Category Archives: Hotels

It was announced at WTM the previously managed five star hotel by Hilton Worldwide under the name of Hilton Dubai Creek will be rebranded as Golden Sands. The Dubai-based AA Al MOOSA Enterprises LLC, a dynamic and service-oriented conglomerate that includes a wide spectrum of business interests, announced the rebranding of one of its five star hotel properties located in a strategic area in the emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Previously managed by Hilton Worldwide under the name of Hilton Dubai Creek, the property’s rebranding to Golden Sands Hotel Creek comes in line with AA Al MOOSA Enterprises new strategy to strengthen its own local brand Golden Sands, which has been successfully present in the market for more than 30 years. Officially opened on 25th of October 2021 by His Excellency Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, Mr Khalid Al Naboodah, Mr. Faisal Al Moosa, Director of Al Moosa Enterprises; and Mr. Mohammad Khoori, General Manager of Golden Sands Hotels and Hotel Apartments. HE Dawoud Al Hajri expressed his fondness of the property and wished Golden Sands as a local operator the best throughout its new venture.” “There is no doubt that the UAE hospitality industry is constantly evolving, therefore we must be flexible and adapt our strategies to meet the ever-growing market needs,” Mr. Faisal Al Moosa said. “We maintain a productive and friendly relationship with Hilton Worldwide, and are confident that Golden Sands management will achieve our aspirations for this property.” For his part, Mr. Mohammad Khoori noted, “We strongly believe in this area as an essential tourism and business destination for Dubai, and we are delighted to be here to support the government’s vision …

SLS Hotels & Residences, a brand from Ennismore, in collaboration with The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), which spearheads the development of The Red Sea Project, announced SLS Red Sea will open its doors in Q1 2023. The project will bring 150 hotel rooms including 12 suites and 15 villas spanning over 800,000 square feet of single story accommodation. The property will feature expansive one, two, three and four bedroom Pool Villas each with ample space and the privacy afforded with one’s own private swimming pool. Ennismore’s top culinary and mixology experiences including Seabird, Fi’lia and Floating World will ensure this phenomenal new property speaks to the most discerning guests. The Ciel Spa, a state of the art fitness center and Altitude Pool along with a ballroom for special occasions and meeting rooms complete this distinguished offering. SLS is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collection of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Ennismore is a joint- venture with Accor, formed in 2021 Chadi Farhat, SLS Brand COO & Head of Middle East & Asia Pacific states, “We are happy to announce SLS Red Sea in collaboration with John Pagano and his team at The Red Sea Development Company. We are excited to be working with architect Piero Lissoni again to deliver our signature SLS experience at this stunning property. We truly believe that once open, the property will be a highly sought-after destination for global travelers and locals alike with its exclusive spa, lounge and culinary concepts.”   John Pagano, Group CEO, The Red Sea Development Company, “We are pleased to partner with Ennismore & Accor for …

Marriott International, Inc. has signed an agreement with The Red Sea Development Company to develop two luxury hotels as part of the highly-anticipated Red Sea Project in Saudi Arabia. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and The Red Sea EDITION are expected to further enhance Marriott International’s footprint across the Kingdom where it currently has a portfolio of over 30 properties with more than 9,000 rooms across ten brands.   “We are excited to be working with The Red Sea Development Company to introduce St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and EDITION to one of Saudi Arabia’s most-anticipated projects,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “These milestone signings illustrate Marriott International’s commitment to the growth of the tourism sector in the Kingdom and highlight increased demand for lifestyle and luxury accommodations and experiences.”   The St. Regis Red Sea Resort Solidifying St. Regis’ position as a global leader in luxury, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort marks the brand’s introduction in Saudi Arabia and the continued growth of its portfolio in the Middle East. Situated on a private island, the resort is expected to feature 90 villas, two signature restaurants, an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and spa, in addition to a Children’s Club. Expected to open in 2023, the exclusive resort will offer the brand’s visionary spirit, avant-garde style and bespoke service.   The Red Sea EDITION EDITION Hotels redefine the concept of luxury by offering an unexpected collection of one-of-a-kind hotels. Located on the Red Sea Project’s main island, Shaura, The Red Sea EDITION is slated to open in 2023 with 240 guestrooms, including one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. The property is set …

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) – the organisation responsible for delivering the required infrastructure, host country planning and operations, and legacy projects for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – has signed an agreement with Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, to manage operations and deliver services to Qatar’s host country real estate portfolio through the end of 2022. The agreement was signed in Doha, Qatar, in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. H.E. Ali Al Kuwari, Minister of Finance and Chairman, Katara Hospitality, and H.E.  Hassan Al Thawadi, SC Secretary General, were also in attendance. Engineer Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC’s Operations Office, and Vice Chairman, Technical Delivery Office, signed the agreement alongside Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor, and Katara Hospitality’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Humphries. The agreement will see Accor provide personnel to operate what will be the largest serviced real estate operation in the world, and include front office (check-in/check-out), operational supplies and equipment as well as housekeeping services among others. The agreement will make use of the country’s full real estate portfolio, further illustrating Qatar’s commitment to sustainability.   H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the SC said: “This groundbreaking agreement is another example of how Qatar’s approach is truly historic – not only in terms of setting the highest delivery standards, but also for legacy planning. By making full use of existing residential apartments and villas in Qatar, we can offer visitors a range of affordable and comfortable options; while also ensuring we have a sustainable hotel market that does not leave …

IHG® Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a Management Agreement with The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), an affiliate of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to open the InterContinental Resort Red Sea in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Situated within the premium Red Sea Development destination, the new InterContinental Resort is scheduled to open during Phase One of The Red Sea Project’s development. Activity for the first phase of development is well underway and is on track to be completed by the end of 2023. Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “With a strong legacy in the country, we remain committed to leveraging the growth opportunities that are aligned with Saudi’s Vision 2030 and the priority destinations highlighted within the Saudi Tourism Strategy. We are excited to partner with The Red Sea Development Company, one of the world’s most ambitious regenerative projects, to strengthen our offering in Saudi Arabia and collaborate on sustainability related initiatives to protect the natural, historical and cultural environments that make this destination unique. These initiatives are in line with IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow, a 10-year action plan focused on commitments to drive change for people, communities and the planet. We also look forward to building scale in the Kingdom to deliver a landmark development that will cater to the needs of diverse guest profiles expected to visit the country in the coming years.” The announcement comes during Intercontinental Hotel’s and Resorts’ diamond anniversary celebrations, marking 75 years of pioneering luxury travel with a celebration of rich heritage, iconic hotels and exclusive experiences.  The brand has become synonymous with bold exploration, travel and cultural discovery and …

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 …