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HotelierMiddleEast, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah (2026)

30/05/2026

Ryan Remulta, assistant bar manager and head of mixology at The Library Bar, The Abu Dhabi EDITION, approaches cocktails with patience and intent, favoring depth over spectacle and curiosity over trends.

In conversation with Hotelier Middle East, he reflects on craft, creativity, and the quiet complexity behind drinks that linger long after the last sip.

"At this stage of my journey, I'm less interested in rushing to the end result and more focused on slowing down and truly listening to an ingredient, pushing it, stripping it back, and understanding how far it can go on its own. When treated with patience and curiosity, even a single ingredient can carry layers of story and emotion. "

29/05/2026

Roger Nader has been promoted to cluster general manager at Jannah Hotels & Resorts, overseeing two of the properties in the group.

Nader, who has more than two decades of regional experience, brings a strong reputation for operational excellence, commercial growth and team leadership to the role. He has previously held positions at Rotana, Mövenpick, Jumeirah Group, Habtoor and Seven Leisure.

Known for having a strong commercial mindset, Nader will oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of Edge Creekside Hotel Dubai and Jannah Hotel & Apartments Ras Al Khaimah. He will focus on strengthening operational efficiency, commercial performance and brand positioning, while continuing to elevate the overall guest journey across the portfolio.

“I am proud to take on this new role within Jannah Hotels & Resorts and look forward to continuing to work alongside our teams to further strengthen the performance and positioning of both properties,” says Nader.

“This next chapter presents an exciting opportunity to continue building meaningful guest experiences while supporting the group’s long-term vision for growth in the region.”

28/05/2026

Raffles Jeddah, found on the Saudi Arabian city’s Corniche, is now open, bringing the brand’s renowned butler service to the coastal destination.

Bookings opened on Monday May 25, with 182 guest rooms including 40 suites. The hotel promises to be a “refined retreat”, boasting superb views of the Red Sea. Raffles Jeddah is the brand’s second property in Saudi Arabia, joining Raffles Makkah Palace.

The hotel is a 25-minute drive from King Abdulaziz International Airport and can be found near to landmarks including Fakih Aquarium, Al Shallal Theme Park, Red Sea Mall and Boulevard Jeddah.

There are two restaurants including Surl’O, an all-day brasserie overlooking the Red Sea, and Atorie Lounge & Patisserie a venue that the teams says merges “French pâtisserie with Japanese precision”. Pastries are infused with flavours such as plum and black sesame, while there are also matcha-infused éclairs on the menu. A third restaurant is in the pipeline, promising a Mediterranean influence and “understated coastal luxury”.

“Our opening in Jeddah, a dynamic coastal city on the Red Sea that has been shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, is exciting and marks an important milestone for the Raffles brand while also strengthening Accor’s presence in Saudi Arabia,” said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

“With this debut, we are proud to contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions and its emergence as a leading global luxury destination.”

28/05/2026

After more than 30 years at some of the world's most respected hotels, Glenn Nobbs stepped away from the traditional hotel enviroment and launched The Masterkey Guild.

The Masterkey Guild is a members society designed specifically for hospitality leaders navigating the pressures of the job. Built on shared wisdom, wellbeing and connection, it reflects a career shaped by empathy as much as excellence.

Nobbs spoke to Hotelier Middle East about why the future of hospitality depends on leaders supporting one another.

"We are entering another period of major change. In that enviroment, shared wisdom isnt just about emotional intelligence or leadership style, its about exchanging practical knowledge. Operational insight, technology adoption, evolving gues expectations. When leaders openly share both experience and expertise, it strengthens those currently leading and creates a more resilient pathway for the next generation of General Managers.

27/05/2026

Andaz Dubai The Palm is ramping up its partnerships to offer guests a well-rounded experience – introducing new wellness, community and entertainment concepts.

A partner venue with the hotel, Platina Lounge is set to open in the coming weeks following a year-long renovation. The aim is to add a lively late-night entertainment option to the beachfront property.

The hotel has also launched community-driven initiatives such as the recently launched La Coco Social Market, held at the hotel’s beachside restaurant, La Coco Social, featuring home-grown brands and kids’ entertainment. The hotel is also offering special UAE residents’ deals, while Asia Asia has reopened on the 15th floor of the hotel, with weekly offers. Aside from F&B, on the wellness side Shookra Clinics, a renowned luxury clinic, will open its second Dubai branch at the Palm hotel in summer 2026.

“Throughout April and May, we have already observed a growing number of tourists returning,” he said. “We are confident that the destination will continue to show strong momentum as a global lifestyle and tourism destination, supported by providing unique guest experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

“That’s why it is never the wrong time to introduce unique concepts centered around wellness, dining or entertainment.” said Moritz Frings, general manager of Andaz Dubai The Palm.

Read more - https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/properties/its-never-the-wrong-time-to-introduce-unique-concepts-andaz-the-palm-expands-nightlife-wellbeing-and-community-options

26/05/2026

In 2024, the GCC countries had more than 11,200 hotels and about 711,500 rooms. According to data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat), this represents a 1.3% increase in hotels and a 0.2% rise in rooms compared with 2023.

The total number of hotel rooms reached about 711,500, a 0.2% increase from the previous year. GCC-Stat said these numbers show strong growth in tourism infrastructure, driven by new hotel projects and improved facilities.

The centre’s “Tourism Trends in the GCC Countries 2024” report highlighted steady recovery and growth in tourism. This shows that tourism is important to the GCC’s plans to diversify its economy.

The report says about 72.2 million international tourists visited GCC countries in 2024. That is 51.5% more than in 2019 and 6.1% higher than in 2023. International tourism revenues reached about US$120.2 billion, 39.6% higher than in 2019 and 8.9% higher than in 2023.

This growth shows tourism’s bigger role in the GCC’s GDP and its effect on foreign investment and jobs. Intra-GCC tourism accounted for about 41.3% of all international tourists, up 61.2% from 2019 and 1.2% from 2023, underscoring the importance of regional tourism integration and mobility in supporting the sector.

26/05/2026

One&Only Royal Mirage is a landmark resort made up of three distinctive properties. In recent years, the resort has seen significant commercial momentum, culminating in record-breaking results in 2025 – a reflection of clear strategy, strong team alignment and consistent ex*****on.

Leading the commercial strategy of such a resort demands consistency, energy and a deep connection to both people and performance. For Tomislav Hrala, director of sales and marketing, each day is carefully structured – balancing personal wellbeing, team alignment and high-level stakeholder engagement, all while protecting snippets of personal time.

In conversation with Hotelier Middle East, Hrala tells us how his typical day unfolds.

Continue Reading- https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/people/no-two-days-are-identical-but-the-focus-remains-the-same

25/05/2026

UAE residents are increasingly favouring staycations and domestic entertainment options during the Eid Al Adha holiday, driven by rising international travel costs.

A recent survey conducted by Platinumlist indicates that 63 per cent of residents opt for hotel stays within the country, while 73 per cent intend to spend the holiday in the UAE, reflecting a notable shift in consumer behaviour compared to previous holiday periods.

Only 43 per cent of respondents expressed interest in domestic travel, with Oman and Saudi Arabia ranking as the most popular destinations.

In contrast, international travel options appeal to a mere 18 per cent of participants, favouring visa-free or e-visa locations such as India, Georgia, and the Maldives. Dubai’s hospitality sector is seizing this opportunity by offering a range of promotions from May 22 to 31 across hotels, attractions, and live entertainment experiences.

Find out more - https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/hme/eid-al-adha-uae-staycations-rise-amid-soaring-travel-costs

23/05/2026

Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches have established a strategic partnership to develop future hospitality professionals in the UAE.

This collaboration reflects their shared commitment to talent development, industry innovation, and academic excellence during a pivotal growth period for the regional hospitality sector.

Formalised by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership aims to strengthen the UAE hospitality talent pipeline as demand for skilled professionals increases.

Rosewood Abu Dhabi will provide internships, operational placements, mentorship, guest lectures, and applied learning initiatives, giving Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches students and emerging professionals valuable real-world experience in luxury hospitality.

The partnership connects academic learning with practical experience, equipping future professionals with essential leadership, commercial, and service excellence skills for the evolving hospitality sector.

Click for more - https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/hme/rosewood-abu-dhabi-and-abu-dhabi-hospitality-academy-les-roches-partner-to-cultivate-future-leaders-in-luxury-hospitality

23/05/2026

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has announced an optional deferral of first-quarter fees for various tourism-related businesses, including hotels, serviced apartments and licensed tourist restaurants.

The initiative is designed to bolster business continuity and enhance the sector’s resilience in collaboration with private stakeholders. Such measures are crucial as the global tourism landscape continues to face challenges.

The BTEA’s strategy aims to position Bahrain as a premier regional and international tourism destination. By diversifying tourism offerings and expanding entertainment programmes, the Authority seeks to attract increased visitor and investor interest. This approach not only supports the national economy but also promotes sustainable development and diversifies the country’s revenue streams.

Looking ahead, the BTEA has committed to continually assessing industry needs, ensuring it can implement targeted initiatives that foster sector development.

22/05/2026

Hotelier's top stories of the week

Luxury rail hospitality, landmark hotel agreements, major renovation milestones and senior leadership moves. This week’s headlines reflect the pace of change shaping hospitality across the Middle East.

Swipe through this week’s key industry moves.

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