American multinational hospitality company Marriott International has announced plans to expand its Middle East footprint with the expected addition of over 20 properties and more than 5,000 rooms across the Gulf countries over the next 15 months.
The company said in a statement that its growth in the region is fueled by ongoing demand for its extraordinary portfolio of hotel brands across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, as well as increased appetite from developers for conversions and adaptive reuse properties.
With significant demand for luxury offerings in Saudi Arabia, Marriott International expects to enhance its portfolio with six additional luxury properties in the Kingdom by the end of 2023. The anticipated openings will debut the St. Regis and EDITION hotel brands in the country and introduce the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East with the opening of Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Red Sea Project.
Jerome Briet CDO Marriott International – Europe & MEA
“The tourism industry in the Middle East continues to undergo significant growth in line with the long-term strategies of regional governments to diversify their economies. The reputation of Marriott International and our world-class brands, along with our long-established presence in the Middle East, continue to put us in a great position to contribute to the ongoing growth and diversification of the region’s tourism sector.”
Marriott International continues to see opportunities in the UAE to further expand its portfolio of more than 70 properties. “Other notable additions expected by the end of 2023 include the debut of the St. Regis and Marriott Executive Apartments brands in Kuwait, and the entry of the Aloft Hotels brand in Oman,” as per the company.
Marriott International plans to nearly double its presence in Qatar with 10 anticipated additions over the next 15 months, 6 of which are slated to be unveiled ahead of World Cup.
The company stated that “the expected additions will further diversify the company’s portfolio in the country with the anticipated debut of four brands – EDITION Hotels, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Element Hotels, and Autograph Collection Hotels.” The company also expects to open its second St. Regis hotel in Qatar later this year, The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl.
Mr. Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President – Development, Middle East, Marriott International, commented that, “As a company, we have developed a conversion-friendly platform that enables existing properties to quickly and cost-effectively access our world-class sales, distribution, and loyalty platforms to meet the owner and guest demands.”
Marriott International’s current portfolio across the Middle East encompasses over 150 properties with more than 40,000 rooms across 21 brands, in 11 countries and territories.
