From expansions and refurbs to prestigious global recognitions and festive offers, the Middle East’s hotel sector is growing rapidly. Here’s the latest.
Qatar’s hotel pipeline is expanding
Qatar’s hospitality sector is set for a significant boost, with approximately 3,500 new hotel keys planned for completion by 2025, adding to the country’s rapidly growing tourism infrastructure. These developments span various categories, from luxury four- to five-star properties (67%) to midscale offerings designed to meet diverse traveller needs. According to ValuStrat, the projects are concentrated in high-demand areas, strategically positioned to accommodate an increase in foreign arrivals of 25.6% YoY in 2024
Jumeirah Beach Hotel debuts refurbed Al Bahar Villas
Jumeirah Beach Hotel has unveiled its revamped Al Bahar Villas, combining new earthy elegance with barefoot luxury. These 19 one- to three-bedroom villas feature spacious living areas, Arabesque designs, and organic finishes, offering a tranquil retreat with private terraces, plunge pools, and views of Burj Al Arab.
Amenities include personalised butler services, in-villa dining, airport transfers, and children’s entertainment. Guests enjoy access to the KiDS Club, Wild Wadi Waterpark, private cabanas, and Al Bahar Club lounges. Designed by Sahar Al Yaseer, the villas promise cherished family memories with tailored experiences such as BBQs, beach dinners, or spa treatments.
Armani Hotel restaurant earns top recognition
Armani Hotel Dubai’s signature dining venue Armani/Ristorante, has achieved a prestigious place in La Liste’s 2025 Top 1,000 Restaurants worldwide, cementing its reputation as a culinary leader. The Michelin-starred fine dining venue has earned a 78.50% rating ranking from thousands of publications, reviews and guidebooks, placing it among the world’s top restaurants. Showcasing Italy’s essence through authentic ingredients and innovative flavours, it is led by Head Chef Giovanni Papi.
Hilton expands Moroccan footprint
Hilton plans to introduce nine hotels across seven brands, more than doubling its presence in Morocco. This expansion will add over 1,300 rooms and 1,500 team members, marking brand debuts in Rabat, Casablanca, Benguérir, and Fes. Highlights include the debut of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts in Rabat and LXR Casablanca, alongside DoubleTree, Curio Collection, and Hilton Garden Inn. These properties, due between 2025-2027, reflect Hilton’s commitment to catering to Morocco’s growing tourism demand, blending cultural heritage with modern hospitality.
Radisson Blu opens in Tunis
Radisson Hotel Group has officially opened the Radisson Blu Hotel in the heart of Tunis, signalling a major milestone in its expansion across Africa. This property offers rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities, as well as 2,000 sqm of event and conference space catering up to 2,000 guests. Offering a fitness centre and multiple dining options, the new hotel targets business and leisure travellers with its strategic location and easy access to cultural attractions and commercial hubs.
Rove Hotels launch festive offers in Dubai
Rove Hotels in Dubai has introduced a series of festive offers across its portfolio, appealing to residents and visitors seeking vibrant and affordable holiday experiences. The packages include discounted room rates, themed dining options, and interactive seasonal activities that capture the festive spirit. Rove’s contemporary design, central locations, and tech-savvy amenities make it a go-to choice for young travellers and families. The promotions also highlight unique elements like New Year’s Eve celebrations from AED 599, and community festive dinners from AED 99 (the first 20 people to register dine for free).
IHG to debut voco in Jordan
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced plans to bring its voco brand to Jordan with the launch of voco Abdali Amman in partnership with Abdali Boulevard Company. Scheduled to open in the vibrant Abdali district in December 2025, the hotel will add 392 keys to its Jordan portfolio, an array of dining options, and versatile meeting spaces, appealing to modern travellers.
The voco brand is known for its upscale, eco-friendly approach, blending premium experiences with sustainability. This marks IHG’s continued expansion in the Middle East, as the company aims to cater to the region’s increasing demand for high-quality yet unique accommodations.
Palladium and Hard Rock to enter Saudi Arabia
Palladium Hotel Group has partnered with Hard Rock International to launch Hard Rock and Reverb Hotels in Saudi Arabia, leveraging over 50 years of hospitality expertise. Following a successful 2023 with $1.13 billion in revenue, Palladium seeks investors and real estate partners aligned with Hard Rock’s vibrant brand.
The group manages more than 40 hotels and 13,000 rooms under ten brands across seven countries, including TRS and Ushuaïa. Building on a decade-long relationship managing Hard Rock Hotels in Spain, the expansion aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector in line with Vision 2030. This collaboration aims to redefine travel experiences and support Saudi’s goal to attract 150 million visitors annually.
Marriott to open Moxy in Dubai
Marriott International has announced plans to open a Moxy Hotel in Dubai’s Al Barsha neighbourhood in partnership with Al Ali Property Investments (API). The Moxy Al Barsha Dubai, set to open in the summer of 2025, will be a conversion of an existing property and marks the debut of the Moxy brand in the UAE. The hotel will feature the brand’s bold, industrial design and vibrant social spaces aimed at young travellers across its 480 keys. With over 135 properties globally, Moxy is known for its playful, affordable, and stylish hospitality experience, and this new hotel will strengthen Marriott’s presence in Dubai’s competitive market.
