Rotana is accelerating its regional and international expansion, with 40 properties and 8,334 keys under development alongside 78 operating properties, as the hotel management company outlines its growth strategy at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026.
Saudi Arabia is a
key focus, accounting for 10 properties in Rotana’s pipeline, representing
1,404 keys. The developments span Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Hail, Abha and Al
Baha, combining established markets with emerging destinations benefiting from
rising domestic demand.
Philip Barnes,
Chief Executive Officer of Rotana, said: “This year has been about moving
Rotana forward in a focused way. We have opened new properties in our core
markets, taken our brands into new cities and entered new segments, including
branded residences and mountain hospitality. What matters is not simply how
many hotels we add, but that every addition strengthens the portfolio, works
for our owners and stays true to the experience our guests expect from Rotana.
We know this region deeply, and we are taking that experience into new markets
with the same care and discipline.”
In the UAE, Bloom
Arjaan by Rotana opened in August 2026 with 217 serviced apartments at Park
View in Marsa Al Saadiyat. Rotana is also preparing to open Rotana Ras Al
Khaimah – The Mangroves later this year. The 258-key property will feature
family accommodation, five dining venues, leisure and wellness facilities, and
meeting and events spaces.
Saudi Arabia has
also seen recent expansion, with Edge Riyadh – Al Rabie opening earlier in 2026
with 71 rooms and suites. In July, Rotana signed an agreement with Zawaya
Properties Company for The Residences by Rotana at Thakher, Makkah. The
240-apartment development, located 1.5 kilometres from the Grand Mosque, will
provide hotel services for pilgrims, long-stay residents, business visitors and
other travellers.
Egypt remains an
important market, with Rotana continuing to assess opportunities to strengthen
its presence. Beyond its core markets, the company signed its first ski resort
in Gudauri, Georgia, in June 2026. The dual-property resort will provide approximately
400 keys with dining, wellness and family facilities, supporting both winter
and summer tourism.
Rotana’s expansion
is underpinned by an asset-light management model centred on management
agreements, while allowing flexibility for conversions, franchises and other
structures where appropriate. The group is also investing in digital guest
engagement through Rotana DISCOVERY, Rotana Chat AI, a Voice AI pilot and a
data and AI partnership with Microsoft.
Eddy Tannous, Chief
Operating Officer of Rotana, said: “This year’s progress shows the breadth of
opportunity in front of Rotana. Each addition to our portfolio is deliberate
and built around a strong local partnership. As the hospitality industry continues
to demonstrate its resilience, we remain confident in the opportunities ahead
and will keep growing with purpose, market by market.”
The company said
its portfolio expansion, owner-focused operating model and investment in
technology and guest experience will support its continued growth while
maintaining the service standards associated with its ‘Treasured Time’ promise. -TradeArabia News Service