New Beirut addition joins a year of openings and signings across Rotana’s regional portfolio
Branded residences and new hospitality concepts broaden development opportunities across key markets
Rotana strengthens owner and investor relationships through strategic engagements at FHS World 2026
Dubai: Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Türkiye, is building on its regional growth momentum at FHS World 2026, following a year of new openings, market expansion and continued investment across its portfolio.
With 40 properties and 8,334 keys currently under development, alongside 78 operating properties, Rotana continues to advance its growth plans across key markets, building on more than three decades of operating experience in the region.
The latest addition to Rotana’s portfolio will see the group expand its presence in Beirut with the signing of a new Edge by Rotana property, in partnership with ACHRAFIEH 5418 SAL. The agreement, signed by Makram El Zyr on behalf of Rotana and Christopher Mouawad on behalf of the owning company, will see the existing 85-unit property undergo a full renovation and expand to 95 units, alongside new meeting capacity.
The property is expected to open under the Edge by Rotana brand in January 2027, strengthening Rotana’s presence in Lebanon and adding to a year of continued expansion across its regional portfolio.
Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer of Rotana, said: “Rotana was built in this region, and our belief in its long-term potential has never changed. Hospitality will always move through different cycles, but our approach is to look beyond the immediate environment and keep building for the future. That means staying close to our partners, investing in our hotels and our people, and maintaining the strength of the business behind every property we operate. That consistency has shaped Rotana for more than three decades and continues to guide how we grow today.”
In the UAE, Rotana’s portfolio growth in 2026 has included the opening of Bloom Arjaan by Rotana on Saadiyat Island, while Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves is preparing to welcome guests. The additions further strengthen the group’s presence in its home market, spanning two of the UAE’s growing leisure, business and tourism destinations.
Saudi Arabia remains one of Rotana’s most active development markets. The group opened Edge Riyadh – Al Rabie earlier this year and, in July, signed The Residences by Rotana at Thakher, Makkah, a 240-apartment development marking the brand’s first entry into the Kingdom. Rotana now operates 13 properties in Saudi Arabia, with a further 10 under development across major gateways and emerging cities.
Rotana is also progressing its expansion in Egypt, including new hospitality concepts being developed specifically for the market, while its first ski resort in Gudauri, Georgia, a dual-property development of approximately 400 keys, will take the group into mountain hospitality.
Branded residences are emerging as another important avenue for Rotana’s growth, as hospitality, residential and mixed-use development become increasingly interconnected across the region. The group sees particular potential in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where destination-led masterplans and evolving lifestyle expectations are driving demand for professionally managed, service-led residential concepts.
Makram El Zyr, Corporate Vice President – Development at Rotana, said: “Hospitality development in the region is becoming much more diverse, and there is no longer one model for growth. For Rotana, that means being able to respond to opportunities whether existing assets, new projects, branded residences or new concepts. Our depth of operating expertise is central to the value we bring to owners and developers, and we see real opportunity to build on that through new partnerships across the region.”
Alongside its portfolio expansion, Rotana continues to invest in the infrastructure supporting its hotels and future growth. Its digital programme includes Rotana Chat AI, integration into Rotana.com, a Voice AI pilot and its data and AI partnership with Microsoft, supporting hotel operations, direct engagement and the guest journey.
Together, Rotana’s portfolio growth, regional operating expertise and continued investment reflect a business building carefully from a position of regional strength. As it enters new markets and expands into new hospitality segments, the group remains focused on supporting its hotel teams, strengthening its partnerships and delivering the warmth and quality behind its promise of ‘Treasured Time’.
