Tag Archives: Dubai

Rotana announced the signing of Rotana Jabal Omar – Makkah, during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Dubai 2025, further cementing its position as a trusted partner in shaping the Middle East’s evolving hospitality landscape. The signing marks a major step in Rotana’s regional expansion strategy, strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia and addressing the growing demand for world-class hospitality experiences. With more than 79 operating properties across 29 cities and 14 countries, Rotana continues to deliver on its vision of offering exceptional guest experiences while contributing to national tourism and economic growth. Rotana Jabal Omar – Makkah: A Landmark in the Heart of the Holy City set within one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious mixed-use developments and only steps from the AlMasjid AlHaram, Rotana Jabal Omar – Makkah will serve the millions of pilgrims and visitors who travel to the Holy City each year. Designed as a multi-tower complex, the hotel will combine modern comfort with Rotana’s signature hospitality, offering a wide selection of premium accommodation, dining venues, and facilities that meet the highest international standards. Rotana has mobilised specialised technical and operations teams to support the final stages of readiness and ensure a smooth transition to opening, alongside the ongoing recruitment of key leadership positions. These initiatives demonstrate Rotana’s commitment to operational excellence and the creation of empowered local teams in preparation for launch. Commenting on the new signing, Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Rotana, said: “This signing represents a defining moment in Rotana’s journey of growth across the Middle East and a powerful reaffirmation of our commitment to Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s hospitality landscape is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and we are proud to be part …

Dubai’s hotel inventory grew to almost 152,300 rooms across 818 hotels in the first eight months of 2025, with occupancy and average daily rates (ADR) also increasing compared with the same period last year, according to new research by leading real estate advisory group, Cavendish Maxwell. Between January and August, premium segments accounted for the majority of supply, with 54,100 rooms in the 5-star category and 43,400 in 4-star hotels. Together, they made up almost two thirds (64%) of Dubai’s total hotel stock, the company said. Cavendish Maxwell’s report, released to coincide with the Future Hospitality Summit World, comes as Dubai’s tourism sector reaches another new high, with 12.54 million international visitors in the first 8 months of the year – up more than 5% on the same time in 2024. Vidhi Shah, Director, Head of Commercial Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell, said: “Dubai’s hospitality market has performed strongly so far in 2025, with passenger traffic, international visitor numbers, occupancy rates, and average daily rates all rising compared with the same period last year. This growth is supported by the city’s safety, accessibility, diverse offerings and vibrant calendar of events, with Government-led initiatives and new attractions further enhancing Dubai’s appeal. “As we enter the peak travel period and the height of Dubai’s events season, with Eid Al Etihad and the festive season looming large, international visitor arrivals are conservatively forecast to reach 19.5 million by year-end, while hotel occupancy for the rest of 2025 is expected to reach 78.5%. Average daily rates are also projected to rise, driven by ongoing leisure and business travel, the expansion of premium hotel supply, and Dubai’s status as a leading global luxury destination.”

flydubai celebrated the launch of its four-times-weekly service from Dubai to Nairobi, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Kenya. Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and South Asia) at flydubai, said: “The launch of flights to Nairobi reflects our commitment to enhancing connectivity for passengers from the UAE, Kenya, and beyond. Kenya remains a key market for flydubai, and we are excited to offer convenient and comfortable travel options.” The inaugural flight touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and was welcomed with a water cannon salute and representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), and Kenya Airports Authority. From 1 October, flydubai also increased flights to Mombasa to daily service, bringing total operations in Kenya to 11 weekly flights. With Nairobi added, flydubai now serves 12 destinations across eight African countries, including Alexandria, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, and Zanzibar. Flights operate from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Return Business Class fares start from AED 4,500, while Economy Class Lite fares begin at AED 1,450, offering travellers seamless access to Kenya’s capital, a hub for business, culture, and wildlife tourism. With this fifth direct route to Germany, Royal Jordanian continues to strengthen air connectivity between the Middle East and Europe, offering travellers seamless access and more options to explore Jordan’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

The Singapore-based boutique hotel portfolio marks its first in the Middle East region with the acquisition of a 237-key hotel, now open in Barsha Heights, Dubai. Renowned for its bold spaces and unscripted service, Naumi Hotels brings its signature hospitality experience to Dubai. The new property was recently acquired by Naumi Group and advised by SunStar Capital, the family-owned wealth management and asset company founded by Executive Chairman Surya Jhunjhnuwala. Operated by Naumi Hotels, led by Group CEO Gaurang Jhunjhnuwala, the Naumi Hotel Dubai joins a growing global collection of design-led boutique stays. Gaurang Jhunjhnuwala, Group CEO of Naumi Group, shared ‘Following Naumi Hotels’ success in the Asia-Pacific region, extending the experience to the Middle East felt like a natural next step. For us, Dubai represents the epicentre of the region’s thriving hospitality market and a symbol of innovation, where the world’s leading brands and most discerning travellers come together. We are excited to make our mark on the region and on a city that so closely mirrors our ambition, creative energy, and ever-evolving vision for hospitality.’ Established in Singapore in 2007, Naumi Hotels has built a dynamic portfolio, with eight properties spanning key cities in Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and now the UAE. Each unique destination is brought to life by cutting-edge design principles, creating hotels with a distinctive personality. At the group’s core is a philosophy of bespoke, heartfelt hospitality, redefining stays for the modern traveller into something extraordinary. Guided by the belief that great design should shape a better tomorrow, Naumi Hotels champions sustainability and social impact as core pillars of its brand. The group has introduced thoughtful practices that go beyond the finer details, repurposing existing buildings, …

Cvent Accelerate Dubai 2025 concluded with record-breaking success at Atlantis – The Palm, drawing nearly 500 event planners, marketers, and hospitality professionals. The event marked its third edition with a powerful showcase of innovation, strategy, and sustainability shaping the future of the MICE industry. Industry leaders highlighted the transformative power of AI and event technology in delivering immersive, data-driven, and sustainable experiences. Gokul Bajaj, Country Head, UAE at Cvent, emphasised the shift from logistics to experience-driven events, with the UAE emerging as a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge solutions. Sessions explored Event-Led Growth (ELG), multi-sensory event design, and strategic alignment with business goals, equipping attendees with actionable insights to drive growth and engagement. Underscoring its commitment to sustainability, Cvent partnered with ZEERO Events to plant 287 mangrove trees in Mozambique and offset over 64 tons of CO2e, replacing traditional giveaways with eco-friendly tree swag. The growing turnout reflects the event’s impact as a vital platform for collaboration, innovation, and future-forward thinking in the events and hospitality landscape.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced the launch of its first dedicated golf resort in Dubai — Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates, set to open in 2030. This will be the Group’s third property in Dubai and its first to combine luxury hospitality with world-class golf and wellness living. Located in the prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates – The Next Chapter, the resort will feature 121 elegant rooms and suites and 97 branded residences, including three- to six-bedroom villas. Each residence will offer private access to exclusive amenities, including pools, a fitness centre, and lounges. The resort will focus on wellness and nature, with nearly 5,000 sqm dedicated to holistic wellbeing, featuring signature spa treatments, gender-specific pools, meditation zones, and a salon. Guests will also have access to a championship 18-hole golf course, a full equestrian centre, and six dining venues. This strategic partnership with Wasl Group underscores both organisations’ commitment to redefining integrated luxury living in Dubai. It also reflects Dubai’s vision to shape future-forward, wellness-led communities through world-class development and global collaboration.