The conference brought together 1,600 leaders with $975M in business opportunities, revealing five trends reshaping Middle East hospitality beyond traditional room-based models.
The 11th annual awards recognized 40+ general managers and hospitality leaders across Dubai and the Middle East, with winners including Mark Kirby from One&Only Resorts and Fredrik Reinisch from Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek.
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 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.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre has announced the appointment of Andrea Torres as director of sales - corporate, bringing almost two decades of luxury hospitality experience to one of Dubai's leading business hotels.
Shangri-La Dubai announces the appointment of Denis Glibic as the new Director of Sales and Marketing. With over 15 years of international experience spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Denis brings extensive expertise in commercial strategy, hotel launches, and brand positioning.
Sofitel Dubai Downtown has promoted Ahmed Saleh to Commercial & Marketing Director, following a year in which the hotel delivered record-breaking sales and revenue results under his leadership as Director of Revenue.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accor Dubai Deira and Dubai Gold District has appointed Mohamad Ali Shaikh as Cluster Operations Manager, marking an important step in the cluster's focus on elevating guest experience, operational efficiency and team development across six key properties in the area.
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has appointed Natalya Anoshkina as its new front office manager.
Ciel Dubai Marina is now officially open within IHG's Vignette Collection. Setting a new global benchmark as the world's tallest hotel, the ambitious project - led by Dubai developer The First Group - underscores Vignette Collection's vision to offer one-of-a-kind stays in destinations to remember. The architectural marvel spans 82 floors which collectively rise 377 meters above Dubai and is home to one of the world's highest infinity pools.
Rixos Bab Al Bahr, the ultra-all-inclusive family resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ozgur Cireli as its new General Manager, strengthening the resort's executive team as it begins an exciting chapter of growth. He joins the property after his tenure as General Manager at KeyUrla in Turkey, where he led its opening.
Verso, the Italian trattoria at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, known for its warm hospitality and authentic charm, welcomes a bold new chapter with the appointment of Chef Vittorio Lepore as Chef de Cuisine. With an exceptional culinary pedigree that includes the 3 Michelin Star appointed Noma and the 2 Michelin Star Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Chef Vittorio is poised to elevate the Italian dining scene in Abu Dhabi.
The Residences at The Dubai Beach EDITION have launched, presenting an exceptional opportunity to acquire a home within the UAE's first EDITION residences and beachfront resort, available for sale now with handover in 2029. Located on Dubai's most exclusive waterfront as part of the greater Dubai Harbour Masterplan, the project, developed by H&H and owned by Shamal Holding, brings together EDITION's iconic design DNA and cultural significance within a distinctive and private setting.
SO/ Ras Al Khaimah will welcome guests from 15 November 2025, marking the brand's exciting debut on Al Marjan Island and its unique presence in Ras Al Khaimah. The resort is the first in a new wave of fashion-inspired lifestyle luxury properties designed to set a bold new standard in the region. Set against the breathtaking Arabian Gulf coastline and just 90 minutes from Dubai, this ten-story resort marks the brand's debut in Ras Al Khaimah and the first in a series of avant-garde lifestyle properties destined to elevate the regional hospitality scene.
The lead development partners of Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is under construction in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE -- Wynn Resorts, Limited (Nasdaq: WYNN) and Marjan LLC -- have announced their second joint venture development on Al Marjan Island: Janu Al Marjan Island. The resort from Aman Group, the developer and operator of extraordinary hotels, resorts, and branded residences, will be managed and operated by the pioneering hospitality group and is slated to open late 2028.
Mandarin Oriental is delighted to announce the opening of Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, the Group's second property in the city. Located within Wasl Tower, an architectural masterpiece on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel brings Mandarin Oriental's signature blend of Asian heritage and local character to the heart of Downtown Dubai, curating a vertical boulevard where hospitality, culture and commerce unite.