Published on
October 25, 2025
Accor, a prominent global hospitality leader with a vast portfolio of over 5,700 properties spanning 110+ countries, has announced an exciting development in Dubai. The group has signed an agreement to include the iconic Creekside Hotel in its network, enhancing its Dubai footprint. Located in one of the city’s most renowned hospitality and sporting districts, this hotel has long been a symbol of excellence and luxury.
Hotel Ownership and Management
The Creekside Hotel is owned by Dubai Duty Free and is managed by United Hospitality Management. The hotel will initially join Accor under a white-label franchise agreement before undergoing a significant transformation. Once the renovation process is completed, the hotel will officially be incorporated into Accor’s prestigious MGallery Collection, a brand known for its strong emphasis on unique and culturally rich stories.
Prime Location and Nearby Attractions
Located in Al Garhoud, the hotel enjoys a prime position overlooking the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and is just minutes away from key attractions, including Dubai International Airport, Festival City Mall, the famous Gold Souk, and cultural landmarks like Al Fahidi (Bastakiya). The hotel’s strategic location allows for seamless connectivity between business and leisure districts, making it a top choice for both tourists and business travelers.
Facilities and Unique Features
The Creekside Hotel boasts 292 rooms and suites, each offering modern comfort and stunning views of the creek and city skyline. The hotel is also home to a unique collection of nearly 500 pieces of commissioned artwork by 52 artists. These artworks are displayed throughout the hotel’s public areas, guestrooms, and bespoke furniture, reflecting the MGallery Collection’s dedication to storytelling and cultural depth.
In addition to the aesthetic appeal, the hotel also offers excellent leisure and wellness amenities. These include two outdoor pools, a rooftop deck overlooking the atrium, and the Akaru Spa, which features 14 treatment rooms, saunas, and steam rooms. Guests can also access the Aviation Club Fitness Centre, which offers a gym, indoor squash courts, and outdoor tennis and paddle courts, catering to fitness enthusiasts and sports lovers alike.
Cultural and Sporting Significance
The Creekside Hotel holds a special place in Dubai’s cultural and sporting history as the home of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. This iconic stadium hosts the annual Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which attracts some of the world’s most prominent tennis players. The Creekside Hotel and the Tennis Stadium have become key elements in Dubai’s reputation as a hub for international sporting events.
Collaboration and Future Vision
The signing of the Creekside Hotel under the Accor umbrella reflects a shared vision among all the involved partners. This collaboration aligns with a common goal of enhancing the guest experience and promoting the hotel’s legacy, which is deeply rooted in both sport and culture. The white-label management agreement signifies the commitment of Accor, United Hospitality Management, and Dubai Duty Free to deliver exceptional and distinctive experiences for their guests.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Jean-Baptiste Recher, Chief Development Officer for Accor’s Luxury Brands in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, expressed his pride in expanding the partnership with United Hospitality Management and Dubai Duty Free. He highlighted the significance of the hotel, noting its rich cultural and sporting history, and emphasized that Accor’s distinctive approach to storytelling and local charm was a perfect match for the property.
Xavier Grange, Global Chief Development Officer for Sofitel, Emblems, and MGallery, added that the signing of the Creekside Hotel was a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion. He emphasized Accor’s commitment to broadening the MGallery brand’s reach across all continents and working closely with trusted local partners to bring the hotel’s unique offerings to new markets.
Klaus Assmann, Chief Operating Officer of United Hospitality Management, shared his excitement about the partnership. He stressed the Creekside Hotel’s iconic status in Dubai and the opportunity to refresh and reposition the property. Assmann stated that this collaboration would help craft bespoke guest experiences that blend modern luxury with the hotel’s deep connection to the world of sport and culture.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership. He noted the Creekside Hotel’s longstanding popularity among both residents and visitors and pointed out the hotel’s historical ties to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Cidambi also emphasized that the collaboration with UHM and Accor would bring a bold new vision to the property, ensuring an elevated experience for guests while maintaining the essence of Dubai Duty Free’s hospitality excellence.
Milestone for United Hospitality Management and Dubai Duty Free
This announcement marks a significant step for United Hospitality Management in expanding its portfolio. The partnership with Accor aligns perfectly with UHM’s global growth strategy. By combining their expertise and experience, the partners are set to elevate the Creekside Hotel and contribute to the continuing success of Dubai’s hospitality and sports sectors.
For Dubai Duty Free, this collaboration ensures that the hotel remains a key player in the city’s lifestyle scene. The Creekside Hotel will continue to thrive at the intersection of hospitality, sport, and entertainment, further solidifying Dubai’s position as a global destination for tourism and world-class events.
Accor’s Ongoing Growth in the UAE
With the addition of the Creekside Hotel, Accor continues to strengthen its presence in the UAE. The group already operates more than 85 hotels across the country, spanning a diverse array of luxury and mid-range brands, including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, MGallery, Rixos, Swissôtel, and Mövenpick. This latest partnership highlights Accor’s ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint in key Middle Eastern markets.
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