Marriott International has just signed up Dubai’s luxurious Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa to its Autograph Collection. This represents the debut of the exclusive portfolio of the one-of-a-kind-hotels in the Middle East and Africa.

“We are delighted to announce the exciting entry of the Autograph Collection portfolio into our continent, through the beautiful city of Dubai,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Marriott International Middle East and Africa.  “Autograph Collection is known for creating authentic experiences that are centered in rich personality and the spirit of independence. We feel that essence is fully represented in Dubai, which with its courageous inventiveness, makes it a perfect fit for the collection.”

Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent hotels. Exactly like nothing else, each destination has been thoughtfully selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. From near to far, iconic to historic, the result is a unique array of properties that is nothing less than completely unique, nothing short of collectively exceptional. 

When it joins the Autograph collection in early 2015, the 446-room Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa will represent the first Autograph Collection hotel to open in the UAE.  Situated on Dubai’s World-famous Jumeirah Beach and adjacent to the stunning Dubai Marina, the hotel occupies one of Dubai’s most enchanting beachside locations.  All rooms either face the sea, which stretches as far as the eye can see, or they face the beautifully manicured lawns and gardens of the property.

“We are delighted to team up with a well-known global brand like Marriott International.  The Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, our flagship hotel, is located on one of the best beaches in Dubai, situated in a prime location near the Dubai Marina. We look forward to a strong partnership with Marriott International for this stunning property,” said Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman and CEO, Al Habtoor Group.

Designed to champion independence, the Autograph Collection has provided Marriott International with an exciting opportunity to grow, enabling the company to offer management and franchise expertise, as well as the power of its global sales and marketing channels to new owners and franchisees that offer passionately independent hotel experiences. Autograph Collection has also introduced Marriott International to a new customer, the individualist traveler who prefers an independent hotel experience.

Launched in January of 2010, the Autograph Collection currently includes over 60 passionately independent hotels in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, Australia, and the Caribbean and Latin America. Upon partnering with Autograph Collection, each hotel is awarded access to Marriott International’s powerful global sales and marketing channels; including the award-winning Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program, where guests can earn points at more than 3,700 hotels in 71 countries. Additionally, each hotel is featured on Marriott.com – the eighth largest retail website in the world. In addition to their placement on Marriott.com, each property is showcased in its own unique way on the Collection’s award winning standalone site, www.autographhotels.com.