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29 March 2024

Best Western in major Middle East expansion

Published
By Staff Writer
 
 
The Middle East is a crucial part of hotel giant Best Western International’s expansion plans, a senior official said.

“The key to our market development strategy is establishing a strong foothold in the region,” Glenn de Souza, Vice-President of International Operations for Asia, said. “The Middle East economy is booming and offers great opportunities for the hospitality sector.”

De Souza was speaking after Best Western signed an area development agreement with the UAE’s Zainal Mohebi Group. Subsidiary Mohebi Investments will operate Best Western’s Middle East Area development office. It has already announced the first Middle East property to be branded and managed by the chain, the 220-room $55 million (Dh202m) Best West­ern Residences in Dubai, which will open in February 2009.

Mohebi Aviation will manage Best Western’s international sales office in Dubai.

Mohammed Mohebi, Chairman and CEO of Mohebi Investments, said: “We are investing and expanding heavily in the tourism industry in the UAE and the Gulf. This is a strategic move for us in line with the vision of our country’s leadership. There is a particular need for world-class three- and four-star hotels in the Gulf. This is a major segment of the market that has not been properly catered to by international hotel chains. We are delighted to be in partnership with Best Western.”