Latest news with #AldhafraResort
Skift
14-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
The Middle East's Newest Meeting Venues: From Desert Luxury to Gaming Resorts
The hotel industry in the Middle East is booming, with nearly half of the pipeline currently under construction. These are the latest entrants geared toward the meeting and incentive market. 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.
Zawya
11-03-2025
- Zawya
IHG Hotels & Resorts adds to Abu Dhabi portfolio, introducing Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection
ABU DHABI, UAE: IHG Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the opening of its first Vignette Collection in Abu Dhabi – Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection. Situated in Liwa's Madinat Zayed City, Aldhafra Resort stands at the Western edge of the largest sand desert in the world, the Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter. Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection offers a majestic retreat of Arabian charm and adventure, embraced by the unspoiled beauty of rolling sand dunes. Middle eastern embellishments and examples of local craftmanship feature in the design of its 92 deluxe rooms, 13 executive suites and five private plunge pool villas, each with outlooks across the enchanting desert landscape. A central courtyard frames the resort's outdoor infinity pool, whilst away from the sun's rays, the hotel spa* creates a space of calm. Here guests can experience eastern-inspired massages, revitalizing scrubs, facials, and aromatic steam sessions. A fully equipped fitness centre* will be available for energetic and endorphin seeking guests. An array of additional activities take full advantage of Aldhafra Resort's location in the largest sand desert in the world, Rub Al Khali, from camel trekking through the dunes by day to spectating the sun setting beyond the sands by night. More relaxed recreations are also available such as billiards, foosball, table tennis, and chess. Aldhafra Resort's trio of distinct dining venues take guests on a gastronomic journey through authentic Arabian cuisine. Eateries include signature restaurant, Al Badiya and the sumptuous speak-easy style Layali Bar, evoking the warmth and mystery of a bygone here. Here, creative cocktails combine with a comprehensive cigar collection as traditional Arabic spices, herbs, and botanicals merge with the charm of the Prohibition. Immersive desert-facing dinners featuring live performances are set to prove popular amongst guests. Haitham Khalil, General Manager, Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection said: 'We are delighted to have opened the Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection as IHG expands its collection presence into the thriving UAE capital of Abu Dhabi. This is a city that boasts a rich heritage with the Rub Al Khali desert. Our destination is infused throughout every touchpoint of the guest experience – from the scenery that surrounds us, to the design details within our places and spaces, through to the menus we serve and the experiences we foster. Every moment here is designed to create unforgettable memories. Our warm and dedicated team is at hand for every detail to allow guests to focus on the moments that truly matter.' Demonstrating diversity and discovery, Vignette Collection is a family of distinct luxury hotels connected by a shared vision to offer a more authentic travel experience. Aldhafra Resort joins the brand's fast-growing family of one-of-a-kind hotels found in destinations to remember. Just three years after the brand's introduction, Vignette Collection has surpassed the halfway point in its initial aim to reach 100 open and pipeline hotels in 10 years. The collection – now encompassing 20 hotels with a further 35 in the pipeline – combines each property's individual identity with the brand's promise of 'A Means For Good' and Memorable Rituals. Memorable Rituals – bespoke to each Vignette Collection property – connect guests with the hotel's unique identity, locality, and cultural landscape. A symbolic act of generosity, the preparation and serving of Arabic coffee (pronounced 'gahwa' in the Emirati Arabic dialect) to guests has been an intrinsic part of Arabian hospitality for centuries. Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection continues this symbolic social act by welcoming guests with a complimentary serving of Arabic coffee, served upon serene majlis-style seating, plush cushions, and traditional woven rugs. Coffee is paired with sweet, locally harvested Liwa dates, also a deep-rooted symbol of hospitality, generosity, life, resilience, and prosperity within Arabic culture. A Means For Good initiatives weaved throughout all Vignette Collection properties represent each hotel's commitment to responsibility, community engagement, and local culture. With a commitment to tailoring initiatives to suit the unique character of each hotel, they partner with non-profit organizations to contribute positively to the local ecosystem. Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection marks this commitment through its partnership with the Liwa Date Festival, an event that showcases the latest agricultural practices to foster expertise exchange between growers, suppliers, and buyers. Its main event is the competition for the 'Best Date Fruit' where local farms compete for the title of 'Best Date Grower'. Aldhafra Resort is the second Vignette Collection hotel in the UAE after Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort Vignette Collection and the third in the Middle East following the opening of Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait, Vignette Collection last year. As a special opening offer, guests of Aldhafra Resort can book a stay with breakfast and enjoy a complimentary lunch or dinner at the resort's restaurants. This exclusive offer is available for stays from 10th March 2025 to 30th September 2025. To make a reservation or for more information, guests can contact reservation@ or call +971 2 65 62 512. Vignette Collection appeals to owners of world-class independent luxury and lifestyle hotels seeking to quickly benefit from IHG's powerful technology and revenue systems, operational expertise, and loyalty offer, without the need for high upfront costs or compromise on a property's unique character, style, or name. For Luxury & Lifestyle travelers, it meets an increasing appetite for one-of-a-kind stays, backed by the reassurance of IHG's trusted reputation and leading loyalty offer. Guests of Aldhafra Resort and the wider Vignette Collection and IHG portfolio benefit from best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, offering more ways to earn than ever before, including richer benefits tailored to their needs, all powered by leading technology on its mobile app. For more information and to book visit
What's On
24-02-2025
- What's On
Head to Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection for the ultimate desert escapade
Explore the Empty Quarter in style… IHG Hotels and Resorts' have brought their fast-growing luxury and lifestyle offerings to the UAE capital, with the Vignette Collection now offering you a luxe haven amid the dunes of Liwa with Aldhafra Resort in Madinat Zayed City. The resort is located at the edge of the Rub Al Khali , also known as the Empty Quarter, the world's largest sand desert, where the stunning property skillfully blends signature IHG-esque luxury with preserved natural wonders, introducing you to one of the most stunning dunescapes on the planet. Immerse yourself in the charm of rolling red dunes, unmatched tranquility and stunning views of the sun rising over and dipping beyond the dunes of the Empty Quarter, while you live in the lap of luxury at Aldhafra Resort. Surrounded by Arabian elegance, this inimitable escape boasts a total of 92 deluxe rooms and 13 executive suites that have been meticulously crafted and set up so you can get as close as possible to having an authentic desert luxury experience. Modern comfort meets centuries-old nature here, and it's a guarantee that you will lose yourself to the stunning scenery of the desert here. Images: supplied When you're looking to satiate your appetite after a day of adventure, enjoy a menu of stunning eats at their dining venues. These include an amazing all-day dining outlet bringing you the best of international fare across buffet and à la carte options featuring Arabic and international cuisine, along with a cosy speakeasy, cozy bar will help you unwind from the stresses of city living. Activities Aldhafra Resort offers two complimentary activities for guests, and you can choose from camel rides, a falcon show, Arabic gahwa (traditional coffee) tasting, sand artistry, and wellness sessions, which are available three times a day. Apart from complimentary activities, the resort also offers family-friendly activities that will cater to all ages, such as archery, movie screenings under the stars, stargazing sessions, foosball and more. Relaxation Envelop yourself in their catalogue of relaxing offerings, including a a stunning outdoor pool and other offerings. Head to Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection for the ultimate desert escapade, amid the mighty dunes of stunning Liwa. With an eagerly-anticipated opening on March 10, you can book at this link, and there's also a special opening offer you can avail of here, where you can book a room with breakfast and get a complimentary dinner. For those wondering how to get there, there's free transport provided between Aldhafra Resort and Yas Plaza Hotels. Aldhafra Resort, Vigenette Collection, Al Gharbiya, Zayed City, Abu Dhabi 112723. Tel: (0)2 656 2512. @ > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
