Top 3 Headlines
UAE hospitality sector sees female participation rise above 34%
Female participation across the UAE’s hospitality sector has risen to more than 34%, according to insights shared during the second edition of the Hospitality Her Way initiative hosted by Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches.
Held under the theme “Shaping What Comes Next: Women Driving Hospitality Forward,” the event highlighted the growing role women are playing across hospitality, tourism, events and destination experiences. Industry leaders noted that while women represent around 52% of the global hospitality workforce, they still account for only 30% of leadership positions, underscoring the need for continued mentorship, sponsorship and career development programmes.
$267m hotel tower planned for Makkah’s Masar destination
Saudi Arabia’s Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction has announced plans for a new SAR1 billion ($267 million) hotel tower within Makkah’s Masar Destination development near the Grand Mosque. The project will feature 500 hotel units and is being developed in partnership with Heyazah Al Haram Fund, represented by Hejaz Real Estate Asset Acquisition Company.
Located around 550m from Masjid al-Haram, the wider Masar Destination spans 1.2 million sqm and includes a 3.6km pedestrian boulevard linking directly to the Grand Mosque, alongside connectivity to the Haramain High Speed Railway station.
InterContinental Al Khobar Al Hamra set for 2029 opening
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Ashaad Company are progressing plans for the new InterContinental Al Khobar Al Hamra, a 350 room luxury hotel scheduled to open in 2029 in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
Located next to Al Shubaily Grand Mall, the five-star property is being designed by Open Space Engineering Consultancy, with interiors by DN Design, positioning it as a key luxury base for visitors to Al Khobar. The project forms part of a wider agreement between IHG and Ashaad announced during the Future Hospitality Summit Riyadh 2025, which includes three hotels across Saudi Arabia adding more than 1,700 rooms between 2028 and 2030.
Noteworthy
- Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara in Oman appointed Raja Ganesan as Food & Beverage Manager, a senior property-level move for Minor Hotels’ Anantara portfolio in the Sultanate.
- Accor marked World Day for Cultural Diversity by spotlighting its Heartists across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. The group said its 40+ nationalities across the region help shape its culture of hospitality and connection.
- Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island has closed temporarily for the final phase of its transformation. The resort is set to reopen in early 2027 with upgraded rooms and a refreshed guest experience.
- Raffles Hotels & Resorts will open Raffles Jeddah on 25 May, marking the brand’s latest luxury expansion in Saudi Arabia. Located on Jeddah Corniche, the Red Sea-facing property features 182 rooms and suites, wellness facilities, event spaces and Hejazi-inspired design.
- Park Rotana Abu Dhabi has won multiple honours at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, including Best Business Hotel in the UAE and Best Relaxation Experience in the Middle East. Teatro Abu Dhabi and Bodylines Spa also secured several regional awards across dining and wellness categories.
- Global Hotel Alliance has added STORY Hotels & Resorts to its growing portfolio, expanding GHA DISCOVERY’s footprint across the Middle East and North Africa. The addition brings five upscale lifestyle properties focused on wellness and destination-led experiences.
