Top 3
Yas Marina debuts Abu Dhabi’s first floating hotel
Yas Marina has launched the Orchid Overnight Superyacht, Abu Dhabi’s first floating hotel, operated by Dutch Oriental. The 31-room vessel combines superyacht luxury with five-star hospitality, featuring 24 Superior Rooms, 4 VIP Rooms, and 3 Royal Suites with private hot tubs.
Guests can enjoy 360 degree deck views, smart room automation, gourmet dining, and concierge services, alongside sundowner and dinner cruises starting October 2025. Available for private hire, the Orchid Overnight offers a unique stay on the Abu Dhabi coastline.
Oman and TUI to open five new hotels in Oman by 2028
Omran Group (The Sultanate of Oman’s Tourism Development Company) and Germany’s TUI Group have signed a long-term partnership to develop five new hotels in the Dhofar Governorate, set to open by winter 2028 under leading TUI brands such as ROBINSON, TUI Blue, RIU, Jaz, and The Mora.
As part of the deal, Omran will take a 1.4% stake in TUI Group and co-invest in a joint venture, with both companies holding 45% each and a private investor 10%.
The partnership aims to position Oman as a major sun-and-beach destination, while generating jobs, boosting SMEs, and meeting growing global demand for leisure tourism in the Sultanate.
IHG and Jadeer Group to open first Hotel Indigo in New Cairo
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Jadeer Group to bring Egypt’s first Hotel Indigo to New Cairo. The 120-room property, part of Jadeer’s flagship Red (G) mixed-use development, is scheduled to open in 2031 on North 90 Street, near the New Administrative Capital and the American University in Cairo.
The hotel will reflect Hotel Indigo’s ethos of celebrating local culture through design and experience, tailored to its vibrant neighbourhood. IHG currently operates eight hotels in Egypt across InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Staybridge Suites, with 22 more in the pipeline.
Noteworthy
- H World International has signed Saudi Arabia’s IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan, complete with 216 rooms, dining outlets, ballroom, gym, and pool. It will be the group’s seventh IntercityHotel in the Middle East, and is expected to open in 2027.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island has appointed Kevin Rowe as Director of Food & Drinks to oversee 13 venues. Rowe previously held the same role at Hilton Bahrain, winning FACT Awards with innovative F&B strategies.
- Melia Hotels International and LALIGA have launched a Middle East partnership, branding CASA LALIGA hubs at ME Dubai and Melia Desert Palm. Spaces will feature themed lounges, tapas menus, and fan experiences, with ex-football star Luis Figo as ambassador.
- The Jumeirah Group has partnered with UK-based Ocean Generation to deliver marine education in UAE schools, piloting UNESCO-endorsed Ocean Academy modules. The initiative builds on Jumeirah’s conservation projects, including turtle rehabilitation and coral restoration.
- Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi have appointed Erica Costa as Director of F&B, bringing leadership experience from JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and Anantara properties. Costa is known for mentoring future leaders and driving high-performing dining concepts.
- Mandarin Oriental has announced its first golf resort in Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates, opening in 2030 with 121 rooms, 97 residences, villas, wellness spaces, and equestrian facilities. The project reinforces the group’s regional growth with a wellness-led luxury positioning.
- Mondrian Doha named Kemal Bayik as General Manager, leveraging over 20 years with luxury brands including Four Seasons, Raffles, Six Senses, W, LXR, and Kempinski. He has led repositioning, openings, and post-renovation strategies in multiple global markets.
- Central Hotels & Resorts is expecting a 20% surge in Q4 bookings in Dubai, boosted by events like GITEX and Cityscape. The brand has invested in staff upskilling, F&B upgrades, and digital enhancements such as QR menus and live chat guest services to support extra bookings.
- Raffles Dubai has welcomed Safwan Abu Risheh as General Manager, who brings more than 25 years of global luxury hospitality experience including with brands like the Four Seasons and Rosewood.
- Preferred Hotels & Resorts has launched Legendary Journeys, its first private jet experience coming October 2026, with curated stops including Morocco. The concept positions the brand in the ultra-luxury segment, offering immersive cultural and hospitality experiences across continents.
