Expansion Plans in Saudi Arabia and Africa Amid Global Challenges

Rotana Hotels Group is aggressively expanding its presence in the UAE, GCC, and broader MENA region, aiming to reach 120 hotels within the next 2-3 years. The group currently has around 30 hotels in its pipeline, with an additional 10-15 under discussion. While the UAE remains a significant market, the primary focus is shifting towards regional and continental opportunities, particularly in Saudi Arabia, which is the biggest development market.

Saudi Arabia is a key focus, with 11 existing hotels and 11 more under development. Rotana is also exploring opportunities in North and Sub-Saharan Africa, with projects underway in Egypt, Ghana, and Somalia. Expansion into Europe includes a new resort in Sharm El Sheikh and potential projects in Georgia, Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria. Rotana emphasizes a focused strategy, prioritizing flagship properties and leveraging its deep understanding of the region, while remaining cautiously optimistic about the global economy.

Despite the positive outlook, Rotana is monitoring potential economic impacts from international trade disputes affecting key European markets, which are crucial for UAE tourism. The company is also expanding its workforce, currently employing just under 10,000 colleagues and expecting to surpass 11,000 within 18 months.

In the UAE, Rotana positions itself as an "affordable luxury" brand, with strong occupancy levels across emirates. The group has ongoing developments in Abu Dhabi, with plans for further expansion. The UAE remains an affordable destination compared to global hubs, contributing to its appeal.