The Middle East hospitality industry is booming, with new hotel openings and expansions planned. Highlights include Rove Hotels’ debut in Ras Al Khaimah, Omran Group’s ClubMed Musandam resort, Hyatt’s expansion plans, and Accor’s record 293 hotel openings. Qatar’s hotel market is predicted to reach $537m in revenue by 2025, and Premier Inn Middle East is launching a new Book Direct campaign.
Bahrain Four Seasons Residences to access hotel amenities and the other hotels coming to Bahrain this year
Bahrain-based developer Bayside Developments has completed and begun handing over the first batch of 112 Four Seasons Private Residences at Bahrain Bay. Connected to the adjacent Four Seasons Hotel by a pedestrian and golf cart bridge, the luxury homes feature premium amenities including a private cinema, residents’ lounge, children’s area, multipurpose room, private jetty, world-class gym, and resort-style poolside dining. Designed by Gensler and Rive Gauche London, the residences offer stunning views and five-star concierge services, appealing to foreign investors and expat families via the Golden Visa programme.
Alongside this project, Bahrain is expecting a variety of projects to complete this year alongside the recently opened Hawar Resort by Mantis (January 2025) and the Avenues Expansion (February 2025). Coming soon includes:
- Barceló Bahrain City Centre (opening in 2025): Set within Bahrain City Centre mall in Seef it features 195 rooms/suites, an all-day restaurant, gym, rooftop pool, business centre, and meeting rooms and prime access to local attractions.
- Kempinski Bahrain Harbour Hotel and Residences (opening in late 2025): Located in the prestigious Harbour Heights enclave, this mixed-use development will offer 74 guest rooms and 186 branded residences with panoramic marina and skyline views, complemented by upscale retail and dining options along a 2.5 km marina promenade.
89% growth in hotels in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism announced that the number of licensed hospitality facilities has surged to 4,425 in 2024, marking an 89% growth across the Kingdom. Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al Rassamah highlighted that this expansion aligns with efforts to enhance services for both domestic and international tourists, responding to a significant boom in the tourism sector and a rising influx of visitors.
Morocco’s Mazagan Beach Resort earns EarthCheck Gold Certified
El Jadida’s Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort has become the first tourism property in Morocco to receive the prestigious EarthCheck Gold Certification, recognising its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible hospitality. The milestone follows four consecutive years of EarthCheck Silver status. Key initiatives include an advanced wastewater treatment system for landscape irrigation, a shift to LED lighting, gradual elimination of single-use plastics, and composting of organic waste. The resort also prioritises local sourcing and operates the Mazagan Academy, which provides hospitality training and job opportunities for local youth.
Baccarat Hotel and Residences, Dubai contractor awarded
Arabian Construction Company (ACC) has been awarded the main works contract for the prestigious Baccarat Hotel and Residences project in Downtown Dubai. Developed by H&H in collaboration with Studio Liebeskind (architecture) and 1508 London (interiors), the mixed-use development will feature an ultra-luxury hotel and branded residences with views of the Burj Khalifa. With ground-breaking completed last year and infrastructure in place, ACC will soon mobilise to deliver this landmark into Dubai’s skyline.
13th edition of Hotel & Hospitality Expo in Saudi Arabia opens
The 13th Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia opened in Riyadh, drawing thousands of industry leaders focused on redefining the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Over three days, experts and decision-makers discussed strategies for creating immersive, culturally rich experiences and fostering public-private partnerships to drive long-term growth. Key sessions, including panels on shaping cultural journeys and urban expansion, emphasised the need for innovative, integrated services, from fast transit to local culinary excellence, to transform Saudi Arabia into a global tourism hub.
Radisson debuts Madinah hotel
Radisson Hotel Madinah has been unveiled as the first Radisson-branded property in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Located near key religious landmarks including the Prophet’s Mosque and Quba Mosque, it offers 165 rooms, including 53 business units, blending Scandinavian-inspired hospitality with modern elegance. The property features premium amenities such as contemporary dining outlets and leisure facilities, catering to business, leisure, and Umrah travellers.
Vatel Bahrain welcomes future international leaders for training
Vatel Bahrain has welcomed a new cohort of international students, including 12 from its Cameroon branch and one from its Istanbul branch, for a six-month hands-on training program at three prestigious Bahraini hotels, Raffles Al Areen Palace, Hilton Garden Inn Bahrain Bay, and Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area. This initiative, following a successful placement of previous students from Cameroon, aims to equip future hospitality leaders with advanced practical skills and international insights.
Nobu Hospitality announces new Oman venture
Nobu Hospitality has launched its latest mixed-use development in Oman with the opening of Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences Muscat. Located along the shores of Yiti Beach, 28 km from Muscat’s city center, the 60,000sqm project features an 80 room hotel, a signature Nobu Restaurant, a full-service spa and fitness center, swimming pools, a Nobu-style beach club, and a limited collection of branded residences offering exclusive benefits and coastal views.
Earlier this week…
Rove opens in RAK
Rove Hotels has made its debut in Ras Al Khaimah with the opening of Rove Al Marjan Island, located an hour from Dubai on the beachfront. Developed by Marjan and managed by Stirling Hospitality Advisors, the hotel features 441 rooms offering island or sea views, with family-friendly interconnecting options. Designed with local cultural influences and a strong commitment to sustainability, adhering to Ras Al Khaimah’s Green Building Regulations, the property offers diverse amenities, including an outdoor cinema, live DJ, 24-hour gym, and dedicated play areas for children.
Omran’s new Musandam resort project
Omran Group has unveiled the design for ClubMed Musandam Resort, marking the first ClubMed branded resort in the Middle East. Revealed at the IHIF Berlin Forum, the project promises a unique, all-inclusive hospitality experience set amid Oman’s stunning natural landscapes. The design emphasises open spaces with breathtaking views and incorporates locally sourced materials alongside eco-friendly technologies to minimise environmental impact.
Hyatt’s three year expansion plans including in the Middle East
Hyatt Hotels is set to strengthen its leadership in the lifestyle segment across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East by opening 14 new hotels by 2027. This expansion will boost its lifestyle room count by 36%, from over 7,400 to more than 10,000 in three years. Notable upcoming properties include:
- The Standard, Brussels
- Andaz and Standard hotels in Lisbon
- An Andaz property in Magna (NEOM’s coastal destination)
Red Sea Residences expands to include Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Jumeirah, and Miraval
Red Sea Residences, part of Red Sea Global (RSG), has expanded its exclusive portfolio combining hospitality excellence with residential living across three new branded developments: Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence; Jumeirah Residences; and Miraval Residences. Nujuma features 21 super-prime villas on Ummahat Island, accessible only by chartered boat or seaplane, delivering the signature Ritz-Carlton experience. Jumeirah Residences offer refined coastal living, while Miraval Residences provide 20 holistic homes focused on wellness, with amenities like the expansive Miraval Life in Balance Spa and designs by Foster + Partners, all built with a commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.
Accor’s record growth and 60% openings planned for Middle East and Asia
Accor has announced a record expansion in 2024 with 293 new hotel openings and 50,000 additional rooms, bringing its total to over 5,680 hotels and 850,000 rooms. It currently has 1,381 properties in development, and has suggested it is focused on 60% of new openings in the Middle East and Asia in 2025. The Group is capitalising on trends like conscious travel and “bleisure.” Notably, 58% of its new projects were conversions, with 36% of hotels now eco-certified.
Hilton to expand presence in Kuwait
Hilton has announced plans to introduce two new brands to Kuwait, with Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Garden Inn set to open in early and as part of a $1 billion expansion project at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait City. The luxury Conrad Kuwait will feature 158 guestrooms, a ballroom, and multiple dining options, while the midscale Hilton Garden Inn Kuwait will boast 430 guestrooms and become the brand’s largest hotel in the EMEA region.
The Grand Tarabya joins Accor’s luxury portfolio
The Grand Tarabya, a prestigious Istanbul hotel, has joined Accor’s luxury portfolio and will undergo a full renovation before reopening as a Fairmont hotel. The partnership aims to blend the hotel’s cultural heritage with modern luxury hospitality, offering guests a unique blend of tradition and innovation. With 278 rooms and suites, multiple dining options, and state-of-the-art facilities, The Grand Tarabya is poised to reclaim its place as a leading luxury destination in Istanbul.
New Book Direct campaign from Premier Inn Middle East
Premier Inn Middle East, has launched its new Book Direct campaign to boost online performance and increase direct bookings across its hotels in the UAE and Qatar. Guests booking directly enjoy attractive rates along with exclusive perks, including free early check-in, late check-out, and up to 25% discounts on dining, attractions, and taxi services. The Book Direct campaign was adopted and found successful in the UK, and will now be rolled out in the Middle East.
Qatar’s $537m predicted hotel revenues by 2025
Qatar’s hotel market is poised for significant growth, with revenues expected to reach nearly $537 million (QR1.9 billion) by 2025 and grow to $609 million (QR2.2 billion) by 2029, at a CAGR of 3.22%. This expansion, driven by Qatar’s rising profile as a global tourism destination and heavy investments in infrastructure, is also marked by increasing user penetration from 35.5% in 2025 to 43.2% by 2029, as well as a dominant shift towards online sales, projected to account for 87% of revenue.
