The Middle East’s hospitality scene is booming with new hotel openings and expansions, including Radisson Blu, Rotana, and Shangri-La. Meanwhile, boutique hotels like FORM Hotel Dubai and luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton Amman are redefining the region’s luxury travel offering.

Radisson Blu opens in Riyadh Minhal, enhancing Saudi footprint

Radisson Hotel Group has unveiled the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center in Riyadh’s ministries quarter, featuring 310 rooms, including 84 executive options. Amenities include a business lounge, rooftop pool, and 14 meeting spaces for up to 2,334 attendees. The Silk Road Restaurant offers global cuisine, while La Veranda Café provides casual dining. The hotel supports Saudi Vision 2030 by boosting the hospitality sector. General Manager Andre Adel Saade emphasised commitment to excellence, while COO Tim Cordon highlighted its strategic importance for business and leisure travellers.

Rotana unveils major global expansion plans, focusing on Saudi Arabia

Rotana announced its plans to open 36 properties across 22 cities globally, with a significant focus on Saudi Arabia. Nine new properties are set for the Kingdom, aiming to triple its room count to 6,000 in three years. The expansion supports Saudi Vision 2030’s tourism growth goals. New hotels include Yasmina Rayhaan in Riyadh, with five properties opening in 2025. The announcement follows Saudi Arabia’s selection as FIFA World Cup 2034 host. Rotana currently operates 81 hotels across the Middle East, Europe, and Türkiye.

Naif Alrajhi Investment and Accor to debut TRIBE brand in Riyadh

Naif Alrajhi Investment and Accor have partnered to launch Saudi Arabia’s first TRIBE and TRIBE Living sites as part of the King Salman Park project. The mixed-use development will feature 250 hotel rooms, two restaurants, and 150 residential units, alongside wellness and business amenities. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, enhancing Riyadh’s hospitality scene. TRIBE Living offers modern apartments and shared spaces, catering to urban professionals. Both companies aim to create vibrant, design-led communities within key urban hubs.

Aleph Hospitality partners to develop Saudi hospitality talent

Aleph Hospitality has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Technical Female College in Al-Madinah to boost hospitality skills for Saudi students. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on workforce localisation. Representatives from government, education, and the private sector attended the signing event. Aleph will offer training and work opportunities across its hotels. Vice President Tariq Dowidar emphasised the importance of equipping students with essential skills to thrive in tourism. The partnership reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri celebrates Chinese New Year

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, is hosting special celebrations for Chinese New Year from 28 January to 28 February. Highlights include a Lion Dance Ceremony symbolising prosperity, a bespoke Lunar Afternoon Tea with Asian-inspired treats, and exclusive dining at Shang Palace. The event will feature set menus curated by Master Chef Qiguo Su, including delicacies such as dim sum platters and traditional Cantonese dishes. Guests are also encouraged to experience the ancient Gongfu Tea Ceremony.

FORM Hotel Dubai goes boutique

FORM Hotel Dubai, located in Al Jaddaf near Dubai Creek, is redefining boutique stays with its contemporary design and cultural heritage fusion. A Design Hotels member under Marriott Bonvoy, it offers custom-designed interiors, a rooftop pool, and a curated dining experience. Recognised by the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2024, the hotel symbolises the district’s urban growth. General Manager Houssam Mansour highlighted the property’s commitment to innovation amidst Al Jaddaf’s transformation into a vibrant hub.

Grand Millennium Dubai unveils new look

The Grand Millennium Dubai has upgraded its interiors to enhance its guest experience, maintaining a blend of timeless elegance and modern amenities. Key improvements include a redesigned lobby, updated guestrooms, and energy-efficient lighting systems. Enhancements such as advanced A/C controls, reupholstered furniture, and universal power sockets underscore its commitment to guest comfort and sustainability. The hotel remains a popular choice for both business and leisure, with high guest satisfaction and updated facilities reflecting its ongoing appeal.

Sunset Hospitality Group unveils CASA METT and METT Residences for 2025 launch

Sunset Hospitality Group is expanding its METT brand with the introduction of CASA METT and METT Residences. The lifestyle-focused properties will debut with CASA METT Sitges, Spain, and a METT Hotel & Residences at Bahrain’s Amwaj Beachfront, featuring luxury accommodations and wellness spaces. These developments reflect the group’s goal of managing 20 properties by 2026. CEO Antonio Gonzalez highlighted the brand’s commitment to relaxed luxury and global growth, with projects planned across Europe, the GCC, South Asia, and North Africa.

Ritz-Carlton Amman tops EMEA luxury hospitality

The Ritz-Carlton Amman has achieved the top spot in the Intent to Recommend (ITRec) survey for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), reinforcing Jordan’s reputation in luxury travel. This distinction highlights the hotel’s commitment to world-class service, blending Jordanian hospitality with premium luxury standards. By leading the EMEA rankings, the hotel aims to further position the kingdom as a key destination for upscale tourism.