Category Archives: Hotels

Mohammed Abdullah Al Muhanna Hotels Ltd. signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International and a management agreement with Aleph Hospitality to open Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah in Saudi Arabia in the first quarter of 2025. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025, Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah is located in the Rabwah District of Jeddah with excellent connections to every part of the city and just 15 minutes from King Abdul Aziz International Airport. Featuring 112 well-appointed rooms and suites, food and beverage outlets and meeting facilities, the newly built hotel is anticipated to reflect the brand’s promise of ‘travel reinvented’, providing everything that matters most to today’s travellers seeking balance on the road, timeless style and comfort with genuine service. Tariq Dowidar, Vice President Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality said, “I am thrilled that we have been entrusted with the management of the Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah and we look forward to a successful opening. Today, I am also proud to say that this is the second hotel under our management in Saudi Arabia, and the fourth hotel under the Marriott franchise. Our rapid expansion over the past year has made Aleph Hospitality the largest independent hospitality management company in the region.” “This project marks the starting point toward achieving great success in the hospitality sector and we are committed to providing a unique hospitality experience that caters to the needs of visitors from all over the world,” commented Saleh Abdulmohsin Al Sultan, Managing Director, Mohammed Abdullah Al Muhanna Hotels Ltd. “Supporting the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 has been a key driver for our investment in the hospitality and tourism sector in the Kingdom and we …

Sofitel announced 70 residences in Downtown Dubai with 6 exceptional penthouses and 64 residences offering a variety of premium amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a café, an immersive cinema room, and a health club with a stunning 15-meter swimming pool. Additional services such as 24/7 concierge, valet services, and à la carte options inspired by Sofitel’s French zest like personal chefs, childcare, and in-residence housekeeping are available to ensure that residents enjoy an elevated lifestyle. Located in the iconic Downtown Dubai district, just a stone’s throw from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Sofitel Residences Downtown Dubai provides unparalleled access to world-class restaurants, cultural attractions, and renowned boutiques. Residents will experience a unique blend of Middle Eastern culture and modern French aesthetics, seamlessly integrated into every living space. “As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Sofitel brand throughout 2024, this project marks an exciting new chapter for us, bringing our signature French zest and heartfelt service to the real estate market in Dubai. Sofitel Residences Downtown Dubai will set a new standard in luxury living, offering an unmatched lifestyle experience in one of the city’s most exclusive areas. With Sofitel’s rich heritage and our ongoing commitment to redefining luxury living, this project is the perfect fit for the branded residences market. We are thrilled to welcome future residents to this unparalleled living experience in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.” — Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems. This new residential development further strengthens Sofitel’s presence in the luxury segment in UAE, targeting the real estate business and diversifying its business lines. Jean-Baptiste Recher, Regional Vice President of Development for Accor’s Luxury Brands based in …

Hyatt proudly announces plans for the debut of two Hyatt-branded hotels in Jaumur, one of Magna’s destinations, located on the coast of Gulf of Aqaba. Park Hyatt Jaumur and Andaz Jaumur Marina will mark a significant milestone in the expansion of Hyatt’s brand presence within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and solidify its strategic collaboration with NEOM, a beacon of future living and sustainable luxury. Jaumur offers a visionary blend of land and sea experiences, setting a new standard for coastal luxury living for residents and guests. This exclusive destination features a state-of-the-art 300-berth marina with a gravity-defying cantilever rising above the largest of super yachts, a sculptural landmark that serves as the perfect base for marina attractions. The marina promenade will be a place alive with entertainment, leisure, and cultural experiences alongside the deep-sea diving research centre, dedicated to deep-sea exploration. The brand-new Park Hyatt Jaumur and Andaz Jaumur Marina, set to open in 2027, will offer a combination of 350 luxurious rooms and suites, offering exceptional experiences for guests. Park Hyatt Jaumur will sit at the community’s vibrant epicenter, overlooking the bustling marina. Designed as an oasis of relaxation with 125 rooms, Park Hyatt Jaumur will serve as a home-away-from-home that seamlessly blends the very best entertainment, leisure, and cultural experiences, enabling guests to immerse themselves in unmatched offerings. Andaz Jaumur Marina, with 225 modern rooms and suites, will be a celebration of art and creativity, capturing the very soul of Jaumur. The hotel will inspire innovation while offering an eclectic allure, making it a luxury lifestyle destination for those seeking an escape from the ordinary. With a focus on personalized experiences, Andaz Jaumur Marina will envelop guests …

Kamah Hotels & Resorts announced their partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Together, they have signed a US$70 million deal to develop four new hotels—one in Dubai and three in India—under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. The exclusive signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries from all parties, including Dimitris Manikis, President of EMEA, and Panos Loupasis, Market Managing Director of TMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Govind Mundra, Head of Development for the Middle East and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Dinesh Yadav, Director of Fine Acers & GBR and Imran Khan, CEO & Founder, PIXL Group, the exclusive global strategy & marketing partner for Kamah Hotels & Resorts. This partnership was formalised at the Future Hospitality Summit 2024 in Dubai and marks a significant expansion for Kamah’s portfolio, developed by Fine Acers Group in India and Global Branded Residences (GBR) internationally. “After our successful collaboration with Wyndham Grand Jaipur last year, we are thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts,” said Mr. Dinesh Yadav, Managing Director of Fine Acers Group & GBR. “This partnership will see the launch of four hotels under the Kamah brand, offering an exclusive luxury and wellness experience under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. The first set of properties will be located in Dubai, Coorg, Jawai and Udaipur with further expansions planned in global destinations across North America, Australia and Europe, as well as prominent leisure locations in the Indian subcontinent, such as Goa, Lonavala, and Dharamshala.” There seems to be a substantial gap in the global wellness hospitality sector. With this strategic partnership between Kamah and Wyndham, both companies aim to address this shortcoming with a well-curated hospitality project that …

On 15th January, 2025, The Land of Legends will open its doors to its newest attractions: Türkiye’s first Nickelodeon Land, and first and only Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts in the country. With three brand-new, fun-filled areas, a new hotel and the chance to meet Nickelodeon characters, the new attractions will immerse guests in a Nickelodeon adventure. The new Nickelodeon Land will open at The Land of Legends, Antalya, which is a one-stop shop full of adventure, offering guests of all ages the chance to experience dizzying heights, thrilling rides, and top-class entertainment all in one place, whatever their age. The first Nickelodeon development in Türkiye marks a significant step forward for the Turkish tourism industry and The Land of Legends. The brand’s global significance means the new opening – earmarked for January 2025 – is a key project and investment for Türkiye. The collaboration between The Land of Legends and Paramount Global’s Nickelodeon, one of the world’s biggest entertainment brands, reflects the growth of the Turkish hospitality and entertainment industry. NEW for 2025 – The Land of Legends Nickelodeon Land and Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Antalya Opening 15th January 2025, Nickelodeon Land consists of three unique areas – the underwater Bikini Bottom from SpongeBob SquarePants, intergalactic Star Trek: Wild Galaxy, based on Star Trek: Prodigy, and the open-air Adventure Bay PAW Patrol. Across the new development, guests will experience thrilling experiences, from riding the giant Jellyfish Jam swing in Bikini Bottom, to experiencing an adventure through space in the Star Trek: Wild Galaxy 5D cinema and flying high in Skye’s Flyers helicopter-style ride. At Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya, each guest will live out their own legend and have the …

Accor announced the signing of Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown, the latest addition to its portfolio of premium hotels in partnership with Gulf Hotels Group. The signing ceremony was held during the Future Hospitality Summit. This agreement marks the rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay as the Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown, a strategic move to strengthen the hotel’s competitive position in Dubai’s dynamic hospitality market. Gulf Hotels Group stands as one of the most respected and pioneering hospitality companies in the Middle East and Africa. With a history spanning over five decades, Gulf Hotels Group is synonymous with luxury, innovation, and service excellence. The rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay is another step in Gulf Hotels Group’s mission to uphold its legacy while adapting to market demands and opportunities. Gulf Hotels Group has been managing the property for several years, and with this rebranding, the Group will continue to manage and oversee the hotel’s operations, ensuring the same level of excellence for which it has become renowned. The hotel will now benefit from Accor’s global reach, loyalty, sales and distribution platforms, and brand recognition, further enhancing its appeal to both leisure and business travelers. Set to open in 2025, the hotel brings Grand Mercure’s modern flair and passion for local culture to the city’s vibrant Downtown and Business Bay areas – strategically positioned near Dubai International Airport, financial and business districts, as well as key leisure hubs and tourist attractions. Featuring a prime location with views over the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal, Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown will offer 270 keys comprising 239 rooms and 31 suites ranging from standard, deluxe, superior and grand deluxe. The hotel provides …

RAK Properties has expanded its partnership with Minor Hotels to introduce the upcoming Anantara Branded Residences on Mina al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah. The signing ceremony took place during the Future Hospitality Summit, marking another significant milestone in RAK Properties’ vision to position Mina Al Arab as a leading global destination for luxury island living within a vibrant community hub. This expanded collaboration, part of RAK Properties’ broader strategy of integrating renowned international hospitality brands, reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal to investors and residents seeking high-end living. By integrating world-class brands like Anantara, RAK Properties demonstrates its commitment to sustainable developments that enhance the emirate’s allure for luxury living and tourism. This represents a milestone in the expansion of the company’s premium real estate portfolio and supports Ras Al Khaimah’s vision for luxury waterfront living. The Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Residences promise an unparalleled lifestyle, where the tranquillity of traditional Thai design will meet the tropical allure of Ras Al Khaimah. Residents will enjoy the epitome of luxury living, complete with world-class amenities, private infinity pools, expansive terraces, and direct access to the pristine shoreline — all within the comfort and privacy of their own sea-view apartment or overwater villa. The development will include around 94 residential apartments and 20 overwater villas. JT&P has been appointed as the lead designer, ensuring the project’s architectural excellence and seamless integration into the natural surroundings. Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, said: “Our continued partnership with Minor Hotels is a key milestone in expanding our luxury portfolio. The Anantara brand aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering world-class, sustainable developments that highlight the natural beauty of Ras Al Khaimah. …

At a special interview with TravelTV Middle East Amir Golbarg Senior VP Operations MEA Region Minor Hotels shared that the travel trade partners are of paramount importance as they build destinations when opening hotels. “travel trade is of paramount importance to us and we like to be destination builders. We like to create and add new destinations onto the map, and that’s one thing we work very closely in terms of, in particular with our Anantara brand, which is all about being indigenous sustainable luxury. And when you go in and you want to penetrate and create a new destination on the map, you’ve got to work with the travel trade. You’ve got to work with the local governments and the entities. And for us, you know, it’s the whole geosystem of travel coming together. We are an anchor and an establisher that’s going to create the demand. But the demand needs to be known, and to be able to get that voice heard, that’s where the travel trade is key. And you need to bring the entire geosystem together, and one without the other cannot function. So for us, travel trade as a whole has many components that many, unfortunately, look at it in silos. And I think in today’s world, we’ve gone from global back to local. And when you go back to local, then you need to look at who do you need to work with domestically to build the destinations up or to rebuild the perception of the destinations. So for us, that’s a key component, and travel trade plays a significant role in us building destinations.”

Hilton announces the opening of two hotels in Dubai – Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay, marking the debut of the Embassy Suites by Hilton brand in the UAE, and Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Business Bay – both offering guests world-class hospitality in the heart of the city’s bustling Business Bay district. The highly anticipated Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay brings the brand’s upscale hospitality to the UAE for the first time. Features synonymous with Embassy by Hilton including spacious suites, complimentary made-to-order breakfast, flexible meetings and events space and a complimentary evening reception are all available for visitors to Dubai to enjoy. Next door, Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Business Bay offers affordable stays and an open, inviting atmosphere with warm service, ensuring guests have an easy and comfortable stay. An ideal base to explore the city, both properties are just minutes from Dubai’s iconic tourist attractions such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall and are well-connected to key business hubs like Dubai Design District, Emaar Square and Bay Square. Commenting on the openings, Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “These openings build on our footprint in the UAE, an incredibly dynamic market with great momentum. With the debut of Embassy Suites by Hilton – our first All-Suites brand in the UAE – we now have ten brands operating across the country. We look forward to welcoming guests to these properties, which are set to be a hub of hospitality excellence for leisure and business travellers alike.” Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay With the majority of guest rooms offering views of the Burj Khalifa, the UAE’s first Embassy Suites by Hilton is …

Oravel Stays has launched its premium hotel brand SUNDAY in Dubai with the opening of SUNDAY Holiday International Hotel Dubai. Spread over 44000 square feet, it is at Bur Dubai next to Burjuman Mall and Metro Station on the western side of Dubai creek. There are over 200 rooms in different categories and multiple food and beverages outlets in the hotel to cater to different requirements of the guests. There are many popular tourist hotspots in proximity such as Dubai Creek, Dubai Dolphinarium and Dubai Frame. The initiative is a part of Oravel’s ongoing program to spread premium hotel footprint across the globe. It has identified popular tourist regions as Deira, Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residences, Business Bay, and Al Barsha for the expansion of SUNDAY brand of hotels in Dubai. The brand SUNDAY has been conceptualised to cater to the ever-evolving needs of the new-age travelers and provide them a perfect getaway for a reset. SUNDAY will cater to the growing demand for premium stays, combining sophisticated design, top-notch amenities and services. It breaks away from the mold of traditional hotels and offers a unique proposition of modern-day luxury coupled with mindfully curated experiences that enable guests to unwind at their own pace. SUNDAY Hotels offer an immersive experience, designed to engage the local community, and showcase creativity. Each property has a dedicated team of highly trained hospitality professionals that ensure personalised services for every guest. From the moment of arrival, guests are treated to a seamless check-in process, with staff available around the clock to cater to their needs. One of the hallmarks of the SUNDAY brand is its luxurious amenities, designed …