Our researchers have been through the TOPHOTELPROJECTS construction database and found a wealth of schemes across the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Across the Middle East, 631 hotel projects with 185,366 rooms are currently in the works, our data shows. We take a closer look at the region’s key growth markets.

Middle East hotel openings by year

In the second half of 2021, 171 properties with 43,331 keys will launch throughout the region. Of these schemes, 70 are currently in the pre-opening phase.

For 2022, 209 properties with 66,535 new rooms have already been pencilled in. Another 91 projects are due for completion in 2023, bringing 26,599 extra keys into play, while 2024 and beyond will also be busy, as 160 hotels and 48,901 rooms are on the development slate at present.

Interestingly, the split between new four- and five-star hotels in the Middle East is almost even. Our figures indicate that 317 properties are in the four-star bracket and 314 are targeting the five-star segment.

Top national growth markets in the Middle East

The UAE tops our list with 199 projects and 58,214 rooms on the cards; 142 of these hotels will launch in Dubai alone, adding 43,416 rooms to the Emirate’s already well-established offering.

Saudi Arabia comes in second with 160 hotels under development. However, given their combined room count of 70,686, it’s clear that these properties will on average be a good deal larger than those planned for Dubai.

After highlighting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious pipeline, perhaps it’s no surprise to see that two of the Middle East’s top three urban growth markets are in the Kingdom. The capital city of Riyadh comes first with 41 new properties and 9,586 keys, while Jeddah will see 37 hotels with 9,139 rooms open their doors.

Incidentally, Israel takes third place in the country-by-country rankings, with 61 scheduled openings and 11,841 keys.

Middle East Hotel Construction Report

Did you know that 700 hotel projects are in the pipeline in the Middle East? Get your free copy of our latest report for more details.

International brands expanding in the Middle East

Among the many international brands building up their presence in the Middle East, three stand out for their current project portfolios.

Millennium Hotels will add 15 locations and 5,093 rooms to its local offering. Hilton Garden Inn will also launch 15 hotels, albeit with a lower total room count of 3,362, which hints at a slightly smaller average property size.

Finally, Hilton Worldwide’s signature brand Hilton Hotels & Resorts will grow its footprint by 14 properties and 5,379 keys.

Middle East hotel projects worth following

This time, all three of our noteworthy hotel projects are in Dubai, reflecting its dominant position in the Middle East’s hospitality scene.

The first is Ciel Dubai, a property set to offer 892 guestrooms and 150 suites in a 365-metre tower in Dubai Marina. This scheme will feature multiple F&B venues, a business centre and conference rooms on level 15, a spa retreat and health club on level 54, an infinity pool on level 76 and a rooftop observation deck. Its opening has been scheduled for 2023.

Right around the corner, Paramount Tower Hotels & Residences Dubai will launch in early 2022. A 64-storey tower will boast a 787-room hotel and residences, providing an array of signature Paramount Hotels & Resorts amenities for guests and residents alike. For example, it’ll offer a private Paramount Pictures screening room, a rooftop infinity swimming pool with a terrace, and a fitness and wellness centre with a state-of-the-art spa.

Just a short drive down the road, Millennium Place JVT Dubai will open in Q3 2021. Even before opening, it’s already won awards for following and promoting the highest international standards for construction and design. Designed by Al Hawraa Engineering Consultants and The First Group, the 579-key hotel will offer two specialty restaurants, a spa, a business centre, a luxurious rooftop clubhouse with a swimming pool, a gym, steam rooms and a sundeck.

Many TOPHOTELNEWS articles draw on exclusive information from the TOPHOTELPROJECTS construction database. This subscription-based product includes details of thousands of hotel projects around the world, along with the key decision-makers behind them. Please note, our data may differ from records held by other organisations. Generally, the database focuses on four- and five-star schemes of significant scale; tracks projects in either the vision, pre-planning, planning, under-construction, pre-opening or newly opened phase; and covers newbuilds, extensions, refurbishments and conversions.

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