Category Archives: Hotels

Accor opens new Pullman in one of the most sought after locations in Dubai, Business Bay. The group has partnered for the very first time with Twenty 14 Holding; an Abu Dhabi based Hospitality Company, with acquisitions and management of assets throughout the globe. “We are very pleased to add Pullman Downtown Dubai to our expanding network in the city through this exciting partnership with Twenty 14 Holding” says Mark Willis, CEO India, Turkey, Middle East & Africa for Accor “There is no doubt that this property is set to become a flagship for the Pullman in Dubai due to its ideal fit with the brand.” “The partnership between Accor and Twenty 14 Holding brings to fruition a sophisticated and urban property in the heart of Dubai,” says Alexander Musch, General Manager at Pullman Downtown Dubai “We are excited for the launch and eager to welcome guests to an elevated experience at Pullman Downtown Dubai.” “We are pleased to partner with the Accor Group and be part of their strong footprint and network in the region”, said Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of Twenty14 Holdings. “Pullman is aligned with our expectations and vision as an asset owning company, and with Accor’s loyalty program and management expertise, we are confident that guests at our property will get to experience the best of global hospitality.”

Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira, has opened the doors to its newest property in Deira, Dubai, offering guests an unforgettable ‘home away from home’ experience coupled with the convenience of hotel services and facilities. Perfectly juxtaposing the rich past of Dubai with its futuristic present, the modern property is located within the heart of Dubai’s heritage center and boasts panoramic views of the city, allowing guests to celebrate the story of Dubai from its early establishment to its opulent present and future. Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira features 189 fully furnished contemporary apartments including 69 studio apartments, 90 one-bedroom and 30 two-bedroom apartments. All apartments have been designed keeping comfort and convenience of guests at the forefront and come fitted with fully equipped kitchens, washing machines, private balconies and offer complimentary WiFi and indoor parking. Commenting on the launch of the hotel, Robin Solomon, Hotel Manager of Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira said “We are thrilled to have launched Aparthotel Adagio in Deira and to strengthen the brand’s incredible expansion locally and internationally. This property especially stands out because of its unique location and distinct offering that caters to a variety of audiences. From business travelers to families and couples, there is something to match everyone’s needs”. He added, “The Adagio brand is rooted in offering guests a truly unique and comfortable modern home style living experience and we look forward to welcoming guests and treating them to an experience they will always cherish”.

Anantara announces the reopening of its Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts from February 1. Lush landscapes, archaeological marvels and exotic wildlife await just 25 minutes from the mainland, and three unique resorts welcome guests with signature hospitality for unforgettable journeys. As one of the top resorts in the Middle East, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Resorts combine pristine beach retreats with natural wonders, world-class service and opulent accommodation, alluring the perfect balance of off-grid island getaway, five-star luxury and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in this singular setting. Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort offers guests the chance to get rooted in the natural world. Nestled in the Arabian Wildlife Park, an oasis of African-lodge-style villas is surrounded by a lush landscape. Excursions into the park include nature walks and drives, while a unique “Spa Cabana in the Savannah” experience promises utter bliss. Savannah Grill and Savannah Lounge serve up delicious delicacies from all over Africa, and vibrant Boma Nights bring the bush culture alive through music and al fresco cookery. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara welcomes families with modern amenities, elegant traditional touches and culinary adventures. Gourmet seafood entices at Amwaj, international buffet breakfasts await at The Palm and Al Shams serves bites and delights by the pool. Meanwhile, on the tranquil beachfront, Anantara Spa welcomes guests with timeless relaxation experiences, from the ancient rituals of Arabia, to age-old eastern health practices, performed by experts using natural products. Guests at all three of the island’s Anantara resorts are invited to discover the spa delights available in each location.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—the first Grand Hyatt hotel in the Kingdom. The 368-room luxury hotel including 54 residential units is situated in the commercial and retail heart of Al Khobar with a connecting bridge to Al Rashid Mall. Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences is the sixth Hyatt-branded hotel in Saudi Arabia, and the fifth hotel under the Grand Hyatt brand in the Middle East, making it an important milestone in Hyatt’s growth strategy in the region. Reflecting a bold and vibrant design, the hotel offers an ideal destination for both business and leisure guests to celebrate moments that matter, both big and small. “We are thrilled to open the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Saudi Arabia and we look forward to welcoming guests seeking magnificent moments from this iconic destination,” said Nizar Weshah, General Manager at Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences. “Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences celebrates these moments and exceeds guest expectations by delivering iconic cuisine, breathtaking design and unparalleled service.”

Amilla Maldives Resort and Residencies has partnered with Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy (MAGC). As one of the region’s most prominent hospitality and tourism consultancy, sales and representation groups, MAGC will help elevate awareness within the GCC region of the five-star resort, which is located in the renowned Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. MAGC is recognized in the GCC as an indigenously grown industry leader in tourism and hospitality representation. With two decades of experience with global clients in both the government and private sector, this exciting partnership will actively drive brand recognition of Amilla Maldives in the Middle East market. The Middle East region is one of the fastest growing, tourist-generating regions in the world, as outbound travel quadrupled within the last 20 years, according to the United Nations World Travel Organization. This partnership is the result of Amilla Maldives’ ongoing evolution. Having redefined and rebranded its enticing and pioneering unique selling points, as well as launched a revolutionary Residence Ownership scheme, the innovative Maldives resort is driving awareness amongst travellers and travel industry players in key strategic markets within the region.  The move is timely, since Amilla has weathered the pandemic through its dynamic response and development of exemplary COVID-prevention protocols and is now looking forward to nurturing new and developing markets (as well as welcoming back established markets). While the travel industry as a whole continues to navigate the changing landscapes, there are signs of hope on the horizon thanks to newly developed vaccines.  

Ascott has entered into a franchise agreement with Al Majed Hotel Management WLL, announced the signing of its newest property, Somerset Al Mansoura Doha, set to open in Qatar’s capital in Q4 2021.The new serviced residence marks the group’s second property in the country under the name of “Somerset Al Mansoura Doha”, and will operate as a franchised property, in partnership with Al Majed Group Holding, a family business established in 1943. Mr. Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Regional General Manager for the Middle East, Africa, Turkey & India, says: “We are delighted to sign the franchise agreement with Al Majed Hotel Management WLL, to develop Somerset Al Mansoura Doha in one of the city’s most prominent central districts.  Doha is a modern and thriving city with rapidly developing infrastructure and progressive architecture, and we are confident that this new property – under our award-winning Somerset brand of serviced apartments – will provide exclusive extended-stay offerings for business and leisure travellers.” Jacob V Jacob, CFO & VPA, Al Majed Group Holding said, “ Ascott is a reputed global brand and our association will ensure that Somerset Al Mansoura offers the best of serviced apartments in the country. Located in the heart of Doha, Somerset Al Mansoura serviced apartments are designed to provide the utmost in comfort and convenience with a range of leisure and recreation facilities.We are sure that guests will experience the true essence of Qatari hospitality blended perfectly with Ascott authenticity at Somerset Al Mansoura in Doha.”

Farnek secured six hospitality contracts recently, varying in length from one to three years, valued at AED 7.56 million. Farnek was awarded four hotel/apartment contracts, namely the five-star Fairmont Dubai hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, the three-star 230 room Revier Hotel, situated in Business Bay, the four-star, S Hotel in Al Barsha and the deluxe Sonder – JBR Suites, on the Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence.In addition, Farnek also secured two restaurant contracts, The Mood Rooftop Lounge in The Meydan Hotel, Nad Al Sheba and the Cloud Lounge in the Studio One Hotel in Dubai Media City.In total, over 65 staff have been mobilised to manage a range of services from cleaning, housekeeping, security as well as Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) maintenance. Khaldun Aburok, Director of Business Development, Farnek said, “To secure these contracts, some of which are for three years, we not only offered a broad-based proposition, which was commercially competitive. We also demonstrated a high degree of technical training, development and professionalism, offering a well-trained and cost-effective, tech-savvy workforce.” “To maintain those standards training is essential and the Farnek training centre comes complete with a fully fitted elevator, bathroom, kitchen, lobby, and a staircase. The walls and the floor are partially covered in a variety of materials such as carpet, rubber, linoleum, slate, marble, wood and ceramic tiles, enabling our staff to be fully trained on every surface they could potentially come into contact with,” added Aburok.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced the highly-anticipated opening of The St. Regis Cairo. Rising tall on the banks of the River Nile, The St. Regis Cairo is an illustrious icon weaving a powerful story of luxury in the region. Located at the North end of the Corniche, in the heart of Egypt’s bustling metropolis, the 39-storey hotel offers easy access to the magnificent monuments of a city steeped in history. To celebrate the opening, The St. Regis Cairo hosted a special ceremony which was attended by H.E. Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Minister of Finance for Qatar, Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairman of Qatari Diar , Eng. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, CEO of Qatari Diar, Steven Mnuchin, United States Secretary of the Treasury, Dr. Mohamed Maait, Minister of Finance, Satya Anand, President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, and other VIP’s. “Egypt has historically been one of our key markets and strategically significant to our growth in the region,” said Satya Anand, President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “Cairo is a storied destination that has long mesmerized the global traveler with its incredible energy offering a vibrant mix of history, culture, tradition and glamour. The St. Regis Cairo is an exciting addition to our fast-growing brand portfolio and is set to elevate Cairo’s luxury hospitality landscape with its remarkable design, uncompromising service, and exceptional culinary venues.” Eng. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, CEO of Qatari Diar commented, “We are delighted to strengthen our global portfolio of hospitality developments with the opening of The St. Regis Cairo. This luxury landmark will introduce higher standards of hospitality to this beautiful destination with its unparalleled …

Conrad Hotels & Resorts announced plans to bring the global brand to Manama, Bahrain following the signing of an agreement to open Conrad Residences Bahrain Financial Harbour in 2022 at the upcoming state of the art, mixed-use development, First Energy Bank Tower. The highly anticipated property will be the first fully residential luxury development for the Conrad brand in the Middle East. Part of Bahrain Financial Harbour, a commercial waterfront development located on the northern shore of Manama, Conrad Residences Bahrain Financial Harbour will provide an exceptional location for people to enjoy spectacular coastal views of the Arabian Gulf while being conveniently located in the heart of the capital city’s up-and-coming business and residential district. “We believe that this will be a high value addition, not only for the upcoming FEB Tower at Bahrain Financial Harbour, but for the Kingdom of Bahrain,” said Mohamed Ghanem, CEO of First Energy Bank. “The introduction of the Conrad brand to Bahrain will provide further visibility of the hospitality sector in the Kingdom, enabling the property to offer a unique and premium product appealing to regional and international travellers, and will attract a new class of travelers to the Kingdom of Bahrain.” Carlos Khneisser, Vice President of development, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said “We see significant opportunity in branded luxury residences for our world class hospitality brands. Whether planning a long or short-term stay, guests can look forward to enjoying unparalleled service standards and state-of-the-art amenities at this exclusive Conrad property.” “Providing a host of both leisure and business opportunities amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain Financial Harbour is the ideal setting in which to debut Conrad’s modern yet stylish residential …

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort welcomes the new year with the exciting launch of an all-new experience, Extreme Jabal Activity Wall and the big reveal of the much-anticipated dining platform, The Royal Edge in addition to a range of upgrades across the property. This comes right in time with the amazing news of the Sultanate reopening its land, air and sea borders after a temporary closure. The Supreme committee has also made it compulsory for all travellers to take a PCR test 72 hrs prior to the scheduled time of arrival in Oman with a mandatory 7-day quarantine thereafter. While the travel restrictions being updated, every other week, keeping in mind the health and safety of all citizens and travellers, Oman is still considered one of the safest countries to travel offering warm and friendly locals and a rich history, making it a must-visit travel destination in 2021. To experience the country in splendour, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort welcomes guests to live life at 2000m with unparalleled views, great adventure, Omani hospitality and scrumptious food. Rami Farhat, Acting General Manager at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar said, “With the borders just recently opened to international travellers, followed by visa exemptions, Oman is slowly bouncing back and taking actions to establish a new sense of normalcy. We are glad that we’ll be able to welcome guests locally from Oman as well as from all around the world to enjoy our new activities, improved living and fully immerse themselves in true Omani hospitality. The entire team has put in a lot of work into forging an experience that breaches a new level of luxury which the GCC region is …