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Rotana Unveils Ambitious Expansion Plans

Last month Rotana announced its ambitious expansion plans for the region and beyond at the Future Hospitality Summit World (FHS).

Rotana

Last month Rotana announced its ambitious expansion plans for the region and beyond at the Future Hospitality Summit World (FHS).

Driving Rotana’s aggressive pipeline is the development of 43 new properties in 26 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Türkiye by 2026. Once complete, the new properties will add 9,049 rooms to Rotana’s inventory, taking its total keys to 30,225. These will bolster the group’s presence in key markets and complement its most recent openings, which include Beach Bay Hotel – Mirfa, the first Edge by Rotana property in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Nova M Hotel Olaya Riyadh, the first Edge by Rotana in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Launched as a new brand in 2022, the latest openings put the number of operational Edge by Rotana properties at seven, with another six hotels in the pipeline across the MENAT region.

Looking ahead, the group plans on opening several more properties in the region, targeting the burgeoning tourism industry in the UAE and KSA, specifically. Planned openings include Bloom Arjaan by Rotana on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island and Yasmina Rayhaan by Rotana in Riyadh in 2025, reconfirming the group’s ambitious goal to triple the number of rooms it currently runs in the Kingdom to 6,000 over the next three years.

In Africa, Rotana looks forward to the expected openings of the 150-key Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana branded property in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026 and the launch of Azure Rotana Thalasso & Spa in the port city of Oran, Algeria. The group is also gearing up for several much-anticipated luxury hotel and resort projects in Cairo and Luxor.

Other expansion highlights include Rotana’s debut in Pakistan, where the group will develop a new five-star property in Islamabad as part of a franchise agreement with Signature Complex LLP. Slated for opening in 2027, the property will add a total of 522 new keys to Rotana’s portfolio once completed.

In addition, the hospitality group is excited about the opening of the five-star Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa, Gonio, in 2026, which will add another 600 keys to Rotana’s diverse portfolio.

Commenting on Rotana’s robust expansion plans, Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, said: Rotana’s ambitious development plans showcase our commitment to the region and our belief in the future of tourism - one shared by the organisers and participants of the Future Hospitality Summit, which is why we are proud to participate in the event. Building on Rotana’s rich heritage as a homegrown brand, we are excited to introduce more travellers to Rotana’s unique blend of world-class standards, genuine hospitality, and treasured times.

Rotana currently operates 82 hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye, with a robust pipeline of new projects in Turkey and international markets.

About Rotana

Rotana currently manages a portfolio of over 114 operational and pipeline properties throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye, with an aggressive expansion plan in place. Rotana has chosen to acknowledge how precious time is by making all time spent in their range of hotels "Treasured Time'. This means Rotana has pledged to understand and meet the individual needs of all guests. In so doing, Rotana has evolved its product brands to include Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Edge by Rotana, and The Residences by Rotana. Treasured Time. The Rotana promise to you.

Further information on any Rotana property, its brands or reservations can be obtained by visiting rotana.com or by contacting one of the regional sales offices.

Development Development Markets & Performance
Rotana
Management CompanyBrand OwnerHotel Group

Rotana Hotel Management Corporation (Rotana) was founded in 1992, by a partnership between two visionary thinkers, Nasser Al Nowais and Selim El Zyr, who were joined three years later by Nael Hashweh and Imad Elias. Operating as Rotana, it opened its first property, the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi in 1993 and is today one of the leading hotel management companies within the Middle East and Africa.

Edge by Rotana
Brand by Rotana

Edge delivers a powerful performance advantage to existing hospitality brands. The brand provides the peace of mind that comes with having day-to-day systems and operations handled by an expert team with decades of experience. Edge also provides wider distribution channels and reservation platforms, as well as support from the Rotana name and the Rotana Rewards Loyalty Programme, which all combine to elevate performance.

Rotana
Brand by Rotana

With a wide range of services and facilities housed under the brand umbrella, Rotana Hotels & Resorts offers something for every type and level of traveller. The brand’s success is founded on its portfolio of 4 and 5 star properties and on its ability to attract some of the most renowned names in the restaurant world. Rotana Hotels & Resorts are designed for those that love to explore.

Arjaan
Brand by Rotana

First-class residences, with an added personal touch, characterize Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana which have been developed with both long-term guests and families in mind. Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana are the pinnacle of the Rotana offering. They represent the height of elegant city living for long stay residents and for families, set in some of the loveliest hotel apartment buildings anywhere.

Rayhaan
Brand by Rotana

Our new product brand, Rayhaan, respects the beliefs and culture of our guests whilst fostering the image of a new Arabia in today’s world. In Arabic, the word ‘rayhaan’ describes an aromatic plant which is mentioned in the sayings of prophets within the Holy Quran. The Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana brand might be the first alcohol-free hospitality concept in the region, but that is far from its only unique selling point.