Category Archives: Hotels

Leading German hospitality management group, Deutsche Hospitality, announces the opening of three new stellar hotels in the Middle East within the last three months, taking its total operating portfolio to 26 properties and three Steigenberger Nile cruises across the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt. The new openings include IntercityHotel Muscat, Steigenberger Residence Doha and Al Hamra Village Hotel, representing an additional 770 operational keys. Within the last 12 months, Deutsche Hospitality has doubled the number of rooms within its regional portfolio, reaching over 1,531 keys in the Middle East. It has further cemented its strong presence in Dubai with the expansion of its team centre in the regional office with appointments of talented Senior Leadership Team to support, the brand’s growth strategies, hotel operations and stakeholders in the Middle East. Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President Middle East, Deutsche Hospitality, said: “2022 has been a great and successful year for us. As we look to the year ahead, the Middle East is teaming with immense growth potential as the region’s leisure and hospitality sectors are expected to grow exponentially. At Deutsche Hospitality, we are committed to creating perfect guest experiences and enhancing our presence as the leading German hospitality group in the region.” Nierhaus added, “2022 also marks another key milestone for the group, establishing a presence in Uzbekistan with our first property in Central Asia. Deutsche Hospitality has entered into a franchise agreement with Valor Hospitality and Globus Hotels to manage IntercityHotel Tashkent in Uzbekistan in 2023.” In September, Deutsche Hospitality celebrated the opening of its third IntercityHotel branded property, IntercityHotel Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. Featuring 273-keys, the midscale property offers guests the …

On the Occasion of the Sultanate’s Celebrations of 52 Glorious National Day and under the patronage of HE Salim Bin Mohammad Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Oman, the 5-star beach resort hotel, Jumeirah Muscat Bay officially inaugurated. The inaugural event was attended by key government officials and senior leaders from the sector. The resort set a benchmark for tourism development in Muscat Governorate and offers local tourism a new concept of hospitality to support the government’s effort towards making the Sultanate a remarkable tourism destination. As another step towards Oman vision 2040 and the efforts into achieving the objectives of tourism, Muscat Bay marks another milestone with its official opening of the luxury hotel. Built with an investment of RO 60 million and built-up area of 32,000 square meters. Jumeirah Muscat Bay is a unique tourism destination that provides more than 206 rooms with breathtaking views and an extraordinary offering with its hospitality and extensive range of hotel facilities including 3 swimming pools, kids club, spas and sports facilities. Located within the general plan of Muscat Bay’s fully integrated resort, this project resonates with the strategic partnership between Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) and Saraya Oman Holding Company, and it considers as Jumeirah group’s first luxury resort in the Sultanate. It will continue to expand its rich portfolio of hospitality assets and facilities and provide guests with a new experience of leisure and relaxation. In addition to attracting an increasing number of global visitors and investors who can consider the Sultanate of Oman a magnificent tourist destination. Aligning itself with Oman Vision 2040 and national tourism strategy to support the national economy, Muscat Bay resonates with developing …

Marriott International continues to reinforce its commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality leaders in Saudi Arabia with a dedicated workshop for women participants and alumni from the company’s Tahseen programme. The event took place in Riyadh in the presence of H.H. Princess Nouf Bint Faisal Bin Turki Al Saud and Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International.   The workshop was attended by more than 40 women who are currently enrolled in or graduated from Tahseen, Marriott’s leadership programme in the Kingdom.  During the event, H.H. Princess Nouf Bint Faisal Bin Turki Al Saud inspired the group by speaking about her journey and experiences. H.H. Princess Nouf Bint Faisal Bin Turki Al Saud said, “I value this pioneering initiative by Marriott International for Young Saudi Women to learn and support the country’s Vision for 2030.  The vision of the country promises Saudi women senior, executive and other management positions in various institutions, with their knowledge, awareness and experience.” The group also heard from Marriott International’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Capuano, President for EMEA, Satya Anand and Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Sandeep Walia.  Marriott’s leadership reinforced the company’s commitment to the advancement of women and increasing the presence of women leaders at all levels of the organisation.  During the workshop, all participants also went through an exercise on their personal branding which included identifying and establishing their key strengths and building leadership presence. Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International commented, “As part of our leadership development efforts in Saudi Arabia, we look forward to advancing the next generation of women hospitality leaders in the country.  We remain committed to investing in local talent to ensure the …

Marriott Hotels announced the debut of its first resort in the United Arab Emirates: Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. The resort also marks the 50th property to join Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio in Dubai. Situated along the island’s golden Palm West Beach, spread across 7,000 square meters of white sand seafront, the beachside haven is a sophisticated destination for travellers seeking exclusive escapism, featuring 10 dining concepts, a shimmering 75-metre pool with four jacuzzis, a kids club, spa, fitness centre, water sports, and marine activities. “As one of the world’s most vibrant holiday destinations and a hub for business travellers Dubai is an ideal location for a flagship Marriott Hotels property,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President – Premium and Select Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “Set along an idyllic stretch of white sand beach with turquoise waters and stunning views, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah is a place for leisure seekers to make memories, discover new cuisines and unwind.” Reflecting Marriott Hotels’ continued evolution, guests are welcomed into sophisticated, comfortable spaces beginning with the Greatroom lobby – a stylish hub where guests can connect and relax. Featuring ocean and sand hues transitioning seamlessly from the outside inwards, the resort’s 608 contemporary guestrooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling ocean views, private balconies, and thoughtful in-room comforts including a pillow menu, mood lighting, a top-of-the-range entertainment system, and large bathtubs. Interconnecting rooms reflect the resort’s flexibility and focus on family stays, and the spacious two-bedroom suites offer separate living, sleeping, and dining spaces. With an eclectic mix of new-to-the-region global brands, born-in-the-UAE concepts, and signature Marriott Hotel offerings, the resort’s 10 dining venues bring flavours, influences, and ideas from Japan, Peru, Italy, …

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), responsible for the transformation of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, into one of the greatest gathering places in the world, today announces adding 16 new global hotel brands to its already impressive hospitality portfolio which includes 16 additional global brands. Bringing the total to 32 hotel management agreements with the world’s most prestigious hotel brands, with our first hotel planned to open in 2023. The signing of these new hotel brands is testament to the pace of development being witnessed in Diriyah, which will be the first giga project in the world to simultaneously open, ground-break and announce world class assets every year from 2022 until completion. To this end, Diriyah has just announced the opening of two of its most significant locations: At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most important historical sites and a symbol of Saudi identity, as well as Bujairi Terrace, the Kingdom’s most anticipated premium dining destination overlooking the majestic At-Turaif. The 16 hotel brands slated to open will be situated across two of DGDA’s masterplan areas – Diriyah and Wadi Safar. The infrastructure of Diriyah’s first phase of hotel construction will feature an interpretation of the local landscape and traditional Najdi design themes, whereas the next phase will offer visitors a more evolved Najdi design experience. Both phases of Diriyah’s hospitality development plans will see a variety of luxury hotels open, characterized by their cutting-edge design, top-class amenities, and superb customer service. Thai-rooted brand Anantara, part of Minor Hotels, will provide a window into the destination through its authentic experience-led hospitality. Corinthia Hotels seeks to build upon its hospitality legacy by …

As the advisory arm of Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Holding (RAKHH), in the past 5 years, Stirling Hospitality Advisors (SHA) has consulted on close to 30 projects in the northern emirate, including hotels, luxury resorts, experiential camps and more. According to the latest data from Ras Al Khaimah’s municipality, the emirate experienced a 45 per cent increase in overall real estate transactions in the first half of 2022, compared to H1 2021. In that period alone, it recorded more than AED 4 billion worth of real estate transactions, further cementing its position as an attractive real estate and hospitality investment hub for hotel groups and investors. With a series of recent hotel openings and tourism activations, the northern emirate has been leading the region’s tourism sector thanks to its diverse offerings that cater to guests across all age groups and interests. The latest announcement from Wynn Resorts marks the first integrated resort in the GCC, bringing another unique hospitality offering to the region. Additionally, the emirate was also selected by Time magazine as one of its World’s Greatest Places of 2022 for its stunning geodiversity and superlative outdoor adventure offerings. Amongst the various destinations SHA currently oversees projects in, the consultancy played an instrumental role in developing the Northern Emirate into a world-renowned tourist destination for active and family tourism. Over the past 5 years, SHA has participated in the pre-opening and opening of 10 hotel projects across its portfolio, showcasing its superlative industry experience in successfully transitioning hotels from concept development to operational. Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors said: “Ras Al Khaimah is an increasingly attractive market for investors and real estate owners at the moment. …

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) which entered into a tripartite partnership with Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company in the world, and Al Rajhi Capital, one of the leading Asset Managers in Saudi Arabia, has identified multiple sites to develop exciting lifestyle developments across the Kingdom, including urban beachfront sites. The projects to be developed are part of the newly formed Lifestyle Hospitality Fund, which has recently received approval by the Saudi market regulator, Capital Market Authority (CMA). The fund aims at advancing Ennismore’s lifestyle hotels in the Kingdom with a targeted fund size of USD 400 million (SAR 1.5 billion). In 2021, during the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, TDF and Ennismore signed an MOU to commence the discussions for launching an investment fund. This was followed by TDF, Ennismore, and Al Rajhi Capital signing a tripartite agreement in July this year to establish the now approved lifestyle hospitality fund. Furthermore,  MOUs were signed with selected investors who expressed interest in coming into the fund with their respective assets. TDF will be the anchor investor in the newly established investment fund, while Ennismore will lead on the operation of these assets post completion under the umbrella of its lifestyle brands. Al Rajhi Capital will manage the development fund and attract investments. Ennismore is a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with creativity and purpose at their heart, bringing together a lifestyle powerhouse of 14 brands with 103 operating properties and 144 in the pipeline. Ennismore’s globally recognized brands include: 25hours Hotels, Mama Shelter, Mondrian, The Hoxton, TRIBE, SLS, SO/ and coworking brand, Working From_. The fund will have significant impact on the tourism offering in the KSA as …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues its growth trajectory across Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA), reaching over 550 hotels across the region through a number of important openings in the year, and a strong line-up of property launches expected in the coming months. In the Middle East, Wyndham continued to bring more accommodation options to Dubai, with the launch of Wyndham Residences on Palm Jumeirah, one of the most popular landmarks in the emirate. In the first half of 2022, the total number of guests within the overall UAE hotel industry increased 42% year-on-year to reach 12 million, driven by The Expo 2020 Dubai and sustained by football’s biggest sporting event in Qatar, where Wyndham opened the 278-key beachfront Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach, as well as Ramada by Wyndham Doha Old Town. Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said: “Travel continues to bounce back and our continued expansion across EMEA is testament to the strength and the resilience of our industry. Our latest expansion marks a key step in our quest to make hotel travel possible for all, which is particularly relevant in a diverse region like the EMEA, where we see strong potential to expand our foothold in both new and existing destinations.” In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Wyndham further cemented its presence with the opening of the 189-key Ramada by Wyndham Riyadh King Fahd Road, offering easy access to the capital’s businesses and commercial districts, an array of F&B outlets, a pool, an indoor sauna, a banquet facility, as well as a business centre with versatile meeting rooms. The latest opening represents the Company’s 13th hotel in KSA. In Turkey, Wyndham …

Hilton announced the highly anticipated opening of Conrad Rabat Arzana, marking the first brand entry into Morocco for Conrad Hotels & Resorts. With its modern architecture and pioneering design, the luxurious 120-guest room hotel will provide guests with a new sense of modern hospitality, premier dining experiences and personalised service for a memorable stay. Located north of Harhouara, 15 minutes from the corniche and 35 minutes from Rabat Salé Airport, the property’s prime location close to the city’s cultural centre provides convenient access to historic tourist attractions such as Mausoleum Med V, Old Medina, Moorish Gardens and The Zoo of Rabat. “The entry of our iconic Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand, named after our founder, Conrad Hilton, into Rabat marks a significant milestone in the growth of our portfolio in the Middle East & Africa – underscoring our strategy to bring Hilton’s luxury brands to new destinations across the region,” said Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, president, Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, Hilton. “Conrad Rabat Arzana is our sixth property in Morocco, and we believe this incredible addition will redefine luxury and enhance the hospitality offering in Rabat for business and leisure travellers alike. We look forward to welcoming guests to this extraordinary property.” With its fascinating history, inspiring ancient vestiges, old ramparts and outstanding Atlantic coastline, Rabat offers a fine selection of monuments, shops, and museums. The city is a popular destination for city breaks and celebrates with a myriad of year-long events and music festivals. Deeply rooted in arts and culture, Rabat is also home to beautiful imperial gardens, minarets, domes, wide avenues, and the Grand Theatre of Rabat, one of Africa’s largest theatres. The theatre hosts many Moroccan troupes, with …

Visionize Technology, is helping pave the way for hotels and resorts around the region to reach new heights with the implementation of a state-of-the-art automation technology which facilitates internal staff operations, enhances the guest experience using in-room apps, lower overall business costs and generate more revenue within the F&B sector. The properties have estimated a staggering increase in the average spent per guest after the implementation of Visionize, mainly due to built-in smart marketing and upselling features, along with fantastic visual experience and a seamless multilingual interface. Visionize Technology Founder & CEO Mazen Chedid stated, “With the future of hospitality gearing towards a more seamless and data-driven experience, the implementation of our systems across numerous hotels around the region seems to be opening new doors to achieving higher revenue, faster operations and an improved guest experience.” Moreover, as the system’s artificial intelligence entirely tracks and analyzes F&B operations including the staff, kitchen and clearances, hotels have witnessed a significant decrease in human error and delivery time.