Category Archives: Hotels

Accor expands its luxury footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a new property – Fairmont Red Sea – a luxurious family, wellness and nature focused resort part of the upcoming landmark The Red Sea Project (TRSP). TRSP is being developed as an exquisite ultra-luxury destination within a pristine 28,000 square kilometer area. Once complete, it will offer visitors the exclusive opportunity to explore a unique and diverse region of the world, including experiences for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, cultural explorers and wellness seekers. With more than 200 km of untouched coastline, an archipelago of more than 90 unspoiled islands, dormant volcanoes, rich nature and marine habitats, and ancient archaeological sites, the destination will set new standards in sustainable development and further position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map. The group is partnering with the Red Sea Development Company, a closed joint stock company owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Company. “We are pleased to partner with the Accor Group for the expansion of the Fairmont brand at our Red Sea destination. The Red Sea Project aims to deliver a unique barefoot luxury experience to our guests, and the name Accor has become synonymous with luxury the world over. We are proud to have the Group’s prestigious Fairmont brand at the development and look forward to working together to set a new global benchmark in regenerative luxury tourism. This is truly a milestone moment for the brand, for TRSDC and for the Kingdom,” said John Pagano, CEO at TRSDC.   Fairmont hotels are well-known for offering more than luxurious rooms, exceptional dining and outstanding locations: through heartfelt service, the delivery of meaningful experiences and a true and …

DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel and Residences opened its doors to guests. Located in the heart of Sharjah’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, overlooking the Al Majaz Waterfront and in close proximity to the city centre, this new hotel offers warm ambience and engaging hospitality. “I am delighted to have opened the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Sharjah, offering guests stylish and spacious guestrooms, incredible dining options and service that will truly wow our guests,” said Vikram Jamwal, General Manager. “Sharjah has so much to offer – from rich culture, a vibrant arts scene, to unique events – and DoubleTree by Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Residences is poised to become a lifestyle destination of choice for travellers to the Emirate.” DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Residences features 156 guestrooms and 108 design-led family-friendly apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms. It also offers modern meeting rooms appointed with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and a fully equipped and functional business centre. Each of the guest rooms, apartments and meeting rooms offer an exceptional Al Majaz Waterfront view with floor-to-ceiling windows.   “We believe the opening of this hotel represents a milestone moment in the development of Sharjah as a unique and welcoming destination for visitors” said Mr. Marwan Al Zaiem, Chairman of Al Marwan Group. “With incredible lake views from every room and fully equipped apartments, the design of this hotel is entrenched with the rich historical and cultural heritage of Sharjah all to offer each of our guests a very memorable experience.”   Dining options available at DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Residences include Majdolin, an upscale Levantine restaurant – led by Executive Chef Bilal Saleh …

The Dubai-based network of 600 independent hotels and groups adopts D-EDGE’s suite of solutions to develop the sales of its member hotels and support its expansion. D-EDGE Hospitality Solutions, a leading provider of SaaS and digital marketing solutions for hoteliers, announces a new partnership with ResNet World. Thanks to this agreement, the 600 hotels of the network will migrate to D-EDGE’s CRS* and will benefit from MediaGenius, the first multi digital media platform dedicated to hoteliers. Over the last 24 months D-EDGE has accelerated the development of its offering with the addition of a Central Data Management Platform offer, the launch of the first multi digital media management platform for hotels, and has developed connectivity with more than 50 additional partners/third-party solutions. The addition of ResNet hotels to its customer portfolio is a strong endorsement of D-EDGE’s technology and of the company’s ability to serve the growth and ambition of hotel chains. On the choice of D-EDGE, Shane Mansell, co-founder of ResNet World explains: “At ResNet World we know what independent hotels are looking for in our markets. They need technology that is flexible, reliable and makes their lives easier and they need great support and a fair price point from their CRS partner. And most of all our hoteliers need a technology company that focuses on its clients. That is why we are making this switch to D-EDGE: they care about the success of our hoteliers across all aspects of the business and provide us with the tools, attitude and technology we are hungry for to grow our company and to help hoteliers manage their properties.” D-EDGE already equips 12,000 hotels worldwide. Thanks to this deal, it will strengthen …

Ishraq Hospitality, a Mohammad & Obaid AlMulla Group division, announced the successful upgrade of all Holiday Inn Express hotels in Dubai to a three-star rating. This milestone is in line with Ishraq Hospitality’s plans to expand the Holiday Inn Express (HIEX) chain – the single largest hotel brand in the world – in the Middle East, with eight new hotels to be opened in the next seven years. Alexander Suski, Acting CEO of Ishraq Hospitality, said: “Ishraq Hospitality is committed to maintaining ambitious growth plans in the region and providing consistent quality services in the hospitality industry. The recent upgrade to three stars, an important milestone, will allow our hotels to accommodate new markets and audiences enabling further average rate growth for the portfolio, facilitate more smart travel guest services, and continue to deliver guest satisfaction.” Renovations across the hotels include new services such as a 24/7 kiosk and a coffee lounge, where guests can work and socialize in a vibrant environment. Rooms and features are also undergoing renovation, with a new front office look for Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport. The Brick Wall Sports Bar is now present in Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah and Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport. At Holiday Inn Express Internet City, the award-winning casual Mexican restaurant, Muchachas, also offers a takeaway menu. Holiday Inn Express is one of IHG’s fastest-growing hotel brands, a first choice for the increasing number of travellers who need a warm, comfortable place to rest, recharge, and work. Ishraq Hospitality, which operates Holiday Inn Express under the IHG® franchise, currently owns four Holiday Inn Express hotels in the UAE in partnership with IHG®.  

Al Khoory Group, is getting ready to open its sixth hotel – Al Khoory Sky Garden – in Dubai as Expo 2020 has started to attract international tourists to the UAE. Al Khoory Hotels, the hospitality arm of Dubai-based Emirati family-owned diversified business conglomerate. The opening of Al Khoory Sky Garden comes as the tourism industry in Dubai and the UAE starts to grow after 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic – that was effectively handled by the UAE authorities. “The opening of Al Khoory Sky Garden Hotel reflects our strong commitment to the UAE economy and especially the tourism industry,” says Abdullah Khoory, Vice-Chairman of Al Khoory Group, which is also reaching 50 years soon after the Golden Jubilee of the UAE federation. “We prepped ourselves for the opening of Al Khoory Sky Garden Hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic – a very challenging time – which also reflects our strong commitment towards the long-term sustainability of the UAE economy and Dubai’s tourism industry,” he said. “We are pleased with our readiness to serve the tourism industry and contribute to the UAE economy. Soon, Al Khoory Sky Garden will start to offer international and regional tourists the best of our hospitality services.” Dubai welcomed 2.85 million visitors from January – July 2021 and is set to accelerate growth in the fourth quarter of this year with milestone events including Expo 2020 and the UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations. Dubai ranks second globally in terms of hotel occupancy with hotels enjoying 61 percent average occupancy levels in first seven months of 2021, according to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Ideally located on the Airport Road, Al Khoory Sky Garden is …

Miral and Hilton, announced that the DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences, will open its doors to guests on 17 November 2021.  The serviced residences will be managed under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand, offering alternative and diverse accommodation facilities to guests visiting Yas Island, especially business travellers and larger families. The 156 apartments will provide guests with more space and a range of studio, one, two and three-bedroom accommodation options featuring full amenities.  It will also include in-room kitchenettes, as well as recreation and leisure facilities, including a gym and swimming pool. Gurjit Singh, Chief Portfolio Officer at Miral, said, “We’re proud to be bringing the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Yas Island. This important addition to our world-class portfolio is a testament to achieving our vision for Yas Island to be positioned as a top global destination for entertainment, leisure, and business. We look forward to welcoming guests later this year and are incredibly proud of our partnership with Hilton, that has helped us diversify the hospitality offering on Yas Island with the addition of three unique hotels.”   The DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences is part of a wider strategic partnership between Miral and Hilton. The collaboration has also brought the Curio Collection by Hilton brand to Abu Dhabi for the first time to manage The WB Abu Dhabi hotel, which is set to open on 11 November this year. In addition, the five-star Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island hotel, located within the upcoming Yas Bay Waterfront, opened in February 2021.   Commenting on the opening, Matthew Mullan, Cluster General Manager, Hilton Abu Dhabi said, “We are delighted to open the doors to …

Yousuf Lootah, Vice Chairman of Dubai Sustainable Tourism said: “Dubai continues to progress towards its goal to be one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-thinking, sustainable tourism destinations, aligned with the “Year of the 50th” announcement from HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.  Sustainability is one of the UAE’s four strategic pillars for the next 50 years and Dubai Tourism and Dubai Sustainable Tourism strive to collaborate with stakeholders, partners and private companies to boost wellbeing, act as a steward for nature and the environment, support communities and transform the economic future of the UAE.” Sustainable farming is gathering pace in Dubai. With a large focus on food security and regenerative farming practices, Dubai’s agricultural sector continues to grow with a record number of ecological farms for tourists and locals to visit, as well as take home the fresh produce. The city offers a multitude of opportunities for residents and visitors to support enterprise, as well as providing a new lens through which to experience Dubai.   As vertical farming, including aquaculture and hydroponic farming, become increasingly popular, they are helping the city chart the course towards a more sustainable future. Supporting the UAE’s food security goals , vertical farms are enabling consumers to be closer to their produce. Local produce is taking over the dining table at a number of destinations across the city, with eight of Atlantis, The Palm’s restaurants serving dishes with ingredients grown and harvested in Dubai. Local favourites such as, The Pangolin, The Locale at Andaz Dubai and more are also placing emphasis on using locally grown produce.     “Dubai is a city with a number of local …

Solidifying St. Regis Hotels & Resorts’ position as a leader in luxury, the iconic brand expects to expand its existing portfolio of 15 curated resorts with plans to debut eleven new enchanted escapes by 2025 in some of the world’s most coveted leisure destinations, including locales most desired by the next generation of luxury travelers within the Caribbean, North America, North Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific. St. Regis has 49 open hotels and resorts today, with 29 hotels and resorts in its pipeline, representing expected growth of nearly 60 percent over the next five years in both urban and leisure destination. “This is a pivotal moment for St. Regis as we expect to nearly double our existing resort portfolio by 2025. Our resorts offer a leisure experience inspired by the glamorous private retreats of St. Regis’ founding family, the Astors, and we cannot wait to bring the brand’s spirit of invention and cherished traditions to some of the world’s most beguiling destinations,” said George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “From Los Cabos to Sanya, and Marrakech to the Riviera Maya, we are thoughtfully expanding the brand while marking a commitment to providing extraordinary resort experiences in the places where we know global luminaries want to travel.” These highly anticipated new resorts will introduce the brand’s visionary spirit, avant-garde style and bespoke service in some of the most dynamic and compelling markets across the globe. Expanding its footprint in Mexico, St. Regis is expected to debut The St. Regis Kanai Resort in 2022 and The St. Regis Los Cabos Resort in 2023. Located in the captivating Mayan Riviera, The St. Regis Kanai …

Continuing its success story in the GCC, Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the opening of Swiss-Belinn Sharq Kuwait. This modern and chic property, featuring 51 keys, is conveniently located in the heart of the Kuwait City overlooking the Kuwait Bay – merely 17 Km from Kuwait International Airport. Dr. Abdullah Abdulsamad Marafi, Owner and General Manager, Omniyat Real Estate, said, “We are pleased to partner once again with the Swiss-Belhotel International to bring our vision to life. Swiss-Belinn Sharq Kuwait enjoys a prime location in the city and will be the best in its category of accommodation choices. The renowned international brand like Swiss-Belinn, is a perfect fit and to offer a memorable experience to both short and extended stay guests.” Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “We are delighted to boost our presence in the GCC with the opening of the stunning Swiss-Belinn Sharq Kuwait. This is our second property in Kuwait joining the Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar Kuwait and a beautiful addition to our portfolio of hotels in the region. Swiss-Belinn is a fast-growing mid-market brand we are truly grateful to Omniyat Real Estate for this wonderful opportunity. With its strategic location, Swiss-Belinn Sharq Kuwait provides a convenient address to both residents and travellers offering direct access to the city’s prime leisure and business attractions.” Mr. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEA & India; Senior Vice President – Group Human Resources & Talent Development, Swiss-Belhotel International, stated, “We are glad to start welcoming guests to the Swiss-Belinn Sharq Kuwait. Despite the ongoing market challenges in the wake of the pandemic, we have been steadily growing our presence in the …

Dubai Investments has signed an agreement with Marjan – the master-developer of freehold properties in Ras Al Khaimah, to acquire land to develop a dynamic mixed-use beachfront residential, beach resort and lifestyle destination on Al Marjan Island with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, providing a new paradigm for Ras Al Khaimah and the region worth of AED 1 billion. The agreement was signed by Khalid Bin Kalban, Vice Chairman & CEO, Dubai Investments and Eng. Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan. Epitomizing a masterful orchestration of contemporary elegance with simple and subtle sophistication, the project is designed to provide a perfect amalgamation of hospitality, and residential elements inclusive of a beachfront resort, beachfront serviced apartments and beachfront villas plus, waterfront residential buildings, retail & F&B components along with other recreational facilities. “Dubai Investments is excited about this new venture as we believe Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is fast gaining traction as a hub for tourism in the region with the emirate’s government channelizing resources and investing in a range of wellness initiatives to leverage its natural assets. Catering to the growing demand for such projects in Ras Al Khaimah and in line with strengthening Dubai Investment’s real estate portfolio with the addition of more high-end hospitality projects, the Company is optimistic this new project will further accentuate the well-being appeal, providing a comfortable lifestyle seamlessly integrated with nature”, said Khalid Bin Kalban, Vice Chairman and CEO, Dubai Investments PJSC. “Al Marjan Island has become a preferred hub for visitors and investors from around the globe and we are looking forward to expanding our offering through world-class projects such as the one being developed by Dubai Investments. This will further …