Category Archives: Hotels

The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) will return to Saudi Arabia in a new format on 24-25 May 2022 in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. Under the theme Reimagined Horizons, co-organisors The Bench and MEED, along with Saudi-based organiser SEMARK, have designed the programme around the key themes of the future of hotel development, destination impact, aviation, sustainability, restaurant investment and human capital. “We’re thrilled to bring three investment communities under one roof at FHS Saudi Arabia this year; Saudi Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC), Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) and AVIADEV, which are all represented in our action-packed programme in Riyadh later this month,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench. “Our focus will be on the future of our industry and delegates will have over 40 opportunities to deliberate, learn and network over two exciting days. With a range of different formats from main stage presentations, workshops and panel discussions to interviews, break-out sessions and networking opportunities, we look forward to facilitating ground-breaking conversations on what’s next for the hospitality industry,” he added. Hosted by Dur Hospitality, FHS Saudi Arabia will kick off with a Moroccan-themed opening reception showcasing the group’s unique hospitality concepts. Ahead of the event, Dur’s CEO Mr. Sultan bin Badr Al Otaibi stated: “It’s a great pleasure to host such a grand event debuting the new era of hospitality and redefining the future of this vibrant industry while creating numerous opportunities to drive collaboration and joint leadership action from across the global hospitality sector.” The GRIF community will be the first to take the stage at FHS with a series of sessions dedicated to the Kingdom’s F&B investment scene, including a focus on dining trends, new brands and …

Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) shares its key takeaways as we look back at the resounding success of Expo 2020, rising above the challenges of a global pandemic to bring the world together in celebration of humanity and our planet. Dubai reached the incredible milestone of 20 million visits by Expo 2020 on 19th March, with 192 Country Pavilions opening their doors over the last six months.  A total of 1938 government leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, heads of state and key officials, have honoured the Expo site, to open their country’s pavilions, speak at official events or celebrate their nation’s Expo National Day. ‘UAE Hospitality Industry was stimulated by Expo 2020 just when we needed it most, and we are confident that this momentum is set to continue, with strong occupancy and revenue rates throughout our hotels,’ commented Haytham Abdelaziz, Director of Operations at HMH. Expo 2020 Dubai has championed three sub-themes to demonstrate how the UAE is “connecting minds, creating the future” – sustainability, mobility, and opportunity. The focus has been on partnering to drive growth, increasing physical and virtual connectivity to share services and goods, and using resources without impacting our habitat and planet. ‘The world got a chance to experience the best that UAE Hospitality has to offer through Expo 2020, raising our profile as an exciting, accessible, and socially responsible travel destination,’ continued Abdelaziz. ‘It has also provided the opportunity to build trade agreements with countries and companies from around the world, creating and strengthening inbound tourism and MICE partnerships.  Dubai welcomed 979.7K overnight visitors in the month of January 2022 alone, with the highest number of international guests from Saudi Arabia at 105K. According to …

UAE-headquartered hospitality company TIME Hotels has outlined ambitious expansion plans to increase its portfolio by 40% to 21 properties throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Sudan. The announcement, which comes ahead of the company’s participation at next month’s Arabian Travel Market, which takes place from 9 – 12 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will see an additional six properties added to TIME Hotel’s portfolio, with developments in Fujairah, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and three in Egypt being showcased at the Middle East’s premier travel showcase. Mohamed Awadalla, the co-founder and CEO of TIME Hotels, said: “Following the challenges of the last two years, we have seen unprecedented demand for additional rooms in key territories in the region. This, combined with our in-depth market research, has underscored the need for new, quality-driven, value accommodation. “We have witnessed resounding success throughout the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, and we feel now is the time to expand for the company’s future success. With six new properties, totalling 781 keys, this is an important time for our expansion and growth both regionally and internationally.” As part of the company’s expansion plans, TIME Hotels will expand its offering in the UAE with the launch of the TIME Moonstone Hotel Apartments in Fujairah, located just 10 minutes from a host of amenities, including Fujairah Mall, City Centre Fujairah, and the Fujairah Corniche.  The 91-key property, which is scheduled to open on 1 May 2022, will feature 13 one-bedroom and 78 two-bedroom apartments, an all-day dining restaurant, a gym, and saunas and steam rooms. The company will also expand in Egypt with three new properties, including the 117-key Marina Hotel & Convention Centre on the …

HyperPay announced that it has achieved an Oracle Validated Integration with Oracle Hospitality OPERA, the property management system for hospitality businesses. HyperPay will showcase HyperBill’s Hospitality Payment Solution for the first time at Arabian Travel Market 2022. The integration will allow hotels across the MENA region to benefit from HyperPay’s e-invoicing payments platform (HyperBill) without the need for the long and complex integration processes. HyperPay recently launched a production Oracle Marketplace APP, the first app that combines the power of Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform (OHIP), Oracle Hospitality Industry Connector (OIC), and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). The Oracle system partners with brands who can share their expertise, and offer solutions to some of the most complex problems of running a business. This now includes handling all of the billing for even the biggest companies. “Hotels and hospitality professionals from around the world can benefit from the integrated hospitality solution that will debut for the first time at ATM 2022. Combining Oracle Hospitality OPERA with HyperPay’s powerful e-invoicing system HyperBill, to deliver a frictionless, unified customer experience. This will enable guests to secure their reservations and hotels to seamlessly collect their payments.” said Products Development Manager, Obaida Khaleel. Oracle partners need to meet stringent requirements, and brands must show that their integration meets the specified security standards and specifications. This assures the safety and security of the partners. As Oracle describes it, “differentiated services, combined with Oracle’s technology, help enable our customers to achieve their business goals”. One such tool is Opera, the hotel management system that moves the organisation forward, used by hotel chains, resorts, and other hospitality businesses. Opera already makes it simpler to track travel agent and individual bookings, group …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), under the umbrella of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), has announced its fifteenth consecutive participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 9 – 12. The authority will also be present at their online event, ATM Virtual, from May 17 – 18. Furthering its mission to continue boosting the UAE’s and the region’s business and investment potential in the authentic, eco-inspired travel sector, Shurooq will unveil  new hospitality projects at the 29th edition of ATM, along with showcasing its diverse and world-class portfolio of existing eco-destinations that champion the spirit of conservation and the preservation of local culture and heritage, and in doing so, are redefining the leisure and travel landscape of Sharjah and the region. With a physical presence at ATM 2022 at Stand No. ME 2150 in Hall 2, Shurooq will also be turning the spotlight on its latest projects, which will be making their ATM debut. These include Lux* Al Jabal Resort – a luxurious beach resort in Khorfakkan overlooking the pristine waters of the Soueifa Beach; the Lux* Al Bridi Resort in Al Dhaid set adjacent to the Sharjah Safari, the largest wildlife safari in the world outside of Africa, where Shurooq and EPAA will collaborate to curate unique guest interactions with the wild; and Nomad which explores the emirate’s nature through beach trailer experience in Al Hamriya. . Through its presence at the leading travel and tourism event in the region, Shurooq aims to update industry stakeholders as well as regional and international investors on their latest contributions to the emirate’s travel and leisure sector, particularly …

In line with the long-established tradition of BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana and Jumeira Rotana, the hotels once again reached out to their communities during this holy Month of Ramadan. Following 2 years of restrictions due to COVID-19, the two properties incorporated the blessings of the event under the theme of “The Act of Kindness”; 240 construction workers benefited from bags filled with dried and grocery items ensuring food rations for at least 3 days. Mr. Ulrich Hoffmeister, Cluster General Manager of BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana and Jumeira Rotana said, “It is our pleasure to organize such initiatives, especially in the most difficult times like these where the pandemic is still very much active. That being said, we are delighted to share the spirit of giving and to engage in acts of kindness by sharing something with our community.” “It is our responsibility to support the people around us through CSR initiatives, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan,” Ulrich added. For the past years, BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana Jumeira Rotana have been active with several community services and support of non-government organizations. The hotels’ initiatives confirmed the commitment to their core values of respect and integrity, demonstrated by the desire of “giving back” to the community.

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of W Dubai – Mina Seyahi. Situated on the highly sought-after Jumeirah Beach coastline, the 31-storey hotel boasts striking glass architecture with unobstructed views of the sun-soaked Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s iconic landmarks. “Dubai is an always-on, high-energy city with a growing luxury lifestyle scene, making it the perfect destination for the iconic W Hotels brand,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is the third W hotel to launch in the UAE and reflects its world-famous culture and social vibrancy, and brings the W brand’s signature style of luxury to travellers looking for new ways to celebrate the destination. Guests and locals can expect the unexpected with intriguing spaces, vibrant dining experiences and dynamic programming.” Dubai’s historical, cultural and social fabric is woven throughout the design of the hotel with surprises waiting to be discovered around every corner. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the artfully designed porte-cochère that leads to a show-stopping Welcome Desk featuring bold colours and textures inspired by the romanticism of a snake charmer – a nod to the Middle East’s history of mystique and its mix of poets, storytellers, and performers who brought the energy of the region to life. Inside, the W Lounge – the brand’s take on the hotel lobby – pays homage to famed, Middle Eastern gold souks, with rich, warm hues and gold accents to create a lively, modern-day bazaar. Guests can connect over imaginative cocktails and savoury bites infused with local flavours, complemented by live music and nightly DJ sets. …

Kerzner International Holdings Limited (“Kerzner”), the owner of the iconic Atlantis Resorts and Residences, ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts worldwide, is proud to announce the launch of Rare Finds; a diverse collection of resorts celebrating the individuality of each property, showcasing their unique identity, location, talent and expertise, with a distinct ability to captivate the imagination, provoke thought and elevate a destination through transformative experiences, unmatched food and beverage offerings and spectacular entertainment. Under this new vertical, Kerzner has assumed management of Bab Al Shams, Dubai’s quintessential desert resort, owned by Meydan. The resort will close for an extensive reimagination between May 2022 and early 2023, reopening as part of Rare Finds. “I am excited to welcome Bab Al Shams Desert Resort to the newly introduced Rare Finds collection. The addition of this legacy landmark desert resort marks Kerzner International’s continued growth and expansion within the region,” commented Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International. “We have been part of Dubai’s storied history with one of the first ultra-luxury resorts with One&Only Royal Mirage followed by the epochal Atlantis, The Palm and we continue to be very bullish on the destination with the upcoming opening of Atlantis, The Royal Resort & Residences later this year and One&Only One Za’abeel joining Bab Al Shams next year.  We are thrilled to continue to be part of the future of Dubai, and we look forward to welcoming guests to discover this new, evolved idyllic retreat.” The extensive reimagination of the iconic desert resort will introduce a completely renewed aesthetic whilst maintaining the resort’s authentic equestrian identity. Captivating destination experiences and vibrant entertainment will be the beating heart of the reborn resort, spreading an intangible energy to …

Akhom Consulting and Crown & Champa Resorts, a luxury collection of island resorts in the Maldives announce their partnership effective from April 2022.Akhom Consulting will be responsible for the sales & marketing representation of this unique and diverse brand in the Middle East region, more strongly in the GCC countries. Throughout 2022, the Maldives will be celebrating 50 years since tourism to this spellbinding island-nation began. Crown & Champa Resorts, the leading local hospitality group of Maldives, boasts with a legacy of strong ownership which forms part of the pioneers bringing the very first Tourists to the destination. Crown & Champa Resorts are part of this 50 years journey , which is what leaves this brand with  a well-known reputation of strong and reliable business practices in Maldives. One is spoilt by choice with over several unique resorts in the Maldives. The Crown & Champa Resorts collection leads the destination with continuously developing and growing the resort portfolio. CCR strives to constantly deliver great quality, value for money, and authentic Maldivian experiences across all their resorts. Following the very well-known Maldivian concept of one island one resort, each resort has its very own unique design which reflect their surroundings and heritage, creating getaways filled with authentic beauty and allure. There is a unique resort within the CCR collection for every purpose including choices from romantic, relaxing holidays to adventurous water sports and beach family escapes. With adult-only and family-friendly resorts to luxury and more affordable resorts , CCR is bound to deliver  a wide selection of accommodation options. Within the luxury resort selection of Crown & Champa, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort and Kagi Maldives Spa Island are …

Valor Hospitality Middle East announced its first hotel in Muscat, Oman, adding to its portfolio in the Middle East. The upscale, full-service hotel in Muscat, Oman is scheduled to open in Q1 2024, after complete renovation, refurbishment and rebranding. When open, the hotel will feature 201 guest rooms, ballroom and conference facilities, leisure and fitness amenities and multiple bars and dining venues. Located in the centre of Muscat, in Qurum, the hotel will offer a great location and diverse room mix for both short and long stays, corporate and leisure travellers. “After our recent hotel opening in Dubai, UAE, it gives us great pleasure to expand our third-party hotel management services in the Middle East by partnering with Mustafa Sultan Enterprises for our first of, hopefully, many hotels in Oman,” said Julien Bergue, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Valor Hospitality Middle East. “We are working closely with the ownership on the full renovation plan and in identifying a suitable brand fit for the fully revamped hotel” Bergue continued. Shabeer Mustafa Sultan, Chairman of Mustafa Sultan Enterprises, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Valor Hospitality for operating an international branded hotel in Muscat, Oman and to provide the best possible guest experience.  This collaboration points to a full renovation and rebranding investment that supports our mission to create long-term value for the tourism, real estate and leisure sectors across Oman. With our shared values and Valor Hospitality’s global expertise in managing hotels, we are confident the hotel will add great value to the vision of Oman’s leaders, particularly in the upscale hotel segment. We look forward to delivering an engaging and positive experience for all our guests”.