Aldar is revolutionizing Abu Dhabi’s tourism with a AED 1.5B investment, transforming hotels into luxury resorts through partnerships with global hospitality brands.
Aldar, a prominent real estate developer, investor, and manager in the UAE, is playing a key role in Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a premier tourism and leisure hub. Through strategic collaborations with renowned global luxury brands, Aldar is reshaping its hospitality portfolio to meet the growing demand for high-end experiences in the region.
With an investment of AED 1.5 billion, Aldar aims to elevate its hotel assets into world-class luxury resorts. This move aligns with the rapid expansion of Abu Dhabi’s leisure and tourism sector, where premium hospitality services are increasingly in demand. Part of this initiative includes welcoming two iconic global hospitality brands to Abu Dhabi for the first time. Aldar has teamed up with Hilton to rebrand the Eastern Mangroves hotel under the prestigious Waldorf Astoria banner. Additionally, the Yas Plaza hotels and the desert resort formerly known as Tilal Liwa will be transformed under IHG’s Vignette Collection, offering unique, hand-picked experiences. Notably, the Yas Plaza hotels will become the largest Vignette Collection resort globally.
In 2023, Abu Dhabi saw a remarkable 27% increase in hotel guests compared to the previous year, with international arrivals surging by 54%. This growth is in line with the Department of Culture and Tourism’s goal of attracting 39.3 million visitors by 2030. Major contributors to this increase include the opening of Zayed International Airport’s new terminal, with a capacity for 45 million passengers, and the success of key attractions in the Saadiyat Cultural District and Yas Island.
At Yas Plaza, Aldar is redesigning the entire six-hotel complex into an integrated resort under the Vignette Collection brand, to be renamed Straylight Yas. The resort will, for the first time, offer private beach access and beachfront suites, positioning it as a premier destination for both local and international visitors, further enhancing Yas Island’s status as a leading leisure and entertainment destination.
The Eastern Mangroves hotel will undergo a significant transformation to become Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi. This upgrade will focus on luxury rooms and suites, state-of-the-art leisure amenities, and top-tier event facilities. Guests can expect Waldorf Astoria’s signature blend of elegance, one-of-a-kind experiences, and exceptional culinary offerings, all set against the stunning backdrop of the mangroves. Additionally, Aldar’s plans include introducing luxury residential living, expanding the promenade and marina, and offering a brand-new retail mix.
Nurai Island, another jewel in Abu Dhabi’s hospitality crown, is also set for a major refurbishment. Located in the pristine waters of the Abu Dhabi archipelago, the island’s villas, dining options, spa, gym, and beach club will undergo extensive renovations. The expansion will include the addition of new luxury villas, a ballroom, a community hub, and a jetty, making Nurai Island one of the largest ultra-luxury resorts in the region.
In the Al Dhafra region, Aldar is upgrading its desert resort, formerly known as Tilal Liwa, into a luxury desert retreat. Operated under IHG’s Vignette Collection, this resort will offer new luxury suites, curated desert experiences, and enhanced amenities, including a revamped dining experience, kids’ club, and spa.
Aldar’s efforts extend beyond Abu Dhabi, with its flagship properties in Ras Al Khaimah, such as the Rixos Bab Al Bahr and DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, also undergoing phased renovations. These upgrades will improve guest rooms, public spaces, dining venues, and entertainment options, aligning with Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic tourism growth plan. The emirate welcomed a record 1.22 million overnight visitors in 2023, driven by a 24% increase in international arrivals.
Additionally, Aldar’s hospitality portfolio expansion includes the highly anticipated Nobu Hotel on Saadiyat Island, set to open in 2027.
Aldar’s ambitious vision for its hospitality sector is part of a broader strategy of transformational growth. By continuously upgrading its assets and diversifying its operations, Aldar is positioning itself at the forefront of Abu Dhabi’s evolving tourism landscape.
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