GCC set for record growth: 600,000 hotel rooms in development by 2025
Valor Hospitality expands its footprint across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and beyond
DUBAI: Valor Hospitality Partners Middle East has reaffirmed its commitment to the region’s booming hospitality sector, positioning full-service hotel management as the key to maximising operational and investment value for property owners and developers across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
With the hospitality industry in the region witnessing unprecedented growth, the number of rooms under development has reached an astonishing 600,000. This surge is part of a global phenomenon, with GCC nations establishing themselves as leaders in the tourism sector.
Dubai’s hospitality vision is seamlessly aligned with the UAE's ambitious Dubai 2040 strategy. Inspired by the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the strategy focuses on positioning Dubai as the world’s most visited city. A blend of innovation, sustainability, and excellence lies at the heart of the plan, aiming to create an economy that thrives on tourism, technology, and cultural experiences.
Dubai aims to attract a diverse range of travellers and redefine luxury by 2040, elevating its status as a premier global destination.
Strategic expansion
As the UAE continues its dynamic expansion, neighbouring Saudi Arabia has emerged as a dominant player in the global hotel development landscape. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is driving transformative projects with over $110 billion invested into more than 310,000 hotel rooms. Saudi Arabia is on track to become a tourism powerhouse, aiming for 100 million visitors by 2030.
At the same time, Qatar, buoyed by investments for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is primed for further growth.
Oman, with projects like the Yiti development, is leveraging its pristine coastline to attract visitors and elevate its tourism offerings.
The GCC region’s meteoric rise in hospitality is underpinned by adaptive management strategies, cutting-edge guest experiences, and a focus on sustainable practices that meet the expectations of hotel owners, investors, and travellers alike. These trends are not only shaping the regional landscape but are setting new global benchmarks in the hospitality sector.
Julien Bergue, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Valor Hospitality Partners for the Middle East, CIS, and Central Asia, highlighted the crucial role that tourism plays in the region’s economic diversification. He noted, "As the Gulf diversifies its revenue streams, tourism remains a cornerstone of government agendas to drive long-term growth. From creating job opportunities to enhancing wealth for citizens, the impact is far-reaching. Developing hotels goes beyond merely providing beds; asset owners must recognise this to ensure sustainable success."
Valor Hospitality Partners has been actively involved in this growth. The company’s strategic expansion across the GCC is highlighted by the management of the Hijla Hotel in Abha, Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom's first lifestyle 4-star property. This project blends luxury with authentic local experiences, setting new standards for hospitality in Saudi Arabia.
In addition, Valor is working in collaboration with Campbell Gray Hotels on multiple high-profile projects across the Middle East. This includes projects in Diriyah Gate (Saudi Arabia), Beirut (Lebanon), Egypt, and Africa, all aimed at developing luxury hotels and residences. Valor’s commitment to innovation and excellence is further demonstrated by its ambitious goal to double its regional portfolio by Q2 2025, reinforcing its role as a leader in the hospitality sector.
"Our team’s extensive experience ensures that our hotel brands and partners receive tailored insights and solutions designed to serve their investment portfolios," Bergue said. "From our headquarters in Dubai, we manage a broad network of emerging tourism hubs, delivering next-level hospitality experiences through strategic partnerships."
Sustainability in hospitality
Valor’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in its operational practices. The company focuses on resource management, reducing environmental impact, and fostering local employment. These initiatives strengthen both economic and human development in the region, positioning the GCC as a prime destination for investment.
“Hospitability is an interconnected ecosystem that supports both businesses and communities,” Bergue explained. “Future-proofing this industry ensures robust economic growth and human development, positioning the region as a prime investment destination with a promising outlook.”
Bergue’s leadership at Valor, backed by over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, has propelled the company’s rapid regional expansion. Having led numerous mixed-use projects and luxury refurbishments across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe, he is focused on ensuring Valor’s clients see a faster return on investment and partner brands achieve maximum ROI while innovating the customer experience.
Valor Hospitality Partners, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, USA, is a global full-service hospitality management company with more than 90 hotels in its portfolio across the Americas, UK, Africa, and the Middle East. The company is now aggressively expanding further into the Middle East, Central, and East Asia regions. By working closely with property owners and international hotel brand partners, Valor creates value through innovative operating platforms, leading commercial performance, and services ranging from site and brand selection to asset management, procurement, and more.