Radisson Hotel Group Strengthens MENA Presence with New Properties in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Cairo, Get the Details Here

Additionally, in the year 2025, the Radisson Hotel Group made tremendous strides in the expansion of its operations in the Middle East and Northeast Africa (MENA) region, a year of record growth for the hotel giant. Radisson Hotel Group signed over 3,200 new hotel rooms, also known as “keys,” and also opened 1,300 new properties in the region, indicating its commitment to enhancing its operations in the Middle East and Northeast Africa. This is bound to have a positive effect on the tourism industry, as there is a potential to attract a large number of visitors to the region and meet the need for more diversity in hotel services.

Expanding Footprint in Key MENA Markets

Radisson’s growth strategy has been centered on capitalizing on emerging travel trends, targeting high-demand markets such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt. With these countries representing important regional travel hubs, Radisson’s increased investment in these locations signals a positive outlook for tourism in the coming years.

Saudi Arabia, in particular, has become a cornerstone for Radisson’s expansion, supported by the country’s rapidly developing tourism infrastructure and resilient demand across both leisure and business travel sectors. A growing number of religious and leisure travelers, coupled with expanding mixed-use developments, has made Saudi Arabia an increasingly important market. Additionally, the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and increase the number of international visitors, has aligned well with Radisson’s expansion efforts.

Meanwhile, the UAE remains a key priority market, with a focus on lifestyle hotels and residential opportunities, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. The country continues to be a central destination for both regional and international tourists, with a growing appetite for both luxury and mid-market accommodations.

Diversified Brand Portfolio Meets Growing Demand

Radisson Hotel Group’s diverse brand portfolio has played a significant role in meeting the varying demands of tourists across the MENA region. The company’s expanded offerings include premium urban hotels, convention-based properties, lifestyle-focused destinations, resorts, serviced apartments, and a growing number of branded residences. This wide range of options caters to different segments of the tourism market, from luxury travelers to long-stay guests.

For example, Radisson Residences, a growing platform of branded living properties, saw significant development in 2025, with the signing of Radisson Residences Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, a luxury waterfront property designed to meet the rising demand for high-end, long-term accommodation. The addition of branded residences reflects the changing needs of travelers, many of whom are now looking for more than just short stays, seeking longer-term living solutions that offer flexibility and home-like amenities.

Additionally, properties like the Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre in Riyadh, as well as new openings in key destinations like Madinah and Cairo, are strengthening the Group’s position in major tourist cities, offering essential services for business, leisure, and religious travelers alike.

New Developments Meet Long-Term Demand for Tourist Growth

The MENA region’s tourism landscape is rapidly changing, and Radisson Hotel Group’s development plans reflect these shifts. In Saudi Arabia, the Group has responded to both corporate and leisure travel growth by focusing on expanding its portfolio with key properties such as the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa and Radisson Hotel Madinah, which cater to the needs of visitors attending conferences, conventions, and religious events.

The rise in religious tourism, particularly in Saudi Arabia, has been a driving force behind the increased demand for hotel rooms, and Radisson has responded with targeted development efforts to serve this growing sector. Notably, the new Park Inn by Radisson hotel and serviced apartments in Madinah are being developed in partnership with Knowledge Economic City to address the rising demand for midscale accommodations and long-stay options, appealing to religious visitors who often stay for extended periods during pilgrimage seasons.

In Egypt, nearly 1,000 new hotel keys were added to Radisson’s pipeline in 2025. The signing of new projects, such as the Radisson Resort North Coast and the planned Radisson Collection Resort in Marsa Alam (set for completion in 2027), further highlights Egypt’s resurgence as a major tourism destination. The development of these new properties not only strengthens Radisson’s presence in a historically important tourism market but also supports the country’s efforts to revitalize and expand its tourism infrastructure in the post-pandemic era.

Regional Diversification and New Markets

Beyond the traditional tourism powerhouses of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, Radisson Hotel Group has also made inroads into new and emerging markets across the MENA region. A notable example of this expansion is the signing of the Radisson Mountain Resort in Faqra, Lebanon. This new resort development will cater to the growing demand for leisure travel in Lebanon, offering a unique mountain retreat experience for both local and international visitors.

Radisson’s approach to regional diversification through new market entries ensures that tourists have access to a broad range of destinations, enhancing travel options and strengthening the region’s appeal as a year-round tourist hub.

Strengthening the Hospitality Sector Through Conversions

In addition to new-build properties, Radisson Hotel Group has continued to focus on conversions and adaptive reuse of existing buildings. This approach allows for quicker market entry and capitalizes on underutilized assets, meeting the demand for new hotels without the long timelines typically associated with new construction projects. This strategy has proven especially effective in urban areas and older markets where demand for hospitality services is high, but space for new builds may be limited.

Radisson’s commitment to maintaining flexibility in its development strategy, utilizing both new construction and adaptive reuse, ensures that it can rapidly respond to the dynamic demands of travelers while keeping development timelines short. This has been critical in markets like Dubai and Cairo, where quick expansion is key to meeting the increasing influx of tourists.

A Positive Outlook for MENA Tourism

Radisson Hotel Group’s positive performance in terms of the addition of 3,200 keys and 1,300 hotel openings in 2025 is a clear reflection of the dynamics in the tourism industry in the MENA region. Considering their continued growth in the tourism industry and the addition of different hotels, resorts, and residencies catering to different types of tourists, the tourism and travel industry in the MENA region is expected to grow significantly. Accordingly, the tourism industry in the MENA region is projected to attract a large number of tourists around the world in the coming years.