Dubai World Central has announced the signing of separate agreements that will see the development of three international hotels – Aloft, Studio M and Millennium – at DWC. The hotels are scheduled for completion between 2018 and 2019 and will collectively add 1,300 rooms to DWC’s hospitality offering.

Leading hospitality industry investors, operators and professionals attending the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference have gained a valuable insight into the performance and outlook of the MENA hotel market from Filippo Sona, head of hotels for Colliers International in the MENA region. Sona’s presentation on the Colliers International MENA Hotel Market Forecast, a leading resource for industry decision makers, explored the dynamics driving current performance and future expectations across the region.

Officials at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference have announced they will be hosting a first of its kind student outreach programme – entitled ‘Hospitality Careers for GCC Nationals Symposium’ – during this year’s event. Hosted in collaboration with Roya International, the event will take place on May 7th from 14:30-15:30 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

The organisers of AHIC 2015 announced officially earlier that Ivanka Trump will speak at this year’s conference on the topic of ‘The Future of Luxury and the Next Generation of Luxury Traveller’. The world renowned real estate executive and entrepreneur will share her unique perspective on the luxury hotel market as founder and operator of the Trump Hotel Collection. The keynote question session will be led by Susan Harmsworth, founder of ESPA, on Thursday May 7th at 09.30 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

The organisers of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference held their annual Advisory Board Meeting at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Dubai earlier. The event is designed for hospitality leaders and experts to identify the untapped opportunities and key challenges for investors into the Middle East’s hotel sector.

International hotel and real estate developer IFA Hotels & Resorts has joined forces with Kuwait-based Tijaria to launch their first-ever vacation club business. The USD$50million joint venture brings together two significant hospitality forces in the Middle East. IFA Hotels & Resorts’ global holdings include properties ranging from the cutting-edge YOTEL brand to hotels and mixed-use developments operated by Fairmont, Mövenpick, Four Seasons and Sheraton. Tijaria’s holdings include the stunning Hotel Missioni and Symphony Hotels in Kuwait.