Top 3 Headlines
Radisson Hotel Group accelerates Middle East expansion
Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has passed 210 global signings and openings in 2025, with the Middle East emerging as a major growth engine. In the region, RHG is strengthening its presence in key markets, especially Saudi Arabia, expanding in Madinah to support booming religious tourism and adding new properties across major business hubs. The group is also growing elsewhere in MENA, including Morocco, where it aims for 30 hotels by 2030. Radisson RED continues to rise in the Gulf, with new openings in the UAE aligning with the region’s demand for lifestyle-driven, design-forward hotels.
Minor Hotels to debut major Middle East openings in 2026
Minor Hotels is set to expand its regional footprint in 2026 with high-profile openings across the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain. In early 2026, Anantara Dubai Downtown will relaunch after its 252-room renovation alongside new signature restaurant Ziya, and enhanced luxury amenities. Meanwhile, Tivoli La Vie Muscat opens in Q2 2026 with 79 hotel rooms, 100 branded residences, a SEEN Rooftop, Anantara Spa, and rooftop pool. By Q4 2026, Bahrain will welcome Tivoli Bilaj Al Jazayer (100 rooms) and Avani Bilaj Al Jazayer (110 rooms), both beachfront resorts offering new dining, wellness, and family-friendly experiences, marking Minor Hotels’ debut in the Kingdom.
Marriott hits 100-property milestone in Saudi Arabia with new Makkah Hotel
Marriott International has announced 100 open and pipeline properties in Saudi Arabia after signing an agreement to develop a new Courtyard by Marriott in Makkah. The 1,100-room hotel will be part of the Masar destination, a major urban project led by Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction, and is set to open in 2030. The Courtyard Makkah Masar will feature guest rooms, dining outlets, meeting spaces and wellness facilities, with direct access to Masar’s central pedestrian walkway leading to the Masjid al-Haram. Marriott says the milestone reflects its long-term investment in the kingdom’s hospitality sector, where it currently operates 44 hotels across 13 brands.
Noteworthy
- Cheval Collection is strengthening its Saudi footprint with a new Cheval Maison Sulaymaniyah in Riyadh, developed in partnership with Ladun Investment Company. The serviced-apartment-style property expands the UK brand’s presence in the Middle East the new opening follows Cheval’s growing momentum in the region as demand for upscale extended-stay options rises.
- Kleindienst Group has officially completed construction of voco Dubai Nice – The Heart of Europe, securing its Building Completion Certificate ahead of the hotel’s opening on 1 December 2025. Located on The World Islands, the Riviera-style property forms part of the ambitious multi-island development targeting 20 hotels and 5,000 keys with Mediterranean architecture and sea views.
- Kerten Hospitality is making its Morocco debut with Cloud 7 Dersa Tetuan, transforming Tetouan’s historic Dersa building into a modern, community-driven lifestyle hotel. Developed with Oromecanica Group, the project will preserve the landmark’s original facade while introducing interiors inspired by Andalusian heritage and artisanal craftsmanship.
- Hilton has launched Hilton Bahrain City Centre Hotel & Residences in Manama’s vibrant Al Seef District, introducing a new benchmark for premium extended-stay living in the Kingdom. Offering 594 studios, apartments and penthouses, the property with leisure deck and spa caters to both long-stay guests and weekend visitors.
- IHG Hotels & Resorts and Qatar Airways have partnered to connect their SME travel programmes Beyond Business and IHG Business Edge in a move that boosts benefits for corporate travellers worldwide. Members can now earn and redeem rewards across both brands, including Qrewards for flights, hotel points, and exclusive discounts at over 6,800 IHG properties. New enrollees receive instant IHG Gold Elite status, bonus points for qualifying stays, and 50,000 Qrewards on their first Qatar Airways flight, creating a seamless, high-value ecosystem for business travel planning.
