With the event drawing to a close, Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, chief executive of Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East and Africa, can look back on a successful Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2019.

On a personal level, the hospitality leader was recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award from organisers Bench Events during the three-day showcase in Ras al Khaimah.

Having launched the brand with a single property in Abu Dhabi 16 years ago, Alzaabi has spearheaded major growth for the company.

Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East and Africa now comprises 40 hotels in operation totalling 12,619 keys in the region.

Under his leadership, the hotel company has its eyes set on a massive expansion plan with more than 35 hotels in the pipeline – and it was this growth that was recognised with the title.

On collecting his award at, Alzaabi said: “I have envisioned a great potential in the hospitality industry that inspired me to introduce an array of distinct brands to the region, serving different market segments over the last 20 years and I am proud that the Millennium brand has firmly established itself as one of the fastest growing hotel management companies in the Middle East region.”

Alzaabi added: “Our commitment as a brand is not only to our employees, owners and customers but also to causes and organisations that make a difference in the lives of others.

“Hence we have launched programmes like ‘Taddamon’, a corporate social responsibility initiative in collaboration with Al Jalila Foundation, and ‘TooMooH’ a concerted, consistent programme to accelerate nationalisation by integrating nationals in the private sector and offer increased opportunities in the hospitality industry, thus allowing us to truly create an impact within the hospitality sector.”

Millennium Place Barsha Heights

But away from the spotlight, there was work to be done.

During the show Millennium Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement to operate Millennium Place Barsha Heights.

The second Millennium Place property in the United Arab Emirates, the Millennium Place Barsha Heights is expected to open in quarter four this year and is comprised of 915 rooms, suites and serviced apartments.

“We are grateful to Leadersport for entrusting us with the management of Millennium Place Barsha Heights.

“The Barsha Heights is a dynamic and growing community and operating another Millennium property in this area reflects our commitment to support the country’s growing tourism and hospitality industry.

“We are enhancing our portfolio to offer quality accommodation to varied guests and the Millennium Place promises to bring unique and more personalized experience,” said Alzaabi.

A four-star lifestyle hotel, the two-tower Millennium Place Barsha Heights will feature a speciality restaurant, all-day dining outlet and a lounge.

The spacious bedrooms will have separate living and dining areas.

Facilities include a fitness centre, two outdoor swimming pools with two kids pool, business centre, lady’s saloon and a travel desk.

Expansion

The deal follows the well-received opening of the Millennium Atria Business Bay and comes at the start of an exciting period Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the region.

Speaking to Breaking Travel News during the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Alzaabi explained: “We are excited to add 14 new hotels to our portfolio in 2019 where we will be operating more than 50 hotels, growing from 26 properties in 2016 which position us as the fastest growing hotel operator in the region.

“The 14 new hotels and the existing portfolio of 40 hotels in the Middle East and Africa region will help grow tourism demand in the GCC including UAE – who will be hosting the World Expo 2020 and is expected to receive 25 million visitors in six months.

“Our fast-developing hotel portfolio is geared to support the vision of the UAE government.

“This year, we will add 14 hotels in addition to 35 new hotels that are in the pipeline.

“In order to bring variety to the market and to offer customised hospitality offerings, we have introduced two contemporary products – Studio M and Millennium Place – to suit the varied budgets of our valued customers.

“Studio M is a three-star lifestyle concept, offering savvy travellers, chic design and contemporary functionality as well as a personal sanctuary of urban living for those that appreciate the work-life balance.”

Studio M Al Barsha

Among the new contemporary properties is Studio M Al Barsha, which is expected to open at the end of the year in partnership with Jersey Properties.

The hotel includes 155 rooms offering a personal sanctuary of urban living for the self-sufficient and independently minded travelers looking fresh, minimalistic and tech-savvy comfort.

“We greatly value the trust and confidence that Jersey Properties placed in us for the management of Studio M Al Barsha.

“Millennium Hotels and Resorts continues to introduce innovative concepts that address the guests’ changing needs and contemporary functionality as well as personal sanctuary in their accommodation,” said Ali Zaabi.

Studio M is a chic urban hotel concept featuring thoughtful and well-designed spaces with the “cool” factor combined with stylish, high-quality rooms and fuss-free technology.

The hotel will feature an urban deli style restaurant, all-day dining outlet and coffee shop.

The rooms combine chic design, functionality and connectivity and include sleek and practical furniture backed by discrete fuss technology. Facilities include a fitness centre, swimming pool.

Millennium Hotels & Resorts

Millennium Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages or operates over 130 hotels worldwide.

The company is considered the World’s Leading Corporate Hotel Brand by voters at the World Travel Awards.

With almost 40,000 rooms worldwide, the company is present on all continents with a portfolio of brands which serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class.

In recent months Millennium Hotels & Resorts has also expanded its My Millennium loyalty scheme while expanding its booking options for small- and medium-sized enterprises with an improved Millennium for Business.

Find out more on the official website.