Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Ramee Group announces hotel acquisition, expansion plans

Ramee Group announced the 100 per cent acquisition of Bahrain's Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa in the Seef area as well as major expansion plans at a press conference today.

Ramee Properties, a unit of Ramee Group, previously owned 40 per cent of the property, valued at BD30-million ($77.3 million). It has now acquired the remaining 60 per cent shares from Alireza and sons Group.

The group also revealed plans to develop another five-star property in the kingdom. Estimated to cost over BD7 million ($18 million), the Juffair Views will be a luxurious hotel apartment development featuring 120 suites, a restaurant, spa, health club and outdoor swimming pool.

Raj Shetty, chairman of Ramee Group of Hotels and Ramee Properties, said: "This acquisition will add value to the property and give us an opportunity to provide enhanced services."

"Bahrain's hospitality sector showed positive results last year, as our occupancy rates went up 4-5 per cent compared to 2015," he said.

"We have been continously investing in the kingdom for the past 20 years and will continue to do so. we have great confidence in our team here and their approach. we are produ of the kingdom's leadership and theri vision in providing the necessary infrastructure for the hospitality industry to grow. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism for their continuous support," said Shetty.

Also present at the conference were Girish Rodiyal, executive assistant manager of Ramee Grand Hotel, Seef; Ahamed Nadeem, project head, Ramee Group; and Brian Spence, Group general manager.

Located in close proximity to shopping destinations, the exhibition centre and conveniently accessible from King Fahd Causeway, Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa offers 175 rooms, a variety of dining options, a rejuvenating Spa, health club, salon and swimming pool.

Speaking on the Juffair Views, Nadeem said construction is expected to begin in 2018 and it will be fully operational by the end of 2020.

The group, which owns more than 40 properties in the region and India, has also been very aggressive in its expansion, unveiling plans to open a Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa in Dubai's Business Bay. Expected to cost Dh350 million ($95.2 million), construction of the hotel is already under way and it will be open to guests in 2019.

The Dubai property will cover an area of 500,000-sq-ft and will offer 200 rooms, five food and beverage outlets, a 2,000-sq-m banquet hall as well as a spa and other amenities.

"Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa is our flagship five-star brand and we are proud to take it to Dubai," Nadeem added. The Dubai hotel will be completely owned by the Ramee Group.

Other expansion plans include Oman, where it is looking to add another 80 rooms and other F&B options to its exiting portfolio of three hotels.

Ramee Group also plans to upgrade all of its existing four-star properties in the kingdom to be in line with the new guidelines released by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, said Spence. The renovation programme, which will cover a total of 800 rooms, is expected to be completed by 2018. - TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Contracts awarded for Dubai community neighbourhood councils

Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with the Community Development Authority, has announced the awarding of a contract for the construction of five new community neighbourhood councils in the areas of Nad Al Sheba II, Al Awir II, Al Barsha South I, Al Warqa II, and Hatta.
 
This project supports the goals of the ‘Year of Community’, declared for 2025, which aims to strengthen family and societal bonds, and is aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which seeks to enhance the well-being of Emirati families, reinforce national identity and values, and ensure a cohesive and inclusive social environment.
 
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority, affirmed that neighbourhood councils serve as living examples of social cohesion in Dubai.
 
"These spaces bring community members together in environments that support dialogue, preserve heritage, and reflect the UAE’s cultural identity," she stated.
 
"As part of our role in supervising neighbourhood councils, we are committed to evolving these facilities in line with the needs of residents, ensuring they contribute to national identity and foster meaningful engagement through a variety of activities and events," observed Hessa. 
 
She said establishing new councils represents a pivotal step in enhancing social services across residential areas. 
 
"This expansion supports the leadership’s vision of building a more connected and empowered society. These projects respond to population growth and urban development while ensuring that high-quality services reach every neighbourhood, in accordance with the highest standards," she added.
 
The five councils will follow a unified architectural design reflecting modern aesthetics while respecting Emirati heritage. 
 
The Hatta council will be adapted to suit the area’s unique heritage and urban standards, ensuring that it complements the natural and historical environment of the region.
 
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said these councils are essential to keeping pace with the evolving needs of citizens and providing facilities that ensure a decent, happy, and stable life for all.
 
"They offer spaces that strengthen community cohesion, encourage younger generations to uphold Emirati traditions, and create inclusive platforms for dialogue, consultation, and engagement," he noted.
 
Each council will cover approximately 1,256 sq m, within a total development area of 6,280 sq m and will include a divisible multi-use hall, a majlis for daily use, separate prayer halls for men and women, a reception area, staff offices, storage spaces, preparatory kitchens, and toilet facilities.
 
According to him, construction of the Al Barsha South I, Al Warqa II, Nad Al Sheba II, and Al Awir II councils is expected to be completed by Q4, while Hatta’s council is set for handover in Q2 2026.-TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Dusit to boost its presence in India with new luxury brands

Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, is set to boost its presence in India by launching new luxury and upper midscale brands in key regions including Bhiwadi, Raipur, Lonavala, Kasol, Kolkata, Manali, and Karnataka. 
 
In addition to exploring opportunities in India's Tier 1 cities, Dusit also aims to target Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations.
 
With rising disposable incomes, increasing demand for premium stays, and enhanced connectivity reshaping India's hospitality landscape, Dusit is focused on underserved yet high-potential markets nationwide.
 
In addition to exploring opportunities in India's Tier 1 cities, Dusit also aims to target Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations where luxury and upscale hospitality options are currently limited – creating opportunities to deliver curated, high-end experiences tailored to local demand. 
 
This strategic expansion builds on the momentum of Dusit's recent foray into the Indian market with the opening of the contemporary, upscale dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla in December 2024, and the signings of three key properties in Karnataka: the wellness-focused Devarana Sakleshpur, Karnataka – A Dusit Retreat (set to open in 2028), and two upcoming Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts.
 
With a diverse brand portfolio spanning the ultra-luxury Devarana – Dusit Retreats to upper midscale and midscale brands such as Dusit Princess and ASAI Hotels, Dusit plans to tap underserved locations where it can leverage its expertise in delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to meet the needs of today's business and leisure travellers.
 
Prioritising quality over quantity, the company is thoughtfully selecting locations that align with its ethos of premium, experience-driven hospitality – offering a distinctive blend of holistic wellness, contemporary design, and exceptional service.
 
As part of this vision, Dusit is preparing to launch six additional hotels across the country. The upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand will debut in Raipur (200 keys), Bhiwadi (165 keys), Kolkata (220 keys), and Lonavala (120 keys). 
 
Meanwhile, two boutique luxury properties under the recently introduced Dusit Collection brand – in Kasol and Manali (each with 40 rooms) – will offer refined escapes in the Himalayan foothills.
 
"India represents an exceptional growth opportunity for Dusit – across major metros and particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where premium hospitality options remain limited despite strong demand," said Siradej Donavanik, the Vice President – Development (Global), Dusit International. 
 
"The country's tourism industry is evolving rapidly, with increasing demand for high-quality, experience-driven stays. By blending our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with wellness-led experiences and destination-driven properties, we aim to create exceptional stays that resonate deeply with Indian travellers," he stated.
 
"Through strategic partnerships with visionary local developers, we are committed to shaping India's premium hospitality landscape for the long term," he added.-TradeArabia News Service