MENA Accommodates More Hotels Than Ever

With tourism always on the increase in the Middle East, thanks in main to contributing factors including Qatar being awarded prestigious sporting events, Dubai securing Expo 2020 and Oman’s reputation strengthening as one of the hidden gems of the region – it is clear to see why the demand for new hotels, and consequently seasoned professionals to help with their development, is climbing.

For those with hotel experience, whether it be project managers, architects or resident engineers, it’s an exciting time to play a part in some of the iconic buildings that will no doubt shape the skyline across the Middle East in coming years. It only takes a look at the Burj Al Arab or Jumeriah Beach hotel in Dubai to recognise that the hospitality industry pays as much attention to its exterior as its interior, and projects of this nature can be invaluable to a career portfolio.

The latest hotel to take the spotlight is the $1bn Damac Towers by Paramount Hotels and Resorts. Work has begun on this iconic development which will boast four 56-storey towers, sitting on top of a 10-storey podium. Paramount’s first hotel venture is set in the Business Bay area, with views of the Burj Khalifa and surrounding areas, and is set to be a blockbuster in the hospitality sector.

The main contractor’s Branch Manager highlights the importance of quality resources for the project, due for completion in 2016:

“The major thing is the resources. We are increasing these now in order to achieve the programme of delivery. Given the size and scale of this project, there are always going to be challenges but overcoming them is what drives us on to deliver a high-end, luxury project we can all be proud of.”

Since then Damac and Paramount have announced three further projects in Dubai, alongside the Damac Tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The pair aren’t the only ones intending to put their stamp on the Gulf, with the Swiss Belhotel Group revealing their plans to open 10 new hotels in the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The Group’s Head of Operations explained: "The group is also considering a number of offers to manage and build new hotels in Dubai, which is considered as the most important tourism market in the region."

A report at the end of 2014 from STR Global Construction echoed this view; revealing that 646 hotels are currently under construction or in planning stages in the MENA region, with Dubai being responsible for the highest percentage of these.

If you are a construction professional from a client or contractor background with experience in hospitality, or have worked directly for a hotel group (Director of Engineering etc.), please apply with your CV to Maxim Recruitment and follow up with either John Lee or Dan Kirk in our Dubai office to discuss the exciting opportunities we have available.

John Lee
Maxim Recruitment
Dubai & Middle East Region