Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 30, 2025: IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the most prominent hotel companies globally, has finalized a management agreement with API Hotels & Resorts to introduce the first Kimpton hotel in the UAE. Anticipated to open in the first quarter of 2026, Kimpton Dubai will be the brand’s inaugural establishment in the emirate and represents IHG’s ongoing growth throughout the region, which now boasts over 122 hotels and nearly 44,000 rooms across nine countries in the Middle East.
Globally recognized for its unique design, heartfelt hospitality, and immersive lifestyle experiences, Kimpton has built a robust presence in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The brand’s entrance into the UAE signifies a rising demand for boutique-style stays that prioritize experience in the region’s luxury hospitality sector.
Located along the iconic Business Bay Canal and just a short distance from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Kimpton Dubai is set to become a lively new social center in the city. This area is already known as a captivating business and leisure destination, attracting a diverse array of residents, tourists, and professionals.
The hotel will offer 280 guest rooms, featuring a combination of standard rooms and suites, along with three distinctive dining options and seven versatile meeting spaces—including a grand ballroom. Emphasizing wellness and leisure, guests will have access to a rooftop swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, curated retail shops, and ample parking. In keeping with Kimpton’s innovative culinary reputation, the hotel will prioritize exceptional food and beverage experiences.
This collaboration marks the second venture between IHG and API Hotels & Resorts, following the launch of the InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay in September 2024. Previously, IHG entered into a management agreement with The King Abdullah Financial District Management and Development Company, linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, to establish the region’s first Kimpton hotel in Riyadh.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts – India, Middle East & Africa, stated: “The Kimpton brand is transforming luxury lifestyle hospitality by leading with uniquely designed boutique hotels and restaurants that encourage self-expression, feature world-class design, and offer genuinely warm service. We are thrilled to bring this brand to the UAE, partnering with API to provide a refreshing hospitality experience in Business Bay that appeals to both local and international visitors.
“Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants embody the forefront of luxury lifestyle hospitality. These properties are intentionally designed to spark connection and creativity, often collaborating with local talent—artists, musicians, chefs, and designers. We are eager to inject that same energy and spirit into Dubai.”
An API Hotels & Resorts spokesperson added: “Our ongoing partnership with IHG highlights our collective commitment to delivering premier luxury experiences in the region. The arrival of Kimpton in Dubai will provide a unique alternative within the city’s hospitality scene—blending high-end lifestyle elements with a boutique essence. We believe Kimpton Dubai will emerge as a pivotal destination for both locals and tourists.”
Each Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant is crafted to foster human connections through unexpected, personalized touches that create meaningful and spontaneous guest interactions. By merging a culture of heartfelt hospitality with distinct, design-forward hotels, every Kimpton property is intended to facilitate authentic experiences where local communities and visitors integrate seamlessly.
Currently, IHG operates nine of its core brands in the Middle East: Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, and Hotel Indigo within the luxury and lifestyle categories; Crowne Plaza and voco in the premium section; Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express in the essentials segment; and Staybridge Suites in the suites category.