Rotana Expands Regional Hotel Portfolio With New Beirut Property and FHS World 2026 Growth Plans

Rotana expands its regional hotel portfolio with a new Beirut property and FHS World 2026 growth plans. The hospitality group continues expansion across key markets through new hotels, branded residences and innovative concepts. With strong partnerships, Rotana focuses on long-term development, operational expertise and sustainable regional growth.

How is Rotana expanding its regional hotel portfolio through new developments?

Rotana is continuing its regional expansion strategy with a new Beirut property, reinforcing its position as one of the Middle East’s established hospitality management companies. The latest development forms part of a wider growth programme involving new hotel openings, strategic signings and diversified hospitality concepts across multiple markets.

The company currently has 78 operating properties, while 40 additional properties with 8,334 keys remain under development. This expansion reflects Rotana’s focus on strengthening its presence across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Türkiye through long-term partnerships with owners and investors.

The latest Beirut agreement introduces an Edge by Rotana property in partnership with ACHRAFIEH 5418 SAL. The existing 85-unit property will undergo a complete renovation and expand to 95 units, alongside improved meeting facilities.

The property is scheduled to open in January 2027, adding another milestone to Rotana’s regional development pipeline.

What does the new Beirut property mean for Rotana’s Lebanon expansion?

The Beirut signing represents a renewed commitment to Lebanon’s hospitality sector and highlights Rotana’s approach of working with existing assets while creating upgraded guest experiences.

The transformation of the property into an Edge by Rotana hotel will allow the group to introduce its contemporary hospitality offering while responding to changing traveller expectations. The renovation programme is expected to enhance accommodation standards and create additional facilities for business and leisure guests.

Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer of Rotana, said the company remains focused on building for the future despite changing market conditions. He highlighted Rotana’s long-term regional experience, investment in hotels and people, and commitment to maintaining strong owner relationships.

With more than three decades of operations in the region, Rotana continues to use its local knowledge and management expertise to support expansion across established and emerging destinations.

How is Rotana strengthening its presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia?

The UAE remains a central market for Rotana’s growth strategy, with several developments strengthening the company’s domestic portfolio. In 2026, Rotana opened Bloom Arjaan by Rotana on Saadiyat Island, adding to its presence in one of Abu Dhabi’s growing tourism and lifestyle destinations.

Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves is also preparing to welcome guests, further expanding the group’s footprint in the UAE’s leisure and business tourism landscape.

Saudi Arabia has become another major focus area for Rotana’s development plans. The company opened Edge Riyadh – Al Rabie earlier in the year and later signed The Residences by Rotana at Thakher, Makkah.

The 240-apartment development represents Rotana’s first branded residence project in Saudi Arabia. The group currently operates 13 properties in the Kingdom, with another 10 projects under development across major cities and tourism gateways.

Why are branded residences becoming important for Rotana’s future growth?

Branded residences are becoming a significant growth opportunity as hospitality, residential living and mixed-use developments increasingly overlap across global markets.

Rotana is identifying strong potential for professionally managed residential concepts, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These markets are experiencing increased investment in destination-led communities, luxury developments and lifestyle-focused projects.

The company believes its operational experience gives owners and developers additional confidence when creating hospitality-led residential projects. By combining hotel services with residential ownership models, branded residences provide new opportunities for developers seeking differentiated products.

Makram El Zyr, Corporate Vice President – Development at Rotana, said hospitality development in the region is becoming more diverse, requiring companies to adapt to different investment models including existing assets, new developments, branded residences and emerging concepts.

What new hospitality concepts are being developed by Rotana?

Beyond traditional hotels, Rotana is expanding into new hospitality segments across different destinations. Egypt is among the markets where the company is developing new concepts designed specifically for local opportunities.

The company is also preparing to enter mountain hospitality with its first ski resort development in Gudauri, Georgia. The dual-property project will feature approximately 400 keys and represents a new direction for Rotana’s international portfolio.

The Gudauri development reflects the growing demand for destination-based tourism experiences, including adventure travel, seasonal tourism and mountain escapes.

Through these projects, Rotana is broadening its portfolio beyond conventional city hotels and exploring hospitality models connected to changing traveller preferences.

How is technology supporting Rotana’s hospitality expansion?

Alongside physical expansion, Rotana is investing in digital infrastructure to improve operations and guest engagement.

The company’s technology programme includes Rotana Chat AI, integration improvements across Rotana.com, a Voice AI pilot and a data and artificial intelligence partnership with Microsoft.

These initiatives are designed to support hotel teams, improve communication with guests and create more personalised experiences throughout the customer journey.

As hospitality becomes increasingly technology-driven, Rotana is combining digital innovation with its operational expertise to strengthen its competitive position across regional markets.

What does Rotana’s FHS World 2026 presence represent for investors and owners?

Rotana’s participation at FHS World 2026 provides a platform to engage with hotel owners, developers and investors while showcasing its latest expansion strategy.

The company is using the event to highlight its growing development pipeline, partnership approach and ability to manage diverse hospitality assets.

With projects spanning hotels, branded residences and new destination concepts, Rotana is positioning itself as a regional hospitality operator focused on sustainable growth.

The company’s expansion reflects broader changes within the Middle East tourism industry, where increasing travel demand, government-led tourism strategies and investment in new destinations are creating opportunities for hospitality brands.

Rotana continues its regional expansion with a new Beirut property, growing hotel pipeline and wider hospitality concepts. Through investments in branded residences, technology and strategic partnerships, the company strengthens its presence across key markets. Its FHS World 2026 participation highlights a long-term approach focused on development, innovation and owner collaboration.