Tag Archives: Marriott International

The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort is slated to open by Q2 featuring 250 impeccably appointed guestrooms and suites, all with their own private balcony, walk-in wardrobes and expansive balconies. The resort’s curved superyacht-style architecture and interior design, helmed by London-based SRSS Interior Design Studio, will infuse the local landscape and heritage with the allure of the Oman Gulf to offer the epitome of modern waterfront living.  The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort will bring an unrivalled Riviera lifestyle to the city’s urban waterfront. Located at one of Oman’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, the coveted resort will offer luminaries a gateway to cultural moments and natural wonders, such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Al Hajar Mountains and Daymaniyat Islands.  A sophisticated colour palette of blues and off-whites will be paired with rich tan leather and local natural stone throughout the resort, while nods to Omani culture will be referenced through patterned screens and textured fabrics. Exceptional facilities are set to include a Guerlain Spa, complete with a Hammam and bespoke scent bar, a fully equipped fitness centre, swimming pools, padel court, secluded beach and entertaining kids’ zones. Nine compelling culinary destinations include international names such as Hakkasan, Em Sherif, Roberto’s, Coya and Novikov Café, paired with signature brand experiences including Karibu, a fusion of Zanzibari and Omani cuisine; Rumman, serving Greek specialties; The Stage at the St. Regis Bar, and The Lounge, which will serve as the setting for the Afternoon Tea Ritual. The resort will be a glamorous setting for cherished celebrations and meetings of all sizes, including a superb ballroom set over 1,350 square metres, hosting up to 940 guests.

At a special press briefing by Sandeep Walia – COO Middle East of Marriott International shared the latest research on the two big markets UAE and Saudi Arabia with their latest focus on the key trends for the region. According to the research, 50% of the participants shared that they have used AI in one form or the other over their vacation. 70% said they will use it going forward. Walia reiterated, “AI will be a key focus for us too going forward.. 83% of UAE said they are ready to pay more to go to a hotel or destination that is sustainable. 78% of Saudi said the same. Sustainability is engraved today in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.” In terms of the market, Walia shared that “the Middle East, Egypt and Turkey we have 233 hotels open and about 130 projects in different phases that’s 50% plus growth. Exciting times in terms of growth in the region. Reflecting on the past year he shared, “2023 has been a great year of openings and signings for us – so we had 10 openings – they were very key strategic openings for us. One I want to certainly  call out is Saudi, so we have been announcing a lot of hotels over the last few years but last year was the turning point where all these openings we announced the projects getting into reality and opening. The first was St.Regis in Riyadh, which was the first one to enter the market. We opened the Aloft in Muscat which was the first to get into Oman. We opened the Marriott Executive Apartments in Kuwait and the list continues, so we had 10 …

Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed a deal with RDK Tourism Investment LLC to open four properties in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The signings are expected to further enhance the company’s footprint in Abu Dhabi and Dubai with the addition of more than 700 rooms across its Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Executive Apartments and Autograph Collection Hotels brands.  All four properties are expected to be converted from existing properties operated by RDK Tourism Investment. “We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with RDK Tourism Investment and expand our portfolio of properties in the UAE,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “We look forward to building on this relationship and supporting the overall growth of the tourism sector in the UAE.” Rashid Darwish Ahmed Saif Al Ketbi, Chairman of RDK Group commented, “We look forward to further cementing our relationship with Marriott International as part of our aim to expand our hospitality portfolio in the region. The four properties aim to contribute to the local economic development of upcoming tourism destinations in the UAE, in line with our investment ambitions as a company to develop landmark projects that cater to guests at the highest international standards.” Marriott Mirfa Resort, Abu Dhabi The company’s flagship brand, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, is anticipated to open its first resort in Abu Dhabi with the Marriott Mirfa Resort, Abu Dhabi.  Situated on the coast of the Al Dhafra region in the historic fishing town of Mirfa, the resort will exemplify the brand’s continued evolution and feature contemporary and intuitive spaces. Projected to be completed in 2025, the 114-room beachfront resort is anticipated to feature views of the Arabian …

Marriott International, Inc. announced its expansion into apartment-style accommodations with the launch of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. The company is seizing upon growing consumer interest among families and friends seeking more space for stays, propelled by the blending of work and leisure travel, and the desire among younger travelers for wider accommodations options. Marriott is building upon its 26 years of experience with Marriott Executive Apartments, its serviced-apartment brand in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. With the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, the company expects it will enhance portfolio growth globally and bring the serviced-apartment concept to Marriott guests in the U.S. and Canada. “Travelers planning vacations and long business trips today are seeking more choice in accommodations, and the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy responds to those trends, while offering developers a premium product backed by our trusted name and distribution platform,” said Stephanie Linnartz, President, Marriott International. “With Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, guests will be able to shop a wider array of accommodation options within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, growing their loyalty to the portfolio and its range of brand offerings.” Marriott plans to introduce Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in the upper-upscale and luxury segments, distinguished from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands, with distinctly designed products that reflect the local neighborhood for independent travelers seeking more space and residential amenities. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will feature a separate living room and bedroom, full kitchen, and in-unit washer and dryer, but will be differentiated from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands by not providing certain traditional hotel services such as food and beverage, meeting spaces, and retail. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy is anticipated to offer developers the …

Marriott Hotels and Resorts, the flagship of Marriott Bonvoy’s 30 plus extraordinary hotel brands, announces plans to open the first Marriott Resort in the UAE in December this year. Located along Dubai’s golden coastline on the world-famous Palm Jumeriah, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah is set to become a beachside haven, perfectly located for guests to explore the vibrant city and its globally renowned attractions, while offering a place to escape. Spread across 7,000 square meters of pristine private beachfront, the resort is designed as ‘a place for all’, appealing to families, couples, solo travelers and business guests alike. A prime location whether travelling for leisure or business or a blend of the two, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah will offer destination dining experiences, extensive recreational facilities, sophisticated spaces and signature services. Exemplifying Marriott Hotels’ continued evolution, guests will be welcomed into contemporary and intuitive spaces. The resort will feature 608 thoughtfully designed guestrooms and suites each boasting expansive floor-to-ceiling ocean views, private balconies, and extensive in-room comforts. With a deliberately eclectic mix of new-to-the-region global brands, born-in-the-UAE concepts and core Marriott offerings, the 10 exceptional dining venues will encompass flavors, influences and ideas from Japan, Korea, Peru, Italy, the Levant and more. The carefully curated selection of the distinct brands and concepts will redefine the dining landscape in the UAE for both resort guests and residents alike, bringing a new energy, excitement and cutting-edge sophistication to the restaurant scene. Saray Spa, the resort’s opulent Middle Eastern-inspired spa will be a sanctuary for self-care, rejuvenation and relaxation. Additional facilities will include an ocean-view pool, Kids Club, state-of-the-art Marriott Fitness Centre, M Club Lounge, fully equipped business center, and flexible event spaces designed …

From the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai, Marriott International, Inc. announced plans to expand its Middle East footprint with the expected addition of over 20 properties and more than 5,000 rooms across the Gulf countries over the next 15 months. The company’s growth in the region is fuelled by ongoing demand for its extraordinary portfolio of hotel brands across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, and increased appetite from developers for conversions and adaptive reuse properties. “The tourism industry in the Middle East continues to undergo significant growth in line with the long-term strategies of regional governments to diversify their economies,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The reputation of Marriott International and our world-class brands, along with our long-established presence in the Middle East, continue to put us in a great position to contribute to the ongoing growth and diversification of the region’s tourism sector.” Luxury Segment Spearheads Growth in Saudi Arabia, While Select Segment Maintains Momentum With significant demand for luxury offerings in Saudi Arabia, particularly within the country’s ambitious developments such as the Red Sea Project and Diriyah Gate, Marriott International expects to enhance its portfolio with six additional luxury properties in the Kingdom by the end of 2023.  The anticipated openings will debut the St. Regis and EDITION hotel brands in the country and introduce the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East with the opening of Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Red Sea Project. Additionally, the company is responding to strong demand in the country for select service accommodation, with a new Four Points by Sheraton in Riyadh and Courtyard by Marriott in Jubail expected …

Marriott International announced that its unique hospitality training program, Tahseen, celebrated its first graduating class in Egypt. Developed in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation, the company created the unique programme for Egypt in 2018 to support its commitment to further enhance tourism education in the country. The inaugural graduating class featured 80 students who completed the first of its kind Bachelors of Hotel Operations Management Degree. The celebration took place at The St. Regis Cairo with all 80 students accompanied by their families. The milestone event was hosted by Satya Anand, President, Europe Middle East & Africa, Marriott International and was attended by Professor Dr. Hosam Refai, Acting President, Helwan University and Mohammed Farouk Hafeez, Chairman, Professional Development Foundation, along with other senior officials from the organizations. Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International said, “We are excited to celebrate the first group of graduates as part of our Tahseen programme in Egypt.  Tahseen is focused on providing young people with the skills and experience to grow and thrive in the hospitality business and to be part of the success of Egypt’s travel and tourism sector. As a company, we remain committed to enhancing tourism education in Egypt and developing the next wave of exciting and impactful local hospitality leaders in the country.” Tahseen was launched in 2018 in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation to focus on fast-tracking the next generation of hospitality leaders by providing them with firsthand experience of the industry and a springboard to launch successful careers in hospitality. In 2019, the programme received the Ministry of Higher Education’s approval in Egypt and earned bachelor’s degree accreditation. Today, …

Le Méridien Fairway has reopened its doors to guests with the promise of the most relaxing getaway experience. Amongst the hustle and bustle of the city, Le Méridien Fairway is situated within a close proximity of the enchanting Dubai Creek providing guests luxury comforts and easy access to Dubai’s main attractions, some of which include The City Centre Mall, The Gold Souk and the infamous Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Le Méridien Fairway boasts an array of pristine facilities, for those looking to lounge in lavish settings, the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect destination. The Peak Health Club is the hotels renowned fitness studio ideal for guests looking to stay active during their relaxing retreat. For those who are looking to indulge in delicious offerings, Le Méridien Fairway showcases three spectacular restaurants. Petit Café is the all-day dining restaurant offering mouthwatering international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Patrons looking for a laid-back option can look to the Press Club bar where guests can revel in exclusive promotions. The promotions include a bucket of hops, happy hour and buy one get one free deal. The bar is open to revelers from 3pm to 2.30am. The Lobby Bar is ideal for business lunches, for the price of AED 39 only guests can enjoy a speedy and light business lunch daily, from 11am to 3pm. For the main attraction, Le Méridien Fairway presents a range of beautiful rooms that boast views, comfort, and relaxation. The room categories include: Deluxe Rooms King/Twin – Recently renovated in 2021 the 40 sqm Deluxe Guestrooms offer a great escape for those looking for a relaxing experience. Perfect for leisure and business travelers the Deluxe …

Marriott International has reinforced its commitment to developing local talent in Saudi Arabia by launching its fourth iteration of the Tahseen leadership programme. The 12-month programme, designed in partnership with Cornell University, aims to develop the next generation of hospitality leaders. This year’s programme in Saudi Arabia, which also includes Bahraini nationals, will feature more than 37 new participants. Francisca Martinez, Chief Human Resources Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said, “Our commitment to investing in young local talent to ensure the success of the Kingdom’s travel and tourism sector is unwavering. We are excited to launch the fourth edition of Tahseen in Saudi Arabia and look forward to developing the next group of hospitality leaders in the Kingdom. We are also delighted to see the continuous career advancement of those leaders who previously graduated from the program in the Kingdom despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic.” In partnership with Cornell University, the fourth year of Tahseen in the Kingdom will see 37 participants go through a unique and highly individualized 12-month programme focused on practical application across all departments as well as an in-depth understanding of leadership skills led by teams across Marriott’s participating hotels. Tahseen provides candidates with operational experience and theoretical training, empowering them with the knowledge, skills and expertise to accelerate in leadership roles within the industry. Tahseen recently celebrated the graduation of its 2021 class, which saw 46 graduates, of which nearly half were women, step into leadership within their respective hotels and in the department of their choice. Since its inception in 2018, more than 110 candidates have graduated from the Tahseen programme in Saudi Arabia and moved into roles …

Marriott International signed an agreement with Venue International to debut Moxy Hotels in Turkey. Slated to open in 2024, the 168-room Moxy Istanbul Beyoglu will be located in the heart of the city within walking distance from Taksim Square – one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the area. “We are excited to work with Venue International to debut the Moxy brand in Turkey,” said Begüm Kaya Şanver, Director Development, Turkey, Marriott International. “Moxy Istanbul Beyoglu will serve as a playful lifestyle hotel bringing a bold, spirited experience to the vibrant area of Beyoglu.” Moxy Istanbul Beyoglu is expected to offer 168 stylish and cozy, yet smart bedrooms that have been designed to maximize every inch for today’s young-at-heart travellers. The hotel is set to feature playful Moxy spaces from the energetic lobby where guests are met by the welcoming crew, to its lively Living Room space ideal for day to night gatherings. In addition to its buzzing public spaces aimed to be the center of activity, Design plans for Moxy Istanbul Beyoglu include an industrial chic look, a fun grab-and-go concept, bold programming with local flavor, and communal tables offering plenty of opportunities to plug and play. Kaan Namlıcı, Chairman of the Board, Venue International said, “We are excited to work with Marriott International to bring the first Moxy Hotel to Turkey. We have always believed in the potential of Moxy Hotels in this market but were keen to wait to introduce it in the right location. Moxy Istanbul Beyoglu will infuse an energetic urban vibe to the bohemian and dynamic character of the Beyoğlu area. The hotel will feature a unique blend of Afrikahan’s historic relevance and …