UAE: IHG brings Garner Hotels to the Middle East with two openings - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

IHG Hotels & Resorts is introducing its Garner Hotels brand to the Middle East with two properties in the United Arab Emirates. The hotel group has signed agreements with Nooa Holdings for hotels in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, both expected to open in 2026.

The two conversion projects will add a combined 285 rooms to IHG’s UAE portfolio and mark the regional debut of what the company describes as its fastest-scaling global brand. Garner Hotels operates in the midscale segment and is designed in particular for the conversion of existing properties.

204 rooms planned in Ras Al Khaimah

The larger of the two properties will be Garner Hotel Ras Al Khaimah Downtown with 204 rooms. Located by the creek in Al Nakheel, the hotel will be close to Al Naeem Mall and around 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

The location is intended to attract both leisure and business travellers as Ras Al Khaimah continues to expand its tourism and hospitality sector.

Garner Hotel Dubai Al Jaddaf will have 81 rooms. Situated near Al Jaddaf Waterfront between Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, the property will provide access to the city's business, leisure and cultural districts. Plans also include a rooftop pool overlooking Dubai Creek.

Conversion model targets the midscale market

IHG launched Garner Hotels as a conversion-focused midscale brand. The concept is designed to allow existing hotels to join the group without the extensive changes often associated with converting a property to another international brand.

The offer concentrates on core services including convenient locations, comfortable accommodation and breakfast, while participating hotels gain access to IHG's distribution infrastructure, operating systems and IHG One Rewards loyalty programme.

“Bringing Garner Hotels to the Middle East is an important step in strengthening IHG’s midscale offer in the region,” says Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts.

According to Mattar, the UAE provides a suitable launch market because of demand from travellers seeking branded accommodation at more accessible price points as well as from hotel owners looking for a model supported by IHG's international distribution and systems.

Partnership with Nooa Holdings

Both properties are being developed in partnership with Nooa Holdings. Founder and CEO Amit Basnet sees the brand's conversion model as a good fit for the two destinations.

“We are pleased to partner with IHG through Garner Hotel Dubai Al Jaddaf and Garner Hotel Ras Al Khaimah Downtown,” Basnet says. “Garner Hotels’ flexible model and focus on high-quality, affordable stays make it a strong fit for these two destinations.”

The partners also intend to examine opportunities for further portfolio growth.

IHG has 110 UAE hotels in the pipeline

IHG currently operates 39 hotels across eight brands in the United Arab Emirates. Its existing portfolio ranges from InterContinental and Vignette Collection to Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn Resort, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites.

The development pipeline is considerably larger. According to IHG, another 110 hotels are scheduled to open in the UAE over the next three to five years.

The arrival of Garner Hotels adds a dedicated conversion brand to that portfolio and gives IHG another vehicle for expansion in the country's growing midscale accommodation segment.

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