Dubai-based JA Resorts enters UK market with two hotels

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JA Resorts team at Mar Hall near glasgow

JA Resorts' team at Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort near Glasgow

JA Resorts & Hotels has made its UK debut with the addition of two heritage hotels in Scotland.

The UAE-born group, which operates seven properties across the Middle East and Maldives, is expanding internationally while staying true to its focus on destination-inspired hospitality.

Part of Dubai’s Dutco Group, JA Resorts has taken on the management of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort near Glasgow and The Bruntsfield in Edinburgh, both chosen for their strong local heritage and sense of place.

“They’re a natural fit for our portfolio,” said CEO Ralph Porciani, who began his hospitality career in Scotland.

Mar Hall, a 240-acre estate on the banks of the River Clyde, reopened in May following a £25 million (AED123 million) refurbishment by Dutco Group.

Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort near Glasgow

Built in 1828 by the architect behind London’s British Museum, the five-star hotel now offers 74 restored rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars and a range of elegant public spaces including a private cinema, gaming room and billiards room.

In Edinburgh’s historic centre, The Bruntsfield is a 72-room boutique townhouse hotel set in an 1861 Baronial-style residence, close to the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.

A £1 million (AED4.9 million) refurbishment in 2022 introduced a vibrant restaurant and bar, heated secret garden and event spaces, with further investment planned under Dutco’s ownership.

The Bruntsfield in Edinburgh

Speaking of JA Resorts’ expansion into the UK, Chairman of Dutco Group, Ahmed Baker, said:

“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.”

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The UK additions join a JA portfolio that includes a mountain retreat (JA Hatta Fort Hotel) in the UAE, a beachfront resort (JA Palm Tree Court) in Dubai and a tropical island escape ( JA Manafaru) in the Maldives.

Founded in 1981 in Dubai, JA Resorts & Hotels is known for its warm, guest-first approach and commitment to reflecting each property’s location and culture.

In the UAE, plans are under way to expand the group’s sports tourism offering at Jebel Ali Resort, with six FIFA-standard football pitches and two cricket ovals due to open later this year.

Speaking with sister publication Travel Weekly last month, new Sales Chief Phil Dickinson such enhancements would allow the hotelier to tap into more sports travel.

“The sports piece is a big one,” said Dickinson. “These additions are exciting and put us in the realms of the sports tourism space and we are one of the very few in the region that can offer those extended facilities.”

For more information, visit www.jaresortshotels.com