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Marriott International Expands Branded Residences Portfolio in the Middle East & Africa Region

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Marriott International

Underscoring the company’s global leadership in branded residences and luxury development, Marriott International announces a strong residential pipeline in the MEA region

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 19, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) (NASDAQ: MAR, “Marriott”) announces its accelerated growth in its branded residential portfolio in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, with 41 projects in the portfolio, including 29 projects in its signed pipeline and 12 open properties.     

In the past two years, the global hospitality leader has signed 19 agreements in the Middle East and Africa to bring branded residences to iconic destinations in the region, more than double the amount from the preceding two years. With locations ranging from luxurious addresses, such as the highly anticipated project, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, to premier urban destinations like the W Residences at Dubai Harbour, there is something for every type of home buyer in the company’s pipeline.  

“As Marriott continues to meet the increasing global demand for branded residences and world-class luxury experiences, the MEA region, home to some of the world’s most coveted and iconic destinations, has been a key driver of our accelerated growth,” said Dana Jacobsohn, Chief Development Officer, Global Mixed-Use Development. “Through providing extraordinary benefits for both developers and Residence Owners, we continue to strengthen our industry-leading position in the segment, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work the company is doing to bring such extraordinary residential projects to life.” 

With 16 luxury and premium brand offerings, 11 of which have an open or signed residential property in the EMEA region, Marriott Branded Residences offer development licensees the opportunity to leverage strong brand recognition and lead generation platforms, which have the potential to result in higher sales velocity and increased sales value for developers. Along with the world-renowned service that guests expect from Marriott brands, Residence Owners also have the opportunity to receive enhanced benefits from the recently announced owner recognition platform, ONVIA, which provides exclusive offerings within the Marriott Bonvoy® portfolio.  

Marriott is proud to work with some of the industry’s top developers across MEA, who are an essential part of our company’s continued success

“Marriott is proud to work with some of the industry’s top developers across MEA, who are an essential part of our company’s continued success,” said Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President, Mixed-Use Development, EMEA. “Through the combination of best-in-class developers, renowned design experts, iconic destinations, and people-first service, Marriott’s industry-leading value proposition is well-positioned to continue bringing premier and luxury lifestyle offerings to Residence Owners.”  

From breathtaking views to luxury urban residences, recent projects for which the company has signed agreements and/or launched include:  

  • The JW Marriott Residences New Cairo, Al Jazi First marks the first branded residences under JW Marriott in Africa.  The 277-residences project is part of the Al Jazi Egypt destination located in the heart of New Cairo 
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Cairo, Palm Hills will feature 150 exclusive residences, each meticulously designed to offer an exceptional living experience amidst lush greenery, harmoniously blending nature and urban life. Residents will enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Palm Hills Golf Course. 
  • W Residences Cairo marks the first W Hotels branded residence in Africa and will be situated One Ninety, which is set to become a premier lifestyle destination in Cairo. 
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside, which just began construction, will offer 200 residences across 7 seven buildings and 12 mansions, each featuring exclusive yacht berthing for residents.  
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, which recently launched sales, feature designs inspired by the rich Najdi heritage, with exquisitely designed villas, apartments and duplexes that capture the essence of elegance and tradition. This launch follows the successful sell-out of the initial standalone 106 villas also located at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah in the North District of the Kingdom, which sold out within a year of launch.   
  • The St. Regis Residences, Financial Center Road, Dubai, which sold 70% of its units in the first hour of sales launch, which demonstrates the potential sales velocity that developers may experience when working with Marriott brands.   
  • Other launches in the UAE include Marriott Residences Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai; W Residences Abu Dhabi – Al Maryah Island; W Residences Dubai – Jumeirah Lakes Towers; JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. 

By the end of 2024, Marriott expects to celebrate the opening of highly anticipated projects across the region, including:   

  • Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, which marks the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the EMEA region, will offer Residence Owners a rare and immersive escape to discover Saudi Arabian culture and the untapped wonders of the Red Sea.  
  • Located in the heart of Al Mouj, one of Oman’s most exclusive neighborhoods, The Residences at the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort offer an exquisite gateway to the captivating cultural wonders of Oman.  
  • Marriott Residences Al Barsha South, Dubai offers premium living with modern design and services reflective of the Marriott brand. Spread across three towers, each of the residences offer sophisticated spaces and breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. 

For more information on Marriott Branded Residences, visit https://MarriottResidences.com/.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

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APO Group Named Africa’s Leading PR Agency in 2025 Brands Review Magazine Awards

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APO Group

Originally established as a press release distribution service, the company has evolved into a leading Pan-African communications consultancy, delivering impactful campaigns that shape narratives across the continent

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, February 20, 2025/APO Group/ –APO Group (http://www.APO-opa.com), the leading, multi-award-winning pan-African communication and media relations consultancy, is proud to announce that it has been named the winner in three award categories by Brands Review Magazine, a renowned UK-based media publication dedicated to covering key industry sectors worldwide.

APO Group was named Best PR Agency Africa 2025Leading Communication Consultancy Africa 2025, and Leading Press Release Distribution Platform Africa 2025. These accolades mark another milestone for APO Group, solidifying its position as the leader in public relations and communications services across Africa.

These awards confirm our commitment to providing exceptional media relations and communication services across Africa

Brands Review Magazine acknowledges outstanding businesses and industry leaders globally, highlighting organisations that excel in their respective fields. APO Group’s achievements in 2025 build on a track record of excellence, having previously received multiple accolades, including the SABRE Awards for Africa, a Global Double Award Win at the 2023 World Business Outlook Awards, and recognition at the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, where its Vice President of Public Relations, Rania El Rafie, was awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the ‘Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 category.

Commenting on the awards, Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, said: “These awards confirm our commitment to providing exceptional media relations and communication services across Africa. They strengthen APO Group’s position as a trusted leader in the African communications sector, highlighting our unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.”

“We are honoured to be recognised by Brands Review Magazine and remain committed to delivering exceptional services to our clients across Africa.”

For over 15 years, APO Group has been at the forefront of strategic public relations and media engagement in Africa, helping clients enhance their brand visibility, build credibility, and connect with key audiences. Originally established as a press release distribution service, the company has evolved into a leading Pan-African communications consultancy, delivering impactful campaigns that shape narratives across the continent.

APO Group remains committed to setting new industry standards and driving meaningful engagement for businesses, institutions, and stakeholders across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

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Arab Fund and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) Join Forces to Upgrade Data Portal for Sustainable Development in the Arab Region

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UN-ESCWA

The three-year partnership will include hands-on workshops, the creation of knowledge sharing resources, and the development of innovative strategies to improve development indicators

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait, February 20, 2025/APO Group/ –The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the Arab Development Portal (https://apo-opa.co/4h645gR), a key online data resource for Arab countries. This collaboration aims to speed up Arab countries’ progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The portal is a regional knowledge and data platform providing access to reliable development data from various credible sources. The upgraded version will include tools powered by artificial intelligence tools, user-friendly dashboards and predictive analytics, offering valuable insights into economic trends, global benchmarks, and SDG indicators.

Partnership is at the core of our new strategy to maximize our impact on social and economic development across member countries

“This collaboration with the Arab Fund, representing ACG institutions, marks a pivotal step in strengthening data-driven, evidence-based decision-making across the Arab region. By enhancing data dissemination and accessibility, we empower policymakers and researchers with the insights needed to address critical challenges in economic development, public health, unemployment, climate resilience, and other key areas aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Rola Dashti, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UN-ESCWA.

The Arab Development Portal (https://apo-opa.co/4h645gR) was established by the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (https://apo-opa.co/41ouIJ4), an alliance of 10 Arab development institutions including the Arab Fund.

“Partnership is at the core of our new strategy to maximize our impact on social and economic development across member countries,” said Bader Alsaad, Arab Fund’s Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Together with UN-ESCWA we will use our expertise and resources to create a data-driven approach that helps policymakers make informed decisions.”

The three-year partnership will include hands-on workshops, the creation of knowledge sharing resources, and the development of innovative strategies to improve development indicators. It will also strengthen connection between the portal and its sources and will offer specialized training on AI tools to boost skills in data management and analysis.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

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Scottish Africa Business Association Embarks on Pioneering Trade Mission to Kenya

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Scottish

This mission will take place from 12-16th May and will focus on key sectors that promise mutual growth and innovation

ABERDEEN, Scotland, February 20, 2025/APO Group/ –The Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) (www.AfricaScot.com) is excited to announce a trade mission to Kenya to explore new business opportunities for Scottish companies and institutions, supported by the Scottish Government. This mission will take place from 12-16th May and will focus on key sectors that promise mutual growth and innovation.

One of our key sectors of focus will be around exploring opportunities in both traditional and innovative energy solutions; our delegates will hear about how they can help enhance energy security and efficiency through strategic partnerships and technological advancements.  As Kenya leads East Africa in renewable energy production, Scottish companies specialising in wind, solar, geothermal and tidal energy will have the chance to find out more about the opportunities in country.

Building on the strong educational links between Scotland and Africa, the delegation will explore opportunities around vocational training, skills development, and university partnerships to empower the next generation

With Kenya’s extensive coastline and rich marine resources, the maritime and blue economy sectors offer vast potential. Our mission will explore sustainable practices in aquaculture, fisheries, marine transport and port logistics and infrastructure to boost economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems.

Seona Shand, Chief Operating Officer at SABA, said: “SABA’S trade mission to Kenya will feature a comprehensive and engaging programme designed to maximise the benefits for our participants.  We’ll be hosting B2B meetings, round tables, site visits, networking and receptions providing supreme opportunities for them to win new business.”

Scottish businesses should be interested in the Kenyan market – one of Africa’s fastest growing economies with a diverse and resilient economic base

Scottish businesses should be interested in the Kenyan market – one of Africa’s fastest growing economies with a diverse and resilient economic base, as the largest economy in East Africa it serves as a gateway to a regional market of over 450 million people.

The country is a leader in renewable energy, with over 90% of its electricity coming from renewable sources such as geothermal, wind and solar power.  In addition, its growing youth population places high demand on quality education and skills development.  With Scotland’s globally respected higher education institutions and training providers, opportunities are abundant for leveraging talent in a pool primed for innovation.

Frazer Lang, Chief Executive at SABA, added: “We are pleased to be organising this trade mission to Kenya, a country with immense potential and a shared vision for sustainable growth. This mission represents a significant step towards strengthening our economic ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration.  Scottish businesses can not only drive their international growth but contribute to transformative changes in one of Africa’s most vibrant markets.  Our thanks go to the Scottish Government for supporting SABA to help Scottish businesses in this market.”

Any Kenyan businesses interested in meeting with the Scottish delegation from the aforementioned sectors are encouraged to get directly in touch with the team from SABA, along with those interested in sponsoring or partnering with SABA.

For more information, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3X7L9qC).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA).

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