Top 3 Headlines
Marriott conversion: Vintage Grand Hotel reflags as Marriott Hotel Dubai Production City
The Dubai property has officially transitioned into Marriott’s brand portfolio, positioning it more directly within Marriott Bonvoy’s ecosystem as the wider transformation moves toward completion. The property has been redesigned to cater to short and long-stay guests across its two distinctive towers. At only 5-25 minutes from the main business districts and major landmarks, it’s expected to be popular among business and leisure travellers.
Accor signs Swissôtel Cairo West in Egypt
Accor has inked a deal for Swissôtel Cairo West with Saoud Urban Development, expanding its premium pipeline in Egypt and adding a new branded residential play to its West Cairo growth story. The mixed-use development in a rapidly growing district is expected to cater to branded residences, integrated hospitality, and sustainable urban growth in the region with 180 rooms, ballroom and event spaces, and wellness amenities.
Radisson Hotel Group closes 2025 with +3,200 keys added across MENA
Radisson reported strong regional development momentum, with KSA and the UAE remaining core growth arenas as owners continue leaning into branded midscale-to-upscale positioning. 3,200 keys were signed, and 1,300 were opened over the course of the year across the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi. Cornerstone signings included:
- The Radisson Residences Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi
- Radisson Hotel Madinah
- Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre
- Radisson Hotel & Residence Riyadh Olaya
Noteworthy
- Rotana launches private indoor plunge pool suites at Al Bandar Rotana, and Al Bandar Arjaan (Dubai Creek). A new suite concept (private indoor plunge pools) is being positioned as a differentiator for high-privacy urban stays, with availability from February 2026. At the same time, the Rotana Residences Al Reem Island (Abu Dhabi) project has sold out ahead of its launch.
- Sheraton-branded residences break ground in Ras Al Khaimah. Atara has broken ground on what it describes as the GCC’s first Sheraton-branded residences, reinforcing the continued rise of branded living tied to global hotel flags in the Northern Emirates.
- Four Seasons launches limited-edition signature Ramadan cakes created by executive pastry chefs across its hotels. Various venues are combining cultural storytelling and artistry to bring together the sweet treat available during Iftar and suhoor.
- InterContinental Muscat announces senior leadership appointments. The property has strengthened its executive bench with two appointments, Matthrew Piercy as new Director of Food and Beverage, and Ryan Cornelio as Commercial Director.
- Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Hotel has been named among the partners for Shakira’s performance at Ayla Oasis Development in Aqaba. Performing live in Jordan for the first time in her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, this is a major live-entertainment announcement for tracking destination-led demand drivers and hotel tie-ins for large-scale events.
