Top 3 Headlines
Dubai’s hospitality sector is skyrocketing
Dubai’s hotel industry is soaring, with occupancy rates reaching over 81% in the first half of 2025, a 4.5% increase from the same period last year, according to Cavendish Maxwell. The emirate welcomed nearly 10 million international visitors, a 6.1% rise, and average daily rates (ADR) climbed 5.5% to AED745. With 19 new hotels set to open by the end of 2025, adding over 5,000 rooms, Dubai’s hospitality sector is expected to continue its growth trajectory.
The growth is driven by government initiatives, strategic partnerships, and a packed events calendar. Luxury and upscale hotels are dominating the market, with 67% of Dubai’s hotel inventory falling into these categories. Western Europe was the largest source market, accounting for over 21% of arrivals. Looking ahead, Dubai’s hotel pipeline is expected to remain strong, with luxury hotels dominating the 2026 pipeline. Other emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, also saw significant growth in hospitality performance.
Qatar’s hospitality boom continues
Qatar’s hospitality sector saw solid growth in the first half of the year, with 718 new hotel rooms coming online, taking the total supply to 41,463 rooms, according to Knight Frank. The country is on track to reach 44,562 hotel rooms by the end of 2027, in line with its national tourism strategy. Occupancy rates edged up to 70.7%, and RevPAR increased by 2.9% to QR321 ($87.8).
The growth is driven by demand from regional tourists and business travelers, with upcoming events like Art Basel and Formula 1 Qatar expected to boost international tourism. Qatar’s commitment to diversifying tourism experiences, including high-end shopping, cultural centers, and conferences, is solidifying its position as an international hospitality hub. The retail market is also thriving, with prime lifestyle assets commanding high rents and lifestyle F&B units remaining resilient.
Kimpton debuts in the Middle East
Kimpton KAFD Riyadh has officially opened its doors in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), marking the brand’s debut in the Middle East. The 212-room luxury lifestyle hotel offers a sophisticated yet playful approach to hospitality, with thoughtfully curated spaces and human-centered service. Guests can enjoy four distinct dining experiences: Botanica, Ziya, Kanza, and The Vinyl Ember, each offering a unique atmosphere and culinary journey.
The hotel’s strategic location in KAFD, a thriving urban destination with luxury residences, offices, and retail outlets, makes it an ideal destination for both business and leisure travelers. The launch of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by enhancing the Kingdom’s portfolio of world-class lifestyle hospitality brands. Guests can also enjoy the benefits of IHG One Rewards, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ industry-leading loyalty program, with access to exclusive rates, rewards, and personalized benefits across a global network of over 6,000 hotels.
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Noteworthy:
- Matt Fortune has joined Wynn Al Marjan Island as Director of Social Media, where he will lead creative direction, strategy, and leadership to build an integrated content marketing engine and showcase the luxury resort’s offerings.
- Laith Naber, a seasoned hospitality executive with more than 20 years of experience at Marriott International, has been appointed General Manager of Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel, bringing a proven track record of excellence and a people-focused leadership style to the role.
- Laith Naber has been appointed General Manager of Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel, bringing over two decades of leadership experience within Marriott International. Naber’s extensive experience includes senior roles at Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa and Renaissance Downtown Hotel in Dubai.
- Meltem Erbay, a seasoned hospitality professional with experience at Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail and Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, has been appointed Director of Operations at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, bringing her expertise in guest-first approach and operational excellence to the role.
- Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has acquired a strategic stake in UK-based UnderTheDoormat Group, a leading short-term rental and property technology company, for $4.7 million to drive innovation in Oman’s tourism sector and expand alternative accommodation options.
- Rove Hotels is expanding into the office space market with its new “HQ” brand, launching a 120,000sq ft tower in Dubai’s Business Bay featuring fully furnished modular offices, marking the hospitality brand’s second foray into real estate.
- Diriyah Company has launched The Chedi Residences Wadi Safar, a luxury villa development in Saudi Arabia’s Wadi Safar district, featuring 20 exclusive properties designed by Bjarke Ingels Group. The residences offer stunning views of the Greg Norman-designed golf course and access to world-class amenities at The Chedi Hotel.
- The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi held a graduation ceremony for 53 Emirati students who completed its Tourism Youth Summer Camp, a program that provides practical training and immersive experiences in the tourism and hospitality industry. The camp, held in partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, aims to empower young Emiratis for careers in tourism and hospitality, supporting Emiratisation efforts and Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy.
- The Women’s Pavilion at Expo City Dubai has launched a “Return to Work” program to empower women re-entering the corporate world after a career break, equipping them with skills, confidence, and networks. The initiative, in partnership with HSBC and C3, aims to unlock untapped talent, narrow gender gaps, and support the UAE’s goal of increasing female equality and representation in the workplace.
