Marriott inks a deal for 14 new properties in MEA

Strengthening its position across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), Marriott International announced 14 new signings at the 2014 Annual Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC). The new properties will see the brand expand its regional footprint in UAE and Saudi Arabia. The company also announced further growth to its African pipeline with signing of eight new properties under the Protea Hotels brand.

UAE will also be home to three new properties including the Renaissance Dubai Downtown Hotel. The company has announced signing of a long-term agreement with RDK Tourism Investment LLC to manage the new 312-room Renaissance Dubai Downtown Hotel. The new property is scheduled to open in 2015. In addition, Marriott International has also confirmed a further two properties will open in the new outdoor lifestyle concept by Meraas Holding; Dubai Marriott Hotel Citywalk and Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai City Walk.

Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa Continent, said: “Marriott International’s fast growing footprint across the Middle East and Africa is a response to the huge potential we continue to observe in the region. At present the Gulf economies are experiencing strong GDP growth which translates into opportunity for our industry.”

Saudi Arabia will see Marriott International boost its presence in the Kingdom’s extended stay segment with signing of Courtyard by Marriott Al Khobar and Residence Inn by Marriott Al Khobar. Furthermore, Marriott International confirms it is set to open the Residence Inn by Marriott Jazan in Q4 of 2014, bringing total operational ‘Residence Inn by Marriott’ properties to three region-wide by the end of 2014; Courtyard by Marriott properties will also increase from five to six properties by early 2015. Marriott International also recently signed a new Marriott Hotel in Jeddah: the Jeddah Marriott Hotel has 283 rooms and is projected to open in late 2016.