Dubai: Accor Hospitality Middle East, one of the fastest growing hospitality groups in the region, is all set to open 17 new hotels representing 5,268 rooms in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE within the next two years.

In servicing all segments of the market, the new hotels range from economy to luxury, keeping Accor well on track to achieving its target of expanding its current network of 33 internationally-branded hotels in the Middle East to 50 hotels representing approximately 12,000 rooms.

For the UAE, Accor Hospitality ME is introducing two new international brands, specifically in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi, marking the entry of Accor in the upscale and mid-stay serviced apartment segments: Pullman Hotels & Resorts and Adagio respectively.

Due to open in the second half of this year is Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates — part of the Pullman Hotels & Resorts upscale hotel brand which has a global network in Europe and Asia, It comprises 481 rooms, of which 94 are suites, aimed at business and leisure travellers who are looking for premium on-hand shopping and leisure facilities.

Adagio chain

By 2011, Accor will introduce the mid-stay serviced type of accommodation in the UAE's capital, the 279-room Adagio Abu Dhabi Al Bostan which is part of the Adagio City Aparthotel chain. Being part of a network of urban residences, the Adagio City Aparthotel offers three-star apartments with à la carte services for ‘just like at home' stays in major European cities. Currently, the Adagio City brand has 24 Aparthotels, with more than 3,000 apartments in Europe.

Christophe Landais, Managing Director of Accor Hospitality ME said, "We see the Middle East as an important growth market for the Accor brands. Last year alone, we opened six new hotels: which are ibis Amman, ibis Muscat, ibis Mall of the Emirates, Suite-hotel Mall of the Emirates, Sofitel Jumeirah Beach Road, ibis Al Barsha."

Landais said the group has a target of opening five new hotels in 2010, six in 2011 and another six in 2012. He said this ambitious plan will "enhance the group's regional network".