FEBRUARY 2026 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 3 In this issue February 2026 28 36 42 Features The art of slowing down 24 Sharjah’s tourism growth trajectory is as promising as it is purposeful A human algorithm 36 How can AI impact the hotel guest experience, and how far should innovation be pushed? Wicked warayaki 42 Ross Shonhan’s Strawfire coaxes curiosity out of guests within Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental 24 HOT_2502_3-4_CONTENTS_13824665.indd 3HOT_2502_3-4_CONTENTS_13824665.indd 329/01/2026 13:5529/01/2026 13:554 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / FEBRUARY 2026 In this issue 48 06 08 Regulars Checking in 06 DoubleTree by Hilton Madinah Gate opens in Saudi Trending 08 The latest news from the region Careers 10 Appointments, interviews and more Checking out 48 Zaria Court Kigali joins Hilton Tapestry Collection Seven lessons 50 Wise words from an industry thinker HOT_2502_3-4_CONTENTS_13824665.indd 4HOT_2502_3-4_CONTENTS_13824665.indd 429/01/2026 13:5629/01/2026 13:56JUNE 2023 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 5 ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Deputy Managing Director Holly Sands Head of Business & Technology Thomas Shambler Editorial Group Editor Paul Cliff ord Tel: +971 4 444 3777 email: paul.cliff ord@itp.com Editor Nica Richards Tel: +971 4 444 3409 email: nica.richards@itp.com Editor, Hospitality & Design, Saudi Safa Hassan Tel: +966 11 512 2611 email: safa.hassan@itp.com Advertising Chief Commercial Offi cer Sally Whittam Tel: +971 4 444 3348 email: sally.whittam@itp.com Commercial Director Richard Mobbs Tel: +971 4 444 3592 email: richard.mobbs@itp.com Commercial Manager Ornella Kattah Tel: +971 4 444 3568 email: ornella.kattah@itp.com Commercial Manager, Saudi Abdulelah Aldawish Tel: +966 11 512 2581 email: abdulelah.aldawish@itp.com Senior Commercial Admin Executive Janet Comia Email: janet.comia@itp.com Administrative Manager Siti Sumarsono Email: siti.sumarsono@itp.com Art & Video Senior Designer Gillian Fletcher Junior Designer Celine Iskandar-Elhachem Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Videographer Karan Sumadari Videographer & Editor Sumeet Kadira Senior Video Editor Liju Cheruvathur Production, Distribution & Circulation Senior Production & Distribution Manager Balasubramanian P Production Manager Anand Sundaram Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Marketing Head of Events Eleanor Ashton Senior Events Manager Kate Galaktionova Events Manager Gavin Moeketsi Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager Maria Trishina Content and Events Assistant Jenna Jordan Events Co-ordinator Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Executive Jan Mokoala Events Sales Assistant Joyce Salonga Events Sales Assistant Celine Magpoc events@itp.com ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offi ces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, London, Mumbai & Riyadh The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. From the editor Nica Richards, Editor Published by and © 2026 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC The art of restraint is often lost in the noise of opulence. More options can lead to checking guests in to a room cluttered with décor and bespoke furniture, lights that brighten every corner of the room, and drawers that remain unused. Scaling hospitality back for no reason is not the answer either. Holding back to preserve culture and heritage, with intention and patience, is the goal, but one that can only be achieved when there is a reason to do so. Forty-five kilometres from the office where I write this lies an emirate often overlooked. Sharjah is not Dubai's little brother. Nor does it live in Abu Dhabi's shadow. This is an area defined by history, with a UNESCO heritage listing to prove it. The emirate's Faya Palaeolandscape shows Sharjah was one of the earliest places where human resilience was truly tested. Now, more than 200,000 years later, Sharjah's hospitality scene gets to shine in an authentic way. Hotels like The Chedi Al Bait see themselves as cultural stewards in light of their restoration, which saw seven manor houses preserved to accompany newer building compounds, allowing their guests to get a true taste of Sharjah's history. The Sharjah Collection puts the emirate's array of landscapes on display in humble yet comfortable settings. Here, luxury is in the physical experience. Hospitality and development companies prioritising growth respect that things happen at a different pace in this neck of the desert. Growth is reflective and intentional; not an ounce of urgency is detected. Things work, but without the rush. It is often said that the best things money can buy are not things at all, but experiences. After learning about what Sharjah has to offer, this emirate can make that happen. HOT_2502_05_EDS LETTER_13824667.indd 5HOT_2502_05_EDS LETTER_13824667.indd 530/01/2026 11:1530/01/2026 11:156 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / FEBRUARY 2026 Knowledge Economic City (KEC) has announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Madinah Gate in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The 325-room hotel will bring a new standard of comfort and convenience to Madinah, marking an important milestone in strengthening the city’s hospitality infrastructure in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. A strategic step in Madinah’s growth – and intended as a mixed-use urban district – Madinah Gate is the Kingdom’s fi rst transit-oriented development (TOD), located adjacent to the city’s high-speed rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminals. With its direct connection to Madinah Gate Mall, a 24-hour shuttle service to and from the Prophet’s Mosque and close proximity to the Haramain High-Speed Railway Station, the hotel off ers seamless access for residents, business travellers and pilgrims alike. Guests at the property can dine at Nurya, an all-day restau- rant serving Saudi, Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine and dōdeli, DoubleTree by Hilton’s signature café, bakery and Checking in DoubleTree by Hilton Madinah Gate The opening marks an early milestone in Knowledge Economic City’s hospitality roadmap HOT_2502_6-7_CHECKING IN_13826287.indd 6HOT_2502_6-7_CHECKING IN_13826287.indd 628/01/2026 17:3028/01/2026 17:30Checking in FEBRUARY 2026 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 7 deli concept, as well as expe- rience the soon-to-open Bazar Lounge, the highest rooftop lounge in Madinah. The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Madinah Gate marks an early milestone in KEC’s long-term hospitality roadmap. The company plans to expand its total capacity to 11,000 hotel rooms by 2029, with a future target of 42,000 rooms through partnerships with leading international brands. Commenting on the opening, Mohammed Al Sheikh Mubarak, CEO of Knowledge Economic City, said, “This opening repre- sents an important step in realising our vision for Madinah as a connected, liveable and welcoming destination.” “Through partnerships with trusted operators like Hilton, we are laying the groundwork for a sustainable hospitality ecosys- tem that supports the city’s growth and enhances quality of life for residents and visitors,” he added. Amr Ahmed, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Madinah Gate, said the group was “proud to play a role” in KEC’s devel- opment. “Our collaboration with Knowledge Economic City refl ects our shared commitment to combining global hospitality standards with Madinah’s unique character. DoubleTree by Hilton Madinah Gate off ers guests a memorable experience that bridges tradition and modern comfort.” HOT_2502_6-7_CHECKING IN_13826287.indd 7HOT_2502_6-7_CHECKING IN_13826287.indd 728/01/2026 17:3128/01/2026 17:318 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM /FEBRUARY 2026 News Sofitel debuts in Riyadh Sofitel Riyadh Hotel and Convention Centre has officially opened in the Saudi capital. It is the first Sofitel-branded property in Riyadh and the third in the Kingdom. Located in the Ar Rahmaniyyah district, the hotel forms part of Sofitel’s regional growth strategy and reflects the Kingdom’s focus on hospitality, business travel and large-scale events. The property includes 388 rooms and suites and the largest luxury hotel convention centre in Riyadh, with close to 8,500 square metres of event space. Sofitel Riyadh has been developed as a destination-led property that combines the brand’s French heritage with Saudi cultural references. The building’s architectural concept draws inspiration from desert dune forms and from the first Arabic letter of King Abdullah’s name. The hotel will also introduce Sofitel Spa in partnership with Clarins, marking the first Clarins Spa in Riyadh. “The Middle East is a strategic region for Sofitel, with Saudi Arabia at the heart of our development momentum,” said the CEO of Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems Maud Bailly. The opening of Sofitel Riyadh aligns with a broader period of growth for the brand. Globally, Sofitel is undergoing a repositioning programme. Six Senses, the globally recognised hospitality brand celebrated for redefining wellbeing, sustainability and design-led experiences, is set to make its long-anticipated debut in the UAE. The group are gearing up for the opening of Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, scheduled for early Q3 2026. Six Senses‘ arrival in the region marks a strategic moment for both the brand and the market. Known for its deliberately low-density resorts and experience-driven approach, Six Senses enters the UAE with a boutique-scale proposition that feels intentionally different from the city’s traditional beachfront offerings, prioritising substance over spectacle. Located on the quieter West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the 61-all-suite resort is positioned as a genuine retreat within reach of the city. Open views extend across the Arabian Gulf, The Palm and Dubai’s skyline, while landscaped gardens unfold through palm-fringed courtyards, meandering pathways and sculpted mini jebels that lead organically to a private beach. The design creates a sense of privacy and calm without losing the connectivity for which Dubai is known. Six Senses will open its first UAE hotel in 2026 HOT_2502_8_NEWS_13832461.indd 8HOT_2502_8_NEWS_13832461.indd 828/01/2026 17:3028/01/2026 17:30FEBRUARY 2026 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 9 Partner content Hani Akkari and the rise of The Chedi Katara The Chedi Katara’s general manager offers guests a story, not merely a stay In a region where luxury hospitality is defined by rapid evolution and fierce competition, Hani Akkari, general manager of The Chedi Katara Hotel and Resort, has emerged as one of the industry’s most influential and ambitious leaders. In just a short period, Akkari transformed The Chedi Katara from a new market entrant into Qatar’s leading luxury performer, setting new benchmarks for commercial success, guest experience and cultural relevance. With over 18 years of experience across Europe and the Middle East, Akkari’s leadership philosophy is grounded in balance. “My early years on the Côte d’Azur and in Paris shaped my fundamentals,” he explains. “That’s where I learned discipline, respect for craft and attention to detail. European luxury teaches patience – excellence is built quietly, every day.” The Middle East, he says, brought scale, speed and cultural nuance, sharpening his ability to adapt in high- pressure environments. That dual perspective has delivered measurable results. Under Akkari’s leadership, The Chedi Katara achieved 17 consecutive months as Qatar’s number one hotel by Revenue Generation Index (RGI), peaking at 343.1, alongside 22.6 percent RGI growth and 15 percent year-on-year revenue growth in one of the region’s most competitive luxury markets. Rather than chasing occupancy, Akkari focused on premium positioning and yield-led strategy, driving an ADR Index consistently above 200. “Luxury isn’t about volume,” he says. “It’s about understanding who your guest is, what they value, and delivering that with consistency.” Curated experiences such as the Givenchy Afternoon Tea, strategic partnerships with Bentley, and long-stay VIP guests reinforced the hotel’s high- end positioning, while an awards sweep, including Qatar’s Leading Luxury Resort at the World Travel Awards, validated the strategy. Yet for Akkari, performance is inseparable from people. Having led multiple high-profile pre-openings, including Fairmont Doha during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he views culture as the true foundation of success. “A pre-opening is about shaping how people treat each other and the guest,” he notes. “The team is the brand.” At The Chedi Katara, this belief translated into early adoption of Forbes Travel Guide standards, earning a four-star rating within the hotel’s first year, an uncommon achievement for a new property. A renewed focus on talent development, intuitive service and the brand’s S.P.A.C.E. philosophy (Sensorial, Personal, Authentic, Contemporary, Elegant) has also measurably paid off in the eyes of The Chedi Katara's guests. Equally central to the hotel’s identity is its sense of place. Located within Katara Cultural Village, The Chedi Katara blends international luxury standards with Qatari heritage. “We don’t want guests to feel they could be anywhere,” Akkari says. “We want them to feel here.” From architecture to culinary storytelling, the hotel reflects the destination through a contemporary lens. Looking ahead, Akkari believes luxury is shifting from excess to meaning. “Guests want calm, privacy and personalisation. They want to feel understood, not impressed,” he explains. His vision positions The Chedi Katara as a sanctuary, where well-being, sustainability and human connection define the future of luxury hospitality in the region.Next >