Category Archives: Hotels

Al Taif Investment, a joint venture between Dubai Investments – the leading diversified investments company listed on the Dubai Financial Market and Fujairah Investment Establishment (FIE), the investment arm of the Fujairah Government, has today announced new business updates of Al Taif Business Center, its flagship project in Fujairah. Al Taif Mall, the retail segment within Al Taif Business Center is almost 50% leased out. The G+2 level shopping mall, nestled between Al Taif Business Center’s 19 floor Hotel & Residential and Office Tower is spread across both the towers and is equipped with 45 retail outlets including supermarkets and other lifestyle stores. The mall is getting ready to open doors for shopping and has signed up with Step-in Group, home to a multitude of leading international and national brands for apparel, fragrances, accessories, cosmetics, footwear, and more commodities, accommodating the needs of the Centre’s diverse visitors. Earlier this year, Al Taif Investment signed a contract with Hilton to open Double Tree by Hilton in Al Taif Business Center with 228 guest rooms, a ballroom counted amongst the biggest in Fujairah along with a wide selection of restaurants and other amenities. The hotel is also gearing up to open doors by the end of this year, providing residents, visitors and tourists a perfect venue for business and leisure. Elie Hadwan, Business Center Manager, Al Taif Investment commented, “The partnerships with the Hilton Group and the Step-in Group, reiterate the commitment to provide access to quality living, lifestyle, shopping and business options. We are expecting the mall to reach the 70% leasing mark by the end of the year. Once operational, Al Taif Business Center will contribute towards alleviating Fujairah’s attractiveness …

Rotana is highlighting its diverse collection of hotels and resorts at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2022. Taking place at the ExCeL London convention centre from 7th to 9th November, the event provides Rotana the ideal platform for engagement with key stakeholders, partners and customers in the UK market. Marking its 15th consecutive year of participation at one of the leading annual gatherings for the global travel industry, Rotana is showcasing its robust pipeline across the MENAT region as well as its newest brand, Edge by Rotana. Launched in May 2022, Edge by Rotana is a collection of independent properties that maintain their individuality while capitalizing on access to Rotana’s extensive network and systems. With the aim to operate around 30 Edge by Rotana properties in the region by 2027, Rotana recently announced the openings of two new Edge by Rotana-managed hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)- Arabian Park and Damac Hills 2 in Dubai. The group has also signed an agreement for an Edge by Rotana hotel in Istanbul. Further cementing its prominent position in the Middle East’s hospitality market, Rotana has signed agreements for several new openings across the coming year, including the management agreement of Bloom Arjaan by Rotana located in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island in the UAE. In Oman, Rotana’s new hotel in Muscat’s Al Mouj Development is due to open in the first quarter of next year. The group has also signed for The Residences by Rotana to provide villa accommodation in the port city of Bodrum on Turkey’s southwest coast on the Aegean Sea. While in Qatar, Rotana will open two new properties: Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana and Riviera Rayhaan by …

UAE-headquartered TIME Hotels has signed an agreement to manage 35 luxurious lodges in an equestrian eco-resort in Ifrane’s National Park in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, its first property in the North African country. The Atlas Crown Collection by TIME Resort will undergo a major extension and facelift which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. It will comprise of 17 luxurious, cedar wood lodges, 18 hotel suites, a conference center, a heated outdoor & indoor swimming pool, restaurant, man- made lake, wellness spa, horse stables and a kids’ club. The rejuvenating spa offers Hamman along with massage treatments, combining both physical and mental wellbeing. The resort chef will also prepare menus using healthy organic food, with vegetable and herb gardens located in their extensive gardens. Outdoor activities include horse riding, mountain biking as well as hiking tours through the national park forest, enabling guests to connect with nature and admire the stunning views across the Atlas Mountains. Golfers will not feel left out either with the 18-hole Michlifen Golf & Country Club within easy reach. “The resort is located approximately one hour by car from Fes airport, which has regular connecting flights to Casablanca and Rabat. The resort will be an ideal all-year-round getaway for families and couples to unwind and relax in a beautiful natural environment. Located on the lakes circuit, Atlas Crown is just at a walking distance from several lakes.” commented Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels. The signing ceremony took place at the African Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) 2022, which this year took place in Taghazout near Agadir.

Accor lands key addition to the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio with signing of Fairmont Dubai Skyline. Set to open in 2024, Fairmont Dubai Skyline will become the third Fairmont property in Dubai and seventh in the United Arab Emirates. Group is partnering with RSG Group of Companies, a multi-billion-dirham organization spanning the Middle East, USA, and South Asia, across diverse sectors including Real Estate, Automotive, Industrial Equipment, Investments and Property Development. Abu Sabah, Founder, Owner and Chairman of RSG Group of Companies mentioned “Over the past decade, RSG has developed unique residential and commercial properties that are synergistic with Dubai’s standards of quality and lifestyle. We are very excited to launch our first luxury hospitality project, Fairmont Dubai Skyline, in partnership with Accor and are committed to upholding the iconic legacy of the distinctive Fairmont brand into its second century.” As with every Fairmont property around the globe, Fairmont Dubai Skyline will be located in a unique destination, Dubai’s world-renowned Sheikh Zayed Road, and will offer awe-inspiring architecture through asymmetric balconies, which will be cleverly lit upon nightfall, with a spiralling 4.5 kms of lighting to give an illusion of movement. Exceptional living spaces and high-end designer furnishings will be curated by award winning masters such as Kristina Zanic Consultants, with a breath-taking magnificence that will continue to captivate and delight guests overtime. Fairmont Dubai Skyline will become the first high rise on Sheikh Zayed Road after Downtown Dubai, offering unhindered views of Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Blue Waters and Ain Dubai. “This is a true milestone for us in the region and for Fairmont Hotel and Resorts to introduce such a unique building in one …

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, managed by Hospitality Management Holding (HMH), reopened officially on Wednesday 2nd November 2022 following a four-month transformation program. Speaking with Travel TV at the inauguration,  H.E. Mahmoud Khalil Ahmed Al Sayed Al Hashemi, Director-General of the Ajman Tourism Development Department added, “we are very happy that the iconic Bahi Ajman palace is open once again, we are now able to show the visitors the five star luxury experiences we can offer them. We look forward to further enhancing experiences for our visitors.’ ‘We are delighted to announce the reopening of one of our leading hotels in the region,’ said Patrick Antaki, Chief Operating Officer at HMH. ‘I would like to congratulate the team on a great upgrade to guest experience, with the fantastic, improved efficiency of the hotel’s cooling systems demonstrating our commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism.’ Sustainable tourism pioneer and champion Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager – Northern Emirates. ‘We look forward to welcoming guests once again after four months with a new cooling system among other facilities to ensure that we generate more revenue with sustainable practices. As we open to guests, we are happy to reveal that we are starting on a very positive note with full occupancy as our travel agent partners have shared many clients who were eager to return to this hotel. We have the biggest ballroom and with Ajman tourism development department we will be promoting as a destination wedding hotel with one of the biggest venues in the emirate and also will be taking part in various trade shows and road shows conducted by the ATDD.” Set on a private beach, Bahi Ajman Palace hotel provides its guests …

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 …

Hilton celebrates the opening of Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa, a beautiful beachfront resort with breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Located in Taghazout Bay, 14 kilometres from the centre of Agadir, the resort offers the perfect escape for guests wanting to enjoy a stay in paradise filled with sun, sea, and sand. Named after the legendary Amazigh village of Taghazout, the resort is a fusion of contemporary style and Moroccan inspired design, with each of the 170-guest rooms featuring private balconies and ocean views. Families can book and confirm reservations with  Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton and the resort’s prime location provides access to local tourist attractions, including CrocoParc, the Argan Tree Museum – as well as the Paradise Valley Tazegzout Golf Course. Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa is part of Morocco’s new sustainable Taghazout Bay Resort complex. The spectacular resort contributes to the Moroccan government’s ambitions to establish the country as one of the top 20 tourist destinations in the world, through the ‘Plan Azur Initiative’ and the Taghazout Resort Development & Promotion Strategy. The new Hilton property implements various initiatives to improve its environmental footprint including water efficiency and energy saving, tracked via Hilton’s LightStay technology. Hilton has a strong heritage of hospitality in Morocco and has operated across the African continent for more than six decades,” said Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President, Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, Hilton. “We are excited to open Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa as we enter new destinations across Morocco – providing world-class hospitality and incredible guest experiences whilst supporting local communities with our Travel with Purpose programme.” Accompanying the resort’s unique architecture is a broad range …

In conjunction with Oman’s celebration of Omani Youth Day, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), today, celebrated the graduation of the first batch of youth from the ‘Midhyaf’ training for employment programme. It was launched in collaboration between the Ministry of Labour, Oman Tourism College and several hotels affiliated with the OMRAN Group’s investment portfolio. The graduation ceremony was held under the auspices of HE Sayyid Salem bin Muslim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Human Resources Development, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in the presence of several officials and the parents of the graduates. A total of 124 participants graduated from the ceremony, including 89 General Diploma recipients, 24 Diploma recipients, and 11 Bachelor’s degree recipients. The graduation followed four to nine months of on-the-job training in their respective fields. Participants in the Midhyaf programme could choose from seven professional courses to develop their skills, including Culinary, Food & Beverage, Front of House Operations, Hotel Operations Management, Accounting and Procurement, Sales and Marketing, and Housekeeping. Speaking on occasion, HE Sayyid Salem Al Busaidi said: “We are pleased to announce the completion of Midhyaf’s first batch and the graduation of the participants. Having acquired the expertise and knowledge needed to perform to the international standards the OMRAN Group follows, they will soon begin work at the Group’s hospitality assets. This step reflects our shared goal of providing jobs in the Tourism Sector in line with Oman Vision 2040. “We look forward to seeing the graduates start their careers in the hospitality sector of Oman, and we hope their positive impact will be felt by the facilities they’ll soon be working in. Also, we would …

The much-anticipated Dubai’s newest icon Atlantis the Royal bookings opened for guests who want to enjoy their own slice of ultra-luxury. The images capture, for the very first time, the scale, grandeur and ambition of this ultra-luxurious Dubai resort, which includes 44 suites with their own private infinity pools, a stylish infinity pool on the 22nd floor with spectacular views out over the Palm Island, the largest jellyfish aquarium in the world, a water fountain show that breathes fire, and an unrivalled collection of celebrity chef restaurants and bars. As these new images show, Atlantis The Royal is the pinnacle of luxury, offering guests an experience like no other, uniquely tailored to their every desire. Crafted by the world’s leading designers, architects and artists, guests are taken on a journey of discovery and adventure, with artful masterpieces, iconic entertainment, and beautiful craftsmanship at every turn, where the highest level of service will set a new standard in excellence. The 795-room resort surges 43 storeys high with unparalleled views over the Arabian Sea and Palm Island. 44 of the resort’s luxury Suites and Signature Penthouses offer private infinity pools, inviting guests to swim amongst the clouds. All Rooms, Suites and Signature Penthouses deliver show-stopping ultra-luxury touches, including a bespoke selection of amenities from luxury brands, including Hermès, Frette and Graff. All guests staying in a Suites or Signature Penthouses can enjoy an elite butler service, offering a supreme standard of service and luxury, where every need is anticipated. Services include unpacking luggage, pillow selection, clothes pressing, a private resort orientation and setting up exclusive experiences. Guests staying in a Suite or Signature Penthouse will be offered a mini pillow sample menu by their butler, enabling them to curate their …

Minor Hotels announces an upcoming addition to its portfolio in Dubai. Part of the 46-storey mixed-use Sidra Tower development on the city’s Sheikh Zayed Road, NH Collection La Suite Hotel, Dubai is the first NH Collection property to be announced in the United Arab Emirates. With 265 keys, NH Collection La Suite Hotel, Dubai will offer a wide range of accommodation options, including guest rooms, suites and one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Among the featured facilities are an all-day dining outlet, lobby lounge, kids’ club, meeting spaces, a gym and recreational spaces, along with leasable retail areas. The property will be operated by Minor Hotels from Q1 2023 and will undergo an extensive renovation before being launched with the NH Collection flag later in 2023. Centrally located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the main thoroughfare running through Dubai, the property has been operating since 2010 in Sidra Tower, which also includes offices, retail shops and restaurants. It is adjacent to the upscale residential cluster of Dubai Marina and Media City, home to diverse news and tech companies, with The Palm Jumeirah also in close proximity. Dubai International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away, while the surrounding Al Sufouh area is close to the headquarters of major international firms and the American University of Dubai. The addition of the property signals Minor Hotels’ ongoing commitment to expanding NH Hotel Group’s brands outside of their traditional areas of operation in Europe and the Americas and to offer travellers elevated comfort in strategic locations in core international destinations. Designed to appeal to both leisure and business travellers, NH Collection stands for meticulous attention to detail, outstanding services, premium innovative products, as well as offering …