The Middle East conferencing industry is full of opportunities. At the International Rat Summit in December, 12 new events were announced in Saudi Arabia alone. According to the accommodation econometric, hotel development in the region has taken off and brand conversion is at record highs.
Based on a $16 billion group business, Dubai has procured $16 billion in group business across the Cvent supplier network, ranking first in Cvent’s top list of conference and event destinations.
Throughout the Middle East, the brand continues to expand, including Wynn Al Marjan Island, the first gaming resort in the Middle East, which will open in early 2027.
Among these eight new Middle East Conference hotels and venues, there are two highlighting their focus on cultural heritage rather than offering luxurious luxury, which is common in high-end hotels in the region. Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection is a new property on the edge of the world’s largest desert wasteland, and Bab Samhan (Bab Samhan) in Diriyah, historic area of Riyadh.
Here are eight new hotels and venues we just released Conferences and Inspiring Travel What’s New in 2025 Report.
Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opened in early March 2025, it is an empty area of the world’s largest desert, just 100 miles from Abu Dhabi. This resort is suitable for inspiring groups seeking unique experiences in the Middle East. Amenities include an outdoor pool, butler service, a spa and a gym. Activities include camel hiking, Arabic Gahwa (coffee) tasting, archery and stargazing.
Andaz Doha
Doha, Qatar
Andaz Doha opened in February and has 312 rooms on the 26th floor. Amenities include a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center and a business center. The property includes three dining concepts, two of which will open later in 2025 and have over 20,000 square feet of event space in six rooms, including an 8,000 square feet of ballroom.
Bab Samhan, a luxury hotel for your collection
Dirpartures Riyadh
The hotel Bab Samhan is a luxury collection hotel in Diriyah, located in the historic area of Riyadh, where the first Saudi state was founded in 1727. This is the first hotel to open in Dillia, Saudi Arabia and offers 134 rooms and 134 rooms, including 34 suites, including a restaurant, spa, spa, spa and 3 restaurants, as well as three restaurants, and are displayed here. The event space includes five flexible areas and a 4,300 square foot banquet hall that can accommodate up to 250 people.
Raffles Jeddah
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Raffles Jeddah is about to open and has 182 rooms and suites with views of the Red Sea. This luxury hotel is positioned as a high-end option for meetings in Jeddah, 25 minutes from Abdulaziz International Airport. It features a 14,000 square foot ballroom, private dining room, feature front area and dedicated wedding showroom.
Hilton Amman’s Signia
Amman, Jordan
Hilton Amman’s Signia marks the brand’s first hotel outside the Shmeisani business district, which offers the city’s only conference center. The three banquet halls are the largest dramatic style of 1,200 guests and are complemented by the front functional space, terrace, lounge and 15 meeting rooms. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness and business center, as well as six restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
Space42 Arena
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Located in the Al Raha Beach area, Space42 Arena has nearly 27,000 square feet of indoor event space, as well as a lobby and 6,500 square feet of backstage space. It can accommodate up to 3,000 people and has advanced sound and lighting systems as well as a 49-foot ceiling height.
St.Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort
Muscat, Oman
St.Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort follows the Al Mouj beach along the Al Mouj beach, marking the brand’s debut in Oman. It has 250 rooms, a 14,500 square foot St. Regis Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests in the theater style. Amenities include nine dining options, fitness and entertainment amenities, a spa, and 1200 feet of private beach access. Nearby is Al Mouj Golf, an 18-hole, 72-pin championship golf course.
Wynn Al Marjan Island
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Wynn Al Marjan Island (the first gaming destination in the Middle East) opened in early 2027. The property will offer 1,542 rooms and a villa estate next to the marina and views of the Arabian Gulf. It will also have a full marina; 22 restaurants, lounges and bars; nightclubs and beach bars; salons; shopping promenade; and multiple pools. The property includes an 80,000 square foot event center with an outdoor terrace and lawn.
Download full Conferences and Inspiring Travel What’s New in 2025 Report here.
