Marriott to launch more than 20...

Expansion plans include the addition of more than 5,000 rooms

Marriott International will add more than 20 properties and 5,000 rooms to its Middle East portfolio over the next 15 months.

The company’s growth in the region is fuelled by ongoing demand for its portfolio of hotel brands across Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and the increased appetite of developers for conversions and adaptive reuse properties.

Marriott International chief development officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa, Jerome Briet commented: “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.”

With significant demand for luxury offerings in Saudi Arabia, particularly within the country’s ambitious developments, such as the Red Sea Project and Diriyah Gate, Marriott International expects to enhance its portfolio with six additional luxury properties in the kingdom by the end of 2023.

The country’s anticipated openings include the St Regis and Edition hotels, as well as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East with the opening of Nujuma, in the Red Sea Project development. In addition, the company is responding to strong demand in the country for select serviced accommodation, with a new Four Points by Sheraton in Riyadh and a Courtyard by Marriott in Jubail expected to open in 2023.

In Qatar, Marriott International plans to nearly double its presence with 10 anticipated additions over the next 15 months, six of which are slated to be unveiled ahead of this year’s FIFA World Cup tournament.

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. Marriott also expects to open its second St Regis hotel in Qatar later this year, The St Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl.

The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, Qatar

Marriott International also continues to see opportunities in the UAE to further expand its portfolio of more than 70 properties. This year, the company expects to cross a milestone of 50 properties in Dubai alone, with the anticipated additions of Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai; Delta Hotels by Marriott Green Community, Dubai and Four Points by Sheraton Production City, Dubai.

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.

While much of Marriott's growth in the region is through new-build developments, the company continues to see an increase in conversion opportunities. There's also increased interest in the adaptive reuse space where developers are looking to convert existing buildings into hotels. More than 30% of the company’s anticipated properties in 2023 are expected to come from conversions and adaptive reuse projects.

GET YOUR FREE 48-PAGE GCC TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY REPORT HERE

Marriott International regional vice president of Development, Middle East, Chadi Hauch, commented: “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 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.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com