Top 3 Headlines
Maroon 5 announced as headliners for Atlantis, The Palm’s NYE gala
It has been announced that Maroon 5 will headline Atlantis, The Palm’s Winter Wonderland-themed New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, promising an unforgettable open-air performance under the stars. Set against the resort’s iconic backdrop, the celebration features gourmet dining, a 30-piece live band, immersive entertainment, and a fireworks display. Announced is a dedicated kids’ zone with slides, games, and activities as well as VIP Sky Suites with curated menus and butler service.
Mandarin Oriental to open second Dubai hotel this October
Mandarin Oriental will open its Dubai property this October in the Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road. The new hotel will offer 259 rooms and suites, 224 branded residences, a rooftop helipad, and views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline. Designed with a ceramic façade to enhance cooling and energy efficiency, the property blends sustainability with luxury. Highlights include a two-floor wellness spa, ten dining and nightlife venues, and Dubai’s first Mandarin Oriental-branded residences, combining five-star service with upscale urban living.
Wyndham hits 700 hotels in EMEA expansion
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has reached 720 operating hotels across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), adding over 4,700 rooms and 60 new openings in H1 2025. The region saw 5% YoY organic system growth and 27 new deal signings, with highlights including standout additions in Sicily and Cappadocia, 21 new openings in India-led Eurasia, and expanded footprints in Georgia, Romania, and Kazakhstan. Landmark Super 8 by Wyndham deals in Saudi Arabia and Iberia also drove brand growth in these key markets.
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Noteworthy:
- Experienced hospitality leader Clarke Tomlinson has been named as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Erth Abu Dhabi.
- Ahead of its opening, Raffles Jeddah has appointed Fredrik Blomqvist as General Manager bringing 25 years of international luxury experience across the Middle East, US, Europe and Asia.
- Khalidia Palace Hotel Dubai has appointed Senol Sarisen as its new General Manager. He brings 30 years of experience in senior roles across the UAE, Sudan, Africa, Germany and Turkey to the role.
- ME by Meliá Dubai has launched Emirati Art at ME, the first in its new Medad exhibition series, spotlighting dynamic local talent and storytelling through contemporary Emirati art.
- LEGOLAND Dubai Resort has kicked off Neon Nights at its water park and will run every Saturday and Sunday in August and September from 7pm – 8pm. This family-friendly evening experience features glowing entertainment and splashy fun after dark.
- Amwaj has awarded the main construction contract for its luxury Melia Beachfront development in Bahrain to Cyprus Cybarco Tabet (CCT). This marks a significant milestone for the 250,000 sqm project.
- Vatel Bahrain partnered with the InterContinental Bahrain hotel to discuss local and international hotel management with prospective students and graduates.
- Cheval Blanc, in partnership with Shamal Holding, has announced the region’s first private island escape, Cheval Blanc maison, in Dubai set to open in 2029.
- Four Seasons has unveiled plans for a new beachfront residential development in Abu Dhabi, offering premium living spaces with resort-style amenities along the coast on Saadiyat Island’s beaches.
- Aqaba, Jordan has reported hotel occupancy rates of 68% on recent weekends, reflecting strong domestic and regional tourism demand during the summer months. Five-star hotels have noted higher rates of 76%.
