Category Archives: Hotels

Shaza Hotels has announced the official opening of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain, marking the group’s first branded property in the Kingdom of Bahrain and expanding its growing footprint across the GCC. Designed for families, business travellers, and leisure guests, the contemporary lifestyle hotel brings a fresh and distinctive hospitality experience to one of Bahrain’s most dynamic districts. The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives of Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co, a prominent Bahraini investment company and owning entity of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain, senior leadership from Shaza Hotels, valued corporate partners, travel trade professionals, and key business associates. Simon Coombs, President & CEO of Shaza Hotels, stated: “The opening of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain represents a pivotal milestone in our growth strategy and underscores our long-term commitment to the Kingdom of Bahrain. As one of the region’s most dynamic markets, Bahrain continues to demonstrate strong demand for differentiated hospitality experiences. With Mysk Al Fateh, we are introducing a contemporary lifestyle product that reflects our brand’s dedication to thoughtful design, cultural resonance, and exceptional guest experiences. We believe this property will not only elevate our presence in the GCC but also contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s vision for a diverse and thriving tourism sector. We look forward to working closely with our partners to establish Mysk Al Fateh as a leading address for families, business travellers, and long-stay guests.” Commenting on the partnership, Ghazi Abdulla Nass, Chairman of Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co., said: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain in collaboration with Shaza Hotels. This property represents our shared vision of developing hospitality assets that combine quality, comfort, and innovation. …

Hessa Almazroa, General Manager Novotel Riyadh Sahafa, a trailblazer in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry and the first Saudi woman to launch and manage a hotel in the Kingdom, has been chosen as the DDP Face of the Future. With over 20 years of experience, Almazroa has excelled in hotel operations, strategic marketing, and guest experience enhancement. As General Manager of Novotel Riyadh Sahafa, she led the hotel’s opening and growth with vision, service excellence, and inspired team leadership. Earlier, she also steered Novotel Alanoud, Novotel Suites Olaya, and served as GM, PR & Communication, Al Hokair Group, launching the acclaimed CSR programme “Ataa”. A dedicated advocate for women in leadership, she also serves as Deputy Vice Chairman of the Hotels Committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce.

Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok continues to shape a new chapter of sustainable luxury in the heart of the city, weaving environmental responsibility into every layer of its architecture, landscape, and guest experience. Conceived as a sanctuary where modern design flows seamlessly into lush greenery, the hotel stands today as a thoughtful balance of style, Thai heritage, and global sustainability standards. Long before the hotel rose above Tonson and Langsuan, three century-old freshwater mangrove trees stood quietly on the land that would become Sindhorn Village. Considered guardians of the neighborhood, these trees were preserved, replanted, and now flourish within Chevaa Garden — a green promenade that anchors the property in Thailand’s natural heritage. From this garden, guests can wander toward Bangkok’s iconic parks, forming a rare corridor of urban biodiversity in the middle of the metropolis. This profound connection to nature is echoed in the hotel’s architecture. The building curves and rises like a sculptural extension of the landscape, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass, natural light, and open-air ventilation that encourages breezes to move freely through the lobby and atrium. Triple-layer glazing reduces heat and noise, while thoughtful engineering reduces energy consumption without compromising comfort. This approach has earned the property two respected marks of environmental excellence: LEED, which recognizes buildings designed and operated with high standards of environmental performance, and EarthCheck, a global benchmarking program that evaluates how well a property manages resources, reduces waste, and minimizes its overall impact. Sindhorn Kempinski’s sustainability commitments extend far beyond design. Inside every room, guests find carefully chosen amenities that reduce unnecessary waste, from LED lighting and eco-friendly water cartons to paper straws and resource-efficient fixtures. The Green Artifact program invites travelers to join …

Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hospitality management company in the Middle East and Africa, has secured the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand for an upcoming 84-key hotel in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, owned by AREA Investment and Real Estate. This marks Aleph Hospitality’s third Tapestry Collection by Hilton property under management, further strengthening the company’s partnership with global hospitality company Hilton and expanding its footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. AREA Investment and Real Estate’s franchise agreement with Hilton and management agreement with Aleph Hospitality marks an important milestone for the firm as they continue to invest in high-quality hospitality assets that contribute to the region’s growing tourism sector. Scheduled to open in 2027, the hotel will be part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton’s portfolio of independent boutique hotels, each rich in cultural charm and deeply connected to its destination. With vibrant designs and one-of-a-kind experiences, the hotel will also be part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty programme. Tariq Dowidar, Vice President Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality, said: “We have a longstanding and close relationship with Hilton, founded on our shared commitment to excellence and innovation. Together, our goal is to deliver exceptional guest experiences while maximising operational performance and value for the owners.” Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer, MEA, Hilton, said: “We are delighted to partner with AREA Investment and Real Estate to debut the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Dammam, managed by Aleph Hospitality. Demand for lifestyle hotels continues to rise, and we remain committed to growing our presence across the Kingdom, with over 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline. Tapestry Collection offers guests an authentic, and unique stay experience, and we are excited …

The First Group Hospitality announced the rebranding of Hotel Avalon to Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle, marking a major milestone in its expanding partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts. Following the landmark signing of Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection, the latest collaboration further strengthens the Group’s alliance with one of the world’s most iconic hotel brands. This rebranding reflects The First Group Hospitality’s vision to elevate Dubai’s hospitality scene by offering a modern blend of style, comfort, and community. IHG’s Holiday Inn brand has consistently evolved over the years, placing guests at the centre of its innovations and earning the status as one of the world’s most loved, trusted and recognized hotel brands, creating memorable stays and consistently delivering a warm, welcoming service. Renowned globally with over 1200 open hotels —and many more in the pipeline—the Holiday Inn brand continues to grow. Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle now joins this global portfolio defined by comfort, familiarity, and guest-focused innovation. “This transformation reflects our commitment to creating stays that resonate with today’s travellers—authentic, inspiring, and memorable,” said Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group. “We’re proud to unveil Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle, a modern destination that captures the spirit of Dubai’s dynamic lifestyle.” Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle offers 349 contemporary rooms designed for the modern traveller, combining comfort, style, and smart amenities in the heart of Jumeirah Village Circle. Guests can enjoy global and locally inspired dishes at Urban Eatery, along with handcrafted pastries and signature brews at Risen Café & Artisanal Bakery. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool, Rayya Wellness Spa, and a modern fitness center. To bring an added dimension to every stay, guests have the opportunity to …

Novotel Al Barsha walked away with the ‘Best City Hotel’ accolade at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. The spectacular Novotel Dubai Al Barsha towers over Sheikh Zayed Road, close to the city’s major business hubs and tourist attractions. Hotel that makes every moment matter. The Novotel Dubai Al Barsha is a 4-star hotel located in Dubai’s city centre with convenient access to the city’s major business hubs and leisure attractions. Their state-of-the-art meeting rooms are the perfect place for conferences, trainings and various types of meetings.

Rafal Real Estate Development Company and Rove Hotels announced a strategic partnership to develop multiple Rove Hotels properties in the Saudi capital. Rove Hotels is a dynamic, award-winning lifestyle brand that has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands in the Middle East. Born in Dubai as a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, Rove already boasts over 8,000 keys open or under development. The brand is defined by its smart, vibrant design, seamless and fuss-free service culture, and a robust commitment to sustainability, appealing to the modern traveller seeking both style and substance. The signing ceremony, which took place in Riyadh, officially marks the Rove brand’s expansion into the Saudi Arabian market, with plans for future cities to follow. Under the agreement, the partners will bring Rove’s well-loved lifestyle concept to key, high-growth locations across Riyadh, with the first opening location set to be on Olaya Street. Locations are thoughtfully positioned to serve both business and leisure travellers, catering to the city’s dynamic growth. “This expansion represents a significant milestone and an important step forward. We are proud to be part of Rove and Rafal in shaping a new chapter for lifestyle-driven hospitality in Saudi Arabia,” said Saad Hussain of Alaia Developments. “We are delighted to introduce one of the region’s smartest hotel concepts to Riyadh,” said Elias Abou Samra, CEO of Rafal Real Estate Development Company. “Our confidence stems from the depth and track record of Rove Hotels in tailoring hospitality for regional guests, and from the strong connectivity between Riyadh and Dubai that underpins sustained demand from both leisure and business travellers. This partnership is a cornerstone of our strategy to bring innovative …

Cheval Maison Expo City Dubai wins ‘Best debut Hotel Apartments Cheval Maison’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. The Arabian Travel Awards wrapped up with energy and pride as the region’s finest in travel, tourism and hospitality came together to celebrate a year of standout achievements. Often called the Oscars of the industry, the ceremony brought together leaders, innovators and changemakers for an evening that highlighted excellence and the region’s rapidly evolving tourism landscape.

Over 80% of travellers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia (KSA) intend to go on more or the same amount of holidays in 2026 compared to 2025 (84% in UAE and 83% in KSA). This includes 54% who plan to go on an increased number (56% in UAE and 52% in KSA), according to new industry research amongst 4,017 adults in UAE and KSA. Figures from Marriott Bonvoy’s 2026 Ticket to Travel Report suggest continued overall growth in the industry. In 2026, the average traveller is planning 3 domestic holidays within their own country, 2 short-haul breaks (four-hour flight or less) and 2 long-haul trips. The report also shows that on average people book their holiday 2.1 months in advance (2.5 in UAE and 1.6 in KSA). Visiting multiple countries (not just destinations) within one trip – will continue to be common for travellers in 2026. 75% say they ‘probably or definitely’ plan to do this next year. Popular international travel destinations for travellers in the UAE and KSA include Italy, Switzerland, France and Turkiye. Nearly three quarters of travellers (72%) say they have used AI to plan or research a holiday (77% in UAE and 68% in KSA). Over a fifth (23%) say they use it ‘all the time’ (24% in UAE and 22% in KSA). ChatGPT is the favoured AI platform for travel planning – used by three quarters (76%) of those who have previously used AI for this purpose (81% in UAE and 70% in KSA). It is followed by Gemini at 38% (41% in UAE and 35% in KSA) and Copilot at 21% (23% in UAE and 19% in KSA). Reinforcing the increased familiarity and trust travellers …

AJi signed an agreement with Numu Company to collaborate on the Masar Branded Residences project – an exclusive, high-end residential development within the Masar Makkah Master Plan. Located approximately 3 km from Masjid al-Haram, the project will offer panoramic views of the Holy City and combine modern luxury with the spiritual and cultural essence of Makkah. The signing took place on the sidelines of Cityscape Global, which this year convenes global real estate and infrastructure leaders in Riyadh to explore opportunities shaping the future of urban living in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The event aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a hub for world-class investment and sustainable development. The Masar Branded Residences will span approximately 3,800 square meters, featuring between 280 and 320 high-end apartments, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, as well as penthouses and duplexes. Around 70% of the ground-floor area will be dedicated to retail and commercial spaces, complemented by premium amenities designed to meet five-star branded residence standards, ensuring a refined, world-class living experience. AJi’s scope includes full design services. AJi will provode full design services for the project. Eng. Hamzeh Awwad, CEO of AJi, said: “Our partnership with Numu builds on our long-standing relationship and deep understanding of Masar’s architectural identity and design regulations. We are honored to contribute to a project that combines elegance, functionality, and spirituality – reflecting Makkah’s significance and the Kingdom’s vision for world-class urban development.” Mr. Fuad Al Amri, NUMU Company President, added: “Collaborating with AJi ensures that Masar Branded Residences will meet the highest standards of design and quality. Together, we aim to deliver a development that complements Makkah’s skyline and enriches its …