Top 3 Headlines
W Hotels makes its Saudi debut with W Riyadh KAFD
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) has announced the opening of W Riyadh – KAFD, marking the brand’s debut in Saudi Arabia and expanding the district’s hospitality portfolio.
The 210-room hotel includes 17 suites, two penthouses and seven dining venues, alongside more than 1,000 sqm of event space, a spa and fitness facilities. Located within KAFD’s mixed-use development, it offers direct metro access and connectivity to business, retail and cultural hubs across Riyadh. The launch follows recent additions including Kimpton KAFD Riyadh and a planned 450-key Hilton property, reinforcing the district’s appeal to global hotel operators.
Construction begins on NUMAJ Hotel in AlUla
AlUla Development Company (UDC) has started construction on NUMAJ, a 250-room Autograph Collection hotel, marking a key milestone in the destination’s ongoing transformation. The project, backed by the Public Investment Fund, is expected to open in 2027 and will be operated by Marriott International.
Designed by GioForma, NUMAJ draws inspiration from AlUla’s landscapes and heritage, with a concept linked to the Nu Ursae Majoris star system. The development will feature five dining venues, wellness facilities and integrated business and leisure spaces. The project targets LEED Gold certification, incorporating sustainable design elements such as water reuse and energy-efficient systems. Officials say the launch reflects progress in AlUla’s masterplan to position it as a global tourism and investment destination.
Accor signs Egypt’s first TRIBE hotel in Ain Sokhna
Accor has partnered with MAVEN Developments to launch Egypt’s first TRIBE hotel at Baymount in Ain Sokhna, marking the brand’s debut in the country and expanding into Red Sea leisure markets. The 150-room beachfront property will feature two restaurants, a pool, private beach access, spa and gym, alongside design-led social spaces aimed at modern travellers. Located within easy reach of Cairo, the hotel will target both domestic visitors and international guests seeking short-stay coastal escapes.
Noteworthy
- Park Hyatt Dubai will temporarily close from 1 May for a renovation covering rooms, the lobby, spa and The Thai Kitchen, adding to Dubai’s current wave of luxury asset refreshes.
- Aman Dubai has broken ground on the Dubai Peninsula reaching a key development milestone for its forthcoming hotel and branded residences on the Jumeirah coastline. Works are now underway and will include an Aman hotel, serviced private residences, Aman Club facilities and a major wellness opportunity.
- Mövenpick Bur Dubai has introduced new stay experiences including brunch stays, family packages, rooftop pool access and workcation offers. The packages target weekend travellers, families and long-stay guests.
- voco Hotels has launched in Oman with the opening of voco Muscat Al Mouj. The 251-room waterfront property blends modern design, Omani hospitality and sustainability-led guest experiences.
- Vision Hospitality will launch a 45,000 sqft dining and entertainment destination at Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi. The first phase includes a McGettigan’s Fan Zone, bringing a major live sports venue to the capital.
- Some hotels have announced closures for refurbishments including the; St. Regis Dubai, The Palm which will still be keeping dining venues operational, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City is set to close ahead of its brand departure, and Atlantis Dubai has paused select venues while reviewing operations, including several high-profile dining outlets.
