Category Archives: Hotels

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi announced a new agreement with Manchester City, which establishes the legendary hotel as the Club’s Official Luxury Hotel Partner. The partnership will see the Emirates Palace brand featured across Manchester City’s facilities, including Etihad Stadium, its training ground, and on the team’s training kit. The hotel has previously been used by Manchester City’s first team as a base during warm weather training visits to the country. In addition, City Football Schools based in Abu Dhabi currently use the pitch facilities at the hotel to host educational and community sessions with children in the region. The English Premier League club, founded in 1880, has won the European Cup Winners’ Cup; seven League Championship titles, including five Premier League titles; and six FA Cups. “The partnership with Manchester City reinforces Emirates Palace’s position as the ultimate destination for sports, leisure and recreational facilities in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. With our FIFA-approved football pitch and other award-winning facilities, we are excited to be the training ground for the English Premier League Club and to host educational and training sessions for sports enthusiasts and children and of the region,” said Michael Koth, General Manager & Area Vice President Operations Middle East, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. In addition, as part of its community outreach programmes, Emirates Palace will continue to welcome Abu Dhabi-based City Football Schools to use the resort’s pitch facilities, and will host educational and training sessions for children of the region. Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace is the ultimate destination for sports and recreational facilities in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Complementing the professional football pitch is a 1.3km …

Committed to delivering a distinct experience to its guests and stakeholders, LEVA Hotels announces its plans for 2022. The dynamic lifestyle hotel brand enjoys a concrete position in the UAE’s hospitality market. It’s known for its “unique” business model that enables hotel owners to rebrand their existing property or build a new property from scratch with LEVA Hotels’ expertise and tried-and-tested strategies. Calculated Expansion – LEVA Hotels is currently at an early stage of expansion. With properties in the UAE, it is now working on plans to expand in the GCC and MENA region. Given Egypt’s position as a go-to destination in the region, LEVA Hotels intends to contribute to its hospitality landscape with new properties. The same can be said for Africa, which LEVA Hotels has on its radar in 2022. As LEVA Hotels continues to expand – forging strategic partnerships with hotel owners – it will emphasize the importance of hospitality ethics. Each new LEVA Hotels property will keep its brand philosophy at heart, outlining its flexibility and convenient solutions for hotel owners. Technology plays a crucial role in LEVA Hotels’ guest experience. The brand has already started implementing tech-savvy tools like marketing automation, paperless initiatives, and sustainability programs. When asked what lessons 2021 has taught them, the LEVA Hotels team shared: “Resilience during the pandemic is not enough. The current market requires continual innovations across technology, sustainability, and staff welfare. These are all key aspects of a successful year ahead”. They continue: “What all hospitality brands need to do is take a closer look at cost control while maintaining their quality and operating standards. These may be challenging times, but they cannot compromise guest satisfaction or employee …

Renjith Chandran, Cluster General Manager of Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and Dhafra Beach Hotel, said that the new year will witness tourist flows to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi considering the events and activities scheduled to be held in 2022. It is expected that the new year will be a year full of hope and challenges, noting that the Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and Dhafra Beach Hotel will begin 2022 with a well-thought-out strategy that contributes to promoting domestic tourism and tourists from both local and international markets. In the wake of the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism and hospitality sectors, Mr. Renjith expressed his happiness with the recovery of the public and private sectors and the success of the UAE in addressing this global challenge quickly and effectively. He also explained that the efforts made by government agencies, the public and private sectors, citizens, and residents of the United Arab Emirates have borne fruit, as the country witnessed a clear recovery represented in the opening of Expo 2020 in Dubai, the largest international exhibition, which contributed to promoting tourism and economic recovery. Mr. Renjith pointed out that the revival of the tourism sector has allowed the Danat Hotels Group to provide its distinguished hospitality services, by investing in innovative technologies to achieve sustainability and enhancing the skills of team members to remain motivated and provide guests with unforgettable experiences that drive them back to Danat properties. He also stated that this year, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and Al Dhafra Beach Hotel have planned several new activities, promotions and experiences worth exploring such as diving, deep sea fishing courses, and boat trips to the Blue Hole …

In a move that further contributes to realising the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to make Dubai the world’s best city to live, work and visit, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched an online portal that provides a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for timeshare operators to register and apply for permits and provide insights and guidance to customers and tourists. The new portal, which facilitates a seamless experience for customers, tourists, investors and vacation operators in the city, supports the legal framework created by Dubai’s new Timeshare Law. The Timeshare Portal developed by DET in cooperation with partners allows potential operators to register and submit their applications for timeshare properties, obtain a permit as a licensed timeshare operator, and renew these permits on a yearly basis. The portal brings immense benefits to the tourism ecosystem, further strengthening investor confidence in the city and its real estate and hotel offerings. Additionally, it will speed up the approval process and provide guidance and easy access to information sought by investors, owners and operators, as well as tourists who wish to use timeshare during their visit to Dubai. The Timeshare Portal, which incorporates global best practices, aims to establish a better business environment and seamless experience for all parties and ensure customers are protected. A multi-entity Dubai-wide initiative, the portal is primarily driven by a partnership between DET and Dubai Land Department (DLD), backed by continuous coordination with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).  The easily accessible online portal seeks to further stimulate and encourage investments in the vacation ownership sector. The Timeshare Law, which regulates the …

Radisson Hotel Group is delighted to announce the opening of the Middle East’s first Radisson Resort, Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island – a perfect beach getaway just a 45-minute drive from Dubai, offering direct beach access and panoramic views of the surrounding waters. Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island features 388 rooms and suites with sea views or balconies to enjoy the fresh sea air and spectacular vistas of the picturesque Marjan Island, a group of four man-made coral-shaped islands in Ras Al Khaimah spanning 4.5 kilometers into the sea. The unique landscape covers an area of 2.7 million square meters. The resort has a scenic panorama of the Arabian Peninsula and the surrounding Yanis and Jais Mountains , conveniently situated close to a range of activities and attractions, including the world’s longest zipline, the Jebel Jais Flight, the terracotta dunes of Al Wadi and Ras Al Khaimah’s National Museum. The emirate is home to magnificent landscapes, breathtaking coastlines, vast desert plains and 64 kilometers of white sandy beaches. Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East, and Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, says, “We are honored to end the year with the opening of the Middle East’s first Radisson Resort right here in the UAE, and our first hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. The opening of Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island means that we are now present in six of seven Emirates and the new resortperfectly complements our existing hotel portfolio of 15 hotels across the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism has been doing a fantastic job promoting the destination and we look forward to contributing to the destination’s attraction with our new resort.” …

Habitas, the sustainable, experience-led hospitality brand which continues to fortify its status as an industry disruptor with the recent launch of its Namibia and Bacalar properties, has opened its next “home” – this time even further off the map, in the uncharted AlUla region in the Northwest of Saudi Arabia. Launched November, 2021, Habitas AlUla rests within an ancient oasis in the desert canyons of the Ashar Valley, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and palm groves.  The serene resort pathways lead guests up to each of the 96 guest rooms which span three tiers: premium Celestial Villas, Alcove Villas and Canyon Villas, as well as to the yoga deck, wellness and fitness centers, restaurant, and swimming pool. Each of these spaces is constructed from ethically-sourced organic materials which blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings. This minimally invasive build model, along with the property’s sustainable construction methods, are the Habitas calling cards: modular-build, low impact design that does virtually no harm to the environment, creating an organic space in which meaningful experiences of all kinds will spring to life.   Habitas AlUla is the true embodiment of the brand’s six programming pillars: music, wellness, adventure, culture, learning, and culinary, all of which are meticulously developed to immerse guests within the region’s authentic culture and natural environment. This is illustrated through programming that accommodates art and culture walks, canyon trekking, yoga, meditation and breathwork. Habitas will leverage its musical roots to create and curate sounds from the region’s unique talents, and showcase them for guests through the medium of a concert series.   AlUla’s on-site restaurant Tama, aptly named after the word “here” in Aramaic, is in line with one of Habitas’ core …

Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai, Hyatt’s newest modern lifestyle boutique hotel, recognized for its fusion of contemporary style, debuts in the Middle East. The 7-story property is set to become a social hub in La Mer, featuring 173 sophisticated guestrooms, including 27 spacious deluxe rooms and suites, showcasing the city through the playful juxtaposition of colors, textures, and curated curiosities. Offering a touch of classic elegance and refined comfort, Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai will have its soft opening on December 15th, 2021. Nestled in the heart of Dubai and bringing in a fresh take on the modern hospitality sector, the hotel is the ideal destination for those looking to unwind in local hot spots and discover the city’s hidden gems. Adding to the vibrant scene, the hotel features tantalizing dining concepts. The hotel is a great launchpad to discover all that Dubai has to offer. Centrally placed between traditional and uber-modern Dubai, the hotel offers guests a window to experience both the city’s rich culture and the iconic city skyline. Situated in Dubai’s laid-back beach front destination, La Mer is your one stop shoreside getaway with bustling backstreets, variety of cuisines and lounges. Nearby attractions include Laguna Waterpark, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and for those seeking authentic experiences. The neighborhoods of Satwa, Bur Dubai and Al Fahidi, home to traditional souks and places are also within the vicinity. Dubai International Airport is also just 20 minutes away from the hotel. “Surrounded by the ocean with year-round sunshine and a stunning aesthetic, we are proud to introduce the 10th Hyatt branded hotel in Dubai and to bring the first Hyatt Centric hotel into the UAE,” said Britta Leick-Milde, hotel manager of Hyatt …

Accor expands its footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the signing of Rixos Obhur Jeddah, the first Rixos property in the Kingdom. The group is partnering with Dur Hospitality to manage the upcoming luxurious resort which will upgrade and restyle the Makarem Annakheel Village, transforming it into a full-fledged tourist resort with a 5-star luxury hotel. In addition, a water park, swimming pools, and villas with private pools will be featured, all of which will be developed in line with the Rixos brand standards. “We are pleased to partner with Dur Hospitality as we truly value their long-standing experience in the Saudi hospitality sector,” says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. “We are confident that Rixos Obhur Jeddah will become an outstanding destination taking the hospitality and tourism services in Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea and the Kingdom, to the next level. This resort is Rixos first project in the Kingdom and we hope this will be the first of several projects on which the group collaborates with Dur Hospitality across the Kingdom.” Rixos Obhur Jeddah will become the first luxurious integrated resort in Jeddah, specifically designed to keep up with the increasing demand from guests looking to experience true luxury while enjoying high-end hospitality services, as well as a range of exceptional and memorable leisure activities. On the significance of this development, Dur Hospitality’s Chairman of the Board Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Issa stated: “The partnership with Accor is aligned with our strategy to enhance our capabilities and cement our leading position in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector by offering our guests the best services and experiences available in the hospitality industry …

Marriott International, Inc. signed an agreement with Diriyah Gate Development Authority to open two luxury hotels as part of the Diriyah Project in Saudi Arabia. Located in Diriyah around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the properties will bring modern and distinct views on luxury to the historic town of Diriyah, set to become one of the world’s most forthright cultural and heritage cities. “We are delighted to be working with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and look forward to elevating the luxury experience of the Diriyah Project with these two iconic and celebrated brands,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, Riyadh – Renowned for its legendary service and refined design, the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is the epitome of modern luxury. Slated to open in 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, Riyadh is expected to feature 195 guestrooms including 34 suites along with a specialty restaurant, an all-day dining venue, meeting rooms, an outdoor pool and fitness center. Ritz Kids, the brand’s signature kids club and programming is part of the vision, as is a signature spa and immersive guest programs. The Luxury Collection in Diriyah, Riyadh – The Luxury Collection offers global travelers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations, with each hotel serving as a unique and cherished expression of its location. Situated in the district of Samhan, the hotel is expected to welcome its first guests in 2022 with 141 guestrooms, including 27 suites. Design plans are slated to feature two signature restaurants, an all-day-dining restaurant, coffee and juice bar, fitness center, pool and spa. The property is also expected to offer meeting and event …

This newly built 20+ storey hotel is located in the upscale residential and diplomatic district of Maadi with direct access to the Nile Corniche. Hotel guests will be able to enjoy the spectacular views of the Nile river while sunbathing by the outdoor pool. Perfect for both leisure and business, Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi will feature a large health club and spa, an outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants, an executive lounge, as well as fully-equipped meeting and event spaces.