JA RESORTS & HOTELS MARKS SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION WITH THE ADDITION OF TWO SCOTTISH HERITAGE HOTELS TO ITS MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIO
These additions mark a significant milestone for JA Resorts & Hotels and its parent company, Dutco Group, representing the brand's entry into the UK market and a meaningful step in its international growth journey, rooted in distinctive, nurturing hospitality.
With a legacy stretching over 40 years, JA Resorts & Hotels – part of the prestigious Dutco Group – is a homegrown heritage Dubai brand renowned for its warm, authentic service and a guest-first philosophy that champions meaningful, real-world experiences. The UK expansion reflects a bold diversification beyond the UAE and Indian Ocean, as the brand brings its progressive mindset and signature service to new markets – while carefully preserving the individual character and heritage of each new property. Each property in the JA Resorts & Hotels portfolio — from the mountain charm of JA Hatta Fort Hotel to the beachfront tranquillity of JA Palm Tree Court and the natural island beauty of JA Manafaru — is crafted to reflect its surroundings and deliver a distinct sense of place. Mar Hall and The Bruntsfield were chosen for their strong heritage and deep connection to their Scottish settings, making them a natural fit for a collection that celebrates authentic, destination-inspired hospitality and experiences that go beyond traditional hotel stays.
Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort
Originally designed and built in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect of London's British Museum, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort is a historic 5-star hotel set within a 240-acre estate on the banks of the River Clyde. In 2024, Mar Hall was acquired by Dutco Group and underwent a refurbishment in excess of £25 million before officially re-opening in May 2025, marking one of Scotland's most significant and anticipated hotel renovations in recent years. Mar Hall now houses 74 beautifully-restored guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars and an enticing collection of grand public spaces including a sweeping staircase, 22-seater private cinema, Gaming Room and Billiards Room.
Tucked in Edinburgh's historic city centre, The Bruntsfield is a charming boutique townhouse hotel just a short stroll from iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens. Built as a Baronial-style residence on Borough Muir in 1861, the hotel boasts an impressive heritage. Following a
£1 million refurbishment completed in 2022, the hotel now features 72 stylish rooms, a vibrant restaurant and bar, a heated secret garden and spacious event facilities – all with sustainability at heart, holding a Gold Green Tourism accreditation. Under new ownership by the Dutco Group from 2024, The Bruntsfield is poised for further investment, with upcoming plans to enhance its guest rooms, dining offering and event spaces, reinforcing its appeal for both business and leisure travellers.
Speaking of the expansion into the UK, Chairman of Dutco Group, Ahmed Baker, says:
'Our journey as a brand has been both dynamic and deeply personal.
Since opening JA Hatta Fort Hotel and JA Beach Hotel in 1981, we've proudly evolved – not just in our properties, but in the scope and spirit of the company itself. As a homegrown brand rooted in Dubai's hospitality heritage, it is especially meaningful to see our growth extend internationally in ways that remain true to who we are. This next chapter reflects our ongoing commitment to creating thoughtful, destination led hospitality experiences that resonate across cultures and geographies.'
Speaking of the growth, CEO of JA Resorts & Hotels, Ralph Porciani says:
'As someone who grew up in Dumbarton and studied and worked in Scotland throughout my early career, I've long seen the country's allure as a key international destination. The addition of these two iconic hotels marks an exciting step for JA Resorts & Hotels and reflect the global confidence in the Scottish market. We look forward to preserving the unique history and character of these heritage hotels, whilst implementing JA's global brand standards and service philosophy.'
Speaking of joining the JA portfolio, Andy Roger, Resort Director of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, says:
'We have always admired how JA Resorts & Hotels embraces the unique personality of each of its destinations, blending local culture, cuisine, and genuine service. Joining their portfolio feels like a natural fit for Mar Hall, following our extensive 2025 renovation – and we are excited for what is to come.'
Speaking of joining the JA portfolio, Alistair Bruce, General Manager of The Bruntsfield, says:
'The Bruntsfield has always had a strong sense of place and connection to the local community, and we are proud of the character and heritage our hotel represents. JA Resorts & Hotels' thoughtful approach to hospitality and their respect for individuality aligns perfectly with our vision. We are delighted to be part of a brand that values authenticity and is committed to investing in our continued evolution.'
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2 days ago
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JA Resorts & Hotels makes UK debut with two Scottish heritage hotels
JA Resorts & Hotels, the heritage UAE-born hospitality brand and part of Dutco Group, has entered the UK market with the addition of two historic properties to its management portfolio, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort in Glasgow and The Bruntsfield in Edinburgh. The move marks a major milestone in the brand's global growth strategy, bringing its destination-led hospitality to the UK while preserving the character and heritage of each property. Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort is set within a 240-acre estate on the banks of the River Clyde, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort was originally designed in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, architect of London's British Museum. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JA Resorts & Hotels (@jaresorts) Acquired by Dutco Group in 2024, the property underwent a restoration exceeding £25 million before reopening in May 2025. The resort now features 74 restored rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, a 22-seat private cinema, gaming room, billiards room, and grand public spaces. The Bruntsfield is located in Edinburgh's historic city centre, The Bruntsfield is a boutique townhouse hotel built in 1861. It sits near landmarks including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens. The hotel completed a £1 million refurbishment in 2022 and offers 72 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a heated secret garden, and event spaces. Holding Gold Green Tourism accreditation, the property was acquired by Dutco Group in 2024 and is set for further investment to enhance guest rooms, dining, and events facilities. Chairman of Dutco Group, Ahmed Baker, said: 'As a homegrown brand rooted in Dubai's hospitality heritage, it is meaningful to see our growth extend internationally while staying true to who we are. This next chapter reflects our commitment to creating thoughtful, destination-led hospitality experiences that resonate across cultures.' JA Resorts & Hotels CEO Ralph Porciani said: 'The addition of these two iconic hotels marks an exciting step for JA Resorts & Hotels and reflects the global confidence in the Scottish market. We will preserve their history and character while implementing JA's brand standards and service philosophy.' Andy Roger, Resort Director of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, said: 'We have always admired how JA Resorts & Hotels embraces the unique personality of each of its destinations, blending local culture, cuisine, and genuine service. Joining their portfolio feels like a natural fit for Mar Hall, following our extensive 2025 renovation – and we are excited for what is to come.' Alistair Bruce, General Manager of The Bruntsfield, added: 'The Bruntsfield has always had a strong sense of place and connection to the local community, and we are proud of the character and heritage our hotel represents. JA Resorts & Hotels' thoughtful approach to hospitality and their respect for individuality aligns perfectly with our vision. We are delighted to be part of a brand that values authenticity and is committed to investing in our continued evolution.'
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Orascom Development Egypt has released its consolidated results for the first half of 2025
RELATED TOPICS EARNINGS RELATED COMPANIES Ode Group ODE Orascom Dvlpmt El Gouna hotels ODE continues to demonstrate strong financial performance across all key metrics, with revenues and Adj. EBITDA rose by 13% and 19%, respectively. Meanwhile, net profit saw an impressive increase of 222%, reaching EGP 3.0 billion. Cairo: Key Highlights of 1H 2025 vs. 1H 2024 Net real estate sales reached EGP 11.6 billion during 1H 2025. Total revenues increased by 12.9% to EGP 11.5 billion. Revenues from recurring business increased by 44.3% to EGP 4.6 billion compared to 1H 2024. Adj. EBITDA increased by 19.3% to EGP 5.4 billion, with a margin of 47.2%. Net profit reached EGP 3.0 billion, up by 222.1%, a record-breaking achievement. The hotel segment increased by 45.5%, generating revenues of EGP 2.7 billion with Adj. EBITDA margin of 50%. Our cash balance reached EGP 8.1 billion, and our net debt to Adj. EBITDA reached 0.2x. Cash flow from operations increased by 22.6% to reach EGP 4.6 billion. Key Highlights of Q2 2025 vs. Q2 2024 Net real estate sales for Q2 2025 increased by 9.2% to EGP 7.5 billion. Total revenues reached EGP 5.1 billion. Adj. EBITDA reached EGP 2.0 billion with a margin of 40.1% Net profit reached EGP 1.1 billion. Financial Review: 1H 2025: The 1H of 2025 has been marked by substantial growth for ODE, as evidenced by various performance metrics and operational milestones. These achievements illustrate the strong discipline that guides our team in executing strategic plans, the agility with which we respond to market changes and challenges, and the long-term vision that informs our decision-making processes. Together, these elements contribute to a resilient business structure that can sustain progress and achieve future objectives. Revenue growth: ODE achieved revenue of EGP 11.5 billion, representing a 12.9% increase, demonstrating remarkable resilience in a challenging economic landscape. Recurring income segments (Hotels + Commercial Assets): This contributed EGP 4.6 billion to total revenue, representing an impressive 44.3% increase compared to 1H 2024. Gross profit: Increased by 24.0% to EGP 5.2 billion, boasting a healthy margin of 45.0% vs. 40.9% in 1H 2024. This improved performance underscores our operational excellence, resilience in the face of inflation, and the positive impact of key strategic initiatives. Strong Adj. EBITDA: Adj. EBITDA increased by 19.3% to a record EGP 5.4 billion, with a margin of 47.2%. Other gains and losses: The other gains and losses reported a gain of EGP 46.7 million, compared to a loss of EGP 2.3 billion in 1H 2024. This improvement is primarily attributed to the appreciation of the EGP following the devaluation in 2024, which adversely impacted our financial outcomes in the prior period. Finance costs: Up by 6.5% to EGP 912.4 million, due to the increase in the amount withdrawn related to O West. Tremendous net income performance: As a result of these positive developments, ODE's net income increased by 222.1% from EGP 942.7 million in 1H 2024 to EGP 3.0 billion in 1H 2025. Strong cash balance: On the balance sheet side, the company continued to preserve a healthy balance sheet and monitor its cash balances and liquidity. Our cash balance reached EGP 8.1 billion during 1H 2025, up 6.5% from Q1 2025, and our foreign currency cash stood at USD 107.1 million. Our net debt reached EGP 2.2 billion by the end of 1H 2025, and our net debt to Adj. EBITDA ratio stood at 0.21x as of 1H 2025. Q2 2025: In Q2 2025, our results were affected by the absence of land sales, particularly in comparison to the EGP 1.5 billion in sales recorded in Q2 2024. This situation naturally had an impact on both our revenue and net income figures during the period. Revenue: In Q2 2025, revenue declined by 15.7% year-on-year to EGP 5.1 billion. When normalizing land sales, our revenues would have increased by 8.2% compared to Q2 2024. Gross profit: The quarter's gross profit reached EGP 1.9 billion, with a gross margin of 37.8%. Adj. EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA also reached EGP 2.0 billion, boasting a 40.1% margin. Net income: Our net income during the quarter reached EGP 1.1 billion. Group Real Estate: Q2 2025, real estate sales demonstrated a positive increase, with total sales reaching EGP 7.5 billion, representing a 9% rise from Q2 2024, which included EGP 1.5 billion from land sales. In Q2 2025, real estate sales showed a notable increase compared to the same quarter in 2024, with total sales reaching EGP 7.5 billion, representing a 9.2% rise. This figure includes EGP 1.5 billion from land sales. When excluding land sales, our real estate performance for this quarter demonstrates a substantial 40.5% increase compared to Q2 2024. Our 1H 2025 sales reached EGP 11.7 billion, representing a 26% year-over-year decline. Our international sales continue to represent a critical aspect of our operations, comprising nearly 46% of our total real estate sales compared to 39% in 1H 2024. This growth is indicative of ODE's strong market presence and the confidence that our customers place in our offerings. El Gouna remains the leader in new sales, accounting for 54%, followed by O West at 31% and Makadi Heights at 15%, providing us with targeted opportunities for growth. We have successfully raised our average real estate selling prices per square meter across all destinations, with El Gouna increasing by 45%, Makadi by 77%, and O West by 27%. On the other hand, real estate revenue decreased by 5.5% compared to 1H 2024, reaching EGP 5.4 billion, primarily due to strategic adjustments in the O West project aimed at ensuring the timely delivery of the first phase of apartments. This focus underscores our commitment to client satisfaction. Additionally, we observed a 7.0% decrease in Adj. EBITDA, which stands at EGP 2.2 billion in 1H 2025, yielding a margin of 40%. However, our real estate cash collections experienced a 6.2% increase, amounting to EGP 7.8 billion in 1H 2025, demonstrating our ability to enhance cash flow. Moreover, the total deferred revenue from real estate, which will be recognized until 2029, rose by 40% to EGP 42.4 billion. This increase provides us with strong visibility on projected revenue across all destinations over the next four years, positioning us well for continued growth and sustainable success. Group Hotels: The hotel segment showed remarkable financial strength, generating revenues of EGP 2.7 billion and an impressive Adj. EBITDA margin of 50%. ODE Hotels' established business model has once again yielded remarkable quarterly results, successfully navigating various macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges. In Q2 2025, our hotels generated revenues of EGP 1.5 billion, representing a 31.7% increase over Q2 2024. This revenue growth resulted in a GOP of EGP 891.8 million, representing an impressive 76.6% increase from the same quarter last year. Key factors driving this growth include our hotels' ability to maintain high occupancy rates alongside a strategic increase in room rates. Despite ongoing conflicts in Gaza, we have maintained solid margins, achieving an Adj. EBITDA of EGP 800.2 million, representing a notable 38.3% increase from Q2 2024, with a margin improvement to 53%, up from 50% in Q2 2024. In 1H 2025, total hotel revenues surged by 45.5% to EGP 2.7 billion, with GOP escalating by 71% to EGP 1.5 billion year-on-year. Furthermore, Adj. EBITDA experienced a significant 56.6% uptick to EGP 1.35 billion in 1H 2025, reflecting an enhanced margin of 50% compared to 47% previously, driven by ongoing improvements in operational efficiencies. This impressive performance underscores the resilience and agility of our hotels in navigating and overcoming significant industry challenges. It solidifies our position as a leader in the hospitality sector, reflecting our ongoing commitment to operational excellence, strategic innovation, and sustainable growth. Group recurring income assets: Strong recurring income growth, with revenues up 42.6% to EGP 1.9 billion. The commercial assets segment continues to serve as a reliable source of cash flow, playing a critical role in financing the group's expansion and mitigating the effects of economic downturns resulting from unforeseen circumstances. In Q2 2025, we reported a notable revenue increase of 37.0%, reaching EGP 941.7 million alongside our Adj. EBITDA increased by 33.5%, reaching EGP 322.9 million compared to Q2 2024. As a result, the revenue for our commercial assets segment increased to EGP 1.9 billion during 1H 2025, representing a significant 42.6% increase compared to the same period in the previous year—additionally, the Adj. EBITDA achieved a commendable growth of 42.8%, to EGP 684.3 million, thereby resulting in a margin of 36.2%. This performance reflects the segment's ongoing resilience and adaptability in a dynamic market environment. Details on the Destinations El Gouna: El Gouna affirms its position as the destination of choice. In Q2 2025, net real estate sales, excluding land sales, increased by 50% to EGP 3.3 billion, up from EGP 2.2 billion in Q2 2024. This brings our overall sales to EGP 6.3 billion in 1H 2025, representing a 0.3% increase, despite a challenging marketplace. Notably, international real estate sales accounted for 49% of total sales during 1H 2025. We have consistently implemented our strategy to increase the average selling prices of our real estate offerings. Our average selling prices have increased by 45% during 1H 2025, reaching EGP 299,700/sqm, compared to 1H 2024. Furthermore, in Q2 2025, prices increased by 15% to EGP 321,096/sqm, compared to Q2 2024. We are planning to deliver 410 units in 2025, of which 109 units have already been delivered. Real estate revenues increased by 29.5% to EGP 3.7 billion in 1H 2025. Shifting gears to the hospitality segment, in Q2 2025, El Gouna Hotels reported a remarkable increase in its revenues, growing by 31.6% to an impressive total of EGP 1.5 billion. This surge in financial performance was accompanied by a rise in hotel occupancy levels, which reached 76%, a notable improvement from the 73% occupancy recorded in the same period last year. Additionally, the Average Room Rates (ARRs) exhibited significant growth, increasing by 30.3% to EGP 6,216 per night compared to Q2 2024. As we transition into 1H 2025, the hotel continued this positive trajectory, with revenue increasing by an impressive 45.5%, amounting to EGP 2.7 billion when compared to 1H 2024. During this period, the occupancy rate for 1H 2025 also showed advancement, standing at 74%, up from 68%. Correspondingly, the ARRs surged by 38.7%, reaching EGP 5,705 per night, reflecting a robust demand for accommodations. The GOP demonstrated an extraordinary rise of 67.7%, amounting to EGP 1.5 billion, indicating a strong operational performance. In 1H 2025, foreign visitors accounted for an impressive 85% of total hotel occupancy, underscoring the hotel's appeal to international travellers. Shifting focus to commercial assets, the sector achieved a remarkable revenue surge of 38.4%, culminating in a total of EGP 1.7 billion. Overall, El Gouna's total revenues displayed substantial growth of 32.7%, reaching EGP 9.6 billion, vs. EGP 7.2 billion in 1H 2024, underscoring the overall success and expansion of El Gouna. O West, Egypt: In Q2 2025, net real estate showed positive momentum thanks to the new launch, 'Park Side,' which introduces a diverse range of residential units, including semi-finished apartments and core & shell single-family homes. Park Side spans over a total area of 97 feddans. Net sales increased by 34.3% to EGP 3.0 billion (Q2 2024: EGP 2.2 billion). That brings our 1H 2025 sales to EGP 3.6 billion, a 35.4% decrease compared to 1H 2024. Our average selling prices increased by 26.6% to EGP 108,850/sqm compared to 1H 2024. The construction of O West Club is advancing steadily. We have successfully commenced a partial opening of phase 1 of the club. The club currently has more than 5,150 members, which will ensure a steady and reliable stream of recurring income. Additionally, we have signed a management agreement with a third-party company to manage O West Club. Total revenue from O West decreased by 51%, to EGP 1.2 billion. This decline is primarily due to our prioritization of the timely delivery of the first phase of apartments to our clients, which has adversely affected overall revenue, as well as the decline in real estate sales. We anticipate increased revenue over the coming quarters, aligning with our strategic objective to accelerate construction processes and ensure the timely delivery of all units. Makadi Heights, Egypt: Makadi Heights demonstrated impressive sales performance during Q2 2025, achieving real estate sales of EGP 1.3 billion. This figure represents a significant increase of 32.9% when compared to Q2 2024. Consequently, the cumulative real estate sales for 1H 2025 reached EGP 1.7 billion. Notably, international transactions comprised 63% of the total real estate sales during this period. Moreover, the average selling prices have shown an upward trend, with the prices per sqm rising by 42.1% to EGP 119,866/sqm compared to Q2 2024. Similarly, the 1H 2025 average prices surged by 76.9% to EGP 119,793/sqm, reflecting the increasing value of our properties. Total revenues from Makadi Heights during 1H 2025 increased by 26.8% to EGP 625.2 million. Taba Heights, Egypt: Taba Heights continues to pose a challenge for the group. We continue to minimize the cash burn rate in the short and medium term, ensuring the destination can operate once tourism resumes. We remain committed to implementing a prudent approach in our efforts to mitigate the impact of the current crisis. Total occupancy in Taba Heights reached 20% by the end of the first half of 2025. In contrast, our GOP has reached EGP 3.5 million, compared to a loss of EGP 12.7 million in 1H 2024. Total revenues from Taba Heights reached EGP 100.4 million, a 60.1% increase compared to the 1H 2024 figures, despite being affected by the situation in Gaza. Currently, only one out of the six hotels is operational. Figures for 1H 2025 and Q2 2025: Revenue by Segment (EGPmn) Q2 25 Q2 24 1H 25 1H 24 Hotels 1,517.3 1,152.5 2,694.2 1,851.3 Real estate 2,629.2 2,867.4 5,389.9 5,703.7 Land 0.1 1,329.2 1,553.1 1,329.2 Commercial assets 941.7 687.3 1,892.6 1,327.6 ODE Group 5,088.3 6,036.4 11,529.8 10,211.8 (EGPmn) Q2 25 Q2 24 1H 25 1H 24 Revenue 5,088.3 6,036.4 11,529.8 10,211.8 Cost of sales (3,165.3) (3,273.1) (6,343.2) (6,030.7) Gross profit 1,923.0 2,763.3 5,186.6 4,181.1 Gross profit margin% 37.8% 45.8% 45.0% 40.9% Investment income 294.4 309.5 604.5 569.3 Administrative expenses (176.8) (91.5) (354.3) (193.1) Adj. EBITDA 2,040.6 2,981.3 5,436.8 4,557.3 Adj. EBITDA margin% 40.1% 49.4% 47.2% 44.6% Other gains/losses 159.5 55.4 46.7 (2,308.9) Share of associates 22.0 27.3 51.3 49.1 EBITDA 2,222.1 3,064.0 5,534.8 2,297.5 Depreciation (124.5) (90.9) (245.1) (173.9) Finance costs (503.2) (422.0) (912.4) (856.9) Income tax expense (538.6) (623.8) (1,340.9) (324.0) Net profit/loss 1,055.8 1,927.3 3,036.4 942.7 ODE shareholders 1,112.5 1,849.5 3,157.3 667.9 Non-controlling interest (56.7) 77.8 (120.9) 274.8 Basic EPS (EGP) 0.98 1.64 2.79 0.59 (EGPmn) 30.06.25 31.12.24 Property, plant, and equipment 11,962.6 10,980.7 Inventory 14,531.5 13,932.5 Receivables 14,946.7 12,785.4 Cash and bank balances 7,891.6 7,351.6 Treasury bills 199.1 63.2 Investments in associates 328.2 437.6 Other assets 5,475.7 5,149.4 Total assets 55,335.6 50,700.4 Borrowings 10,255.9 11,032.0 Payables 9,668.6 9,762.7 Provisions 3,365.1 2,517.6 Other liabilities 16,400.3 14,252.7 Total liabilities 39,689.9 37,564.9 Non-controlling interests 1,437.0 1,558.0 Equity to ODE shareholders 14,208.7 11,577.5 Total liabilities and equity 55,335.6 50,700.4 Balance Sheet: Presentation: The associated presentation and financial statements are on Orascom Development Egypt's website under the Investor Relations section at CI Capital will host a telephone conference on August 12th, 2025, at 3:00 pm Cairo Local Time (CLT). A telephone conference for analysts and investors, hosted by CI Capital, will be held in English on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025, at 3:00 pm Cairo Local Time. Executive Managing Director Ashraf Nessim, Chief Financial Officer Mohamed Fouad, and Group Head of Investor Relations Ahmed Abou El Ella will present 1H 2025 results and will be available to answer questions. Registration is not required. Dial-in details are as follows: Click here for the webinar link Event number: 949 3048 3453 Event password: 501930 A call recording will be available after the call Contact for Investors: Ahmed Abou El Ella Head of Investor Relations Tel: +20 224 61 89 61 mobile: +20 122129 5555 Email: ir@ About Orascom Development Egypt (ODE): Orascom Development Egypt is the largest subsidiary under Orascom Development Holding (ODH), a leading international developer specializing in vibrant, integrated communities in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. For more than 30 years, Orascom Development Holding has been a pioneer in creating destinations where people are inspired to live, work, and play with passion and purpose. From El Gouna's stunning Egyptian coastal town by the Red Sea to O West's modern and integrated town living in the heart of West Cairo's Sixth of October, each master-planned community is a testament to ODE's commitment to place-making at its finest. Other integrated towns in Egypt include Makadi Heights near the Red Sea, Taba Heights on the Sinai Peninsula, and Byoum in Fayoum. ODE owns a land bank of over 50 million square meters, with nearly 28% developed or under development. ODE's hospitality portfolio includes 24 premium and luxury hotels with more than 4,900 rooms in Egypt. ODE shares are listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX). For more information, please visit Disclaimer This communication contains certain forward-looking statements. A forward-looking statement is any statement that does not relate to historical facts and events and can be identified by the use of such words and phrases as 'according to estimates,' 'aims,' 'anticipates,' 'assumes,' 'believes,' 'could,' 'estimates,' 'expects,' 'forecasts,' 'intends,' 'thinks,' 'may,' 'plans,' 'potential,' 'predicts,' 'projects,' 'should,' 'to the knowledge of,' 'will,' 'would' or, in each case their negatives or other similar expressions, which are intended to identify a statement as forward-looking. This applies, in particular, to statements containing information on future financial results, plans, or expectations regarding business and management, future growth or profitability, general economic and regulatory conditions, and other matters affecting the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company's management ('Management') on future events, which are based on the assumptions of the Management and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The occurrence or non-occurrence of an assumption could cause the Company's actual financial condition and results of operations to differ materially from or fail to meet expectations expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company's business is subject to many risks and uncertainties that could also cause a forward-looking statement, estimate, or prediction to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this prospectus. The information, opinions, and forward-looking statements in this communication speak only as of its date and are subject to change without notice. The Company does not undertake any obligation to review, update, confirm, or release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that arise concerning the content of this communication.
Arabian Business
2 days ago
- Arabian Business
Qatar welcomes 2.6m visitors in H1 2025 as tourism adds over $15bn to GDP
Qatar's tourism sector continued its strong momentum in the first half of 2025, attracting more than 2.6m international visitors between January and June — a 3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures from Qatar Tourism. Visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries made up 36 per cent of arrivals, followed by Europe (26 per cent), Asia and Oceania (22 per cent), and 7 per cent each from the Americas and other Arab countries. Arrivals were split across air (57 per cent), land (33 per cent), and sea (9 per cent), reflecting the success of Qatar's multi-access entry strategy. Qatar tourism boom Hotels achieved an average occupancy rate of 71 per cent, up two percentage points year-on-year, with 5.23m hotel nights sold — a 7 per cent increase from H1 2024. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar, said the results show the success of the country's strategy to position tourism as a key driver of economic diversification in line with National Vision 2030. In 2024, Qatar's tourism sector contributed QR55bn ($15.1bn) to GDP, representing 8 per cent of the economy — a 14 per cent increase from 2023. This keeps the country on track to meet its Tourism Strategy 2030 target of raising tourism's GDP share to 10–12 per cent. In the first half of 2025, Visit Qatar rolled out multiple international campaigns, including: 'Moments Made for You' summer campaign targeting GCC and global audiences A promotional film with David Beckham showcasing heritage, culture, modern attractions, and natural sites Expanded stopover promotions in key markets such as the UK, USA, South Africa, China, and Australia These campaigns coincided with major events such as the Qatar Toy Festival (More than 130,000 visitors, up 12 per cent year-on-year), Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, International Food Festival, and seasonal attractions like Ras Abrouq and whale shark tours. The second half of the year will see the country host a packed calendar, including: 2025/2026 Cruise Season launch in November — following a record 87 cruise ship calls and more than 360,000 passengers in the last season T100 Triathlon World Championship Finals in Doha FIFA Arab Cup 2025 Grand Prix 2025 Tourism Awards 2025 Launch of Michelin Guide Doha 2026 CEO of Visit Qatar Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi said: 'Our success in the first half of 2025 demonstrates sustained momentum and growing confidence from regional and global markets in Qatar's tourism offerings. 'We have attracted more visitors through a distinctive combination of major events, international campaigns, and innovative tourism products that cater to a wide range of interests. 'We will continue to invest in these areas and introduce initiatives that strengthen Qatar's position as a global destination blending authenticity with modernity, providing residents and visitors with a world-class experience year-round.' With strategic marketing, diversified events, and record-breaking cruise and air arrivals, the GCC nation is positioning itself as a year-round global destination blending authenticity with modernity.
