IHG, Nooa Holdings to launch Garner Hotels in UAE

Garner Hotels enters UAE market

IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to launch its Garner Hotels conversion brand in the Middle East, commencing with two properties in the United Arab Emirates. This expansion follows agreements signed with Nooa Holdings.

The new hotels, Garner Hotel Dubai Al Jaddaf and Garner Hotel Ras Al Khaimah Downtown, are scheduled to open this year, collectively adding 285 rooms to IHG’s portfolio within the UAE. This move marks the Garner brand's initial entry into the region, focusing on the midscale segment for travellers and owners.

Ras Al Khaimah property details

The Garner Hotel Ras Al Khaimah Downtown will contribute 204 rooms, establishing the brand’s presence in the northern emirate. This converted property is located beside the creek in Al Nakheel, offering proximity to Al Naeem Mall and a 15-minute drive from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

IHG noted that the hotel's placement caters to both business and leisure travellers visiting the area, reflecting a strategic choice for a diverse guest base seeking convenient access to local attractions and transport links.

Dubai Al Jaddaf hotel features

In Dubai, the Garner Hotel Dubai Al Jaddaf will provide 81 rooms. It is situated near the Al Jaddaf Waterfront, strategically positioned between Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport. The property will feature a rooftop pool, enhancing its appeal to guests.

Its location also places it conveniently close to the city’s primary business, leisure, and cultural districts, offering guests easy access to key attractions and commercial areas, which aligns with the demand for accessible, quality accommodation.

IHG’s regional expansion strategy

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for IHG Hotels & Resorts India, Middle East & Africa, stated that introducing Garner Hotels is a significant step in strengthening IHG’s midscale offerings across the region.

He identified the UAE as an ideal launch market for the brand, citing strong demand from travellers seeking quality stays at accessible prices, alongside a compelling model for hotel owners. IHG currently operates 39 hotels under eight brands in the UAE and has a further 110 hotels in its development pipeline, planned for opening over the next three to five years.

Implications for Asian travellers and regional hospitality

The introduction of Garner Hotels in the UAE expands the range of midscale accommodation options in a key global travel hub, which frequently serves as a transit point or destination for Asian travellers.

This development could offer more budget-friendly, yet quality-assured, choices for those flying through Dubai International Airport or seeking regional business and leisure stays.

For the broader Asian hospitality industry, this expansion highlights the continued investment in conversion brands within rapidly growing markets, a trend that operators in Southeast Asia and India might observe for similar opportunities, particularly in urban centres with high tourism traffic and existing independent properties seeking brand affiliation.