As IHG Hotels & Resorts reaches 1 million open rooms worldwide, we speak to the Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, for regional insight
IHG Hotels & Resorts announced last month that its global portfolio has officially surpassed one million open rooms, a significant milestone driven by sustained growth and a strategic focus on brand expansion. This achievement comes as IHG continues to double its brand portfolio over the past decade, now offering 20 distinct brands across more than 100 countries.
The growth reflects a buoyant travel industry and IHG's successful global strategy, which has seen it expand its footprint and solidify its position as a leading hospitality company. TTN speaks to Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, for more insight into the company’s regional development pipeline, growth opportunities, and the outlook for the rest of the year. “IHG’s development pipeline in the Middle East remains robust and future-focused, aligning with the ambitious national visions shaping the region’s tourism landscape. “We are particularly excited about the upcoming opening of the CIEL tower in Dubai, poised to be the world's tallest all-hotel tower, and the debut of Kimpton at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh – a flagship that brings bold design and elevated lifestyle hospitality to Saudi Arabia’s financial and innovation hub. “While we’re on the topic of flagship hotels, Regent Jeddah will soon open on Jeddah Corniche, offering an upper luxury beachfront experience across 29 stories, with 182 rooms overlooking the Red Sea and Formula 1 racetrack. Meanwhile, Kimpton Dubai will open next year along Business Bay Canal, blending vibrant social spaces, wellness-focused amenities, and innovative dining – further enriching Dubai’s dynamic hospitality scene. “We also recently announced the launch of our wellness-focused EVEN brand in the Middle East with the first property signed in Saudi Arabia. As one of the brands in its segment, EVEN will redefine what it means to ‘travel well’ in the region, offering a holistic approach to guest wellbeing. “As the region’s hospitality landscape evolves – with increasing focus on sustainability, lifestyle travel, and differentiated brand offerings – we remain committed to growing with intent. Whether through new builds, conversions or strategic partnerships, our pipeline is designed to support long-term value creation for our owners and memorable stays for our guests,” Mattar says. Regional opportunities The Middle East has established itself as a global tourism powerhouse, underpinned by visionary leadership, strategic investments and a rich cultural legacy. While the region shares common growth drivers - such as economic diversification, mega-events, and infrastructure development - each market presents unique opportunities and challenges, says Mattar. “At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we’re proud to operate over 130 hotels in the Middle East, part of our broader portfolio of 220 hotels across the MEA (Middle East & Africa) and SWA (South West Asia) region, delivering locally relevant experiences that align with each market’s unique ambitions. “The UAE boasts one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets, with the industry poised to grow further significantly by 2030. Dubai alone is set to welcome 40 million hotel guests by 2031, and – supported by the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) – the leadership has played an instrumental role in positioning the city among the top three global destinations. This is reflected in the record-breaking 18.72m international visitors the emirate welcomed in 2024, enjoying luxury offerings, cultural experiences and thriving events sector. The momentum continues, with Q1 2025 performance already tracking 3 per cent higher year-on-year. “Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has propelled the Kingdom into a new era of tourism-led growth, with significant investment aimed at attracting 150 million visitors by 2030. While spiritual tourism remains a cornerstone, the rapid expansion of leisure tourism projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and AlUla, MICE opportunities in key cities and development of secondary markets is redefining hospitality in the country. “Post-2022, Qatar has successfully transitioned into a year-round destination, leveraging major events like the 2030 Asian Games and a booming luxury hospitality sector. The focus now is on diversifying beyond sports tourism, with cultural and business travel gaining traction. “Bahrain is strengthening its stopover and weekend leisure proposition, bolstered by a strong business travel base and expanding cultural calendar. Kuwait, meanwhile, is seeing a rising demand for premium urban stays, and F&B-led lifestyle destinations. “Oman stands out as the region’s sustainable tourism leader, offering immersive nature and heritage experiences. Our recently debuted Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa exemplifies this commitment - perched 2,000 meters above sea level, the property celebrates Omani traditions through design that echoes the mountain's textures, locally inspired wellness experiences, and culinary journeys,” says Mattar. MICE prsopect The Middle East has firmly positioned itself as a global stage for world-class events – from high-profile sporting events like Formula 1 to major international conferences and cultural festivals. This evolution reflects the region’s visionary leadership and strategic investment in infrastructure, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Mattar says, “At IHG, we see these events not only as tourism drivers but as catalysts for long-term growth. The UAE, for instance, accounts for 50 per cent of the Gulf’s total Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market, underscoring its reputation for high-end tourism and best-in-class event infrastructure. Our properties across Dubai and Abu Dhabi are already benefiting from this momentum, with tailored offerings that support everything from large-scale business gatherings to lifestyle-focused leisure stays. “From the upcoming Regent Jeddah, offering uninterrupted views of the Formula 1 track, to Straylight Yas, Vignette Collection in Yas Island, steps away from Abu Dhabi’s top entertainment venues, we’re placing the right brands in the right locations to capture event-driven demand. “We also cater to group and event organisers with competitive group rates, flexible booking options, and curated packages – making IHG properties a preferred choice for both business and leisure travellers attending these major events,” says Mattar. Outlook for 2025 While we saw some near-term volatility due to geopolitical factors, the fundamental outlook for travel and hospitality in 2025 remains positive in the MEA region. This confidence stems from outstanding market performances in the UAE (driven by events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai) and a stronger-than-expected Ramadan period, coupled with consistent demand in Saudi Arabia's holy cities, says the Managing Director. “Our first half performance demonstrates the sector's resilience - we achieved growth in revenue compared to the same period last year despite challenges, and maintained occupancy at an average of 67 per cent even as room supply grew by approximately 9 per cent. “We expect an even stronger year-over-year growth through December, supported by an exceptionally busy Q4 calendar featuring major international sporting events and the region's premier air shows. “This combination of sustained fundamental demand and high-profile upcoming events reinforces our optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year,” concludes Mattar.