The Ascott has announced plans to open 16 properties across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye (MEAT) by the end of 2028, expanding its regional portfolio as the hospitality group targets 15,000 units by 2030, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026.

Two properties comprising 176 units are scheduled to open before the end of 2026.

These include the 86-unit Ascott Villas Riyadh, the group’s first villa community in Saudi Arabia, and the 90-unit waterfront Citadines Sharq Kuwait, marking Ascott’s entry into Kuwait.

The developments are designed to address market-specific demand and evolving guest preferences.

In 2027, Ascott plans to strengthen its African presence with the 130-unit Citadines Bab Tangier in Morocco, while further expanding in Saudi Arabia with Citadines City Centre Al Khobar.

The group is planning nine additional openings across the region in 2028. Key projects include Al Theeb Tower by The Crest Collection in Riyadh, featuring 211 apartments, and the 539-unit Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director for the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye at The Ascott Limited, says: “The resilience of our operating model has been particularly evident through recent market disruption, with occupancy across our regional portfolio exceeding 70% in early 2026. For us, that reinforces both the strength of demand for flexible accommodation and our confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the region.

“We see significant growth potential across markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Morocco, however our approach is not simply about adding more properties. It is about identifying where the strongest opportunities exist and matching the right brand, operating model and partnership to each market and development. As we work towards our regional growth target, that disciplined approach will remain central to how we expand.” -TradeArabia News Service