Middle East - Latest
Saudi's Red Sea Development to include a Fairmont property
Fairmont The Red Sea is set to redefine the relationship between luxury tourism and the natural world. The property will feature 193 rooms, six distinct dining concepts, including an overwater restaurant with views of the Red Sea, and a spa. The resort will be situated next to an 18-hole championship golf course, reflecting Fairmont's reputation as a world-class golf operator. It will set new standards in sustainable development, positioned on 125 miles of untouched coastline, an archipelago of more than 90 unspoiled islands, dormant volcanoes, rich marine habitat, and ancient archaeological sites. Opening May 2026.
197-Key Kempinski Hotel Brazzaville Inaugurated
History was made in the Republic of Congo last week during a high-profile ribbon-cutting ceremony for Kempinski Hotel Brazzaville, the first purpose-built luxury hotel in the country's burgeoning capital.
Qatar hotel performance jumped during eventful November
CoStar data shows Qatar hotels achieved 83.9% occupancy in November 2025, with Formula 1 and Doha Film Festival driving the highest ADR and RevPAR since the 2022 World Cup.
Skift Global Forum East 2025: 9 Takeaways for the Future of Travel
Skift partnered with Abu Dhabi's tourism authority to analyze key industry shifts, from the Middle East's growing influence to AI's impact on travel planning.
Luxuria Hotel Management to Open Ramada Plaza by Wyndham in Dubai’s Al Barsha District, Strengthening the City’s Hospitality Landscape
Luxuria Hotel Management LLC, a leading hospitality management company, has announced plans to open a new Ramada Plaza by Wyndham hotel in Dubai's Al Barsha district, one of the city's most popular areas for both business and leisure travellers.
Dusit Thani College begins new wave of global expansion, introduces fast-track hospitality training in Saudi Arabia
The six-month program launches in Riyadh in January 2026, targeting Saudi Arabia's projected 2.7 million hospitality jobs by 2025.
Jumeirah Unveils Eco Village, an Immersive Sustainability Destination at Madinat Jumeirah
Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and member of Dubai Holding, today announced the launch of Jumeirah Eco Village - a thoughtfully curated sustainability destination at Madinat Jumeirah designed to inspire sustainable living through engaging, educational experiences.
Introducing InterContinental The Red Sea Resort
InterContinental, the world's first and largest luxury hotel brand, is opening new doors to a world of fascination on The Red Sea. Advancing the brand's pioneering outlook and reinforcing IHG Hotels & Resorts' global commitment to growing a leading luxury and lifestyle portfolio, InterContinental The Red Sea Resort is among the first to open on Shura Island - a destination which, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 ambitions, is setting a new global benchmark in luxury tourism.
The Oberoi, Wadi Safar to Open as Saudi Arabia’s New Luxury Gateway to Diriyah in H2 2026
The Oberoi Group has announced the opening of The Oberoi, Wadi Safar in the second half of 2026, marking a pivotal moment for the brand in the Kingdom. Set adjacent to historic Diriyah and spread across 62 km² of some of Saudi Arabia's most untouched natural landscape, the resort is poised to become one of the country's most exclusive luxury getaways and a serene gateway to one of its most captivating cultural destinations.
Dubai introduces contactless hotel check-in technology
Dubai's government launches citywide biometric check-in system across 820 hotels, allowing guests to complete formalities on mobile phones and bypass front desk queues.
Qatar hotel performance jumped during eventful November
Qatar's occupancy hit 83.9% with RevPAR rising 20.3% year-over-year, driven by Formula 1 and the Doha Film Festival.
Aleph Hospitality And Hilton Announce Tapestry Collection By Hilton Hotel In Dammam
Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hospitality management company in the Middle East and Africa, has secured the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand for an upcoming 84-key hotel in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, owned by AREA Investment and Real Estate. This marks Aleph Hospitality's third Tapestry Collection by Hilton property under management, further strengthening the company's partnership with global hospitality company Hilton and expanding its footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
IHG Hotels & Resorts partner with SEDCO Capital to strengthen lifestyle offering in Jeddah with signing of Hotel Indigo Grand Square Jeddah
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with an investment fund managed by SEDCO Capital, a global multi-asset management and advisory firm, to launch Hotel Indigo Grand Square Jeddah. The 150-key lifestyle hotel marks the first collaboration between the global hospitality group and the Saudi real estate investment fund.
Airbnb’s move does not create a new problem — it exposes an existing one
I feel Airbnb's move does not create a new problem — it exposes an existing one.
AVENEW Development signs with Marriott International to bring St. Regis residences to Dubai Islands
Dubai-born AVENEW Development is entering the branded residences space following a signed agreement with Marriott International to develop The St. Regis Residences at Dubai Islands. The upcoming project is designed for the modern connoisseur, reflecting the developer's forward-thinking approach to residential living, where every detail, from interiors to communal experiences, is crafted to inspire connection, elevate lifestyle, and define what it means to truly come home.
Global Hotel Alliance Reveals What Travel Will Look Like in 2026
The study of 34 million GHA DISCOVERY members shows travelers will prioritize personal expression over destinations, with leisure trips averaging 6 vs 4 business trips.
Israel’s Tourism and Hospitality Outlook – From Recovery to Reinvention
The report projects 2% GDP growth for 2025 with tourism recovering through North American and European visitors, while the Abraham Accords create new regional travel opportunities.