Top 3 Headlines
Aleph Hospitality expands in Saudi Arabia
Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, has signed a hotel management agreement for the 338-room Diyar Al Khalidiya hotel in Makkah, marking its strategic entry into the Makkah market. The hotel’s prime location near the Great Mosque of Makkah and Abraj Al-Bait Towers positions it to capitalize on the city’s surging tourism demand, driven by Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Aleph Hospitality is currently negotiating with international hotel brands to secure suitable branding for the Diyar Al Khalidiya hotel.
This partnership aims to boost the Hajj and Umrah tourism industry, projected to reach US$343.55 billion by 2034. Both parties are optimistic about the collaboration, with Riyad Al Horaibi, CEO of Diyar Al Khalidiya, and Tariq Dowidar, Vice President Saudi Arabia of Aleph Hospitality, highlighting the potential for enhanced guest experiences and strong returns on investment. This agreement marks Aleph Hospitality’s second operational hotel in Saudi Arabia, following the Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah.
Moxy Hotels makes playful entry into Istanbul
Marriott Bonvoy’s vivacious Moxy Hotels brand has officially arrived in Türkiye with the debut of Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu, located in the historic Afrika Han building in Istanbul’s vibrant Beyoğlu district. The 167-room hotel fuses neoclassical architecture with bold, youthful interiors, featuring playful art inspired by Turkish cinema, smart guestrooms complete with USB ports and smart TVs, and lively social spaces such as Bar Moxy, a 24/7 Grab & Go station, and dynamic meeting and fitness facilities, positioning it as a stylish and socially engaging hub for modern, young-at-heart travellers.
Groupe GM unveils Algotherm hotel collection
Groupe GM has launched the new Algotherm hotel collection, bringing the power of the ocean into hotel bathrooms with its dermocosmetic expertise. The range features regenerating, moisturizing, and protective properties with 98% natural ingredients, and is vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, and certified by Biorius. The luxurious ocean-inspired experience is enhanced by a fresh marine fragrance and eco-friendly packaging, including a refillable Ecofill dispenser. The collection also includes a selection of sustainable hotel accessories, such as shower caps and sewing kits, packaged in recycled materials, reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability and transforming guest experiences into sophisticated ocean-inspired moments.
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Noteworthy:
- TIME Hotels has reported a 6.3% year-over-year growth in occupancy for summer 2025, driven by strong demand from families and younger travelers, with a notable increase in long-stay packages and experience-rich city breaks.
- Red Sea Global is considering an initial public offering or real estate investment trusts as it accelerates the opening of its resorts and hotels in Saudi Arabia, including The Red Sea destination and Amaala project.
- MEI, a new Asian restaurant, is opening at Jumeirah Mina A Salam in Dubai this September, offering fine dining with Chinese and Japanese-influenced dishes by day and transforming into a lively night spot with live singers and DJs after 10 PM.
- Safir Hotels & Resorts has signed a contract with B&B Al Youssifi Co to open its new five-star property, Safir Seaview, in Sabah Al Salem, Kuwait. The property will feature sea-facing rooms, modern dining lounges, a grand ballroom and meeting facilities—and is expected to welcome guests in the second half of 2026, as part of the brand’s strategic expansion across the region.
- Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Rico Picenoni as its global head of residential to drive growth in its private homes business, leveraging his expertise in branded residences and hotel operations to capitalize on the rising demand for mixed-use developments.
- Crowne Plaza Duqm has appointed its first Omani General Manager, Yousuf al Rahbi, marking a significant milestone in IHG’s commitment to cultivating and nurturing local talent.
