Category Archives: Hotels

Radisson Hotel Group, in partnership with BNW Developments, has announced the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel, RAK Central and Radisson Blu Residences, RAK Central, a landmark mixed-use hospitality project in Ras Al Khaimah set to open in 2029. The signing introduces a new Radisson Blu address to a fast-evolving part of the UAE, expanding the Group’s footprint in Ras Al Khaimah. Set within RAK Central, a large-scale mixed-use destination planned as a future financial hub for the emirate, the project will sit at the heart of a 3.1 million sq. ft. master development integrating commercial, financial, residential, and recreational spaces. The site is strategically located close to Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village, with direct connectivity to the E11 highway, the UAE’s longest road linking Ras Al Khaimah to the other emirates, and convenient access to the emirate’s key resorts and visitor attractions. “Our first RAK Central project announcement in collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group is a strategic milestone for BNW Developments. RAK Central is set to become the heartbeat of Ras Al Khaimah, and we are proud to be part of its transformation with a project of this scale,” said Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman and Founder of BNW Developments. “By integrating high-end residences with a flagship hotel, we are offering investors and residents an asset class that is commercially resilient and internationally coveted. We are focused on delivering a development that sets a new benchmark for branded living in the UAE.” Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi, Managing Director and Co-Founder of BNW Developments, added: “At BNW Developments, we do not merely build structures; we curate lifestyles that shatter the boundaries of the ordinary and redefine the very essence of the …

Minor Hotels has appointed Amir Golbarg to Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & Africa, effective 1 January 2026. The promotion reflects Amir’s exceptional leadership and the region’s record year of growth, marked by strong performance across all key indicators, multiple new hotel signings, and expansion in core markets including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Under Amir’s direction, the Middle East & Africa portfolio earned numerous industry accolades in 2025. Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel was named #1 Favourite Business Hotel in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort was voted No.1 Resort in North Africa & the Middle East in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards and ranked among the Top 100 Hotels in the World, while Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara received a Michelin Key. Amir joined Minor Hotels in 2012 as Director of Operations & Hotel Openings in Bangkok, later serving in several international roles before becoming Hotel Manager at Souq Waqif Hotel Doha. Returning to the group in 2019 as Vice President Operations – Middle East & Africa, he drove operational excellence and strategic growth across the region’s diverse portfolio. His remit expanded in 2021 to include Southern Africa, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Earlier in his career, Amir held senior roles with Al Rayyan and Katara Hospitality, contributing to landmark projects such as The Ritz-Carlton Doha and Raffles Singapore. “Amir’s leadership, deep understanding of the market, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental to our success in the Middle East and Africa,” said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels. “This promotion recognises his outstanding contribution and our confidence in his ability to drive the next …

Al Qimmah Hospitality, a subsidiary of BinDawood Investment, and Marriott International announced the signing of five new hotel projects, further strengthening their shared commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism sector. Plans include the addition of over 2,700 new rooms in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah, under four of Marriott’s renowned brands – JW Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Element Hotels and the anticipated entry of Four Points Flex by Sheraton in the Kingdom. Dr. Abdulrazzaq BinDawood, Chairman of Al Qimmah Hospitality, commented: “We are proud to strengthen our collaboration with Marriott International through the addition of these five projects to our portfolio. Our continued investments in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector reflect our confidence in Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading tourism destination. These new hotels respond to the growing demand for accommodation and underscore our ongoing commitment to enhancing travel experiences for local, regional, and international travelers, further solidifying the Kingdom’s standing as a global tourism hub.” “We look forward to building on our relationship with Al Qimmah Hospitality and BinDawood Investment and supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism vision by delivering world-class hospitality experiences that celebrate the country’s rich culture and dynamic growth,” said Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “While we continue to see opportunities to diversify our footprint across all segments, the signing of our first Four Points Flex by Sheraton marks an exciting milestone, and we see strong potential to further grow our midscale brands across the Kingdom.” Marriott recently celebrated a milestone of 100 combined open and pipeline hotels in Saudi Arabia. The company been operating in the Kingdom for over four decades and today has 44 properties and …

At a special webinar conducted by YouGov shared that hotel accommodation remains the top choice for UAE travellers embarking on leisure trips lasting more than five days, with 38% expressing a preference for hotels, according to recent insights. The trend highlights continued confidence in hotels for extended stays, driven by factors such as service quality, amenities, and convenience. As travellers increasingly seek comfort and consistency during longer holidays, hotels are benefiting from their ability to offer integrated experiences, including dining, wellness, and leisure facilities. The preference also reflects evolving travel habits in the UAE, where travellers are prioritising hassle-free stays and professionally managed accommodation when planning longer leisure breaks.

Rosewood Doha welcomed guests to Lusail for an evening celebrating performance, culture, and contemporary design. Spanning across the property’s key venues and outdoor spaces, the evening marked the arrival of a new destination within Qatar’s evolving cultural landscape. The property is home to 155 rooms and suites, alongside 162 apartments and 276 Rosewood Residences, bringing together living, dining, wellbeing, and social experiences within Lusail Marina District. Its eight dining destinations span a diverse culinary landscape, including Chinese fine dining at Koo Madame, Mediterranean-inspired Mila, Butterfly Room & Patisserie, and the Golden-Age-inspired Stoke & Stoker, alongside Sikar, QDeli, and Asaya Kitchen. Wellbeing is anchored by Asaya, Rosewood’s integrative wellbeing concept, reinforcing Rosewood Doha’s role as a place shaped by culture, creativity, and everyday living. “Rosewood Doha represents a thoughtful evolution of our brand in a city defined by ambition and creativity. This celebration reflected our commitment to building places that resonate culturally and foster meaningful connections within the communities they become part of. As Qatar continues to shape its cultural and creative narrative on a global stage, we are proud for Rosewood Doha to contribute to that journey and long-term vision.” Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer, Rosewood Hotel Group. A carefully curated program of live performances anchored the evening, bringing together international and regional talents. British pianist and producer Tokio Myers, known for his fusion of classical and contemporary sound, delivered a dynamic live performance, while Saudi music duo AlTurk Twins presented a modern interpretation of Arab music, creating a powerful dialogue between global artistry and regional identity. The celebration also offered guests a closer look at Rosewood Doha as a destination in its own right. Rising along the Lusail Marina …

As the first Salmani style architectural tower in Saudi Arabia, Radisson Collection Residence, Riyadh will feature 170 high end serviced apartments, including eight penthouses and four villas for both short and long term stays. Each apartment reflects Radisson Collection’s signature contemporary elegance, the building amenities such as a rooftop pool overlooking the skyline, sets a new refined urban living. Positioned on King Fahad Road in the Al Mutamarat District, the residence offers effortless access to Riyadh’s business, government, and leisure hubs, and is just 40 minutes from King Khalid International Airport.

Ardee has officially broken ground on the AED 2 billion Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island & Fairmont Al Marjan Island Hotel. The on-site groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of construction on one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most significant and anticipated waterfront developments signalling the beginning of a flagship project set to redefine contemporary waterfront living on Al Marjan Island. Following the successful completion of enabling works, piling has now commenced, marking the project’s first major construction milestone. With full site mobilisation underway, works span nearly 1.2 million sq. ft. of gross floor area (GFA), encompassing both the hotel and residences. Piling is scheduled for completion by April 2026, paving the way for a seamless transition into main construction. As the first development within Ardee’s 5.6 million GFA masterplan, Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island & Fairmont Al Marjan Island Hotel establishes the benchmark for the destination’s design, quality and lifestyle vision. With 519 branded residences and townhouses, four signature sea villas and an integrated 250-key hotel, the project represents one of the most significant branded coastal developments in the emirate, slated for completion in 2028. Residents will enjoy the perfect blend of Fairmont’s renowned luxury and resort-style convenience, featuring private beach access, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, pools for families and adults, curated social and dining spaces, wellness and entertainment amenities, and direct connectivity to the adjacent Fairmont Al Marjan Island Hotel, creating a lifestyle where relaxation, recreation, and community come together seamlessly. Romeo Abdo, Founder of Ardee says, “Today marks an important milestone for Ardee. The groundbreaking signals the start of a flagship beachfront development that reflects our commitment to design excellence, long-term quality, and modern coastal living. This project is the …

Marriott Bonvoy and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have signed a strategic partnership which will see Marriott International’s award-winning travel platform appointed the Official Accommodation Partner for ICC through to 2029. The deal unites the world of cricket with the world of memorable travel stays and experiences, giving Marriott Bonvoy’s 260 million members the opportunity to embrace the excitement of the game across continents and showcases Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive offerings to cricket’s passionate global fan base. “Cricket continues to grow as a global sport, with rising fan engagement worldwide and momentum,” said Peggy Roe, EVP and Chief Customer Officer, Marriott International. “With more than 2 billion fans globally, we are proud to serve as the ICC’s Official Accommodation Partner and look forward to delivering exclusive access and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our members who are passionate about cricket.” The agreement covers all ICC Men’s events over the next four years: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, the ICC World Test Championship Final 2027 in the United Kingdom, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 in Australia and New Zealand, the ICC World Test Championship Final 2029 in the United Kingdom and the ICC Champions Trophy 2029 in India. With a combined footprint of more than 450 properties in the markets where ICC events are held, Marriott is well positioned to host teams, fans and members travelling domestically and internationally for the games. Fans travelling to attend ICC events will be able to stay at Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotels across the world and when they purchase official travel packages with ICC Travel …

Fairmont Ajman was recognised as the ‘Best Beach Resort’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Receiving the Best Beach Resort award is a remarkable milestone for Fairmont Ajman and a powerful affirmation of our team’s hard work and vision. This recognition motivates us to further enhance our services, expand our beachfront experiences, and continually evolve to meet and exceed guest expectations.” Ahmed Gaafar, Hotel Manager, Fairmont Ajman

 IDeaS signed a preferred partner agreement with Shaza Hotels,. The agreement provides a framework for Shaza hotels to implement IDeaS G3 Revenue Management Systems (RMS) across all current and upcoming luxury properties within their portfolio. Shaza Hotels selected IDeaS as its strategic RMS partner for its proven expertise, commitment to innovation, and reputation for reliability and scalability. The adoption of IDeaS G3 RMS will enable Shaza Hotels’ commercial team to optimize their revenue strategies through precise forecasting, dynamic pricing and inventory management, streamlined group displacement evaluations, and automation of routine time-consuming tasks. A key factor in Shaza Hotels’ decision is the G3 RMS Group Evaluation capability, which provides real-time insights into the value of group business and the projected potential impact of displaced demand. This functionality is especially critical for properties in Makkah and Madinah, where pilgrimage-driven group bookings form a significant part of Shaza Hotels’ business mix.  Designed for speed and simplicity, the feature equips sales teams with clear insights into group value and displacement risk—helping them make better-informed choices while maintaining flexibility. IDeaS’ solution has already been rolled out at Mysk Al Balad Madinah in Saudi Arabia, with the potential for additional adoption throughout the portfolio. Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President Growth & Development of Shaza Hotels said: “IDeaS technology will empower our commercial team to accurately forecast business, manage inventory, and adjust pricing based on demand. With a small but dedicated commercial team, having the right tools at our disposal is essential for managing our portfolio efficiently, providing measurable value to our owners and delivering outstanding experiences to our guests.” Ibrahim Saba, Principal Sales Director – Europe, Middle East & Africa at IDeaS commented: “This partnership reflects our shared …