Courtesy/News Source: power50.hoteliermiddleeast.com

Ajman-based R Hotels marked its 10th anniversary in 2018. The group possesses the largest room inventory in the emirate, and under managing director Sumair Tariq’s leadership, R Hotels has grown from two properties in 2010 to seven operational hotels across the UAE today.

R Hotels has established and furthered partnerships with the biggest hotel groups in the world and, under franchise agreements, it has been responsible for bringing four new hotel brands into the UAE.

In Dubai, the group marked its first partnership with AccorHotels in 2015, with the opening of the first Ibis Styles hotel, located in Jumeirah. In 2013, under a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotel Group, R Hotels introduced the first Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham in the UAE, situated at Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Its latest property, Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche, which opened in April 2018, was the first Wyndham Garden branded hotel in the UAE. The group also opened the first holistic wellness resort in the region — The Retreat Palm Dubai M Gallery by Sofitel — in December 2017, through a franchise agreement with AccorHotels. The beachfront resort is designed with natural elements, earth tones and guided by Feng Shui. Central to the resort is the Rayya Wellness Centre, and Dubai Health Authority-endorsed wellness experts — including lifestyle coaches and nutritionists, a wellness chef, and a doctor of naturopathy – are on hand.

Looking ahead, the group is eyeing expansion outside the UAE, including markets such as the United Kingdom as it seeks to diversify its portfolio. R Hotels is also exploring the possibility of being a listed company in the future, Tariq reveals.

R Hotels also has a strong corporate social responsibility mandate. The group’s hotels are all actively involved in various sustainability and charitable initiatives. The group has established partnerships with various organisations such as Emirates Red Crescent, Dubai Centre for Special Needs, and Friends of Cancer Patients. Through these activities, R Hotels is keen to “encourage businesses and lead the industry in reaching out to and creating a positive impact in the community”, Tariq says.