Category Archives: Hotels

Rotana has signed a management agreement to operate Palmeraie Resorts in Marrakech, under its new name, Palmeraie Rotana Resort. Located in the heart of the famous palm oasis in Marrakech, the resort is a stone’s throw away from major landmarks and top attractions in the city, making it the ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike. Founded in 1993 on a sprawling 230-hectare site, Palmeraie Rotana Resort consists of the 315-room five-star Hôtel du Golf Rotana, the Golf Club Rotana with 11 exclusive suites and the 314-key Palmeraie Palace, for which a full refurbishment is currently being planned. Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO, Rotana, said, “At Rotana, we continue to pursue market expansion and sustainable growth by extending our brand presence to new geographies. With this exceptional opportunity in Morocco, we have reached a new milestone in our journey to transform the region’s hospitality industry”. Hutchinson added, “The complex has a long history and has established a strong reputation in the destination which we will ensure continues to grow. We will immediately deliver upgrades for the Hôtel du Golf Rotana, the Golf Club Rotana and other key components within the development. Our absolute focus however will be on improving the quality of operations, enhancing the product offerings and delivering a level of performance across the complex that will continue to enhance the fine reputation of this outstanding resort.”

Al Faya Retreat and the Al Badayer Retreat situated in the Al Badayer desert, which are part of the ‘Sharjah Collection’ – the luxury hospitality brand of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), managed by ‘Mysk by Shaza’, were visited by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. During the tour, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah gained detailed insights into the world-class facilities which are being offered by both retreats, and their distinctive features which position them as one of the major eco-friendly and heritage hospitality property in the UAE. During his visit at Al Faya Retreat, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi was introduced to all the modern and cultural elements infused into the one-of-its-kind luxury destination. Originally built in the 1960s as two stone buildings, one of which was a medical centre and the second a store near one of the oldest and most important fuelling stations in Sharjah and the UAE for local commuters, Al Faya Retreat was restored using elements that reflect the general nature of the desert environment. Its floor-to-ceiling windows allow visitors to enjoy stargazing at night. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah also visited the Al Badayer Retreat, a first-of-its-kind picturesque desert retreat in the UAE that offers luxury hospitality services in the heart of the tranquil Al Badayer desert in Sharjah, where he was introduced to the retreat and its full range of world-class services. The design of Al Badayer Retreat is inspired by the UAE heritage, and allows visitors access to a unique tourism experience in the heart of the desert in the central region of Sharjah central …

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a management agreement with Umm Alqura for development and construction of a Grand Hyatt branded hotel in the holy city of Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in close proximity to the Grand Mosque, the hotel will be an integral component of the King Abdul Aziz Road (KAAR) mixed-use urban development project, designed to support one of the fastest-growing religious tourism markets in the world.  “The country’s significant strides to boost tourism complements our own commitment to creating a pipeline in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. Consequently, the opening of Grand Hyatt Makkah will strengthen the Kingdom’s vision to attract more tourists and offer guests an elevated, luxury experience with plans to open further properties in the holy city in the near future,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President of Development, Middle East and North Africa for Hyatt. Yasser Abuateek, CEO of Umm Alqura for Development and Construction, said, “One of our key ambitions is also to add value to the local real estate market, and by introducing globally renowned brands we are making significant strides towards achieving this objective.” Peter Fulton, group president – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southwest Asia, Hyatt, said, “Grand Hyatt Makkah is being designed to meet the unique needs of both visitors and pilgrims and is set to become its own captivating destination within this cultural and religious destination.”

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) adds Hotel Indigo, to its boutique and lifestyle brand, the brand’s first ever hotel in the Middle East. The flagship property in the region will open its doors along the banks of the Dubai Creek, minutes away from Burj Khalifa. Slated to open in Summer 2020, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is a stone’s throw from a number of iconic landmarks and attractions, including one of the world’s largest retail hubs, The Dubai Mall. Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to discover some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Each hotel brings the outside in; drawing from the local area to inspire every aspect of each hotel, from intriguing design to locally inspired menus. Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is no exception, taking inspiration from the story of its neighbourhood areas to help guests feel part of the destination. Each of the 269 rooms are inspired by the story of Dubai Creek– whether that’s through the surrealist wallpaper exclusively created by local artists, bespoke shisha lamps or the wardrobes with carved wooden doors, hand-crafted in Mashrabiya style with a modern twist. The spa inspired mother-of-pearl bathrooms pay homage to the country’s proud heritage of pearl diving, while eye-catching vibrant Moroso designer furniture adds a contemporary touch to the interior. Floor to ceiling windows overlook envy-inducing views; be it over the Dubai Canal or the Dubai Skyline. Laura Eggleton, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, said, “As our first opening in the region, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown combines the city’s heritage with the new, fresh buzz of the ever-evolving landscape through local collaborations. We’re looking forward to sharing our neighbourhood story with you.”

Madar at Aljada was launched by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah in UAE. HH Ruler of Sharjah was received by Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Head of the Seaports and Customs Department, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council and Arada, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder and CEO of the Kalimat Group, Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Ruler’s Office, Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Head of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Deputy Chairman of Arada, and a number of sheikhs, heads of government organisations and private sector companies, businessmen and investors. After unveiling the official plaque outside the Aljada Discovery Centre, HH Ruler of Sharjah toured the main attractions and various zones and facilities across Madar’s 600,000 square-foot park. He paused in front of a model of Aljada project, listening to a full explanation of the various attractions that are spread over an area of 2.2 square kilometres, and include many facilities, services and entertainment avenues. On this occasion, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada, said, “HH Ruler of Sharjah does not confine his focus to one area or the other but rather pays attention to all areas and factors of success and progress in order to support the sustainable development of the emirate in a way that serves the human being as it is the key to the progress of all societies.”

Dubai’s most anticipated design led, luxury hotel will open its doors on March 1, 2020.  Designed by the world-renowned late architect, Dame Zaha Hadid, ME Dubai will take residence in The Opus by Omniyat building, located in the heart of the Burj Khalifa district in Dubai – the latest outstanding addition to Dubai’s iconic skyline. This is the first and last hotel where the Iraqi-British architect has designed both the exterior and interior of the hotel, making ME Dubai her legacy project. Hadid was famous for her intensely futuristic architecture, characterised by curves, sharp angles and bold materials and the ME Dubai hotel is no exception. The hotel boasts 74 rooms and 19 suites, including the Passion Suite, Personality Suite, Vibe Room and the ultra-luxurious ‘ME Suite’. Guests and visitors can choose from three owned F&B outlets, including Central, the Refuel & Relax pool bar and The Opus Studio. In addition, the Opus building will offer 15 F&B outlets including ROKA, the contemporary Japanese robatayaki restaurant, as well as MAINE Land Brasserie. The spa at ME Dubai provides guests the ultimate refuge for relaxation, offering a variety of luxurious spa treatments for indiviuals or couples to unwind. Welcoming bookings from March 1, ME Dubai will act as a platform for contemporary Middle Eastern culture, bringing together music, art, design, fashion and gastronomy in curated experiences that celebrate the latest trends, events and scene leaders shaping the local cultural landscape. With properties located in cultural capitals around the world, ME by Meliá creates a unique link to the communities in which it operates. As the brand’s first Middle Eastern property, ME Dubai is not only set to become the social and …

Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis, in the Middle East. Located at Dubai Digital Park, Dubai’s first ever smart city project built with the latest AI and IoT technologies, the hotel brings RED’s forward-thinking style to the desert. The brand presents a playful twist on conventional hotel stays with a culinary hangout with a casual feel and a buzzing social scene. Using integrated technology and bold design personality, Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis comprises of 104 contemporary designed rooms, eight suites and 59 apartments created with millennials in mind. Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East and Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Radisson RED is a completely new and different hotel concept. It is bold and alive, and provides an experience like no other, created today for tomorrow’s biggest travellers, in one of the fastest growing sectors of the market: lifestyle select.” Stuart Birkwood, Enigmatic Curator, Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis, commented, “We love our location in Dubai’s first smart city, and we look forward to Silicon Park growing around us into the epicentre of the UAE’s advancing technology. Radisson RED brings innovation, fun and a fresh approach to the city’s social scene – with artwork created by local talents and integrated technology such as our digital social streaming content wall.”

Millennium Central Kuwait Downtown partners with Rotana to host their musicians and production teams participating in Hala February concerts. Providing a blend of culture, shopping and entertainment experience, Hala February features 11 singers from around the Arab world to perform a month-long festival of mega concerts. The 11 singers participating in these concerts are – Mohammad Abdo, Abdullah Al-Ruwaished, Rashid Al-Majid, Nawal Al-Kuwaitiyah, Asalah Nasri, Angham, Nabeel Shuail, Majid Al-Mohandes, Hussein Al-Jasmi, Balqees Fatahi, and Motref Al-Motref. To show their love and support for the Arabian music culture and to celebrate the liberation of Kuwait, Millennium Central Kuwait Downtown has collaborated with Rotana. Through this alliance, the hotel will not only host the musicians, but they also serve as a substitute rehearsal venue to practice and gear up for their respective performances. The shows are taking place at The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC), known as the Kuwait Opera House. Alaa Selim, General Manager at Millennium Central Kuwait Downtown, said, “We are extremely proud to support in this mega festival by hosting a huge share of the rehearsals for the Hala February. It’s the most joyful time in the country, and we as a leading hospitality provider are always keen to facilitate public occasions as well as celebrate with our guests their special moments.”

Accor is set to introduce Novotel in Oman. It entered a new strategic partnership with Sundus Investments, to manage the 215-key Novotel Muscat Airport. The two-year-old property will undergo a modest revamp including décor and signage alterations to reflect Novotel’s signature contemporary-led brand experience, with further modifications including a reimagined lobby planned in the future. With some of the capital’s most ambitious mixed-use developments on the property’s doorstep and the new world-class Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) also nearby, the hotel will meet growing local and international demand for high-quality midscale accommodation. “Partnering with Sundus Investments to raise Accor’s first Novotel flag in Oman marks another significant step in our regional expansion strategy as we look to collaborate with leading developers in strategic locations where we can leverage our portfolio of dynamic brands, with Oman a priority market. Following this agreement we can showcase our takeover expertise and demonstrate the potential of our flagship midscale concept in a fast-growing destination, paving the way for more joint hospitality projects across the Sultanate,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Accor Middle East & Africa. Ahmed Al Ardhi, Chairman of Sundus Investments, said, “Our investment and development strategy is aligned to the Sultanate’s economic diversification plans as set out in Vision 2020 and Vision 2040, with tourism identified as a key growth sector, and as we consolidate our portfolio and embark on our next growth phase, we are partnering with leading international hotel operators such as Accor to ensure our hospitality projects set world-class standards.”

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has enhanced its already extensive offerings by investing AED 5 million in upgrades to its meetings, events and room facilities. Ideal for business travellers, the 527-key deluxe hotel is located a short drive from Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center, the Eastern mangroves, Corniche, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, embassies and the business district. Alongside a dedicated club lounge floor, the property offers award-winning dining and recreational facilities, and intuitively curated M!CE spaces. With the recent investment and upgrades, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi now offers cutting-edge audio visual technology in all guest rooms, meeting and conference rooms, and also in its 700-capacity Onyx Ballroom, which spans 785 sqm and is divisible into three separate rooms. Desmond Hatton, General Manager Dusit Thani, Abu Dhabi, states “In resonating with the vision of ‘2020: Towards the next 50’, we aim to poise ourselves as industry leaders offering avant-garde innovative M!CE and hi- tech in-room services, ensuring every visit to our hotel is convenient and everyone is always connected. With this 5 million dirhams investment we seek to position ourselves as a preferred partner for corporate travellers, planners and agents across the globe.”