Top 3 Headlines
UAE hospitality sector smashing performance
The UAE hospitality sector has been doing incredibly well. In the first half of 2025, hotels welcomed 16.1 million guests, a 5.5% growth compared to the same period in 2024. Hotel nights also surged to 56 million, marking a 7.3% growth. The average length of stay was 3.5 nights, with 1,243 hotel establishments providing over 216,000 rooms.
This growth is attributed to the sector’s resilience and sustained growth capacity, bolstered by wise leadership and collaboration between public and private sectors. The UAE hospitality market is projected to grow from $23.9 billion in 2024 to $37.7 billion by 2033, at a 5.2% CAGR. Government initiatives like airport expansions, visa reforms, and investment in tourism facilities support this growth, aligning with the UAE’s goal to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency.
Sustainable luxury unleashed in the Red Sea
Red Sea Global, a groundbreaking development in Saudi Arabia along the stunning Red Sea coastline, has announced the first resorts and attractions on Shura Island, which will start welcoming guests in the coming weeks. Redefining luxury island tourism by merging world-class hospitality with cutting-edge sustainability, this ambitious project marries ecological responsibility with high-end resorts like SLS Red Sea, The Red Sea EDITION, and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, alongside a sustainable 18-hole Shura Links golf course and exclusive eco-friendly residential properties. Committed to regenerative tourism, Red Sea Global uses renewable energy, conserves water, and minimises waste.
Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the project will create 120,000 new jobs and position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable luxury tourism. With upcoming additions of prestigious brands like Four Seasons and Rosewood, Red Sea Global is set to become a global icon for sustainable luxury travel.
Sky-high luxury in Dubai
Ciel Dubai Marina, part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, is set to open in November 2025 as the world’s tallest hotel, standing at 377 metres with 82 floors. This landmark development by The First Group will boast 1,004 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai’s skyline. Ciel Dubai Marina will redefine upper-upscale hospitality, blending innovation, luxury, and creativity.
The hotel features eight unique dining venues including Tattu, a London-born Asian restaurant spanning multiple levels with the world’s highest infinity pool (Tattu Sky Pool) on the 76th floor and a Sky Lounge & Terrace on level 81. Guests can look forward to enjoying exclusive access to Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah. The hotel also has direct access to Dubai Marina’s boardwalk, water taxis, and connections to Dubai Marina Mall, tram, and metro services.
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Noteworthy:
- Audra Arul, Director of Sales & Distribution at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, brings over 20 years of international luxury hospitality experience across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and will shape the resort’s sales and distribution strategy to reflect the brand’s “Live Exquisite” ethos.
- Banana Island Resort Doha has announced the arrival of Executive Chef Ziya Cikrikci, who brings more than 24 years of experience in culinary excellence across luxury hotels and resorts in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Turkey.
- Krystel Irani has been appointed as the general manager of Al Zorah Beach Resort, which is set to transform into Four Seasons Resort Ajman at Al Zorah in 2026, bringing her over two decades of international luxury hospitality experience to lead the resort’s transformation.
- Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences has appointed Abdullah Ali Abdullah Faheem as its new Director of Sales, bringing over 18 years of hospitality sales and business development experience to lead the sales team in driving revenue growth and expanding corporate and MICE business.
- Saudi Arabia has strong potential to become a leading destination for wellness travel in the Middle East, thanks to its natural and cultural assets and investments in major projects like The Red Sea, Amaala, and Neom, according to UN Tourism officials. Wellness tourism, which is “attractive and profitable” and aims to improve quality of life while contributing to sustainable development, could play a key role in diversifying Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector as it targets 150 million tourists by 2030.
- Ras Al Khaimah’s hotel sector has surged in 2025 with record visitor growth (653,700 arrivals, up 6%) and strong financial performance (hospitality revenues up 9% to AED 822 million), driven by expanded air connectivity and positioning as a premium leisure destination. The emirate is expanding its luxury hospitality offerings with 29 new hotels expected by 2030, including high-profile projects like Wynn Al Marjan Island and Four Seasons Resort & Residences, solidifying Ras Al Khaimah’s status as a top-tier destination for luxury tourism.
- Jumeirah Oasis Village, a staff accommodation community for the Jumeirah Hotel Group, has become the first employee housing community in the hospitality sector to be designated a Certified Autism Centre (CAC) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), reflecting its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.
- Melia Desert Palm in Dubai has introduced six exclusive one-bedroom Al Waha Villas, designed as sanctuaries for mindfulness, relaxation, and personalised luxury, offering guests a refined retreat with complimentary wellness experiences, curated touches, and a tranquil environment blending nature and design to support holistic well-being.
