expert team acting as owner representative on behalf of BB Holding, orchestrating the collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the project’s timely and successful delivery. Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, said: “We are excited to collaborate with BB Holding, Radisson, and SSH International Consultants on this exceptional lifestyle project. This venture will set a …

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Gewan Hotels and Resorts wins ‘fastest growing hotel management company’at Arabian Travel Awards 2024

Gewan Hotels and Resorts wins ‘fastest growing hotel management company’ at the seventh edition of Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Arabian Travel Award is an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone at Gewan Hotels & Resorts. It’s a testament to our team’s hard work, passion, and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. This recognition fuels our confidence and inspires us to aim even higher, constantly innovating to delight those who choose us. It’s also a moment to reflect, grow, and push the boundaries of excellence. Winning is not the end—it motivates us to deliver even more, focusing on personalized service, sustainability, and ensuring every guest’s stay is truly special,” Ahmed Hassib, Chief Executive Officer, Gewan Hotels & Resorts

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Insignia partners with Red Sea Global to unveil future icons of Saudi hospitality

Insignia Worldwide has partnered with Red Sea Global (RSG) in its launch of three groundbreaking new resorts. The unveiling of Shebara, Desert Rock, and Thuwal Private Retreat marks a milestone in positioning Saudi Arabia as a premier leisure destination.As part of its strategic collaboration with RSG, Insignia delivered cohesive identities and immersive brand experiences for each of these unique resorts. From crafting brand strategies that resonate with the surroundings, to defining authentic guest touchpoints that elevate the journey, Insignia has played a pivotal role in defining this next chapter of luxury Saudi hospitality.Insignia’s expertise in creating transformative experiences aligned perfectly with RSG’s vision for these destinations. With human centricity at its heart, Insignia’s strategic approach illuminated how each of these hotels are a core ingredient in destination placemaking. Each property reflects the diversity of the Red Sea’s landscapes and RSG’s commitment to sustainable development, offering travelers an unparalleled connection to nature and culture. The brand identity and guest journey strategies ensured that every detail of the experience, from service touchpoints to rituals, reflects the Kingdom’s rich culture, tradition of hospitality, and forward-looking aspirations. To bring these concepts to life, Insignia creatively directed the photography and videography for all three properties, with imagery that celebrates the otherworldly architecture of Shebara, the natural integration of Desert Rock, and the serenity of Thuwal. This visual storytelling aims to inspire local, regional, and global audiences to discover the undiscovered. “Through this collaboration, we aimed to not only bring to life exceptional hotel brands but also redefine the perception of what Saudi hospitality is on the global stage,” said Insignia CEO Gaurav Sinha. “We have been honored to partner with Red Sea Global to realize their …

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Grand Millennium Gizan won the title of ‘Best business and leisure hotel, KSA’ at Arabian Travel Awards 2024

Grand Millennium Gizan won the title of ‘Best business and leisure hotel, KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. One of the premier luxury 5 Star Hotel in Gizan, it is the most preferred hotel for leisure and business traveller conveniently located in the South of KSA within Gizan University complex, just 20 minutes away from Gizan International Airport. The award was received by Marc Sawaya, Cluster Commercial Director, Millennium Hotels and Resorts and Houssam Chaouachi, Senior Sales Manager, Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

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Hilton and Saudi Tourism Authority launch international destination campaign to showcase Saudi Arabia’s diverse travel experiences

Hilton and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) partnered to showcase the diverse travel experiences tourists can enjoy in Saudi Arabia through an engaging creative content campaign. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, short films and photos have been creatively produced to promote Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Ula, Makkah and Madinah. These captivating visuals transport viewers to discover the country’s distinctive destinations. The campaign builds on last year’s successful partnership between the two entities, in which they created engaging seasonal content for viewers, and is now being rolled out internationally, including across the Middle East, South Africa, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The announcement also follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Hilton and STA in 2023 to explore cooperation opportunities to promote Saudi Arabia and attract visitors to the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030. It also comes as Hilton continues its plans to more than quadruple its presence with over 70 hotels under development – adding more than 18,000 keys to its growing portfolio, introducing more of its award-winning brands, and creating over 15,000 jobs for hospitality professionals across the Kingdom– with more than half of new hires being Saudi nationals. The content, which can be viewed here, serves as a window that immerses visitors in Saudi experiences before their arrival. It brings to life the Kingdom’s must-visit hotspots and dives into the heart of its welcoming cities. From the spiritual significance of its holy cities, and highlighting the historical treasures of Diriyah, to revelling in the beauty of ancient oases and the stunning topography of the country. It invites visitors to experience the very best of Saudi Arabia with Hilton, highlighting the global hospitality company’s hotels …

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Rixos Alexandria Park Hotel inaugurates in Egypt

Rixos Alexandria Park opened its doors in January 2025. Located in one of Egypt’s most historically significant areas, the resort blends the grandeur of the past with the refined luxury that has become synonymous with the Rixos brand. Experience unparalleled luxury in 326 spacious rooms, suites and villas, as well as 31 exclusive chalets. Whether you’re looking for privacy, romance or family luxury, these accommodations offer elegant design and stunning views, to meet all your needs. In addition, the resort features 152 exquisitely appointed club rooms and suites , as well as a main restaurant and two exceptional à la carte dining experiences, to satisfy all tastes.In its first phase, the resort unveiled the Royal Salamlique Palace and the tranquil King Fouad Inn, where guests are invited to enjoy a harmonious blend of history, sophistication and modern luxury. Future phases will continue to offer more exceptional experiences, enhancing the attractiveness of the resort. Enjoy the charm of Salamlek Palace, a true jewel of historical significance. This stately palace features 18 elegantly appointed suites and rooms, including the legendary Royal Suite specially designed for Khedive Abbas Helmi II and his royal family. The charm of the palace extends to the world-class Royal Table 1892 restaurant and a fine dining experience at La Contes, where fine dining meets exceptional service. For unforgettable moments, the Salamlek Ballroom and Plaza Plaza offer a stunning atmosphere. Guests can relax at the luxurious Anjana Spa and enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, diving in total serenity. Located along the shores of the Mediterranean, King Fouad Inn features 80 luxury lodges, each with private terraces and sweeping sea views with direct beach access. Guests can enjoy vibrant marine …

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Form Hotel welcomes guests in 2025 with its new transformation

FORM Hotel Dubai is redefining the meaning of boutique hospitality. Located in Al Jaddaf, a rapidly emerging hub celebrated for its proximity to Dubai Creek and Dhow Wharfage, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with the warmth of cultural heritage. As a member of Design Hotels and part of Marriott Bonvoy, FORM Hotel stands out as a testament to modern sophistication and timeless charm. Stepping into FORM Hotel, guests are greeted with a world where thoughtful design meets impeccable attention to detail. Each spacious room is adorned with custom-crafted furniture by contemporary artists, creating a unique environment that feels both personal and inspiring. From the rooftop terrace offering panoramic views and a temperature-controlled pool to a state-of-the-art fitness center, every amenity has been carefully curated to elevate the guest experience. Dining options at FORM Hotel further enhance its appeal, offering culinary experiences that celebrate global flavors while embracing the art of hospitality. Recognized globally for its dedication to excellence, FORM Hotel has earned accolades such as the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2024 for Luxury Boutique Hotel, UAE, and Luxury Urban Hotel, Middle East, among others. These achievements underscore the hotel’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience for its guests. Al Jaddaf’s transformation into a thriving urban district mirrors FORM Hotel’s vision of innovation and progress. Just minutes from Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, the area has become a sought-after destination for its strategic location and burgeoning cultural scene. FORM Hotel’s presence in this dynamic neighborhood speaks to its role as both a pioneer in boutique luxury and a partner in the district’s growth. “As we step into 2025, FORM Hotel continues to champion boutique hospitality in Al Jaddaf, a …

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