Category Archives: Hotels

Vintage Grand Hotel has officially completed its transformation and is now open as Marriott Hotel Dubai Production City, marking a significant milestone for the district and reinforcing Marriott International’s growing footprint in the UAE. Effective 10 February, the hotel transitions from a white-label operation to a fully branded Marriott Hotel, bringing globally recognised standards of service, design, and hospitality to Dubai Production City. As the only five-star hotel in Dubai Production City, Marriott Hotel Dubai Production City sets a new benchmark for upscale accommodation in the area. The rebranded property combines Marriott’s timeless design philosophy with elevated guest experiences, offering a refined stay for business travellers, families, and long-stay guests alike. From this date, guests can also enjoy full access to Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel and loyalty programme, unlocking exclusive benefits, points, and privileges across more than 8,000 hotels worldwide. The reimagined property, comprising two distinctive towers, has been thoughtfully designed to cater to both transient and long-stay guests. The hotel tower will embody the refined comfort and timeless sophistication of Marriott Hotels, while the serviced apartment tower will transition into Marriott Executive Apartments (later this year), ideal for long-stay residents and relocation clients seeking a seamless balance of magnificence and convenience. Drawing inspiration from Marriott’s global design ethos, the transformed spaces feature modern interiors, elegant furnishings, and cutting-edge in-room technology, creating a sense of warmth and sophistication throughout. The hotel’s enhanced F&B portfolio introduces multiple new dining venues and bars, each blending stylish design with elevated culinary experiences that celebrate Marriott’s Wonderful Hospitality philosophy. For events and gatherings, guests can enjoy comprehensive facilities, including eight meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, a terrace, and expansive outdoor event spaces, …

Accor announced the signing of Swissôtel Cairo West, a landmark mixed-use development in partnership with Saoud Urban Development. Swissôtel Cairo West will comprise 180 rooms, delivering a refined hospitality experience rooted in the brand’s philosophy of Crafting Pure Living, where Swiss precision, human care, and holistic wellbeing shape every experience. The signing marks a significant milestone in the Group’s expansion strategy in Egypt, a priority growth market in the region.Located in West Cairo, one of the capital’s most dynamic and fast-growing districts, Swissôtel Cairo West is designed to meet the rising demand for integrated hospitality, branded residential living, and destination-led developments. The project reflects a strategic alignment between Accor and Saoud Urban Development Group to deliver future-ready assets aligned with Egypt Vision 2030, supporting sustainable urban growth and evolving consumer expectations. Guests will enjoy three signature food and beverage venues, a ballroom, flexible meeting and event spaces, as well as comprehensive wellness and leisure facilities including a swimming pool, state-of-the-art health club, and spa. Each space is designed to nurture balance, vitality, and everyday renewal. Complementing the hotel, the project will introduce more than 250 branded residences, setting a new benchmark for branded living in Egypt. Designed for long-term residents and investors, the residences will combine thoughtfully crafted private homes with seamless access to world-class hospitality services. A curated retail component will complete the destination, reinforcing its position as a social and lifestyle landmark in West Cairo.

MD Hotel by Gewan was recognised as the ‘Best Refurbished 4 Star Hotel’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025.”It is a great honour to be recognised at the Arabian Travel Awards for Best Refurbished Hotel. The refurbishment programme has been challenging yet rewarding, and we are proud of what we have achieved. Going forward, we will focus on enhancing soft services to match the upgraded hard products, ensuring that guest experience remains at the highest level.” Emad Ibrahim, Hotel Manager, MD Hotel by Gewan, Al Barsha

Kerten Hospitality has entered 2026 with the signing of 1,000 new keys in January, building on one of the most successful years in its history to accelerate expansion across the Middle East, Africa, and other high-growth markets. The hospitality management group closed 2025 with portfolio performance, recording a 55% increase in operating revenues, 69% growth in GOP, and a 44% rise in management fees year-on-year, underscoring continued demand from owners and investors for its differentiated lifestyle hospitality platform. Results were driven by a disciplined expansion strategy, increased geographic diversification, and the continued optimisation of the group’s operating assets. During 2025, Kerten Hospitality expanded its operational footprint with key openings including including Ray Hotel by Cloud 7 in Kuwait, Cloud 7 Hotel Roma and Colere 1600 by Cloud 7 Hotels in Italy, further consolidating its presence across the EMEA region. In addition, the Group signed several milestone projects including The House Residence Azure Zanzibar, a 93 ocean-view branded villa and lifestyle residential project; Cloud 7 Al Murjan Island Resort – Dammam, a bold new addition to Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province waterfront; and Cloud 7 Hotel Dersa Tetuàn, marking Kerten Hospitality’s foray into Morocco’s vibrant and rapidly growing hospitality market. Maintaining strong momentum, the group signed its second project in Morocco in January, Casadora Resort by Cloud 7 Hotels, a new resort and branded residences project in El Jadida, initiated and developed by Groupe Ramos. The MENA region remains central to Kerten Hospitality’s growth strategy. Government-backed tourism agendas, infrastructure investment, and rising demand for experiential and community-rooted hospitality concepts continue to create strong tailwinds for the Group’s lifestyle brands. Kerten Hospitality’s model is increasingly resonating with regional owners seeking flexible, design-forward concepts …

As Asia-Pacific’s events sector continues to reach new heights, Accor returns to AIME 2026 with a refreshed and future-focused meetings and events portfolio, reinforcing its leadership across Australia and the Pacific. With more than 400 hotels, resorts and apartments across the Pacific, Accor offers one of the region’s most diverse meetings and events ecosystems, spanning large-scale convention centres, creative lifestyle venues, coastal retreats and design-led urban addresses. Business events demand across the Pacific continues to accelerate, with Accor recording a 19% growth in conference, incentive and group bookings year-on-year, particularly across major city destinations and resort-based conference precincts. This momentum reflects renewed confidence in face-to-face connection, alongside growing demand for flexible, experience-led venues that support productivity, wellbeing and meaningful engagement. “Meetings and events are a cornerstone of our growth strategy in the Pacific,” said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer for Accor in the Pacific region. “We are seeing strong, sustained demand from corporate and incentive planners who are looking for venues that go beyond traditional function spaces – places that inspire connection, creativity and impact. With ALL Accor Meetings & Events, we’ve embedded meetings and events into our broader loyalty ecosystem, recognising the pivotal role organisers play and ensuring their impact is rewarded well beyond the event itself.” Accor continues to focus on evolving its portfolio of meetings and events venues, upgrading established conference destinations to meet the changing needs of planners and delegates. Recent transformations include: • Eden, Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers Perched on Level 46 of the Southbank hotel, Eden is a newly unveiled premium events space offering panoramic city views and contemporary interiors. The space accommodates up to 120 guests standing or 60 seated, making it ideal for both …

SLS The Red Sea has officially opened on Shura Island, bringing the brand’s signature blend of theatrical flair, design-led spaces, and unapologetic spirit to one of the world’s most forward-looking regenerative tourism destinations. Accessible via a short, stylish stroll or SLS-liveried golf carts, the resort’s 150 luxuriously appointed guestrooms include 117 rooms, 18 suites, and 15 private villas, with an aesthetic defined by bold detailing, natural textures, and expressive luxury. With an enviable setting at the very centre of Shura Island, the resort emerges as a veritable wonderland shaped by vibrant poolside energy, immersive destination dining, indulgent wellness and unrivalled entertainment. Framed by sugar soft sands and crystal-clear waters, SLS The Red Sea unveils itself through a series of sinuous pathways leading to the distinctive coral bloom buildings conceived by award-winning architects Foster + Partners. Lush greenery and exotic foliage provide a colourful backdrop to charming, unexpected design details, including mischievous monkeys perched on signs and the sparkling Saudi debut of the famous SLS duck. Thoughtful in-room touches elevate every stay, from Ortigia Ambra Nera bath amenities and bespoke robes embroidered with SLS icons to a reimagined minibar stocked with premium non-alcoholic spirits, mood-enhancing mixers, and elevated aperitivo snacks. For the most exclusive experience, the resort’s spectacular villas offer expansive beachfront settings with private pools, generous terraces, and dedicated living and dining spaces, placing guests directly within the rhythm of the resort.

Rove Hotels is set to enter the Saudi Arabian market with the upcoming opening of its first property in the Kingdom, a 240-room hotel located in Olaya, Riyadh. The launch marks a significant milestone in the brand’s regional expansion strategy and reflects growing investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector. Strategically positioned in one of Riyadh’s key commercial districts, the hotel is designed to cater to business travellers, urban explorers and long-stay guests, offering contemporary accommodation aligned with evolving travel demand in the capital. The property will feature Rove’s signature efficient design, technology-enabled services and flexible public spaces aimed at supporting both business and leisure needs. The entry into Saudi Arabia underscores Rove Hotels’ commitment to expanding its footprint across high-growth markets in the Middle East, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives to enhance tourism infrastructure and diversify the economy. Further details on the opening timeline and operational partners are expected to be announced shortly.With easy access to Boulevard Riyadh City, Diriyah, King Salman International Airport, and Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Rove has entered the Omani market through a strategic partnership with LEO Developments, marked by the signing of Rove Home Muscat Expressway — the brand’s first branded residences project in the Sultanate. The first of several planned developments, Rove Home Muscat Expressway, is set in a central and well-connected area near Muscat Hills and key road links. The location offers convenient access to the city’s main business districts and urban destinations, as well as to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) and Muscat International Airport. Born in Dubai, Rove is a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, and has recorded strong regional growth, with over 8,000 keys open or under development. An award-winning leader in contemporary travel, Rove manages a diverse portfolio of hotels and branded living spaces. Every property is positioned for maximum connectivity and crafted for those who seek efficiency and sustainability alongside a vibrant, local personality – all without the usual complications. The project will feature fully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments and lofts, complemented by key lifestyle amenities including a lap pool with jacuzzi, roof garden, and co-working spaces designed for modern urban living, alongside the brand’s signature Rove Café. Commenting on the announcement, Viktor Serenkov, Chairman of LEO Developments, said: “We are proud to announce our partnership with Rove, bringing a fresh and highly relevant approach to branded residential living in Oman. This collaboration reflects a shared vision to respond to evolving lifestyle expectations and deliver developments defined by intention, cultural sensitivity, and long-term value. Rove Home Muscat Expressway is the first step in a broader pipeline that we believe will redefine urban living in the Sultanate.” Paul Bridger, Chief Operating Officer at Rove …

Swissôtel Al Ghurair was recognised as the ‘Best Family Friendly Hotel’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Being named Best Family Friendly Hotel at the Arabian Travel Awards is a proud milestone for Swissôtel Al Ghurair, Dubai — celebrating the joyful moments we create for families every day. This recognition belongs to our dedicated Heartists, whose genuine care makes every stay easy, safe, and memorable.” Radhika Praseen, Marketing Manager Swissôtel Al Ghurair, Dubai

Scheduled to open this month (February 2026), the new resort marks the latest addition to Rixos Hotels’ portfolio, one of the world’s fastest growing luxury hospitality brands, offering guests a distinctive and fully integrated all-inclusive experience. The resort features 488 rooms and suites, many with sea views, alongside 33 villas, supported by a diverse range of hospitality, leisure, and wellness facilities. Elevating world-class hospitality standards, Rixos Murjana brings together Murjana Waterpark, the award-winning Anjana Spa, one of Saudi Arabia’s best equipped kids and teens clubs, the longest swimming pools in the Middle East, a collection of signature dining destinations, and a wide range of entertainment offerings within a single destination. Enabled by the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) – the national enabler of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia – Rixos Murjana is preparing to open its doors in King Abdullah Economic City, positioning itself as the largest ultra all-inclusive resort in Saudi Arabia and a new benchmark destination on the Red Sea coast. The resort represents a qualitative addition that contributes to diversifying tourism experiences along the Red Sea while elevating the overall quality of these experiences. Designed as an ideal destination for families and leisure seekers, Rixos Murjana offers a harmonious blend of vibrant energy and serene moments along the Red Sea shoreline. Commenting on the opening, Qusai Al-Fakhri, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Development Fund, said: “Rixos Murjana embodies the Fund’s vision to empower the private sector and attract foreign direct investment, and represents a qualitative step in developing exceptional tourism destinations along the Red Sea coast. The project reflects the strength of national and international partnerships in delivering developments that elevate hospitality standards and enrich guest …