The Middle East, and the GCC region in particular, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in hotel development, largely propelled by strategic government initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and a sustained focus on tourism diversification.

Having worked in the Middle East for more than two decades, I can say with confidence that the region’s hospitality market has seldom been as robust as it is today. Hotels across the UAE are operating at near-record levels, with national revenues topping $12 billion in 2024 and average occupancy rates climbing to 78 per cent.

The pristine shores of Shura Island, the main hub of The Red Sea destination, are rapidly transforming into a beacon of global luxury and regenerative tourism as the first wave of world-class resorts makes its debut.

In a defining move for the future of global property, Dubai is poised to etch another world record into its architectural history. Vincitore Realty, a pioneer in the ‘designer wellness’ property movement, has unveiled its latest global masterpiece: Vincitore Wellness Estate, the world’s largest designer wellness residential tower.

The concept of ultra-luxury living is undergoing a profound evolution, with developers increasingly focusing on regenerative design and cutting-edge construction technology to create buildings that actively enhance the well-being of their inhabitants. Leading this movement is R.

Swiss sanitary technology firm Geberit is positioning its “invisible innovations” as key to defining luxury and sustainability standards in the Gulf’s expanding hotel and high-end residential property sector.

In the high-stakes world of luxury hospitality and mega-project development, there is no margin for error, and demand for skilled architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) talent is relentless.