The Middle East's Newest Meeting Venues: From Desert Luxury to Gaming Resorts
Opportunity abounds in the Middle East's meeting industry. At December's International MICE Summit, 12 new events were announced in Saudi Arabia alone. Hotel development in the region has taken off, and brand conversions also sit at record highs, according to Lodging Econometrics.
Dubai took the top spot in the Middle East in Cvent's list of top meeting and event destinations, based on $16 billion of group business sourced through the Cvent Supplier Network.
Throughout the Middle East, brands continue to expand, which includes the first gaming resort in the Middle East, Wynn Al Marjan Island, set to open in early 2027.
Among these eight new Middle East meeting hotels and venues, two stood out for focusing on cultural heritage rather than offering opulent luxury, common in the region's high-end hotels. Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection is a new property on the edge of the Empty Quarter, the world's largest sand desert, and Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, in Riyadh's historic district.
Here are the eight new hotels and venues, featured in our just-released What's New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2025 report.
Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opened in early March 2025 on the Empty Quarter, the world's largest sand desert, and situated just over 100 miles from Abu Dhabi. The resort is suitable for incentive groups seeking unique experiences in the Middle East. Amenities include an outdoor pool, butler service, spa, and gym. Activities feature camel trekking, Arabic gahwa (coffee) tasting, archery, and stargazing.
Andaz Doha
Doha, Qatar
Opened in February, Andaz Doha has 312 guest rooms across 26 floors. Amenities including a pool, spa, fitness center, and business center. The property includes three dining concepts, two of which will open later in 2025, and more than 20,000 square feet of event space across six rooms including an 8,000-square-foot ballroom.
Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Diriyah Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, The property is located in Riyadh's historic district, where the First Saudi State was established in 1727. It is the first hotel to open in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia and offers 134 guest rooms including 34 suites, a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, and three restaurants showcasing the region's cuisine. Event spaces include five flexible areas and a 4,300-square-foot ballroom, accommodating up to 250 people.
Raffles Jeddah
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Opening soon, Raffles Jeddah features 182 rooms and suites with views of the Red Sea. The luxurious hotel is positioned as a high-end option for meetings in Jeddah, located 25 minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport. It features a 14,000-square-foot ballroom, a private dining room, pre-function areas, and a dedicated wedding showroom.
Signia by Hilton Amman
Amman, Jordan
Signia by Hilton Amman marks the brand's first property outside of the U.S. Located in the Shmeisani business district, it offers the only convention center in the city. Three ballrooms — the largest accommodating 1,200 guests in theater style — are complemented by pre-function space, terraces, lounges and 15 meeting rooms. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness and business centers, and six restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
Space42 Arena
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Located in the Al Raha Beach area, Space42 Arena features almost 27,000 square feet of versatile indoor event space, plus a lobby and 6,500 square feet of backstage space. It accommodates up to 3,000 people and features advanced sound and lighting systems and a 49-foot ceiling height.
The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort
Muscat, Oman
Located along the Al Mouj waterfront, The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort marks the brand's debut in Oman. With 250 guest rooms, it features the 14,500-square-foot St. Regis Grand Ballroom, accommodating up to 1,200 guests, theater-style. Amenities include nine dining options, fitness and recreation facilities, spa, and 1,200 feet of private beach access. Adjacent is Al Mouj Golf, an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course.
Wynn Al Marjan Island
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Wynn Al Marjan Island (at top), the first gaming resort in the Middle East, opens in early 2027. The property will offer 1,542 guest rooms and marina-side Villa Estates, with views of the Arabian Gulf. It will also feature a full marina; 22 restaurants, lounges and bars; a nightclub and beach bar; a salon; a shopping promenade; and multiple pools. The property includes an 80,000-square-foot event center with outdoor event terraces and lawns.
Download the full What's New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2025 report here.
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