Top 3 Headlines
Pullman Dubai Downtown launches Roland-Garros themed suites
Accor has unveiled the Middle East’s first Roland-Garros themed suites at Pullman Dubai Downtown, part of a global brand immersion strategy tied to the French tennis tournament. Running until May 2026, the initiative transforms suites into immersive tennis-inspired retreats, complete with themed design, curated F&B, and live screenings.
Part of Accor’s loyalty-driven campaign, the suites are also live in Paris, Tokyo, and Sao Paulo, bringing tournament energy to hotels globally. The activation aims to boost emotional loyalty through immersive fan experiences and digital storytelling, connecting sports, lifestyle, and hospitality under the ALL- Accor Live Limitless brand.
Rixos opens Saudi Arabia’s first all-inclusive resort in Jeddah
Rixos Obhur Jeddah has officially opened, marking Saudi Arabia’s first all-inclusive resort and debuting the Rixos brand in the Kingdom. Located along Obhur Bay, the beachfront property offers 250 rooms and villas, multiple pools, a private beach, marina, and diverse dining including Turkish, Greek-Mediterranean, and beachfront options.
The resort features Jeddah’s only Rixy Kids Club, a state-of-the-art sports complex, wellness offerings, and a vibrant entertainment programme with live shows. With its “all-inclusive, all-exclusive” concept, Rixos aims to redefine family travel and leisure in Saudi Arabia.
U by Emaar expands to Turkey with Address Istanbul
U by Emaar has made its international debut in Turkey with the addition of Address Istanbul to its lifestyle loyalty programme. Located in Emaar Square, the hotel blends luxury with cultural charm, offering U by Emaar members exclusive rewards on stays, dining, and wellness.
This marks a key milestone in the programme’s global growth, allowing members to earn and redeem UPoints outside the UAE and GCC. The move reflects Emaar’s commitment to expanding premium loyalty experiences across borders, positioning Address Istanbul as a new lifestyle hub for international travellers.
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Noteworthy:
- Shangri-La Dubai has named Anita Drahos-Nambiar as its new Director of Marketing and Communications, reinforcing its regional branding efforts.
- Hilton has made key appointments in the Middle East, naming Melville Gracias as Cluster Director of Sales, and Petr Pisecky as General Manager of Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas in Qatar.
- Sanja Dimitrijevic has been appointed Director of Marketing and Communications at W Dubai The Palm, bringing fresh leadership to the luxury brand.
- IHG has signed its second Holiday Inn Resort in Turkey, (Holiday Inn Resort Bodrum West Beach) adding to its 33-strong Turkey hotel portfolio.
- Brookfield Asset Management is reportedly eyeing the acquisition of Sofitel Dubai The Palm, showing big potential for a lucrative location.
- Kimpton KAFD Riyadh, the brand’s first hotel in the Middle East, officially debuts with a bold, design-led approach in the capital’s financial hub.
- Radisson aims to operate 150 hotels in the Middle East by 2030, with Saudi Arabia set to host the majority of the group’s regional expansion.
- Zafir Rashid plans to develop a 400-room beachfront resort in Jeddah, aimed at offering a family-friendly hospitality experience by the Red Sea.
- Four Seasons Hotel Amman has achieved Green Key certification, recognizing its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable operations in line with global eco-label standards.
- Experts at ATM 2025 highlighted that integrated resorts in the Middle East (and APAC) are redefining hospitality by combining luxury, entertainment, and culture, with notable developments like Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
