Accor ties up with Dubai Developments for key hotels takeover

In a move that consolidates Accor’s status as the largest hotel operator in Dubai and the UAE, the group will manage the well-known Movenpick Grand Al Bustan, a property that has become synonymous with the city and nearby Dubai International Airport since it opened more than two decades ago, and Swissôtel and Swissôtel Living Al Murooj, another well-established hotel situated between Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Under partnership terms, both hotels are set to undergo significant upgrades in line with brand standards to ensure they meet the needs of today’s travellers in one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets.

The double property takeover, effective this month, adds another 800 keys to Accor’s Dubai network, bolsters its premium and extended-stay portfolio and builds on the strength of two of the region’s well-known hospitality brands as part of an agreement that paves the way for additional property takeovers going forward.

Engineer Essa Al Maidoor, director general, Dubai Developments, said: “Our visionary leader, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, has given us clear direction to guarantee the happiness of every guest who visits Dubai and to innovate and set new benchmarks in the tourism sector with this goal in mind."

"A strong momentum in our growth strategy and innovative direction by our founding father, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marks our partnerships with Accor, multi international key players within the Hospitality business and this is definitely a key milestone. In Dubai Developments, our mission is investing in bringing rewarding experiences to our customers, building loyalty with employees, growing in excellence and expertise with our stakeholders and serving the community as responsible, committed citizens. Innovate while remaining connected to our core values and know-how. Ultimately, Quality of Living, Customer Happiness and Sustainable Collaborations and Partnerships become the key of our journey,” he said.

“Our strategic partnership with Dubai Developments marks a major milestone in our ambitious development strategy for the UAE, a mature and dynamic market with huge scope to fully leverage our unrivalled portfolio of diverse hospitality brands,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Accor Middle East & Africa.

“Cementing long-term ties with one of the most influential real estate development companies in the country underscores this commitment and demonstrates our takeover and management abilities with a view to taking on additional properties in the near future.”

Following the takeover of M?venpick Grand Al Bustan, the property, which has been operational since 1997, will undergo a three-year phased improvement plan according to M?venpick brand standards and will feature 279 rooms and suites; seven F&B outlets, including three specialty restaurants, an all-day dining venue, a pool bar, lobby lounge and shisha café; and 4,000-sq-m of banqueting and meeting facilities to meet strong demand for large corporate and social events.

Strategically located in Dubai’s historical heartland, Deira, and just minutes from Dubai International Airport, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Cargo Village and the Airport Expo, as well as tourism attractions such as Dubai Creek and the Gold and Spice Souqs, Movenpick’s eighth Dubai property and 58th in the Middle East and Africa region, is expected to attract a healthy mix of Mice, leisure and corporate business.

Swissôtel and Swissôtel Living Dubai Al Murooj, a property that has been operational since 2005, is at the epicentre of Dubai’s leading business and tourism landmarks including the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, its largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall, and largest fountain, Dubai Fountain, all in Downtown Dubai, and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), home to global corporate banks, law offices and conference and exhibition hub, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Upcoming premier business district Business Bay is also on its doorsteps, as well as trendsetting projects such as Dubai Canal.

Following its takeover, Accor will implement a three-year upgrade according to brand guidelines. The property will feature 251 rooms and 285 extended-stay apartments spanning studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom units, complemented by 1,500-sq-m of banqueting and meeting facilities and 11 dining venues including four specialty restaurants, an all-day dining outlet, pool bar and two cafés.

Given its location, accessibility and accommodation offering, Swissôtel and Swissôtel Living Dubai Al Murooj will cater to the fast-growing extended-stay segment, as well as corporate groups and large families who appreciate apartment-style living during their visit to Dubai.

This formula has already been tried and tested in Dubai’s well-established Deira district following the recent takeover and rebrand of Swissôtel and Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair, which has proven an overwhelming success.

The Swissôtel and M?venpick takeovers grow Accor’s UAE portfolio to close to 17,000 keys across 60 hotels. The group has more than 280 properties in the Middle East & Africa, with more than 61,000 keys in the market. - TradeArabia News Service