Marriott International, a leading global hospitality company, has signed an agreement with The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) to debut its Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand off the west coast of Saudi Arabia.
Slated to debut in 2023, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is expected to form part of the eagerly anticipated Red Sea destination and offer a highly personalized leisure experience that blends intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and indigenous design. Nujuma will be the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide.
“We are thrilled to bring our most luxurious brand, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and its exemplary experience to the Middle East. Perfectly situated on one of the most anticipated regenerative tourism projects in the world, the resort will blend seclusion and sophistication to provide a highly personalized luxury escape,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.
Nujuma will be situated on a pristine set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands. Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort is expected to feature 63 one to four bedroom water and beach villas. Plans also include a range of luxurious amenities and exceptional services including a lavish spa, swimming pools, multiple culinary venues, a retail area and a variety of other leisure and entertainment offerings including a Conservation Center.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a complete escape to the unexpected: a private and transformative travel experience that is centred around human connection and brings together unique elements of the local culture, heritage and environment.
For the most discerning travellers seeking a distinct and luxurious escape, Reserve properties are tucked away in handpicked corners of the world, featuring chic, relaxed and intimate settings that weave indigenous flavours with highly responsive and individualized service. Current Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are located in Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.
The destination is also expected to include 18 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences, offering owners a one-of-a-kind living experience.
“I am excited to welcome Ritz-Carlton Reserve into the fold of our luxury collection of brands for The Red Sea,” said John Pagano, CEO at The Red Sea Development Company. “Around the world, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are synonymous with providing unique luxury experiences and creating personalized meaningful escapes, underpinned by a commitment to sustainable practices. As we inch closer to opening our first resorts early next year, this world-class brand is sure to excite and entice future guests.”
The Red Sea Project is an ambitious regenerative tourism project, covering 28,000 sq km on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, of which less than one percent will be developed. The destination is expected to offer a new type of barefoot luxury experience and is being developed with the highest standards of sustainability.
The development features an archipelago of more than 90 untouched natural islands, as well as dormant volcanoes, sweeping desert dunes, mountains and wadis, and more than 1,600 cultural heritage sites. - TradeArabia News Service
Travel, Tourism & Hospitality
Marriott, TRSDC to debut Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Mideast
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
