Starwood to operate 30 hotels in UAE by 2017

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is planning portfolio growth of more than 60% in the UAE, with 12 new hotels planned, including six in Dubai.

The company, which has temporarily moved its global headquarters to Dubai for the month of March, currently operates 21 hotels in the UAE, 15 of which are in Dubai.

Most recently, it has taken over the former Pullman hotel at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, now run under its Sheraton brand.

Upcoming hotels in Dubai include W, Westin and St. Regis on Sheikh Zayed Road, while in Abu Dhabi, a second St.Regis is set to open this year.

Starwood will open a Four Points by Sheraton branded hotel in Sharjah in 2013 and The Ajman Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel in Ajman, also due to launch this year.

The UAE expansion targets are part of a wider growth strategy that aims to open 50 new hotels across the Middle East and Africa in the next five years.

Commenting on the strategy, Starwood Hotels & Resorts president of global development & acquisition Simon Turner said: “Our long-established presence, local teams, and strong relationships in the region remain a competitive advantage, and position us well to take advantage of the many opportunities for future growth.

“We have a healthy pipeline of new hotels under development in the Middle East and Africa, and expect our growth to continue in 2013 as we look to expand in markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.”

Starwood’s existing portfolio in the Middle East and Africa numbers 82 hotels, representing nearly 22,000 rooms, the majority of which are operated under the Le Meridien and Sheraton brands.