AccorHotels, a leading travel and lifestyle group, has announced the signing of an agreement with Al-Ghurair, one of the Middle East’s leading family businesses, for the rebrand of a landmark property consisting of 428 rooms and 192 apartments located at Al-Ghurair Center Complex.
Both properties will be managed as part of the group’s upscale Swissôtel & Swissôtel Living portfolio, representing the brand’s first foray into the UAE. Located within Deira, the hotel and residences offer access to Al-Ghurair Center — one of Dubai’s original upscale shopping centers, which recently completed an AED1.8 billion ($490 million) expansion.
The hotel and apartments will be m0anaged by AccorHotels before transitioning to Swissôtel & Swissôtel Living by the end of 2017 when the first phase of soft refurbishment is completed.
Sami Nasser, chief operating officer, luxury brands, AccorHotels Middle East, said: “The Al-Ghurair family plays a leading role in driving Dubai’s growth as a global destination, and as such, the iconic Al-Ghurair Center is the best location to debut the city’s first Swissôtel & Swissôtel Living. Through this rebrand, we are bringing a new travel experience that is full of energy, passion and vitality — all part of the Swissôtel brand DNA — to the revitalization of Old Dubai.”
He added: “Along with two notable Swissôtel properties welcoming guests in Makkah, in addition to our flagship Swissôtel the Bosphorus, Istanbul, Al-Ghurair Hotel and Al-Ghurair Living provide an excellent base and springboard for the future development of the brand in the Middle East.”
Sultan Al-Ghurair, CEO of Al-Ghurair Properties, and responsible for the organization’s extensive real estate portfolio, said: “This landmark agreement, in partnership with AccorHotels, reflects Al-Ghurair’s commitment to working with best-in-class service providers and to attracting new brands to the UAE. The Al-Ghurair Center comprises over 350 retail, dining and entertainment outlets, attracting more than 21 million visitors a year. With the rebrand of our hospitality offering, we are proud to include international brands such as Swissôtel & Swissôtel Living as part of the Al-Ghurair Center experience. With 53 real estate projects under development, of which a large proportion are in Deira, the rebranding of the Al-Ghurair Center hospitality offering is a key part of our goal to lead the regeneration of Old Dubai.”
AccorHotels, Al-Ghurair announce rebrand of landmark Dubai properties
AccorHotels, Al-Ghurair announce rebrand of landmark Dubai properties
Alfanar Engineering Services names Amer Al Ajmi CEO
Alfanar Engineering Services, a division of Alfanar Projects, has appointed Eng. Amer Al Ajmi as chief executive officer, signaling a new phase of growth and innovation for the company.
The appointment underscores Alfanar’s commitment to strengthening its role as a trusted partner in Saudi Arabia’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
Al Ajmi brings more than 25 years of experience in engineering, energy and international business. His vision focuses on engineering excellence, digital transformation and sustainability. Under his leadership, the company aims to expand its contribution to the Kingdom’s industrial and infrastructure development while supporting a more sustainable energy future.
Alfanar Engineering Services provides integrated technical solutions to the Kingdom’s energy, infrastructure, private and government sectors. Its core business lines include motor and generator repair and rewinding, power services, testing and calibration, and technical and engineering training.
The company maintains a strong presence through regional offices across major Saudi cities, supported by a 24/7 engineering team that ensures uninterrupted operations and service availability nationwide.
At the center of its operations is Alfanar Technical Services, one of the largest specialized facilities in the region for repair, rewinding and maintenance of electrical equipment, including transformers, generators and motors. The company serves energy, oil, petrochemical and mining industries, as well as critical infrastructure such as hotels, hospitals and public utilities.
Alfanar operates three advanced facilities in Jubail and Riyadh, covering more than 200,000 square meters, with an expansion underway in Yanbu to meet growing demand driven by the Kingdom’s industrial transformation.
“Leading Alfanar Engineering Services is both an honor and a responsibility,” Al Ajmi said. “Our focus is on building a sustainable and technologically advanced future where our people, innovation and expertise deliver long-term impact across every sector we serve.”
