THIS is a very exciting year for hotel openings, with a few luxury brands debuting in key areas in the Middle East and others fortifying their presence.
In the space of a few weeks, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas – part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family – has announced its brand debut in Saudi Arabia as well as the UAE. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea is expected to come online this year, while Six Senses The Palm, Dubai is expected to be ready by close of 2024.
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa is preparing for a grand opening by March this year, offering an idyllic, luxury island experience on the pristine Hayat Island shoreline in Mina Al Arab. The 351-room flagship beachfront resort will mark the first property for the luxury hospitality brand in the UAE emirate.
Marriott International, Inc. signed an agreement with Diriyah Gate Development Authority to open two luxury hotels as part of the Diriyah Project in Saudi Arabia. Located in Diriyah around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the properties will bring modern and distinct views on luxury to the historic town of Diriyah, set to become one of the world’s most forthright cultural and heritage cities. While The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, Riyadh will open in 2025, The Luxury Collection in Diriyah, Riyadh welcomes its first guests this year. Burj Rafal Riyadh, A Marriott International Hotel is also expected to be rebranded to JW Marriott Riyadh this year.
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts anticipates the opening of The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl in Qatar. Marriott’s W brand is slated to open next year in Dubai with W Dubai - The Palm. Edition Hotels brought its hospitality experience to Dubai last year; this year the brand aims to debut in Doha with The Doha EDITION opening in West Bay by the end of the year.
Hilton has also revealed some of its most highly anticipated new destinations for 2022.
Hampton by Hilton Doha Old Town, situated in the Old Salata district, is set to open in early 2022. In the luxury segment, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait will open doors in the first quarter of this year. The much-anticipated Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah will welcome first guests this spring, followed swiftly by the 348-key Hilton Bahrain, preparing for a summer launch. Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi, a new-built 20+ storey hotel will open in fall, alongside the luxury Conrad Rabat Arzana, also in autumn of this year.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will open a new standalone residential project in Dubai featuring 28 luxury homes and villas. Opening later this year, Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah, will offer two, three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses.
Expected to open in late 2022, the 318-room Andaz Doha will represent the debut of Hyatt’s Andaz brand in Qatar with stunning sea views and a prestigious location in West Bay area of Doha. Other previously announced regional openings for this year include Grand Hyatt Kuwait and Park Hyatt Marrakech in Morocco.
Dorchester Collection’s The Lana will debut the brand in the region when it opens this year. With only nine properties in its portfolio, Dorchester Collection’s partnership with Omniyat is one to watch out for.
General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM) will commemorate its 30th anniversary milestone this year with the unveiling of The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort in Doha, Qatar, The Chedi El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt.