Accor has taken over the operations of two landmark hotels as part of a new strategic partnership with Dubai Developments, the privately held development company established by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Minister of Finance of the UAE and Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
In a move that consolidates Accor’s status as the largest hotel operator in Dubai and the UAE, the Group will manage Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan, Swissôtel and Swissôtel Living Al Murooj.
Under partnership terms, both hotels are set to undergo significant upgrades in line with brand standards to ensure they meet the needs of today’s travellers in one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets.
The double property takeover, effective this month, adds another 800 keys to Accor’s Dubai network.
“Our visionary leader, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, has given us clear direction to guarantee the happiness of every guest who visits Dubai and to innovate and set new benchmarks in the tourism sector with this goal in mind,” says His Excellency Eng. Essa Al Maidoor, director general, Dubai Developments.
“A strong momentum in our growth strategy and innovative direction by our founding father, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marks our partnerships with Accor, multi international key players within the Hospitality business and this is definitely a key milestone. In Dubai Developments, our mission is investing in bringing rewarding experiences to our customers, building loyalty with employees, growing in excellence and expertise with our stakeholders and serving the community as responsible, committed citizens. Innovate while remaining connected to our core values and know-how. Ultimately, Quality of Living, Customer Happiness and Sustainable Collaborations and Partnerships become the key of our journey.”
Following the takeover of Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan, the property, which has been operational since 1997, will undergo a three-year phased improvement plan according to Mövenpick brand standards and will feature 279 rooms and suites, and seven F&B outlets, including three specialty restaurants, an all-day dining venue, a pool bar, lobby lounge and shisha café; and 4,000sqm of banqueting and meeting facilities to meet strong demand for large corporate and social events.
Swissôtel and Swissôtel Living Dubai Al Murooj, a property that has been operational since 2005, is at the epicentre of Dubai’s leading business and tourism landmarks.
Following its takeover, Accor will implement a three-year upgrade according to brand guidelines. The property will feature 251 rooms and 285 extended-stay apartments spanning studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom units, complemented by 1,500sqm of banqueting and meeting facilities and 11 dining venues including four specialty restaurants, an all-day dining outlet, pool bar and two cafés.
