Nakheel and AccorHotels have signed a management agreement for ibis Dubai Jumeirah Village Circle, further strengthening their strategic partnership for Dubai hospitality projects.
Ali Rashid Lootah, the chairman of Nakheel, and Olivier Granet, managing director and chief operating officer for AccorHotels Middle East & Africa, signed the deal, which is the third collaboration between the two companies.
A month ago, Raffles was announced as the brand for the luxury hotel and residences at PALM360 on Palm Jumeirah, and Nakheel’s 251-room hotel at Dragon Mart, which opened in 2016, is also managed by AccorHotels, under the ibis Styles brand.
Located inside the eastern edge of the sprawling Jumeirah Village Circle community, the 252-room ibis hotel will provide an economy hospitality offering, with an all-day restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, cafe, fitness center, meeting room and car park. The hotel is expected to open in 2021.
Lootah said: “Our hospitality business continues to go from strength to strength, as we design and deliver a diverse range of hotels, resorts and serviced residences at key locations across Dubai, and partner with world-leading hotel brands to bring new hospitality concepts to the emirate. I am delighted to further reinforce our partnership with AccorHotels for the ibis hotel at Jumeirah Village Circle.”
Granet said: “We are thrilled with the collaboration. Following the recent announcement of the Raffles brand on the iconic Palm Jumeirah with PALM360, as well as our operation of ibis Styles Dragon Mart, we value this successful relationship and recognize Nakheel’s far-reaching vision of further enhancing Dubai as a world-class destination.
“ibis is by far the leading economy hotel brand in the region with 39 hotels and this project is a true testament to the strength of this offering in the Middle East.”
Nakheel and AccorHotels sign management deal for ibis hotel
Nakheel and AccorHotels sign management deal for ibis hotel
LuLu launches Italian Food Festival 2025 across the Kingdom
LuLu Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of the Italian Food Festival 2025, a weeklong culinary showcase bringing the richness of Italian cuisine to shoppers across the Kingdom. The festival is being held at all LuLu stores in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the retailer’s commitment to offering world-class international food experiences.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Giovanna Mariotto, head of the Consular and Visa Section; Dr. Romano Baruzzi, head commissioner for Italy in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait; and Dr. Ahmed Soliman, trade analyst at the Italian Trade Agency in Riyadh. Mohammed Haris, director of LuLu Saudi Arabia, along with senior management representatives, also attended.
Authentic Italian experience
The Italian Food Festival 2025 features a wide selection of traditional Italian products, including cheeses, pasta, sauces, olive oils and premium grocery items, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables imported from Italy. LuLu’s hot food and bakery sections are serving freshly prepared Italian dishes daily, giving customers the chance to enjoy authentic flavors crafted with quality ingredients.
Through initiatives such as the Italian Food Festival, LuLu Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for global cuisines, offering customers access to international products while maintaining high quality standards and competitive pricing. The festival enhances the shopping experience by combining variety, authenticity and culinary discovery under one roof.









