Sharjah developer unveils new midscale hotel brand ‘Nest’ at ATM 2025

DUBAI: Sharjah-based master developer Arada has entered the hospitality sector with the launch of ‘Nest Hotel’ – its first entirely homegrown hotel brand. The midscale brand was unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The debut property for the Nest Hotel brand, managed by Arada Hospitality, will be located within Arada’s Dh35 billion Aljada megaproject in Sharjah. It represents a significant milestone as the first completed hotel in Arada’s planned 1,031-key portfolio of hotels and serviced apartments within the expansive lifestyle destination.

Nest Hotel Aljada is slated to open its doors in October this year. The hotel will feature 431 design-led rooms spread across two buildings. It will be located next to the Nest Campus student housing, directly opposite the upcoming Arada Central Business District, and a mere five-minute walk from the popular Madar family entertainment and retail complex.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said, “Nest Hotel embodies Arada’s dedication to creating quality and value-driven destinations that put people first. We’re launching this hospitality brand to ensure a guest experience that fosters community and wellbeing, starting with Aljada, Sharjah’s most exciting urban destination.”

According to officials, the hotel is set to incorporate innovative digital hospitality features, including mobile check-in, digital room access, energy-efficient systems, coworking lounges, a guest pool, and all-day dining facilities.

The launch of Nest Hotel strengthens Arada Hospitality’s portfolio, which already includes Nest Campus student housing and a variety of other community-focused brands such as fitness operators Wellfit, FitnGlam, FITCODE, and The Platform Studios; F&B concepts Boost Juice, The Reformatory Lab, and Hungry Wolves; and the Zad food truck destination.

Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer of Arada, added, “Designed with insights from Nest Campus residents and the wider Aljada community, Nest Hotel is designed for travellers and visitors who expect more from their stay; more convenience, energy and connection to the surrounding districts.” He said, “It is a next-generation hotel that offers both comfort and relevance to the modern guest, right in the heart of a thriving community.”

Arora said the Nest Hotel Aljada is five minutes from Sharjah International Airport. Arada also anticipates the hotel will cater to the increasing demand from Sharjah’s MICE and leisure tourism sectors.

Sharjah International Airport saw an 11 per cent growth in traffic in 2024, reaching 17 million passengers. The hotel will also serve the Aljada community, attracting 8 million visitors last year. Aljad is a 24 million-square-foot development with 25,000 homes planned for the development.

The megaproject integrates residential, retail, entertainment, sports, education, healthcare, and business components within a green master plan. Alongside Nest Hotel, Aljada is also home to hotels operated by international groups, including Vida Aljada, The Address Aljada (both operated by Emaar Hospitality Group), and Rove Aljada (jointly operated by Emaar Properties and Meraas).