Hospitality Round-up: 29 October

Top 3 Headlines

Eight AlUla hotels and restaurants honoured in Michelin Guide 2025

AlUla’s reputation as a top-notch destination for foodies and luxury lovers has just got a major boost with several of its hotels and restaurants being included in the Michelin Guide 2025. Banyan Tree AlUla is among the stars of the show, scoring a One Michelin Key for outstanding hospitality and service. Other hotspots making waves include The Chedi Hegra, nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Dar Tantora The House Hotel, an eco-friendly gem in AlUla Old Town. Foodies will also be thrilled to know that Joontos at Dar Tantora The House Hotel has bagged a Bib Gourmand for its creative Saudi-inspired cuisine, while Harrat at Banyan Tree AlUla and Tama at Our Habitas AlUla are also recognised for their culinary excellence. With its stunning natural landscapes and world-class hospitality, AlUla is the ultimate destination for travellers seeking a luxurious and unforgettable experience.

Dubai hotels roar ahead

Cavendish Maxwell has reported that Dubai’s hotel scene is on fire, with room inventory surging to 152,300 across 818 hotels in the first eight months of 2025. The premium segments are leading the charge, accounting for almost two-thirds of the total stock, with 5-star and 4-star hotels dominating the landscape. Occupancy rates are also up, averaging 78.5%, with 5-star hotels seeing the biggest growth at 4.1%. The city’s tourism sector is reaching new heights, with 12.54 million international visitors in the first eight months, a 5% increase from 2024. With Eid Al Etihad and the festive season around the corner, experts predict 19.5 million visitors by year-end, driving occupancy rates to 78.5% and average daily rates to AED 526 (USD 143.23). Western Europe remains the top source market, followed closely by GCC countries, CIS, and Eastern Europe. Dubai’s hospitality market is showing no signs of slowing down.

Hilton Surpasses 100 Hotels in Saudi Arabia

Hilton has reached a major milestone in Saudi Arabia, surpassing 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline, representing an USD 8 billion investment in the Kingdom. The company plans to add 22,000+ more rooms, creating 15,000 jobs, with at least half filled by Saudi nationals. Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, highlights the Kingdom’s incredible momentum, welcoming a record 32 million tourists this summer, and aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030.

The hotel giant is bolstering its luxury presence with standout developments, including Conrad Riyadh Laysen Valley, Waldorf Astoria, and Conrad at The Avenues, Riyadh. The company is also expanding into regional cities, with new signings in Abha, Buraidah, Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Notable openings include Hijla Hotel Abha, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh Al Narjis, and DoubleTree by Hilton Buraidah. Hilton’s multi-brand rollout spans 14 award-winning brands, solidifying its position in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.

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Noteworthy

1. Karl Kutzelnig has been appointed general manager of SLS The Red Sea, bringing over 20 years of international hospitality experience to lead the Ennismore brand’s debut in Saudi Arabia and create a bold, extraordinary resort experience.
2. Nardine Emil has joined Swissotel Al Ghurair and Swissotel Living Al Ghurair as Director of Sales, leveraging her 20 years of Middle East experience in strategic leadership, revenue optimisation, and sales team management to drive commercial growth and revenue.
3. Georges Al Asmar has been appointed general manager of Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), leveraging his extensive luxury hospitality experience and strategic leadership to build on the hotel’s reputation as a top luxury destination.
4. Bianca Bara, an award-winning hospitality leader, has joined Aloft Abu Dhabi as Director of Sales and Marketing, leveraging her 12+ years of experience in commercial leadership roles at top Marriott properties in Abu Dhabi.
5. Federico Giovine, a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience, has been appointed hotel manager of Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, bringing a wealth of expertise from his roles across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
6. Accor has signed a management agreement for Dubai’s Creekside Hotel, repositioning it under the MGallery Collection with a renovation plan, featuring 292 rooms, art collection, and sports facilities, strengthening Accor’s presence in the UAE.
7. Address Hotels + Resorts has launched Vegetarian Room, a luxurious vegetarian restaurant at Address Dubai Mall, offering an intimate dining experience for up to 22 guests, serving refined Indian-inspired dishes, in a serene setting with polished marble and plush seating.
8. Renaissance Business Bay Hotel, Dubai presents Lilium Art, a new exhibition by Serbian artist Lily, showcasing her unique hand-painted silk artworks layered with pigment, Swarovski crystals, and gold, from 14-25 November 2025 in the hotel lobby, as part of the hotel’s monthly art series highlighting international talent.
9. Gulf Hotels Group has partnered with MFive Services, owned by Abu Dhabi National Hotels and Metro Global, to launch MFive Services in Bahrain, setting new standards for outsourced housekeeping operations and innovating the hospitality sector.
10. Marriott’s 2026 EMEA Ticket to Travel Report has revealed a transforming travel landscape, driven by tech adoption, unique experiences, and sustainability, with trends like AI-powered planning, lux-scaping, country hopping, and eco-conscious travel reshaping the industry, and businesses must adapt to meet modern travellers’ demands for personalisation and sustainability.