Haitham Mattar, managing director, India, Middle East & Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, discusses the region’s robust tourism landscape and offers a peek into the group’s pipeline, including the soon-to-launch project that is set to become the world’s all hotel tower in Dubai Marina.
In your experience, what key factors make the Middle East a leading global tourism hub, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia?
The Middle East has established itself as a global tourism powerhouse, driven by visionary leaders, strategic investments, and deep cultural heritage. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are setting benchmarks in hospitality, infrastructure, and world-class travel experiences.
The UAE boasts one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets, with the industry poised to grow further significantly by 2030. Dubai alone is set to welcome 40 million hotel guests by 2031, and – supported by the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) – its leadership has played an instrumental role in positioning the city among the top three global destinations.
This is reflected in the record-breaking 18.72 million international visitors the emirate welcomed in 2024, enjoying luxury offerings, cultural experiences, and thriving events sector. As per recent reports, the UAE is also the Gulf’s MICE leader, accounting for 50 percent of the region’s total market – underscoring its reputation for high-end tourism and best-in-class event infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has propelled the kingdom into a new era of tourism-led growth, with significant investment aimed at attracting 150 million visitors by 2030. While religious tourism remains a cornerstone, the rapid expansion of leisure tourism projects in key cities and development of secondary markets is redefining the hospitality in the country.
For IHG, these markets represent significant growth opportunities. The UAE accounts for over 14 percent (by number of rooms) of our Middle East development pipeline, while Saudi Arabia represents more than 54 percent. As both nations simplify travel, invest in transformative projects, and create unique visitor experiences, the region will remain a top choice for travelers seeking adventure, luxury, and cultural depth. And at IHG, we remain fully committed to growing with the region.
Read: UAE hotels earn $10.1 billion in first 10 months of 2024, marking a 4 percent growth
IHG recently signed a strategic memorandum of agreement with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to enhance visitor experiences through various initiatives. How will this partnership elevate Dubai’s hospitality sector?
At IHG, our commitment has always been to deliver exceptional guest experiences at exciting destinations, and our partnership with DET is a testament to that ambition. By leveraging our global scale and deep local expertise, we aim to continue promoting Dubai as a global tourism and business hub via our industry-leading loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, as well as through impactful marketing and promotional campaigns.
This will not only attract a broader spectrum of visitors but also elevate their overall experience with bespoke offerings – from curated cultural tours to seasonal packages tailored to different traveler segments. Aligned with D33, this collaboration brings together IHG’s operational expertise and DET’s strategic vision, to drive sustainable, long-term growth in the city’s hospitality landscape.
IHG’s Vignette Collection is set to open Ciel Tower in Dubai Marina this year. What makes this project stand out in the luxury hospitality landscape, and how will it redefine guest experiences in Dubai?
The Ciel Tower Hotel is set to become a landmark in Dubai’s hospitality landscape – not just for its record-breaking height, but also for the exceptional guest experiences it will offer. As the world’s tallest all-hotel tower, the Vignette Collection property will redefine luxury, lifestyle, and experiential hospitality in Dubai Marina. With over 1,000 rooms and suites across more than 80 floors, the Ciel Tower Hotel will offer unparalleled views of The Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf.
Yet what truly sets this project apart is the blend of architectural innovation, curated luxury, and distinct character, with each element designed to immerse guests in something extraordinary.
Our partnership with The First Group ensures this project will set new hospitality benchmarks, further strengthening Dubai’s appeal as a premier global business and leisure destination.
With the signing of Regent Makkah, IHG is expanding its presence in the luxury religious tourism sector. How does this align with the increasing demand for premium hospitality near religious sites, and are there plans for further expansion in this segment across the region?
Spiritual tourism is one of the most significant travel drivers in the region, and with the signing of Regent Makkah, we are elevating the hospitality experience for pilgrims and travelers seeking the highest levels of world-class comfort and service.
The introduction of Regent reflects the growing demand for ultra-luxury hospitality within the spiritual tourism sector. Located just steps away from Masjid al-Haram, and featuring direct views of the Holy Mosque and Al Kaaba, it offers thoughtfully curated wellness experiences and diverse culinary offerings. We truly believe it will redefine opulence in Makkah.
The Middle East is home to some of the most significant spiritual and cultural sites in the world, and as travel infrastructure continues to improve, there is a clear opportunity to enhance the guest experience at spiritual destinations. Our focus remains on delivering authentic, meaningful, and elevated stays, and we are actively exploring opportunities to bring our luxury brands to other key religious and heritage locations across the region.
As sustainability becomes a key focus, how is IHG integrating eco-friendly initiatives and responsible tourism practices into its upcomingdevelopments?
Sustainability is a key focus for us at IHG and we are embedding into every aspect of our business – from reducing our environmental footprint, supporting local communities, to creating a better workplace for our people.
On the environmental front, we are working closely with our hotels to cut carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and find sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic. The IHG Green Engage system, for example, helps hotels assess and track their energy consumption and implement various energy-efficient measures. This includes use of LED lighting, low flow showers and faucets, utilising alternate source of energy, wherever it is possible, tracking of waste generation, etc.
Beyond this, we are deeply committed to making a real difference in the communities where we operate. Closer to home, our ongoing work with Al Noor Training Centre for People of Determination in Dubai is something we are especially proud of. In addition to providing financial support, we are taking keen interest in training, mentorship, and fundraising initiatives.
For our people, we are focused on creating an inclusive and supportive workplace by investing in training, well-being, and career development, to ensure our teams are equipped for the future of sustainable hospitality.
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