Top 3 Headlines

Hilton to debut Tapestry Collection in Saudi Arabia with Diyar Ajwa in Madinah

Hilton has announced the signing of Diyar Ajwa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in partnership with Al Musbah Group, marking the brand’s first entry into Saudi Arabia. Set to open in late 2025, the 221-key property will be located near Al Masjid Al Nabawi in Madinah, offering direct pedestrian access and cultural design inspired by the iconic Ajwa date. Featuring a restaurant, cafe, and fitness centre, the hotel reflects Hilton’s ongoing expansion in the Kingdom, enhancing religious tourism infrastructure with locally rooted, lifestyle-driven hospitality.

IDeaS partners with Elaf Group to power revenue growth in Saudi Arabia

IDeaS has partnered with Elaf Group to implement its G3 Revenue Management System across four key properties in Madinah, Riyadh, and the Red Sea region. The system’s dynamic pricing and forecasting tools will help Elaf optimise group bookings, maximise revenue, and streamline operations, particularly in pilgrimage-heavy markets like Madinah. With demand rising, the partnership empowers Elaf to scale efficiently while maintaining profitability and guest satisfaction. IDeaS now operates in 144 Saudi properties.

Marriott to open Tribute Portfolio Hotel at Egypt’s North coast

Marriott International is set to launch a Tribute Portfolio Hotel at SODIC’s June development on Egypt’s North Coast by 2029. Located in the Miami-inspired beachfront destination, the hotel will feature 180 guest rooms, plus dining and leisure facilities. Part of a larger lifestyle hub, June offers a vibrant beach, boardwalk, beach club, and upscale residences. SODIC also announced the 2025 openings of Dubai’s Surf Club and Portugal’s Michelin-recognised Cavalariça at June, showing the area’s appeal as a premium coastal destination blending international flair with curated luxury experiences.

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Noteworthy

1. JA Resorts & Hotels has strengthened its leadership team by appointing Shanadi Liyanage as Cluster Director of Marketing and Philip Hardie as Director of F&B, supporting its hospitality operations at JA Ocean View Hotel and The Manor by JA.
2. Grand Millennium Dubai has named Archana Kawatra as its new Commercial Director, leveraging her 28 years of global hospitality experience to lead revenue and commercial strategies for the property.
3. Frasers Hospitality has appointed Darryl Walker as Commercial Director for EMEA, reinforcing its commitment to global growth by enhancing its commercial and brand strategy across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
4. Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi has welcomed Heinz Grub as its new General Manager, who brings extensive regional experience and will oversee strategic operations and guest experience enhancement.
5. Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) posted $1.5 billion in hotel revenue in H1 2025, with a 17% YoY growth, supported by rising international travel and loyalty-driven bookings across its global portfolio.
6. Movenpick Bur Dubai celebrated its 22nd anniversary in June 2025, marking over two decades of premium hospitality with a focus on culinary excellence, guest satisfaction, and sustainable operations.
7. Hotels in Abu Dhabi saw a major performance boost during Eid Al-Adha, with occupancy hitting 71.9% and the average daily rate reaching AED 496.78, marking the highest June occupancy and revenue per room since 2009. 
8. Hawar Resort by Mantis launched island day passes to its eco-luxury retreat on Bahrain’s Hawar Islands, offering visitors access to private beaches, villas, and nature-based activities for the first time.
9. Central Hotels & Resorts reported a 98% peak occupancy rate in H1 2025, driven by strong demand from leisure travellers and major exhibitions, marking a milestone for the group’s growth in Dubai’s hotel sector.
10. Minor Hotels expanded its portfolio by adding four new brands (The Wolseley Hotels, Minor Reserve Collection, Colbert Collection, and iStay Hotels), continuing its aggressive global growth strategy with a focus on the luxury and lifestyle segments in key Middle Eastern and Asian markets.