TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
As a growing brand in the Middle Eastern hospitality landscape, Gewan Hotels & Resorts is taking big strides by delivering exceptional experiences across its seven distinct properties. In an exclusive Q&A session with TRAVTALK, Ahmed Hassib, Chief Executive Officer, Gewan Hotels & Resorts, shares inside view of their offerings, partnerships, and strategic approach to the travel trade.
TT Bureau
Gewan Hotels & Resorts operates a portfolio of seven diverse properties spread across the UAE, catering to a wide range of travellers. The group includes both traditional hotels and serviced apartments, offering a combined total of 1,326 keys. This collection includes 350 fully equipped apartments, designed to provide modern comforts and flexibility for long-term stays or vacationers seeking a home-away-from-home experience. Each property has been carefully selected for its strategic location, ensuring guests have access to both leisure and business hubs in cities, such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah, as well as Al Aqah.
Can you share details about the individual properties and their unique selling points?
MD Hotel: Located in a prime urban setting, MD Hotel combines convenience with competitive pricing, attracting both business travellers and vacationers.
HE Hotel Apartments: These modern, fully furnished apartments offer a seamless blend of comfort and practicality, perfect for long-term guests or those looking for more space. Again, competitive pricing makes this a popular option.
Royal M Hotel Abu Dhabi: A luxury offering in the heart of the UAE capital, this hotel is known for its infinity pool, signature dining experiences, and lavish rooms. Its central location makes it ideal for both leisure and business travellers.
Royal M Hotel Fujairah: A key draw for this hotel is its strategic location next to Fujairah Mall and close proximity to the airport, making it a convenient choice for transit travellers or those exploring the east coast.
Royal M Hotel & Resort Al Aqah Beach: With stunning views of Snoopy Island, this property boasts luxurious rooms and exclusive beachfront access, making it a haven for beach lovers and those looking for a scenic retreat.
Private Beach Villas: This offers a secluded getaway with villas featuring private pools and a variety of high-end dining options, perfect for those seeking a more intimate, exclusive stay.
Across all the seven properties, guests can expect excellent service, modern amenities, and excellent value for money.
How important is your relationship with the travel trade? Do they bring in a significant amount of business, and how do you support them?
The travel trade is vital to our success, as we collaborate with travel agencies, tour operators, and OTAs to promote our seven properties. These partnerships significantly boost our international bookings, with a large percentage of guests coming through these channels. To support our partners, we provide marketing materials, and training, and participate in industry events like travel expos, enhancing their ability to confidently offer our accommodations. We also monitor performance and feedback to continuously improve our offerings and meet the evolving needs of both agents and their clients.
What key offerings do you focus on across your properties?
At Gewan Hotels & Resorts, we focus on staycations and daycations for local residents, diverse dining experiences, and wellness retreats at our beach-access properties. These offerings cater to both leisure and business travellers, providing a holistic experience that meets a wide range of guest needs and preferences.
Could you share the source markets you are targeting for 2025 and beyond?
We target key source markets to expand our reach, focusing on Europe (especially Germany, France, and the UK), Asia (notably India and China), CIS countries, and the GCC. Our diversified approach, strong travel trade partnerships, and commitment to guest experiences position us for continued growth in the competitive hospitality sector.
