Twelve new hotels are to be built by Rotana in the United Arab Emirates at cost of £1.4 billion.
Seven properties are planned for Dubai, four in Abu Dhabi and one in Ras Al Khaimah by the end of 2020.
Six will be five-star hotels, with the remaining properties comprising a mix of four and three-star hotels and hotel apartments.
The new hotels will add 4,360 rooms taking Rotana’s expanding portfolio in the UAE to 44 properties, including 21 in Dubai and 17 in Abu Dhabi, with a room inventory of 11,782.
Rotana president and chief executive Omer Kaddouri said: “The UAE is our home market and even as we pursue our global ambitions and expand our footprint into new geographic regions, the country continues to remain the fulcrum around which Rotana’s business strategy is developed and implemented.
“With us bringing to the local market 12 new properties within the next four years, we further express our commitment to supporting the UAE’s tourism ambitions and reaffirming our belief in the long-term prospects of the country’s hospitality industry.
“Next year, we will be introducing a number of five-star properties to the market, including the all-new Saadiyat Rotana Resort and villas in Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in Q4 2017.
“Ideal for both business and leisure travellers, the resort will feature 354 upscale rooms and suites, 13 beach villas, a beach club and extensive conference facilities.
“Rotana already has a significant presence Abu Dhabi, and strengthening our portfolio with an additional four properties will allow us to further contribute to and capitalise on the Emirate’s expanding tourism and hospitality sector.
“While in Dubai, our seven upcoming properties will go a long way towards meeting the demand increase anticipated in the run-up to Expo 2020, and will help ramp up overall room capacity which is crucial to achieving the city’s ambitious tourism vision.”