Latest news with #PhilipBarnes
Trade Arabia
14-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Rotana appoints new VP for Saudi operations
Rotana, the Middle East's leading hospitality management company, has appointed Khaled Al Jamal as Area Vice President (VP) – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain & Jordan. Al Jamal, with over 37 years of experience, will lead Rotana's growing Saudi operations, oversee new openings, and develop local capabilities across a portfolio set to double in size by 2027. Rotana's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals and strengthening its operations in one of its fastest-growing markets is reflected in his strategic leadership. Al Jamal has held senior leadership roles across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Europe. Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer at Rotana, said: 'Saudi Arabia is evolving fast, and it's important we grow in step with the market. Al Jamal brings a deep understanding of the Kingdom and a leadership style that reflects our values — people-focused, purpose-driven, and committed to making a lasting impact.'
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rotana expands into Africa, Iraq with six new hotels
Rotana, the Middle East's leading hospitality management company, has announced a strategic expansion into Africa and emerging markets, with six new properties set to open in Ghana, Kenya, Benin, and Iraq. Unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, this announcement reflects Rotana's commitment to growing its footprint in underserved, high-potential destinations. The new properties include full-service hotels, branded residences, and midscale concepts — all aligned with Rotana's asset-light, partner-driven development model, which facilitates sustainable growth across diverse markets. 'Africa is incredibly important to us,' said Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Rotana. 'It's a region full of opportunity, energy, and untapped potential. We're entering these markets with confidence and care, ready to build lasting partnerships and deliver the kind of hospitality people can count on.' Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer at Rotana, added: 'What sets us apart in these markets is not just our systems or our brand portfolio — it's our approach. Our teams and I work closely with our partners throughout the entire development lifecycle, from concept to opening. This hands-on commitment, combined with our regional expertise, gives owners confidence and ensures we deliver not only consistency but local relevance and long-term value.' In support of these openings, Rotana will extend its enhanced loyalty program, Rotana Discovery, across all new markets. Expected to be fully integrated with the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) by the end of 2025, the platform will connect Rotana guests to a global network of over 30 million members, delivering increased reach, recognition, and value for both travellers and owners. Ghana – Accra: Rotana will debut in Ghana with the launch of Rotana Accra, a 220-key, full-service hotel situated in the city's diplomatic and commercial district. This flagship opening will serve business travellers, international organisations, and regional visitors in one of West Africa's most important capital cities. Additional projects in Ghana are currently under discussion, reinforcing Rotana's long-term commitment to the country as a key market in its Africa growth strategy. Benin – Cotonou: Rotana's first Francophone West Africa project, the 185-key Rotana Cotonou, will cater to business and MICE segments in Benin's commercial capital. Kenya – Nairobi: Two properties in Upper Hill, Rotana Nairobi (200 keys) and Arjaan Nairobi (100 keys), will cater to corporate, diplomatic, and healthcare-related travellers in East Africa's economic powerhouse. Iraq: A Reinvestment in Regional Growth Rotana is furthering its investment in Iraq with two midscale hotels designed to serve domestic and regional business travellers: • Centro Baghdad (Miraj) – 210 keys • Centro Green Zone Baghdad – 150 keys Both properties reflect Rotana's confidence in Iraq's evolving hospitality landscape and the brand's ability to deliver consistent performance in complex markets. Looking Ahead Rotana's global expansion strategy emphasises agility, local relevance, and commercial resilience. Each of these six projects is developed in partnership with trusted local stakeholders and tailored to meet the specific needs of the local community. 'This is the future of Rotana,' added Barnes. 'Agile, ambitious, and built around the real needs of our partners and our guests. We're growing in the places that matter most.' -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
06-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Rotana expands into Africa, Iraq with six new hotels
Rotana, the Middle East's leading hospitality management company, has announced a strategic expansion into Africa and emerging markets, with six new properties set to open in Ghana, Kenya, Benin, and Iraq. Unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, this announcement reflects Rotana's commitment to growing its footprint in underserved, high-potential destinations. The new properties include full-service hotels, branded residences, and midscale concepts — all aligned with Rotana's asset-light, partner-driven development model, which facilitates sustainable growth across diverse markets. 'Africa is incredibly important to us,' said Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Rotana. 'It's a region full of opportunity, energy, and untapped potential. We're entering these markets with confidence and care, ready to build lasting partnerships and deliver the kind of hospitality people can count on.' Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer at Rotana, added: 'What sets us apart in these markets is not just our systems or our brand portfolio — it's our approach. Our teams and I work closely with our partners throughout the entire development lifecycle, from concept to opening. This hands-on commitment, combined with our regional expertise, gives owners confidence and ensures we deliver not only consistency but local relevance and long-term value.' In support of these openings, Rotana will extend its enhanced loyalty program, Rotana Discovery, across all new markets. Expected to be fully integrated with the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) by the end of 2025, the platform will connect Rotana guests to a global network of over 30 million members, delivering increased reach, recognition, and value for both travellers and owners. Ghana – Accra: Rotana will debut in Ghana with the launch of Rotana Accra, a 220-key, full-service hotel situated in the city's diplomatic and commercial district. This flagship opening will serve business travellers, international organisations, and regional visitors in one of West Africa's most important capital cities. Additional projects in Ghana are currently under discussion, reinforcing Rotana's long-term commitment to the country as a key market in its Africa growth strategy. Benin – Cotonou: Rotana's first Francophone West Africa project, the 185-key Rotana Cotonou, will cater to business and MICE segments in Benin's commercial capital. Kenya – Nairobi: Two properties in Upper Hill, Rotana Nairobi (200 keys) and Arjaan Nairobi (100 keys), will cater to corporate, diplomatic, and healthcare-related travellers in East Africa's economic powerhouse. Iraq: A Reinvestment in Regional Growth Rotana is furthering its investment in Iraq with two midscale hotels designed to serve domestic and regional business travellers: • Centro Baghdad (Miraj) – 210 keys • Centro Green Zone Baghdad – 150 keys Both properties reflect Rotana's confidence in Iraq's evolving hospitality landscape and the brand's ability to deliver consistent performance in complex markets. Looking Ahead Rotana's global expansion strategy emphasises agility, local relevance, and commercial resilience. Each of these six projects is developed in partnership with trusted local stakeholders and tailored to meet the specific needs of the local community. 'This is the future of Rotana,' added Barnes. 'Agile, ambitious, and built around the real needs of our partners and our guests. We're growing in the places that matter most.' -TradeArabia News Service
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
From Accra to Baghdad: Rotana expands into Africa and emerging markets with six new hotels
Dubai, UAE – Rotana, the Middle East's leading hospitality management company, has announced a strategic expansion into Africa and emerging markets, with six new properties set to open in Ghana, Kenya, Benin, and Iraq. Unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, this announcement reflects Rotana's commitment to growing its footprint in underserved, high-potential destinations. The new properties include full-service hotels, branded residences, and midscale concepts — all aligned with Rotana's asset-light, partner-driven development model, which facilitates sustainable growth across diverse markets. 'Africa is incredibly important to us,' said Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Rotana. 'It's a region full of opportunity, energy, and untapped potential. We're entering these markets with confidence and care, ready to build lasting partnerships and deliver the kind of hospitality people can count on.' Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer at Rotana, added, 'What sets us apart in these markets is not just our systems or our brand portfolio — it's our approach. Our teams and I work closely with our partners throughout the entire development lifecycle, from concept to opening. This hands-on commitment, combined with our regional expertise, gives owners confidence and ensures we deliver not only consistency but local relevance and long-term value.' In support of these openings, Rotana will extend its enhanced loyalty program, Rotana Discovery, across all new markets. Expected to be fully integrated with the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) by the end of 2025, the platform will connect Rotana guests to a global network of over 30 million members, delivering increased reach, recognition, and value for both travellers and owners. Africa: A Diversified Regional Presence Ghana – Accra: Rotana will debut in Ghana with the launch of Rotana Accra, a 220-key, full-service hotel situated in the city's diplomatic and commercial district. This flagship opening will serve business travellers, international organisations, and regional visitors in one of West Africa's most important capital cities. Additional projects in Ghana are currently under discussion, reinforcing Rotana's long-term commitment to the country as a key market in its Africa growth strategy. Benin – Cotonou: Rotana's first Francophone West Africa project, the 185-key Rotana Cotonou, will cater to business and MICE segments in Benin's commercial capital. Kenya – Nairobi: Two properties in Upper Hill, Rotana Nairobi (200 keys) and Arjaan Nairobi (100 keys), will cater to corporate, diplomatic, and healthcare-related travellers in East Africa's economic powerhouse. Iraq: A Reinvestment in Regional Growth Rotana is furthering its investment in Iraq with two midscale hotels designed to serve domestic and regional business travellers: Centro Baghdad (Miraj) – 210 keys Centro Green Zone Baghdad – 150 keys Both properties reflect Rotana's confidence in Iraq's evolving hospitality landscape and the brand's ability to deliver consistent performance in complex markets. Looking Ahead Rotana's global expansion strategy emphasises agility, local relevance, and commercial resilience. Each of these six projects is developed in partnership with trusted local stakeholders and tailored to meet the specific needs of the local community. 'This is the future of Rotana,' added Barnes. 'Agile, ambitious, and built around the real needs of our partners and our guests. We're growing in the places that matter most.' About Rotana: Rotana is the premier hospitality brand originating from the Middle East, managing an extensive portfolio of over 114 operational and pipeline properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye. The company is dedicated to significant international growth, building on its regional leadership to provide exceptional experiences and value to guests worldwide. Guided by its unique brand promise, 'Treasured Time,' Rotana consistently addressess the diverse needs of its guests through its thoughtfully curated brand portfolio, including Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Edge by Rotana, and The Residences by Rotana. For further information, please visit
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rooted in the region: Rotana strengthens UAE and Saudi Arabia presence with 12 new hotels
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Rotana, the Middle East's leading hospitality management company, has announced a significant expansion of its regional portfolio, with 12 new hotels set to open across the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These openings reaffirm Rotana's position as the region's most trusted hospitality operator and underline its commitment to shaping the future of tourism in its home markets. The properties, which include long-stay residences, lifestyle hotels, and full-service premium offerings, form part of Rotana's strategy to expand its flexible brand portfolio in line with national agendas such as the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and Saudi Vision 2030. 'The UAE will always be our home — it's where Rotana started, and it continues to shape who we are,' said Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Rotana. 'We've also been proud to grow alongside Saudi Arabia, a market that has welcomed us and inspired us with its vision. This next chapter is about deepening those relationships and continuing to serve both countries with the care, respect, and commitment they've shown us.' Expansion Across the UAE Rotana's latest UAE openings showcase the breadth of its brand architecture and its agility in catering to different guest segments and owner expectations. Reem Island Arjaan by Rotana – Abu Dhabi (280 keys): A premium serviced hotel apartments concept in one of the capital's fastest-developing waterfront districts, designed for long-stay corporate travellers, families, and digital nomads. Bloom Arjaan by Rotana – Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi (217 keys): A new upscale property offering leisure and wellness-focused stays in the heart of Saadiyat Island's cultural district, catering to both international visitors and GCC weekenders. Mangrove Rotana – Ras Al Khaimah (240 keys): This full-service hotel blends eco-tourism, wellness, and leisure, capitalising on Ras Al Khaimah's emergence as a nature-driven tourism destination. Significant Growth in Saudi Arabia The latest project involves a significant multi-property development agreement with Memar Development & Investment Company, a well-regarded Saudi real estate company. Through this partnership, the following hotels are scheduled to open in the Kingdom in 2025 and 2026: Al Dabab Edge by Rotana – Riyadh (100 keys) Al Malaz Edge by Rotana – Riyadh (90 keys) Al Balad Edge by Rotana – Jeddah (169 keys) Yasmina Rayhaan by Rotana – Riyadh (71 keys) These properties are part of a larger development pipeline that will bring Rotana's total KSA presence to 20 hotels by 2027. The projects span commercial zones, heritage districts, and family travel hubs, reflecting the breadth of Saudi Arabia's new tourism vision and the flexibility of Rotana's brands to meet local demand. Additionally, Rotana is actively progressing three new properties in Al Baha as part of a strategy to expand into secondary and tertiary Saudi cities - a key element of Saudi Arabia's effort to diversify its travel infrastructure beyond the primary gateways. 'In Saudi Arabia, we're seeing the results of our proximity and performance', said Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer at Rotana. 'Through sustained engagement and consistent delivery, we've earned developer trust — not just for what we say, but for how we show up. That's what drives long-term success in complex, fast-moving markets.' 'We are not chasing growth for growth's sake,' said Philip Barnes. 'We are expanding in the places we know best - places where we have history, deep relationships, and operational advantage.' In support of these openings, Rotana will extend its enhanced loyalty program, Rotana Discovery, across all new markets. Expected to be fully integrated with the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) by the end of 2025, the platform will connect Rotana guests to a global network of over 30 million members, delivering increased reach, recognition, and value for both travellers and owners. Eddy Tannous stated, 'The UAE has always been our innovation testbed. But what makes that innovation work is how closely we stay connected to our owners. We're not just launching new properties - we're building deep, high-trust partnerships that allow us to test, learn, and scale with precision. Our hands-on model means owners aren't just signing with a system - they're signing with a leadership team that's in the trenches with them.' About Rotana: Rotana is the premier hospitality brand originating from the Middle East, managing an extensive portfolio of over 114 operational and pipeline properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye. The company is dedicated to significant international growth, building on its regional leadership to provide exceptional experiences and value to guests worldwide. Guided by its unique brand promise, 'Treasured Time,' Rotana consistently addressess the diverse needs of its guests through its thoughtfully curated brand portfolio, including Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Edge by Rotana, and The Residences by Rotana. For further information, please visit
