Category Archives: Hotels

Located on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, the beachfront residences feature 141 units. Ras Al Khaimah economy is on track to grow by an average of 4 per cent annually from 2024 to 2027*, paving the way for some of the biggest names in hospitality and real estate. The projected growth of Al Marjan Island continues to be an immense draw for buyers and investors not only with a residential market boom but also a surge in tourism and hospitality.  The agreement was signed in the presence of dignitaries of Marjan and Marriott, including Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan, who joined ATARA leadership to commemorate the milestone. This flagship project is the cornerstone of ATARA Development’s expanding portfolio, underscoring the company’s strategic shift towards primary development. With a robust pipeline of over 1 million square feet planned in the next two years, it represents a major step in ATARA’s growth. Building on a strong track record of sold-out projects in Dubai’s most prestigious locations such as Pearl Jumeirah Island, La Mer South Island, and Dubai Islands, this collaboration with Marriott International sets a new benchmark in luxury living and reinforces ATARA´s position as a lead developer. “We are delighted to welcome ATARA Development and The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort to our vibrant community,” said Arch. Abdullah Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan. “Located on the prime shores of Al Marjan Island, this project reflects the caliber of world-class developments we envision for our destination. By combining ATARA’s expertise in luxury residences with Sheraton’s legacy of hospitality excellence, it offers a distinctive proposition for both residents and investors — further strengthening Al Marjan Island’s position as …

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah has once again reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by partnering with Dr. Linen Sustainable Ventures FZCO for the second time, handling over 700 kilograms of end-of-life linens and uniforms. This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment to responsible resource management, ensuring that the textiles at the end of their operation lifespan are repurposed into sustainable products. Dr. Linen Sustainable Ventures FZCO will reprocess and blend the old linens and uniforms with virgin fibers to create new, usable commodities, giving the materials a second life instead of sending them to landfills. This effort reflects the hotel’s proactive approach to ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices, particularly in responsible waste management and carbon footprint reduction. “Our partnership with Dr. Linen Sustainable Ventures FZCO demonstrates that even small steps like responsibly managing end-of-life linens can lead to a significant positive impact. Sustainability is a journey, and we are proud to continue leading by example,” said Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah. This initiative adds to Coral Beach Resort Sharjah’s broader sustainability journey, which includes projects accomplished such as Onsite Water Bottling Plant that eliminate the single-use plastic bottles and the composting machine which convert food waste into natural compost.

The new rotana.com is built for today’s mobile-first travellers. The platform adapts seamlessly to any device and streamlines the booking journey from start to finish. Enhanced AI-powered search and filtering make it easier  for guests to discover and book the options that best match their needs. “This launch marks a pivotal step in Rotana’s new strategic roadmap,” said Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana. “We are reimagining every touchpoint of the guest journey, both online and on property, to ensure we remain at the forefront of hospitality in the region. The new rotana.com blends personalisation, speed, and inspiration to reflect the exceptional experiences our guests enjoy in our hotels. As we execute our growth strategy, technology will be central in deepening guest relationships, driving direct bookings, and reinforcing Rotana’s leadership in the evolving travel landscape.” This transformation is part of Rotana’s broader digital strategy aimed at strengthening direct booking channels and deepening guest engagement through data-driven insight. The relaunch comes amid a major shift in traveller behaviour, with mobile now accounting for more than half of hotel reservations. Yet many guests still abandon their bookings due to slow load times, poor navigation, and complex checkouts (GuestCentric, 2024). In the Middle East and Africa, where the mobile travel booking market was valued at USD 4.6 billion in 2024 and is set to more than double by 2031 (Cognitiv Market Research, 2025), the demand for seamless mobile booking experiences has never been greater.

Aleph Hospitality has signed a hotel management agreement with Diyar Al Khalidiyah Hotel Services Company for the Diyar Al Khalidiya hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. In its continued expansion across Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality now enters the Makkah market. Diyar Al Khalidiya will be the management company’s second operational hotel in the Kingdom after the Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah. The 338-room hotel is located on Ibrahim Khalil Street, near the Great Mosque of Makkah and the Abraj Al-Bait Towers. Taking over management of the hotel in August 2025, Aleph Hospitality is currently in negotiations with hotel brands to secure suitable and international branding for the hotel. Makkah, the heart of Islamic pilgrimage, is witnessing unparalleled growth in its Hajj and Umrah tourism, and its visitor numbers nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023, while spending metrics quadrupled. The Hajj tourism industry is projected to reach USD343.55 billion by 2034, reflecting an impressive CAGR of 7.20%. Under Vision 2030, Makkah’s hospitality infrastructure is being scaled massively in terms of hotel rooms, smart systems, and transport networks to support an annual pilgrimage target of 30 million by 2030. Riyad Al Horaibi, CEO of Diyar Al Khalidiya, said, “We are pleased to partner with Aleph Hospitality, a reputable and experienced hotel management company known for delivering operational efficiency and strong ROI. With the increasing demand in Makkah’s hospitality sector, it was important for us to align with a management firm that understands the local market and brings a track record of success. We are confident this partnership will elevate the guest experience and strengthen the overall performance of our property.” Tariq Dowidar, Vice President Saudi Arabia of Aleph Hospitality, said, “With Makkah set to welcome …

Rocco Forte Hotels and Emerald Pine Capital are pleased to announce a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the expansion of the Rocco Forte brand across Europe and the Middle East. This would enhance their presence beyond Saudi Arabia. By combining Rocco Forte’s renowned operational excellence with Emerald Pine Capital’s investment and asset management expertise, the collaboration creates a highly aligned team with deep capabilities across sourcing, underwriting, structuring and execution. Together, the partners will pursue repositioning, value-add, and development opportunities in gateway cities and high-demand leisure destinations. The aim is to offer a differentiated and compelling proposition for investors and a streamlined and effective process for asset owners. Charles Forte, Director of Development at Rocco Forte Hotels: “I am pleased to be able to announce our partnership with Emerald Pine Capital and I am confident that their years of experience and strong reputation within the financial world will further fortify our existing team and our expansionary efforts in Europe and beyond.” Fabrizio Grena, founding partner and CEO of Emerald Pine Capital: “As the luxury hospitality sector continues to evolve, we are delighted to partner with Rocco Forte to offer a distinctive combination of expertise and skill sets to our clients and partners. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to quality and long-term value creation in the hospitality space. We look forward to working with aligned partners on this exciting journey.”

UAE based property developer The First Group has confirmed that Ciel, the world’s tallest hotel and the firm’s largest and most ambitious project to date, will officially open in the final quarter of 2025. Located in Dubai Marina, the striking 82-storey tower will redefine upscale hospitality in one of the city’s most iconic waterfront precincts. Designed by leading architectural firm NORR, Ciel will feature Dubai’s highest infinity pool, world-class dining options, a rooftop lounge and club, a luxury spa, and an observation deck with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Featuring more than 1,000 guestrooms and suites, the mega hotel will also house a fully equipped fitness centre and Nest executive lounge. Operated by The First Group Hospitality, Ciel will be part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, a prestigious global portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels that deliver memorable, design-led guest experiences. As a member of the Collection, Ciel will tap into IHG’s extensive global network, including its renowned loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards, which has millions of members worldwide.

Safir Sohag Egypt is slated to open by Q2 2026 with 385 rooms and suites in the historic city of Akhmim, Egypt. Safir Blom Sohag overlooks the Eastern Nile Corniche with meeting rooms, wedding hall and restaurants. Among its other facilities are health club, gym, spa and swimming pool. The hotel is an ideal bleisure getaway with its location and views. Safir Hotels & Resorts remains dedicated to strengthening its regional and international footprint while remaining true to its heritage of warmth, quality, and exceptional service.    

The Ascott Limited (Ascott)is scaling its global resort footprint through asset-light expansion. Recent signings across the Middle East and Asia reflect Ascott’s strategic expansion into key leisure hotspots. These include iconic beach destinations such as Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s premier man-made coral island known for its pristine beaches. Ascott is also entering Patong Beach in Phuket and Jimbaran Beach in Bali. In Vietnam, Ascott is growing its presence in Phu Quoc, voted the world’s second-best island , and Nha Trang, an established coastal city often dubbed the “Riviera of the South China Sea”. The company is also capitalising on emerging opportunities in fast-growing destinations such as Cam Ranh, an up-and-coming aviation and leisure hub, and Sam Son, a rising domestic and regional tourism hotspot. Additionally, Ascott is entering Labuan Bajo, Indonesia – the gateway to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In South Korea, it is tapping demand in Gangneung, the leading east coast destination and host of the 2018 Winter Olympics.Ascott signed 11 new resorts in the past 10 months secured via management and franchise agreements. These represent about 5% of its global portfolio of over 1,000 properties, reflecting a strategic focus on the fast-growing leisure segment . This momentum is driven by Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy, which adapts well-loved brands such as Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection and The Unlimited Collection for resort settings. This approach enables efficient scaling in high-potential destinations while fulfilling lifestyle aspirations of its growing Ascott Star Rewards membership and delivering brand-led solutions that drive long-term value for property owners.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East & Africa, in partnership with Taiba, a Saudi forward hospitality company announces the relaunch of two iconic properties in the heart of Madinah: Millennium Al Aqeeq and Millennium Taiba. Strategically located steps from Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, both properties offer a spiritually enriching stay experience for Umrah pilgrims, families, and travellers seeking premium comfort rooted in Islamic hospitality. “These properties are more than key assets in our portfolio—they are landmarks of faith, connection, and culture,” said Ali Hamad Lakhraim Al Zaabi- President of Millennium Hotels MEA. “Our partnership with Taiba ensures that every guest, whether a pilgrim, traveler, or visitor, is welcomed with a seamless, enriching experience rooted in the values of Islamic hospitality and cultural reverence.” Following an extensive enhancement of service and guest touchpoints, the hotels will offer upgraded digital booking journeys, enhanced dining concepts, and customized services for religious travellers. Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba, commented: “This strategic relaunch embodies our shared vision with Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East & Africa, to deliver world-class hospitality experiences that honor the spiritual significance of Madinah. At Taiba, we recognize the profound responsibility that comes with serving pilgrims and visitors to one of Islam’s holiest sites. Through this partnership, we are raising the standard of religious hospitality, seamlessly blending comfort, reverence, and service excellence. This initiative is a key milestone in our broader commitment to support the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly in positioning the Kingdom as a leading global destination for religious tourism”.

Hyatt saw over 42,000 meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) enquiries in the Middle East in 2024, an increase of 5.2% compared to 2023, driven by a growing demand for authentic cultural experiences embedded into business trips. Hyatt’s UAE properties accounted for almost 24,000 of these enquiries, amounting to a 6.6% growth year on year. Meanwhile, Hyatt’s properties in Saudi Arabia witnessed over 7,000 MICE enquiries, up 10% versus 2023. The UAE market saw the highest number of MICE enquiries throughout the entirety of the Middle East, reflecting the popularity of Hyatt’s portfolio amongst business travellers. Exceptionally equipped for hosting large-scale events and conferences, Grand Hyatt Dubai offers event planners one of the largest exhibition centres in a hotel in the Middle East and Africa region, with 5,000 square meters of space and the capacity to hold 3,000 attendees. Across the property, the conference, meetings and events facilities combine to a total of 12,000 square meters. This comes as global business travel spending is projected to reach $1.64 trillion in 2025, up from $1.48 trillion in 2024, according to the Global Business Travel Association, signifying strong momentum for the continued recovery and growth of the segment. With global spending expected to surpass $2 trillion by 2028, the ways in which travel companies are agile in responding to evolving customer demands is critical. Paul Dalgleish, VP Sales, Revenue and Business Development EAME, said: “We are increasingly seeing business travellers look to make the most of trips by bolting on days to experience local surroundings. While business travel is well and truly back, there remains an undertone of cautious spending from travellers and companies, meaning this segment is more than ever about getting …