Ascott Targets Major Expansion in MENA with Focus on UAE and Saudi Arabia
Aligning with its target of 10,000 units by 2025, Ascott will introduce over 5,500 new units with a focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
2 min
The Ascott Limited, a leading lodging owner and operator, has announced significant expansion initiatives aimed at enhancing its presence in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENA) regions. The company plans to capitalize on its internationally recognized brands, including Ascott The Residence, Somerset, and Citadines, to bolster its market presence in these key Gulf nations.
“With the burgeoning demand for serviced residences in the region, we have implemented a strategic phased expansion with new Ascott brand introductions that cater to dynamic market preferences across the luxury and lifestyle segments,” Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director of Middle East, Africa, India and Türkiye at The Ascott Limited, said on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
Expansion and Innovation
This strategic expansion within Saudi Arabia is designed to align with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims at economic diversification and a transformation of the travel sector. As the leisure industry grows, Ascott is preparing to fulfill the increasing demand for high-end accommodations, offering personalized and in-depth experiences that go beyond conventional hotels.
By the fourth quarter of 2024, Ascott plans to introduce 90 luxury villas at Ascott Villas Riyadh, in line with the country’s ambitious plans for its hospitality sector. Additionally, the company will launch new living concepts under its brands such as lyf, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Oakwood, and Oakwood Premiere, addressing a wide range of travel preferences.
Ascott also intends to penetrate new markets such as Kuwait and Egypt while expanding its foothold in existing markets like Oman and Bahrain. The company is also targeting the addition of 1,000 units in strategic African hubs like Morocco and Kenya, as well as in the Turkish locales of Izmir and Bodrum.
“Ascott will expand its offerings beyond serviced apartments, to hotels, co-living spaces, and more,” Miccolis revealed. Ascott will focus on expanding food and beverage offerings through a new Regional F&B Division. This will develop trendy cafes and upscale dining concepts reflecting local cultures and global standards of excellence and sustainability.
Its innovative Hotel-in-Residence model merges the comforts of home with premium hotel services, thus maximizing asset use, diversifying revenue streams, and boosting guest satisfaction. This model appeals to digital nomads, business travelers, and families who value flexibility and space.
“With flexibility embedded into all Ascott properties, we are poised to cement our leading position in the region to offer unique and luxurious accommodations that meet the evolving needs of the modern traveller,” Miccolis said.
The expansion demonstrates Ascott’s robust commitment to growth, innovation, and redefining hospitality across the dynamic MENA region.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Providing a high-end smart living experience for residents
2 min
In a groundbreaking move, Batelco, a subsidiary of the Beyon Group, has entered a strategic partnership with Grnata, a renowned real estate group, to integrate advanced smart solutions into the Golden Gate residential towers in Bahrain Bay.
The formal agreement was signed at Beyon’s headquarters by Hassan Al Mushaima, Chairman of Grnata Real Estate Group, and Maitham Abdulla, Chief Executive Officer of Batelco, witnessed by representatives from both companies.
This collaboration aims to transform the Golden Gate towers, among Bahrain’s tallest residential structures, into a high-tech haven. Batelco will deploy state-of-the-art technology solutions to enhance residents’ living experience.
A standout feature of this project is the implementation of a bespoke In-Building Solution (IBS), designed to boost wireless signal quality and coverage across all floors, ensuring seamless connectivity. Additionally, cutting-edge video surveillance (CCTV) systems will be installed to enhance security, providing residents with increased peace of mind.
Furthermore, the Golden Gate towers will be equipped with the latest technology systems, enabling residents to remotely control various aspects of their apartments. This includes managing lighting, air conditioning, windows, curtains, and main door access. The system is designed to be future proof, allowing integration with upcoming advancements in home automation, thus ensuring residents benefit from emerging smart home capabilities.
Hassan Al Mushaima, Chairman of Grnata Real Estate Group said: “We are pleased to announce our new strategic partnership with Batelco, Bahrain’s leading telecommunications provider.”
“Batelco’s extensive expertise in smart and digital solutions will be invaluable in equipping the towers with best-in-class connectivity, automation, and intelligent building management solutions. We are excited to leverage Batelco’s innovative capabilities to create a sophisticated and future-ready smart infrastructure for the Golden Gate Towers and provide our customers with the very best modern apartments in the market,” he added.
Maitham Abdulla, Batelco CEO, stated: “We are delighted to partner with Grnata to deliver apartments that match the evolving demands of modern-day living. We are confident that Batelco’s solutions, designed for a contemporary lifestyle, will offer convenience and efficiency, elevating the overall living experience for the Golden Gate towers residents.”
Mr. Abdulla further emphasized, “By integrating the latest smart home features and connectivity throughout the towers, we can provide residents with a lifestyle that is not only luxurious, but also highly convenient, efficient, and secure.” “Batelco is eager to expand its presence within the real estate sector and redefine the standards of contemporary urban living. This partnership with Grnata marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and Batelco looks forward to future collaborations and projects,” he concluded.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
