Oryx wins big, Hilton, Rotana, and Jannah Hotels announce new properties, Red Sea Global is awarded new LEED certifications, Oravel Stays announces its new brand in Dubai, and Oman’s hotel sector is getting a boost with 1000 new hotel units. Here are some of the most exciting news in Middle Eastern accommodation this week.
MGM Resorts submits UAE casino license bid
During the Skift Global Forum 2024, MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle confirmed the company’s application for a casino license in Abu Dhabi. The company is already developing a non-gaming resort in Dubai featuring three hotel towers offering 1,500 rooms branded under the Aria, MGM Grand and Bellagio names. He has expressed his optimism about securing approval.
Oryx Airport Hotel wins at the Haute Grandeur Hotel Awards 2024
Hamad International Airport’s Oryx Airport Hotel has won the “Most Hygienic Hotel in Qatar” award at the Haute Grandeur Hotel Awards 2024. It has also received accolades for Best Fitness Spa (Global), Best Interior Design (Global), and regional awards, including Best Spa Team in the Middle East and Best Spa Destination. The hotel is recognised for its luxury amenities, such as a gym, spa, and swimming pool, and its commitment to sustainability, aligning with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
Premium hotel brand Sunday launches in Dubai
Located near Burjuman Mall, the new 44,000 sq ft Sunday Holiday International Hotel has opened as part of the new brand launch from Oravel Stays. Its new premium hotel brand, Sunday Hotels is represented in its first property with over 200 rooms and multiple dining outlets in Dubai .
Sunday Hotels focus on modern luxury, offering spacious rooms, personalised services, and immersive local experiences. Originally launched in India in 2023, the brand is expanding globally, with Dubai chosen for its business significance and tourism appeal. Oravel plans further expansions in key Dubai locations.
Hilton opens two new hotels in Dubai
Hilton has expanded its footprint in the UAE by opening two new hotels in Dubai, contributing to the city’s dynamic hospitality landscape. These new properties announced as the, Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay, and Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Business Bay are expected to offer luxurious accommodations and amenities in the city’s business district. Minutes from local attractions like the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, these hotels aim to cater to the increasing demand from both tourists and business travellers in the region.
Rotana’s Beach Bay Hotel – Mirfa opens in Abu Dhabi
Rotana has launched its first Edge by Rotana property, the Beach Bay Hotel – Mirfa. Located in the serene coastal town of Mirfa, Abu Dhabi, 150 km from the city, the hotel offers 76 serviced apartments, combining modern design with stunning sea views. Featuring two restaurants, a gym, a sauna, and a private beach, the opening marks the seventh Edge by Rotana property and the 82nd operational property in the Rotana brand.
Executive apartments from Jannah launching in Abu Dhabi
The Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments (JEHA) from Jannah Hotels & Resorts is set to launch in Abu Dhabi in late 2024. The properties, located in the city’s center, offers 230 modern apartments, including studios, one-bedroom units, and family suites.
Guests can enjoy sea or city views, along with amenities such as a rooftop pool, gym, sauna, and multiple dining options. The hotel is conveniently close to key attractions like the Corniche, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island. This launch marks Jannah’s ongoing UAE expansion.
RSG awarded six LEED certifications
Red Sea Global (RSG) secured six new LEED certifications for sustainable properties at The Red Sea project, including Six Senses Southern Dunes and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, both awarded Platinum status.
These certifications highlight energy-efficient design, solar-powered operations, and reduced carbon emissions, equating to removing 133,000 cars off the road annually. Additionally, RSG’s Amaala masterplan achieved LEED pre-certification, advancing the company’s green building leadership. The Red Sea International Airport also became the Gulf’s first solar-powered airport.
Oman’s 1,000 hotel unit boost
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman plans to boost Dhofar’s tourism by adding 1,000 new hotel units across four hotels by next year. These projects aim to enhance Dhofar’s infrastructure and position it as a year-round destination, showcasing its natural beauty and cultural heritage. This comes as Dhofar has seen a rise in tourists, particularly from Saudi Arabia. The initiatives are part of Oman Vision 2040, aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation and bolstering Dhofar as a key tourist hub in the region.
Green Globe Sustainability certification for Saudi hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh Northern Ring Road has won the Green Globe Certification for sustainability, recognising its eco-friendly initiatives. The hotel implemented advanced water filtration systems, energy-saving technologies, and a zero-waste initiative. It also reduced single-use plastics by introducing alternatives like sugarcane straws and engaged in local environmental activities. The certification highlights its commitment to balancing guest comfort with environmental responsibility, making it a leader in sustainable practices within Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector.
