Top 3
Red Sea Global’s $320m digital infrastructure deal
stc Group has announced it will invest SAR1.2 billion ($320m) to build advanced digital infrastructure across Red Sea Global’s luxury resorts and communities. The partnership will be one of the largest in Saudi tourism, and will deliver AI-driven services, cloud operations, digital twins, advanced analytics, cybersecurity, and next-gen connectivity, enabling seamless guest experiences and smart destination management. RSG’s upgraded framework ensures scalable, secure technology to support future tourism growth while boosting the Kingdom’s digital economy.
Accor and BinDawood to deliver 3,000 keys across Saudi
Accor has signed a master development deal with BinDawood Investment’s Al Qimmah Hospitality to develop and manage over 3,000 keys across Saudi Arabia, including major projects in the Holy Cities.
This includes a:
- 288-key Swissotel in Jeddah (2029)
- A 1,015-key Movenpick in Madinah (2029)
- Full renovations of the 801-key ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah (2027) and 1,078-key Mercure Makkah Shesha (2027)
Projects span city hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments, strengthening Accor’s premium, midscale, and economy presence.
Naumi Hotels debuts in the Middle East
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road near Dubai Internet City Metro Station, Singapore-based Naumi Hotels has launched its first Middle East property, a 237-key hotel in Dubai’s Barsha Heights, formerly the dusitD2 Kenz Hotel. The opening signals the group’s regional expansion plans, with a focus on sustainability, adaptive reuse, and bold design.
The new Naumi Hotel Dubai features 237 rooms and suites, two restaurants and meeting facilities, a business centre, spa, fitness centre, and rooftop pool with easy access to The Palm, and the Mall of the Emirates.
Noteworthy
- Wyndham Residences the Palm has opened the second Dubai location of Urban Bar & Kitchen (UBK), adding to its growing lifestyle and dining scene. Building on the success of its JLT venue, UBK brings a social, foodie-friendly atmosphere that blends casual dining, live sports, and a lively community vibe for residents and visitors alike.
- Ciel Dubai Marina, set to debut in November 2025 as the world’s tallest hotel, has appointed Heinrich Morio as Managing Director. With over 35 years of global experience and past leadership roles at Burj Al Arab, Ritz-Carlton, One&Only, and Aman Resorts, Morio will oversee the property’s pre-opening and brand positioning.
- Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt are all preparing to unveil a slate of luxury hotels and resorts in 2025, reshaping the Middle East’s hospitality landscape. From Red Sea mega-projects and iconic towers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Doha’s skyline additions and Egypt’s beachfront retreats, the region is raising global benchmarks.
- Set to open in spring 2027, Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah will be the UAE’s first gaming resort and one of the world’s top-10 tallest hotels. Rising 305m, it will feature 70 floors with 22 restaurants, a theatre, spa, private marina, and 420m of beachfront, offering 360 degree sea views.
- Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort has rebranded itself as the emirate’s first true luxury lifestyle boutique resort, combining design, art, and music influences. Highlights include ten Infinity Suites with themed experiences like gaming, wellness, and creative retreats, alongside bold new dining concepts and a dedicated holistic wellness sanctuary.
- CG Developers Global will introduce Dubai’s first JW Marriott Residences at Dubai Islands, marking a new milestone for branded ultra-luxury living. Backed by Nepal’s Chaudhary family, the developer has over $1bn in completed projects and aims to expand its high-end branded residential footprint in the Middle East.
