Vignette Collection brand enters UAE, Kuwait

IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed franchise agreements with subsidiaries of Aqarat, a global hotel owner, for two new Vignette Collection hotels.

Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, Vignette Collection in UAE, and Vignette Collection in Kuwait City are the first two Vignette properties in the Middle East.

Vignette Collection properties in UAE

Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, Vignette Collection is already open and is located on the Western Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The beachfront resort features 162 rooms and suites, including apartments ranging from one-four bedrooms, two infinity pools, a gym, basketball court, a kid’s play area, culinary and mixology experiences, and a beach club.

Vignette Collection in Kuwait City is due to open later in 2023 and is located in Kuwait City, Al Bida, Salwa neighbourhood, and is within walking distance of the Arabella complex. With its prime seafront location and convenient access to the Central Business District, the hotel is positioned to serve both business and leisure travellers.

Talal Jassim Al-Bahar, vice chairman and CEO of Aqarat, said, “Considering Dubai’s status as a renowned tourist destination and the continuous growth of Kuwait’s hospitality market, these two Vignette Collection hotels are poised to capture the attention of both local and international guests. United Hospitality Management (UHM) will operate both properties.”

Haitham Mattar, managing director for India, the Middle East and Africa at IHG Hotels and Resorts, added, “The partnership with Aqarat and the opening of these hotels marks an important milestone for IHG Hotels and Resorts, as we cater to the growing number of guests who seek luxury experiences that differ from conventional hotel and resort offerings.”

Vignette Collection is IHG Hotels and Resorts’ first collection brand. Since its launch in December 2021, Vignette Collection has grown to include six properties in locations including Australia, Thailand, Portugal and Washington DC. It has a pipeline of 15 properties and a forecast growth of more than 100 properties around the globe over the next 10 years.

In Saudi Arabia, the Carlton Al Moaibed Hotel in Al Khobar, is currently being refurbished and is scheduled to be rebranded by 2024 as an IHG Vignette Collection property.

This article originally appeared on Business Traveller Middle East