Minor Hotels Announces NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments

Minor Hotels Announces NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 20, 2025

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with over 560 properties across 58 countries, has announced the upcoming launch of NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments, set to open in early 2028. The 156-key luxury property will be located on Al Marjan Island, a premier waterfront destination in Ras Al Khaimah, further strengthening the emirate’s position as a growing hub for upscale hospitality.

The announcement was made at THINC Middle East, marking another milestone in Minor Hotels’ regional expansion. The new property, developed in collaboration with RRS International Development FZ-LLC, will feature 120 beach-facing rooms and suites, alongside 36 branded serviced apartments. Designed for luxury and comfort, the hotel will boast four restaurants and bars, a gym, an outdoor pool, a kids’ club, a games room, a retail shop, and a co-working space, offering an elevated guest experience.

A Landmark Development on Al Marjan Island

RRS International Development, a leading real estate developer in the UAE, is bringing its expertise to this project as part of its dedicated focus on Ras Al Khaimah’s booming hospitality and real estate sector. The NH Collection property is positioned as a key addition to Al Marjan Island’s evolving landscape, which includes the UAE’s first integrated resort and multiple five-star hotel projects.

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Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, stated:
"We are excited to announce the expansion of NH Collection within the Middle East, reinforcing the brand’s global growth beyond Europe and the Americas. RRS International Development has a deep understanding of the regional real estate market, and we look forward to working together to develop this remarkable property on Al Marjan Island."

Elevating Ras Al Khaimah’s Hospitality Scene

The launch of NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments aligns with Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism vision, which aims to attract high-end travelers and investment. Expressing excitement about the project, Sanjay Narayandas Dhawan, RRS International Development FZ-LLC, commented:
"This landmark development under the NH Collection brand will redefine boutique hospitality on Al Marjan Island. We are honored to align with Minor Hotels and contribute to the growth of this dynamic destination under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi."

Adding to this, Rakesh Mirchandani, RRS International Development FZ-LLC, stated:
"With Al Marjan Island set to become a premier five-star resort destination, we are committed to creating world-class developments that offer luxury at an attainable value."

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Marjan’s Chief Executive Officer, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, also emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating:
"Our vision to transform Al Marjan Island into a vibrant tourism and lifestyle destination is further strengthened by the arrival of NH Collection. Their focus on service excellence and premium hospitality aligns perfectly with our commitment to curating exceptional guest experiences."

Minor Hotels’ Continued Growth in the UAE

The new NH Collection property will join Minor Hotels' expanding portfolio in the UAE, where the group currently operates 17 properties across four brands, including Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, which debuted in early 2024. NH Collection first entered the UAE market with NH Collection Dubai The Palm in 2023—marking its global expansion beyond Europe and the Americas. Since then, the brand has extended its presence to Asia and the Indian Ocean, with further developments planned across Africa and the Middle East.

With its prime beachfront location, sophisticated amenities, and NH Collection’s signature blend of contemporary elegance and exceptional service, the NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments is poised to become a standout addition to Ras Al Khaimah’s luxury hospitality scene.


Raki Phillips to Lead Accor’s PME Division in Middle East, Africa & Türkiye

Raki Phillips to Lead Accor’s PME Division in Middle East, Africa & Türkiye

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 2, 2025

Accor has appointed Raki Phillips as the new Regional President for its Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, with effect from November 2025. Phillips will succeed Paul Stevens and oversee more than 250 operating hotels across 27 countries, along with a development pipeline of 85 new properties.

This leadership move comes after Phillips' impactful tenure as CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). Under his leadership, Ras Al Khaimah witnessed a tourism boom, revenues tripled, international connectivity improved, and the region attracted its largest foreign investment with the Wynn Resorts project.

Bringing over 20 years of global hospitality experience, Phillips has held senior positions at renowned brands like Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, The Ritz-Carlton, and Universal Studios Orlando. At Fairmont, he played a key role in global brand strategy and spearheaded major projects, including the launch of the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel complex in Makkah.

In his new role at Accor, Phillips will report to Duncan O'Rourke, CEO of the Premium, Midscale & Economy division for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Commenting on the appointment, O’Rourke said, “Raki brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership. His appointment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our belief in the power of local leadership to drive impact.”

Phillips steps into the role after Paul Stevens, who spent nearly three decades with Accor and was known for championing operational excellence and values-driven initiatives like Purpose Week and ESG programs.

With more than 350 hotels currently in operation and 140 more in development, Accor’s PME division continues its robust expansion in key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Phillips will be based in Dubai and oversee a diverse brand portfolio including Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis.


Schengen Visa Set to Go Fully Digital by 2028

Schengen Visa Set to Go Fully Digital by 2028

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 2, 2025

The European Union is moving towards a fully digital Schengen visa system by 2028, bringing an end to traditional paperwork and visa stickers. Travellers will soon be able to complete the entire application process online, from uploading documents and paying fees to receiving a secure, encrypted 2D barcode that replaces the physical visa sticker.

France tested this digital system successfully during the 2024 Paris Olympics, issuing 70,000 barcode-based visas. Once fully implemented, travellers can scan the digital barcode at EU border checkpoints, giving immigration officials instant access to their personal and visa details via a centralised database.

While first-time applicants will still need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, in person, repeat visitors will benefit from a simplified and faster process.

The digital system aims to boost security, reduce paperwork, and streamline visa management across the Schengen area. Applicants will be able to track their application status online and receive notifications on their visa outcome.

To apply, travellers must first determine which country’s embassy to approach, typically based on the destination where they will spend the most time. Most Schengen states use VFS Global for processing in India, while Spain uses BLS International. France, meanwhile, has introduced an online appointment platform called Démarches Simplifiées.

Applicants must carry key documents such as a valid passport (with at least six months validity and two blank pages), visa form, photographs, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), confirmed flight and accommodation bookings, a cover letter, and proof of finances like recent bank statements or salary slips.

Visa fees remain at €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12, with free applications for those under six. Additional service charges apply based on the chosen processing agency.

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance, ideally 30 to 60 days before travel. Certain embassies, such as those of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, are known for quicker processing and lower rejection rates. Some, like Germany or France, may require a personal interview, especially in complex cases.

From July 1, 2025, Germany will no longer allow informal appeals on rejected visas; applicants will have to go through formal legal channels. Meanwhile, Indian nationals with two previously used Schengen visas within three years may now qualify for longer multi-entry visas of up to five years, as part of the EU’s new “cascade” rule.

Travellers are encouraged to check official EU visa portals regularly for updates.


Wyndham Hits 720 Hotels in EMEA, Boosts Momentum Across Europe, Middle East & India

Wyndham Hits 720 Hotels in EMEA, Boosts Momentum Across Europe, Middle East & India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 31, 2025

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is charging ahead in the EMEA region, officially surpassing 720 operational hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa. The first half of 2025 alone saw over 60 new hotel openings, adding more than 4,700 rooms and delivering a 5% year-on-year organic system growth in the region.

This growth reinforces Wyndham’s commitment to expanding access to quality, branded accommodation across high-growth markets, with 27 new hotel signings further solidifying its regional presence.

Some of the standout openings include Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa, Monasteri Golf and Spa in Sicily, and the Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in Türkiye. The group also ramped up operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with hotel launches in Georgia, Romania, and Kazakhstan.

Momentum is particularly strong in Eurasia, where Wyndham opened 21 new hotels in just six months, with a significant presence in India, now one of the company’s most dynamic and fastest-growing hospitality markets.

Wyndham’s strategic partnerships are also paving the way for iconic brand introductions. The globally recognised Super 8® by Wyndham is making its debut in Saudi Arabia and Iberia, with plans for 100 hotels across the Kingdom and 40 hotels in Spain and Portugal in the coming decade.

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“With more than 720 hotels now open across EMEA, we're seeing incredible momentum. Travel is thriving and we're meeting that demand with a growing portfolio that reflects the energy and diversity of this region. From stunning resorts in Sicily to one-of-a-kind cave stays in Cappadocia, we're adding experiences that truly inspire,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “And with new signings in markets like Iberia and Saudi Arabia, we're not just growing – we're creating new opportunities for our partners and giving travellers even more great places to stay across the region.”

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Globally, this expansion contributed to Wyndham’s 20th consecutive quarter of developmental pipeline growth, bringing the global pipeline to 255,000 rooms. The company also achieved 4% global organic net room growth and 7% constant currency RevPAR growth in the EMEA region.

Some key milestones from H1 2025 include:

  • Türkiye now hosts over 125 Wyndham-branded hotels, including the newly launched Cappadocia Cave Hotel, Wyndham Tarsus St. Paul, and Wyndham Alanya.

  • India and South Asia saw growth with new openings like Ramada Encore by Wyndham Lucknow Airport, Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach, and Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett Chhoi.

  • New European destinations saw brand introductions like La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi in Georgia and Tor’re Astana, Trademark Collection in Kazakhstan.

  • The Super 8® by Wyndham expansion into Saudi Arabia and Iberia is a landmark move, targeting value-conscious travellers in these rapidly evolving markets.

Driving this expansion is Wyndham Advantage, a platform offering best-in-class marketing, distribution, and technology support to hotel owners, bolstered by nearly $350 million invested in digital transformation and access to over 120 million Wyndham Rewards® members globally.

With bold new destinations and an aggressive pipeline, Wyndham’s EMEA footprint continues to grow rapidly, making it a major player in global hospitality.

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