George Sell

🏨 Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai opened at Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road. This 303-meter tower, designed by UNStudio and engineered by Werner Sobek, features 259 rooms and suites, and 224 residences launching in 2026. The hotel offers 10 dining venues, a rooftop helipad, and a two-floor wellness center. With over 2,000 square meters of event space, the opening marks the brand's second Dubai location and expands its portfolio to 44 hotels in 27 countries.

🏠 Since 2023, Marriott's branded residences portfolio expanded by 23% in Europe and 59% in the Middle East and Africa. As of 2025, Marriott signed nearly 20 new agreements in EMEA, half being standalone projects. The portfolio spans 18 countries with 33 locations and over 50 projects in the pipeline. Key 2025 developments include locations in Budapest, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, and Dubai, with six more openings expected by year-end.

🏕️ Hilton expands its luxury hotel portfolio, including nearly 400 properties from Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). The additions are available on Hilton direct booking channels as of today. Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem points at SLH properties and receive exclusive benefits. Notable hotels joining include Hermitage Bay in Antigua and Barbuda, Lanson Place in Hong Kong, Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan, and others across Denmark, Spain, the UK, and the US. This move complements Hilton’s existing luxury brands and follows a deal with AutoCamp for glamping and outdoor lodging.