United Arab Emirates Boosts Tourism Appeal As IHG Launches Garner Hotels In Dubai And Ras Al Khaimah

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IHG Hotels & Resorts is partnering with Nooa Holdings to debut their first Garner Hotels property in the UAE with two developments in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. The Garner Hotel projects will add 285 hotel rooms to the UAE when they open in 2026. With the launch of these two UAE properties, the Garner Hotels brand will expand its footprint to the Middle East.

The 204-room Garner Hotel Ras Al Khaimah Downtown will introduce the brand to the emirate’s growing hospitality market. Located along the creek in the Al Nakheel area, the hotel will offer convenient access to key attractions, including Al Naeem Mall, while being around 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Its strategic location is expected to appeal to both business visitors and leisure travellers exploring the northern emirate.

In Dubai, the 81-room Garner Hotel Dubai Al Jaddaf will strengthen IHG’s presence in one of the region’s most important tourism and business hubs. Positioned near Al Jaddaf Waterfront between Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, the hotel will provide easy access to major commercial districts, cultural attractions and leisure destinations. The property will also feature a rooftop swimming pool with views of Dubai Creek, adding an attractive experience for visitors.

Garner Hotels is designed to serve the rapidly expanding mainstream hotel segment by offering comfortable, reliable and affordable stays for travellers seeking convenience rather than luxury-focused experiences. The brand focuses on providing essential elements valued by modern guests, including well-connected locations, comfortable accommodation, quality sleep and enjoyable breakfast options.

With its flexible conversion model, Garner Hotels allows hotel owners to efficiently transform existing properties while benefiting from IHG’s global expertise, operational systems and brand standards. Owners will also gain access to IHG One Rewards, the company’s global loyalty programme, helping hotels connect with a wider international customer base.

The arrival of Garner Hotels in the UAE reflects IHG’s continued expansion strategy in the region, supporting the company’s efforts to meet growing demand for accessible, high-quality accommodation options across key travel markets. The new openings will further strengthen IHG’s diverse portfolio in the UAE while providing travellers with more flexible accommodation choices.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Bringing Garner Hotels to the Middle East is an important step in strengthening IHG’s midscale offer in the region. The UAE is a natural launch market for the brand, with strong demand from travellers seeking high-quality stays at an accessible price point and from owners looking for a compelling model backed by IHG’s systems, scale and global platforms. We are pleased to mark this milestone with Nooa Holdings as we continue to bring the right brands to the right locations across the UAE.”

Amit Basnet, Founder & CEO, Nooa Holdings, added: “We are pleased to partner with IHG through Garner Hotel Dubai Al Jaddaf and Garner Hotel Ras Al Khaimah Downtown. Garner Hotels’ flexible model and focus on high-quality, affordable stays make it a strong fit for these two destinations. We look forward to opening both hotels and exploring further opportunities to grow our portfolio with IHG.”

The new hotel signings address the rising demand for quality branded midscale accommodation across the UAE. Designed to serve business visitors, leisure guests and short-stay travellers, the two properties will expand accommodation choices in Al Jaddaf and Ras Al Khaimah while supporting IHG’s growth strategy in key high-potential destinations across the Emirates.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 39 hotels across eight brands in the UAE, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites. The company also has an ambitious development pipeline, with 110 additional hotels expected to open across the UAE over the next three to five years, further strengthening its presence in the country’s expanding hospitality sector.