Category Archives: Hotels

Makkah Clock Royal Tower (a Fairmont hotel) clenched the title of ‘Best luxury hotel, KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. The hotel is an iconic landmark in the heart of Makkah. Adjacent to Al Masjid Al Haram, it is the closest luxury hotel to Al Kaaba, making it the ideal choice for Umrah and Hajj. With 76 floors, 1,650 elegant rooms and suites, and breathtaking views of Al Kaaba, Al Haram, and Makkah’s skyline, the hotel offers unparalleled comfort. Enjoy family-friendly stays, Fairmont Gold exclusivity, or the refined luxury of the Royal Floor.

Hyatt announced a management agreement with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in AlUla, Hyatt Place AlUla. Expected to open by end of 2025, the hotel will add a total of 215 keys to the Hyatt room portfolio in Saudi Arabia and provide a new destination of choice for World of Hyatt members and guests visiting the region. The planned introduction of Hyatt Place AlUla is part of broader efforts by Hyatt to showcase rich heritage and unique landscapes to international visitors. “We look forward to adding Hyatt Place AlUla to our growing portfolio of properties in the region,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. “This significant project underscores our commitment to expanding our brand presence in key leisure and business markets. We are thrilled that this upcoming hotel will provide more choice to our World of Hyatt members looking to explore the culture and beauty of AlUla.” Hyatt Place AlUla will include 215 modern styled guestrooms, two food and beverage outlets, meeting space, a pool, and a fitness center, ensuring comfortable stays regardless of the travel occasion. Whether traveling for work or to explore AlUla, a rising cultural destination, the new hotel will seamlessly blend functionality with its renowned charm, providing a local home-base for guests and members. Once operational, the property will participate in World of Hyatt, the industry’s fastest growing loyalty program, that offers approximately 51 million members a variety of valuable benefits around the globe, such as member-only offers, room upgrades, free nights, late checkout, and more. Abeer AlAkel, CEO of Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU), said, “The agreement with Hyatt advances RCU’s regeneration of AlUla …

Marriott International announced the signing of Sheraton Al Khobar Al Hamra with Ashaad Company – marking the debut of the Sheraton brand in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in 2028, Sheraton Al Khobar Al Hamra will reflect the brand’s new vision with its design and activations, use of technology and welcoming communal spaces. “Sheraton has had a long-standing presence in the Kingdom, and we are excited to work with Ashaad Company to further expand the brand’s portfolio in the country with its entry into Al Khobar,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. “This hotel will embody Sheraton’s new identity, offering guests a unique experience through enhanced services and designs while staying true to its legacy. This deal also further supports the demand we are seeing for business and leisure travel into the Eastern Province of the country.” Ali bin Mohammed Al Ali, Chairman of Ashaad, commented: “In light of the great momentum in the Kingdom, driven by transformational developments and its growing reputation as a regional and international hub for global events, we at Ashaad are proud to be part of this remarkable transformation. Our strategic agreement with Marriott International and Aleph Hospitality to introduce the prestigious Sheraton brand to the city of Al Khobar represents an important step in our commitment to delivering world-class hotel projects. This collaboration reflects our dedication to enhancing the hospitality sector by providing unparalleled experiences to guests from around the world. The new Sheraton Al Khobar Al Hamra will embody creativity and sophistication, in line with the brand’s new identity while meeting the aspirations of visitors and residents of the Kingdom. We are honoured to contribute to …

Valor Hospitality Partners signed a strategic Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Karmastaji Group to oversee a portfolio of 3 hotels in Dubai, 259 keys and 5 outlets. This partnership underscores the trust that Dubai-based Karmastaji Group has placed in Valor Hospitality Partners Middle East to deliver exceptional operational efficiency and maximize investment returns. Valor’s expertise in hospitality management continues to help visionary developers like Karmastaji Group transform their assets into successful business ventures. Julien Bergue, Co-Founder & Managing Partner for the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia at Valor Hospitality Partners, commented: “We are proud to partner with Karmastaji Group, a forward-thinking developer with a robust pipeline of projects aimed at elevating hospitality investments and modern living standards in the UAE and GCC region. At Valor, our mission is to contribute to the UAE’s hospitality success story by delivering operational excellence and sustainable growth. Together, we aim to achieve exceptional results aligned with the visionary goals of Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sectors.” By leveraging its comprehensive range of services—including acquisition advisory, branding, asset management, and innovative food and beverage concepts—Valor Hospitality Partners ensures its partners achieve long-term value creation and success. Rashed Karmastaji, Chairman of Karmastaji Group, added: “Partnering with Valor Hospitality Partners is a strategic step in our journey to expand our portfolio and set new benchmarks in the UAE’s hospitality sector. With Valor’s proven expertise, we are confident in delivering exceptional guest experiences and achieving our current and future business objectives.” As Dubai continues to thrive as a global tourism and hospitality hub, Valor remains committed to supporting the UAE’s and Dubai 2040 vision. By collaborating with developers like Karmastaji Group, Valor solidifies its position as a trusted and preferred …

Marriott International signed an agreement with Al Qimmah Hospitality Company and Amwaj Real Estate Company to open a 2,179-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in 2026, the Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem would become the brand’s largest hotel in the world, providing exceptional hospitality, modern comfort and unparalleled convenience for visitors and pilgrims alike. Dr. Abdul Razzaq BinDawood, Chairman of Al Qimmah commented, “The signing of the agreement reflects the the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework which aims to position the country as a global hub for religious and cultural tourism and continues to promote cultured real estate development. We are constructing high-quality towers within the Al Naseem District, as part of our ongoing commitment to serve guests and travelers to the Holy Mosque. This will be one of our largest developments to date and continuation of our strategic collaboration with Marriott International.” “We are pleased to build on our relationship with Al Qimmah Hospitality and BinDawood Trading with this landmark agreement to open the world’s largest Courtyard by Marriott in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. “This agreement underscores Marriott International’s commitment to supporting the growth of the Kingdom’s tourism sector and reinforces the continued demand we are seeing for our portfolio of brands in the Holy City of Makkah.” The Courtyard by Marriott brand has the largest global footprint among Marriott’s portfolio of over 30 brands, focusing on thoughtful, sophisticated design elements and amenities, providing travelers with an elevated experience to relax and recharge. Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem is anticipated to comprise 2,179 thoughtfully designed guestrooms …

Luxury international hotel chain Delano has set up its Dubai home on Bluewaters Island. The brand has been brought to the city by Ennismore, which is also behind the operations of Banyan Tree Dubai, situated on the same island. With 251 rooms, including 84 suites – some with private pools – and amenities like an ocean-front swimming pool, exceptional dining concepts and more, Delano Dubai defines opulence and promises five-star hospitality.

Stirling Hospitality Advisors announced the signing of Radisson RED as the brand for an exciting new hotel project on Marjan Island. Scheduled to open in the Summer of 2027, the upscale lifestyle hotel will become the first franchised Radisson RED property in the UAE. Stirling Hospitality will oversee the development of the project, which is estimated to cost AED 215 million. The Radisson RED Marjan Island project is set to offer approximately 280 keys and an array of amenities, including four F&B outlets. Guests can look forward to an all-day dining restaurant, a lounge bar, a specialty restaurant, and a poolside bar. The hotel will also feature premium facilities such as an outdoor pool, a fully equipped gym, a Spa, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, indoor and outdoor kid’s facilities. Conveniently located on Marjan Island 4, the property will be just steps away from the upcoming Wynn integrated resort and a short stroll from the beachfront, complete with a private area exclusively for hotel guests. The upscale lifestyle property will introduce a refreshed design concept for Radisson RED in the Middle East. The brand’s signature loft-industrial aesthetic will embrace a softer, resort-inspired style that incorporates natural materials and muted tones perfectly suited to the ambiance of Marjan Island. SSH International Consultants has been appointed as the Lead Design Consultant, with Stirling’s expert team acting as owner representative on behalf of BB Holding, orchestrating the collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the project’s timely and successful delivery. Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, said: “We are excited to collaborate with BB Holding, Radisson, and SSH International Consultants on this exceptional lifestyle project. This venture will set a …

Gewan Hotels and Resorts wins ‘fastest growing hotel management company’ at the seventh edition of Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Arabian Travel Award is an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone at Gewan Hotels & Resorts. It’s a testament to our team’s hard work, passion, and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. This recognition fuels our confidence and inspires us to aim even higher, constantly innovating to delight those who choose us. It’s also a moment to reflect, grow, and push the boundaries of excellence. Winning is not the end—it motivates us to deliver even more, focusing on personalized service, sustainability, and ensuring every guest’s stay is truly special,” Ahmed Hassib, Chief Executive Officer, Gewan Hotels & Resorts

Insignia Worldwide has partnered with Red Sea Global (RSG) in its launch of three groundbreaking new resorts. The unveiling of Shebara, Desert Rock, and Thuwal Private Retreat marks a milestone in positioning Saudi Arabia as a premier leisure destination.As part of its strategic collaboration with RSG, Insignia delivered cohesive identities and immersive brand experiences for each of these unique resorts. From crafting brand strategies that resonate with the surroundings, to defining authentic guest touchpoints that elevate the journey, Insignia has played a pivotal role in defining this next chapter of luxury Saudi hospitality.Insignia’s expertise in creating transformative experiences aligned perfectly with RSG’s vision for these destinations. With human centricity at its heart, Insignia’s strategic approach illuminated how each of these hotels are a core ingredient in destination placemaking. Each property reflects the diversity of the Red Sea’s landscapes and RSG’s commitment to sustainable development, offering travelers an unparalleled connection to nature and culture. The brand identity and guest journey strategies ensured that every detail of the experience, from service touchpoints to rituals, reflects the Kingdom’s rich culture, tradition of hospitality, and forward-looking aspirations. To bring these concepts to life, Insignia creatively directed the photography and videography for all three properties, with imagery that celebrates the otherworldly architecture of Shebara, the natural integration of Desert Rock, and the serenity of Thuwal. This visual storytelling aims to inspire local, regional, and global audiences to discover the undiscovered. “Through this collaboration, we aimed to not only bring to life exceptional hotel brands but also redefine the perception of what Saudi hospitality is on the global stage,” said Insignia CEO Gaurav Sinha. “We have been honored to partner with Red Sea Global to realize their …

Grand Millennium Gizan won the title of ‘Best business and leisure hotel, KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. One of the premier luxury 5 Star Hotel in Gizan, it is the most preferred hotel for leisure and business traveller conveniently located in the South of KSA within Gizan University complex, just 20 minutes away from Gizan International Airport. The award was received by Marc Sawaya, Cluster Commercial Director, Millennium Hotels and Resorts and Houssam Chaouachi, Senior Sales Manager, Millennium Hotels and Resorts.