Marriott International to expand its portfolio in the UAE to more than 80 hotels by 2023

Marriott International has revealed that it plans to expand its portfolio in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to more than 80 hotels by 2023.

The hotel firm said that 2018 had been a “milestone year” for the company in the UAE, with 11 new properties and 2,6000 rooms expected to be added by the end of the year.

These openings included regional bran debuts - the eco-conscious Element Hotels brand which opened in Dubai this year, and the EDITION brand which is expected to open in Abu Dhabi later this year.

"Our success in the Middle East stems from our long-established presence in the market and the value we deliver to our owner-partners,” said Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer at Marriott International.

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“It is the trust owners have in Marriott International, combined with our differentiated brands and collective strength of our global platform, that has put us in a position to further expand our portfolio in the country and strengthen guest loyalty."

He added: "We are privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing growth and diversification of the UAE's economy and remain committed to supporting the direction of its visionary leaders to further enhance the tourism sector."

Marriott International said it expects to grow its footprint in the UAE with the addition of more than 20 new properties over the next five years.

The hospitality company said that this could help generate over 5,000 new jobs in the country.

Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, added: "With a presence in the market that dates back over three decades, we have witnessed and been a part of the transformation of the UAE as one of the world's most dynamic travel destinations.

“Our established and growing portfolio of hotels underscore the substantial demand for our brands in this market.

“We remain very optimistic about the UAE and continue to explore opportunities to further amplify our growth in the country through new deal signings and conversion opportunities."