MGallery by Sofitel, AccorHotels' collection of unique boutique hotels, has signed two landmark agreements with leading investor and operator Khamas Group of Investments, for two properties in Dubai - MGallery Dubai Business Bay and MGallery Bur Dubai.

Commenting on the signing, Bader Mohamed Yousuf Bukhamas, chairman of Khamas Group of Investment Companies, said: “We are delighted and proud with this partnership for two hotels with MGallery, a brand within the Luxury and Upper Upscale portfolio of AccorHotels.”

The 144-room MGallery Dubai Business Bay, set to open in 2021, will be situated adjacent to the upcoming Marasi Business Bay development and in close proximity to dynamic leisure projects such as the Dubai Design District and Dubai Canal. MGallery Dubai Business Bay will occupy the same building as Mama Shelter, designed by world-renowned architects and interior designers Franklin Azzi and Thierry Gaugain.

Drawing from MGallery’s focus on innovative dining concepts, the hotel will feature four distinct options including a trendy rooftop bar and restaurant, rooftop pool bar, all-day dining restaurant and executive lounge which will help establish MGallery as a lifestyle destination.

The 164-room MGallery Bur Dubai will open to guests in August of this year, following the rebrand of an iconic existing hotel. The revitalisation of this property is part of the on-going evolution of a historically significant area of Bur Dubai, home to some of the emirate’s largest heritage attractions such as the Dubai Gold Souq and Al Fahidi Historical District and new developments such as La Mer, City Walk, Al Seef and The Pearl Jumeirah.  MGallery Bur Dubai will feature seven unique concepts inspired by the heritage of its surroundings including an all-day dining restaurant, three lounges, a signature restaurant by internationally acclaimed Indian celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor and two nightclub venues.

Inspired by MGallery’s focus on serenity, the hotel will also offer an indoor heated pool and rooftop swimming pool and spa – including seven treatment rooms.

Following the signing, Sami Nasser, chief operating officer, Luxury Brands, AccorHotels Middle East, commented: “Today marks the strategic expansion of one of our signature lifestyle concepts in the Middle East. MGallery is internationally acclaimed as a collection of storied boutique hotels, standing as a gateway for guests into another world. Since its launch in the region with The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery, we have witnessed an increasing demand for hospitality concepts with a memorable and charming, yet singular personality, rooted in its surrounding history and local culture. Through the expansion of MGallery – with the MGallery Dubai Business Bay and MGallery Bur Dubai – we hope to better cater towards this dynamic within the industry.”

Pawan Kachroo, managing director of Khamas Group, said: “The signing of these two landmark agreements showcases our strong belief in the importance of introducing personality-driven hospitality concepts to the region. MGallery embodies this unique feature and through these agreements we hope to create a storytelling hotel experience, a dynamic that is missing in the industry as a whole. Our partnership with AccorHotels has allowed us to find a partner that not only shares our vision to help revitalize the hospitality industry, but one that possesses immense experience and expertise in providing the correct distribution platforms to make this objective an actionable reality.”

Offering a mix of heritage, serenity and signature hotels, MGallery hotels offer one-of-a-kind moments, spirited by local experiences, lively food and beverages and customised discovery tours. MGallery has 90 unique addresses including flagship properties such as Hotel Molitor Paris-MGallery, INK Hotel Amsterdam MGallery, Hotel Muse Bangkok by MGallery Collection, Le Grand Hotel Cabourg MGallery, and others in 24 countries around the world. The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery was the first in the Middle East in addition to becoming the first wellness-focused resort in the region when it opened its doors last year.

AccorHotels has over 70 hotels in operation and in the pipeline in the UAE. The committed network (operational and pipeline) of AccorHotels in the Middle East and Africa is over 300 hotels, representing 80,000 rooms across 30 countries in the region. - TradeArabia News Service