Top 3 Headlines
IHG to debut voco brand in Oman with new resort in Al Mouj Muscat
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Golden Group Holding to launch Oman’s first voco-branded resort in Al Mouj Muscat. The 251-key property, opening in Q4 2025, will feature five dining outlets, meeting spaces, a spa, pool, gym, and business centre. Located in Muscat’s premier waterfront development, the resort will cater to both leisure and business travellers with easy access to Muscat International Airport and cultural landmarks.
Hard Rock Hotel & Residences coming to Ras Al Khaimah in 2028
Hard Rock International, in partnership with HR Hotel (a joint venture between Malta’s db Group and RAK Hospitality Holding), has announced it will open a Hard Rock Hotel & Residences in Ras Al Khaimah’s Beach District, near Al Marjan Island, by 2028.
The mixed-use development will feature 300 hotel rooms and 395 branded residences, plus waterfront dining, rooftop bar, beach club, pools, a spa, fitness centre, and an event venue. The project is expected to create around 500 permanent jobs.
Saudi Arabia’s hospitality renaissance
The Kingdom is revamping its luxury hospitality scene. 25 Mecca hotels were recently shut down for failing to meet high safety and hygiene standards, while newly introduced fine dining regulations aim to elevate the restaurant sector and attract more luxury travelers. These regulations include full table service, digital reservations, valet parking, and a dress code policy. Restaurants must also hide cashier counters, offer visible beverage preparation, and provide a complaint submission channel.
Meanwhile, AlUla is luring visitors with limited-time summer discounts on premium villa stays, including opulent suites at top resorts like The Chedi Hegra, Banyan Tree AlUla, Habitas AlUla, and Shaden Resort.
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Noteworthy:
- Laura Christian has been appointed the Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications for Banyan Tree Dubai and Banyan Tree AlUla bringing 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality and marketing to the role.
- Novotel Suites and ibis Mall Avenue Dubai have appointed Ghaith Dalati as General Manager. His experience spans notable global brands including Rotana, Hyatt, and Four Seasons.
- Mahmoud Said has been promoted to Executive Assistant Manager in charge of finance at Mercure Muscat, bringing leadership continuity and regional experience to the role.
- Vatel Bahrain has introduced a new MBA in International Hotel Management, the first in the Kingdom. The postgraduate program will last two years and will include subjects like financial analysis, HR, tourism strategy, marketing, and language study
- Addmind Hospitality has launched The Sports Bar in JBR, adding a vibrant new venue to Dubai’s nightlife scene with a sports-themed F&B concept.
- IFA Hotels & Resorts has started construction on a $952 million luxury branded residential project in Sharjah, bringing more than 1,100 units in a 6 million sq ft area.
- Preferred Hotels & Resorts has expanded its global portfolio with 18 new luxury properties, mainly in Europe, ASia and the Americas.
