Global hospitality group Hyatt has announced plans to focus on the brand’s expansion into the key regional markets of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

“The Middle East provides a unique and diverse arena for us to evolve our brand portfolio and we continue to make a strong impact in this region. We currently operate 12 full service hotels across the GCC and continue to recognise the benefits of expansion in this critically strategic market,” said Tareq Daoud, regional vice president, Hyatt sales force – Middle East & Africa, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, South West Asia, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016.

Of the announced hotel pipeline in the next three years, there are four in Saudi Arabia: Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya,  Hyatt Place Riyadh Sulaimania, Hyatt House Jeddah/Sari Street and Hyatt Place Jeddah/Medina Road; and two in the UAE  - Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residences Emirates Pearl and Hyatt Place Dubai/Al Maktoum).

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl: Enjoying a prime location close to the centre of Abu Dhabi, the iconic 47-storey hotel is located on the Southwest end of the Coastal Boulevard in the Ras Al Akhdar district. It is conveniently located close to upscale shopping malls and tourist attractions, and is only 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi International airport and less than two hours from Dubai’s international airport.

The contemporary “twisting” glass tower offers 368-rooms and 60 fully-furnished service apartments with four restaurants, a lounge, two bars, extensive meeting facilities and a sophisticated spa and fitness centre. The hotel has been designed by Dennis Lems Architects Associates, with interiors by MKV Design of London.  

Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya: A Hyatt affiliate has entered into an agreement with Mohammed A Al Swailem Co for Commercial Investment for a Hyatt Regency hotel in Riyadh offering 260 guestrooms including 40 suites spread across 28 floors of modern architecture. Each room and suite offers rich textures, designer décor, fine furnishings, panoramic views of the vibrant city of Riyadh and natural daylight, which is equally suited to work or relaxation.

The hotel, slated to launch in 2016, will also feature a lobby lounge, two restaurants, a Regency Club lounge, Fitness Centre, more than 1,000 sq m of ballroom and event space, and a number of small meeting rooms.

Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya is ideally situated downtown in Olaya Street, a prime location for both business and pleasure. From the hotel's location in the heart of the central business district, it is just a two-minute walk to Centria Mall, Olaya Towers and Tahlia Street, where business meets fashion and entertainment.

The global hospitality company, headquartered in Chicago, US, also announced that it has opened 49 new hotels worldwide in 2015 alone; and the pace of openings is expected to increase further in 2016 as more than 60 hotels are expected to open this year.

Of the hotels planned to open this year, over one-half will be select service hotels which is a testament to the strength of the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands. Hyatt select service presence now spans across five continents, 12 countries and over 200 cities. The number of select service rooms in the system has nearly doubled since 2009, to more than 42,000 rooms, across 306 hotels as of the end of 2015. Included in this total are 241 Hyatt Place hotels, and 65 Extended Stay Hyatt House hotels.  

Hyatt’s “select service” brand – Hyatt Place has seen remarkable success in Dubai with Hyatt Place Dubai/Al Rigga and Hyatt Place Dubai/Baniyas Square. “We firmly believe that with the current economic status there will be more call than ever for mid-market propositions, which is where we look to further enhance our Hyatt Place portfolio as well as continuing to expand our premium offerings in order to cater to the different needs of our loyal guests.” noted Daoud.

Hyatt is taking part at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) now under way in Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre and. The company is located at stand HC0450 in Sheikh Saeed Arena Hall. The event runs till April 28. -TradeArabia News Service