The UAE’s hospitality market experienced a challenging first half of 2026 as regional disruptions impacted international travel demand and airline operations. The hotel occupancy rates across the country plunged 27.7% with Dubai recording the sharpest declines, said a report.
Marjan and Wynn Resorts have broken ground on Janu Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, marking the start of construction on the emirate’s first Janu destination, a luxury hospitality and branded residential project scheduled to open in 2029.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has marked the completion of its inaugural UAE Bootcamp Career Builder Recognition Programme, with 21 young Emirati hospitality professionals graduating from an intensive leadership course at Les Roches Marbella hospitality school in Spain.
Vatel Bahrain has launched “Explore Hospitality,” a two-week summer programme aimed at introducing young people aged 15 to 18 to career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has entered into a strategic partnership with Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, a five-star boutique lifestyle hotel from top hospitality group Hyatt, to power the property with clean energy, verified through Clean Energy Certificates.
The Gulf hospitality sector is expected to begin recovering in the fourth quarter of 2026 as geopolitical tensions ease, although hotel occupancy is unlikely to return to pre-war levels before the end of 2027, according to S&P Global Ratings.
Knowledge Economic City (KEC) has signed an agreement with Saudi group Alrashid Properties to develop a premium mixed-use project - the Multaqa Residences - in Madinah on a 149,520 sq m area. The SAR1.35 billion ($359 million) project will boast branded residences as well as retail and hospitality assets.
Saudi Wood Expo, the largest and licensed wood exhibition in the kingdom, will be back for its third edition starting from August 30 in Riyadh bringing together international exhibitors and industry professionals from over 20 countries to explore opportunities in the kingdom's $4.1 billion wood sector.
Radisson Hotel Group continued to accelerate its growth strategy in the first half of 2026, signing and opening 160 hotels, representing more than 22,000 keys.
Star, a human capability development company headquartered in Riyadh, and global hospitality group Hilton have announced a strategic partnership dedicated to human capital development within Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry.
