Building on the forthcoming reopening of Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo in 2027, Mandarin Oriental announced a significant expansion of its presence in Egypt through a distinctive collection of experiences. The Group will assume management of two iconic properties in Luxor and Aswan, both of which will undergo significant renovation before reopening in 2027. Complementing these landmark hotels, Mandarin Oriental will introduce its first luxury river cruise, owned and developed by K.G. Company for Real Estate and Tourism Investment, part of Garranah Group, and operated in partnership with Mandarin Oriental. Together, the hotels and cruise form a fully integrated, destination-led journey between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. The cruise will offer an immersive voyage between the two cities and stands as a defining expression of Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to exceptional, culturally rooted experiences. Bringing together two storied hotels and the Group’s first luxury river cruise offering, this carefully crafted portfolio creates a seamless journey that unites land and river under the Mandarin Oriental brand, celebrating Egypt’s culture and historical richness. In Aswan, Mandarin Oriental will assume management of the historic Old Cataract hotel from May 2026. The hotel will continue to welcome guests within its heritage building while a comprehensive renovation of the Nile Wing is undertaken. The entire property is scheduled to be completed in July 2027, joining the Mandarin Oriental portfolio as Mandarin Oriental Old Cataract, Aswan. Perched above the river and facing the Temple of Khnum, the hotel will feature elegant rooms and suites, six dining venues, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental and spaces designed to foster reflection and a deep connection with the surrounding landscape. In Luxor, the iconic Winter Palace will close in early 2026 to begin …
Read More »Rove Hotels announces partnership to bring lifestyle hospitality to Oman across multiple locations
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 …
Read More »Hilton set to double its presence in Oman with trio signing, including the Sultanate’s first Waldorf Astoria
Hilton announced the signing of an agreement with The Zubair Corporation to open three hotels in Muscat under the Waldorf Astoria, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton brands – doubling its footprint in the Sultanate. The signings mark the debut of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in Oman and underscore Hilton’s plans to diversify its portfolio and deliver trusted hospitality to emerging and established destinations across the region. The three hotels will be located within Barr Al Jissah, an iconic waterfront luxury development on Muscat’s coastline. Surrounded by rugged mountains and secluded beaches, Barr Al Jissah combines natural beauty with world-class hospitality experiences – making it a timeless destination for leisure visitors, wellness seekers, families, and business travellers, all within 40 minutes of Muscat International Airport. Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “The debut of Waldorf Astoria in Oman, alongside the new Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton properties, marks a significant new chapter for Hilton in the Sultanate. Oman’s rich culture, heritage, and natural landscapes continue to attract discerning travellers. These new properties will enable us to meet that growing demand across both leisure and business segments – supporting Oman’s Vision 2040, which aims to attract 12 million tourists annually to the Sultanate by 2040. Together with The Zubair Corporation, we are proud to bring this transformative destination to life and strengthen Oman’s position as a leading tourism hub.” Niels Bormans, Group Chief Executive Officer at The Zubair Corporation, added: “The collaboration with Hilton reflects our shared vision for Oman’s tourism future. By combining Hilton’s global expertise with our commitment to preserving the Sultanate’s heritage and natural beauty, Barr Al …
Read More »Ramada by Wyndham to Debut in Madinah Through Partnership with Local Hotel Owner, Strengthening the City’s Hospitality Landscape
Saudi entrepreneur Mohammed Khalid A. Sabbagh announced plans to open a new Ramada by Wyndham hotel in Madinah, one of the world’s most revered destinations for Muslim travellers. Developed in collaboration with Wyndham Hotels C Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, the upcoming Ramada by Wyndham Madinah will feature 77 well- appointed guest rooms and is strategically located in the Al Jamawat area on Al Salam Road, just 5 km from the Holy Mosque. The hotel will serve the growing number of domestic and international pilgrims visiting Madinah each year, offering convenience, comfort, and trusted hospitality under the Ramada by Wyndham brand. Once operational, the hotel will include modern guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a fully equipped gym, and contemporary interiors designed to provide a welcoming and reliable stay experience for both leisure and religious travellers. Mohammed Khalid A. Sabbagh, Owner of Ramada by Wyndham Madinah, said: “It is an honour to bring the renowned Ramada by Wyndham brand to the holy city of Madinah. This project represents my personal commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and contributing to the Kingdom’s rapidly growing tourism and hospitality sector. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to experience warm Saudi hospitality combined with the international standards that the Ramada by Wyndham name represents.” Mohammad Haj Hassan, Country Director – KSA, Wyndham Hotels s Resorts, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Mr. Sabbagh on this exciting development in Madinah, a city of deep spiritual and cultural importance. This partnership underscores Wyndham’s commitment to expanding our presence across Saudi Arabia and supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.” Saudi Arabia is one of …
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