Rotana, one of the leading hospitality management companies in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe, is driving forward its ambitious vision of operating 100 hotels by 2020, with the opening of 16 new properties by 2017.
The developments will see more than 3,756 keys added to the group’s existing inventory, helping Rotana grow its portfolio to 75 operating hotels with more than 19,450 keys in total. Projects will include five new properties in the UAE, four in Saudi Arabia, two each in Turkey and Iraq, and the opening of Rotana’s first ever property in Muscat, Oman. The extension work on one of the company’s iconic UAE properties, The Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, will also take place next year.
This is in addition to ten property openings this year, president and chief executive officer Omer Kaddouri tells TTN. 'We have about 1.5 hotels opening a month next year. It will be very, very busy, putting teams together, with travel thrown in for good measure.'
Saudi Arabia, the UK and Germany have always been important markets for Rotana. 'Now, the US is starting to become an important feeder market, it ranks number four on our list. India’s on the top ten list too and it’s growing but not as fast as we’d like it to grow. A lot of the visitors are coming in to the UAE from India but they are not keen on the five- and four-star market but other segments.'
The brand is evolving very quickly and the growth is shared among all our products from Centro and Arjaan to Rotana, all are growing at a similar pace. 'I feel that there is a lot more room for the Centro and Arjaan brands to grow, with a lack of branded residences in the Saudi Arabian market, for instance. We are very lucky to have five brands that everyone is interested in.'
The market of mergers and acquisitions will continue, with big fish eating the small fish, but Rotana has no plans to be consumed just yet, comments Kaddouri. 'We want to be in control of our destiny. We don’t want anyone to govern us at this stage. We are in the middle of our journey to reach our target, which is 100 hotels by 2020. What the future holds, I am not sure. But for the immediate future, we have plans to grow our company our way.'
As of 2017, Rotana will be offering free wi-fi across the board to all its customers. 'We are looking forward to increasing our business following this decision.'
Speaking of 2016, he says, 'The market is not soft, we have high occupancy. It’s the RevPar that has been affected. Cost optimisation is the flavour of the time.'
This is what next year looks like for Rotana.
Erbil Arjaan by Rotana, Iraq – Opening Q1 2017: Erbil Arjaan will feature 168 fully-furnished hotel apartments, two restaurants and five fully equipped meeting rooms. It is ideally located moments away from the airport and in close proximity to the local shopping malls.
Centro Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Opening Q1 2017: The hotel will feature 156 spacious rooms, three dining outlets, three meeting rooms and a central location minutes away from the ever-expanding business area of the city.
Centro Waha, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Opening Q1 2017: Centro Waha offers 290 stylish rooms located on the popular Olaya Street and in close proximity to the King Abdullah Financial District. Centro Corniche, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia – Opening Q1 2017: This Centro hotel sits on the Al Khobar Corniche and boasts unobstructed views of the sea and features 253 rooms and suites.
Capital Centre Rotana, Abu Dhabi – Opening Q2 2017: Capital Centre Rotana, located within the Capital Centre development, will feature extensive luxury facilities including 315 studio rooms and suites, four dining outlets, swimming pool, and recreation and fitness facilities.
Sundus Rotana, Muscat, Oman – Opening Q2 2017: The first property under the Rotana brand to launch in Muscat, Sundus Rotana will boast outstanding views of the Sea of Oman and the Al Hajar Mountains. Designed to cater to business travellers, the hotel sits adjacent to Muscat’s International Exhibition Centre and features 215 rooms, a ballroom, six meeting rooms, an executive lounge and a fully-equipped business centre.
Centro Salama, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Opening Q2 2017: Located in the heart of Jeddah, Centro Salama features 189 rooms and suites.
The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah – Expansion Q2 2017: The five-star Cove Rotana will see 112 standard and superior rooms added, along with 10 upscale junior suites and 21 executive suites. The expansion will also include the addition of an all-day dining restaurant, an outdoor pool with pool bar and three slides, and a kids club and pool.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Abu Dhabi – Opening Q3 2017: Located on Saadiyat Island, this five-star resort will feature 327 upscale rooms and suites, 13 beach villas, a private stretch of beach and large conference facilities. Guests will have a choice of eight dining outlets serving a wide range of cuisine and access to the Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Centre.
Creek Rotana, Dubai – Opening Q3 2017: This five-star property will feature 190 luxurious rooms, four dining outlets, swimming pool, Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Centre, sauna, steam rooms and massage room.
Creek Arjaan by Rotana, Dubai – Opening Q3 2017: Situated adjacent to Creek Rotana hotel, Creek Arjaan will have 90 modern and cosy rooms, conference facilities, fitness centre and a choice of four dining outlets.
Beach Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi – Opening Q3 2017: Right next to the Beach Rotana resort, Beach Arjaan will feature 326 well-appointed apartments, four dining outlets, conference facilities, swimming pool, kids club, tennis courts, Zen Spa, and Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Centre.
Rayhaan Imam Reza, Mashhad, Iran – Opening Q4 2017: The first Rotana property to open in Iran, as part of the Rayhaan brand, this five-star hotel is located in Mashhad. The hotel will feature 272 rooms and suites, and a modern design that complements the values of Islamic culture.
Sulaymaniyah Rotana, Iraq – Opening Q4 2017: Complete with 240 modern rooms and suites, business centre, fitness facilities, five meeting rooms and a choice of four dining outlets, Sulaymaniyah Rotana will provide premium hospitality and impeccable service.
Centro Istanbul, Turkey – Opening Q4 2017: Situated on the European side of Istanbul, in the Günesli neighbourhood, this 152-room hotel is designed with corporate guests in mind.
Arjaan Istanbul by Rotana, Turkey – Opening Q4 2017: Connected to Centro Istanbul, this Arjaan property will include 153 fully furnished hotel apartments, three dining outlets, recreation and fitness facilities including a swimming pool.