The hospitality sector in the Middle East is experiencing significant growth, marked by robust performance in the UAE and expansions across Bahrain, Cairo, and Riyadh. Various hotel chains are enhancing their offerings with new properties and different experiences.
UAE hospitality continues to grow in 2024
The UAE’s hospitality sector has shown strong growth in the first half of 2024, driven by increased visitation and higher average daily rates (ADR). According to CBRE Middle East, the average occupancy rate increased by 1.7 percentage points, and ADR rose by 5.8% in the Emirates.
ADR levels have increased, growing in Abu Dhabi (12.3%), Ras Al Khaimah (10.7%), Dubai (4.6%), Sharjah (3.9%), Ajman (1.7%), and Fujairah (0.6%). RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) also saw significant increases, indicating a healthy and resilient market expected to continue its upward trend in the latter half of the year..
LOOP CEE to debut in the Middle East in September
For the very first time, the prestigous luxury travel fair LOOP CEE will be coming to the Middle East, thanks to DCT Abu Dhabi and Miral.
The landmark event named LOOP BEYOND BORDERS will take place from 15 – 19 September 2024 at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in Abu Dhabi and Anantara Qasr Al Sarab in Al Dhafra, where the elite of local hospitality will meet and connect with more than 100 luxury buyers, travel partners and agents from 16 Central and Eastern Europen countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia.).
Bahrain sees two luxury Taj properties form IHCL
The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) announced the opening of two Taj-branded luxury properties in Bahrain, enhancing its presence in the Middle East. The 200 room luxury hotel in Manama, and 251 room boutique Taj resort in Hamla are expected to offer unparalleled luxury and service, contributing to Bahrain’s growing status as a prime destination for high-end tourism.
The resort will offer all-day dining, two speciality restaurants, a beach club and swimming pool, as well as a 1,200 sqm banquet and event facility. Meanwhile the hotel will cater to the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sector through it tailored areas for corporate events, weddings, and meetings.
Self-care becomes a focus for Damac and Paramount Hotels
Damac Hotels is focusing on promoting wellness and self-care through a series of events and activities during International Self Care Week. Partnering with Paramount Hotels, for the three-day event in Dubai, each day was hosted at a different venue and feature various initiatives or activities centred around wellness.
Day 1 at Paramount Hotel Dubai hosted deep tissue massage, and spa sessions, as well as product consultations for men’s skincare. Day 2 at Paramount Hotel Midtown showcased yoga and sound healing classes, as well as a sound healing experience. Day 3 at Damac Maison Aykon City featured KO8 fitness, high-energy workouts and strength training.
New Hilton ‘Inn’ West Cairo
Coming in 2028, the Hilton Garden Inn in New Zayed, West Cairo has just been announced. Aiming to provide modern amenities, business facilities, and various dining options while stil being affordable accommodation, the Hilton Garden Inn will be part of a mixed-use development.
Alongside retail outlets, the hotel will be within close proximity to historical and cultural experiences in Giza and Cairo making it an excellent choice for travellers looking to visit. The 179 room hotel will also boast a rooftop bar, four meeting rooms, and suites for luxury travellers.
Grand opening for Comfort Hotel Riyadh Olaya
The Comfort Hotel Riyadh Olaya has opened its doors, offering contemporary accommodation in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital. Its convenient location means it is only 2.4km from Al Faisaliah Mall, a 5 min ride from Alkhaimah Theme Park, a 10 min drive from Naila Art Gallery, and walking distance of the historical Hugayat Tower.
This new hotel aims to attract both business and leisure travellers with its convenient location, modern facilities, and competitive pricing. The eight-floor property has 88 rooms, three meeting rooms and a 60 capacity conference room with onsite fitness centre, free private parking, and dining options.
New Kids Palace opened in Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi has launched a unique attraction for younger guests: a castle-themed play area designed to transform the resort experience. Aiming to enhance family-friendly amenities, the Kids Palace is available for children between 10 months and 12 years old, under the supervision of the Mandarin Oriental Service Team.
Children will be able to engage in educational and fun activities indoors and outside based on five pillars of education: culinary, arts and creativity, wellbeing, sustainability, and wellbeing and exploration. Dedicated areas serve different age groups, and it also has a children’s restaurant called Flutter Bites.
