A dual signing for a regional launch
Announced on 29 September 2026 in Dubai, the agreement between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Nooa Holdings covers two conversion hotels under the Garner brand. Together, the two properties add 285 keys to the group’s portfolio in the United Arab Emirates.
This is the first Middle East foothold for Garner. Launched in 2023, the brand is pursuing a rapid international roll-out, recently covered by La Tribune de l’Hôtellerie with the introduction of Garner and IHG’s franchise model in Malaysia and the signing of the sixth Garner in India.
Ras Al Khaimah, a gateway to the northern emirate
Garner Hotel Ras Al Khaimah Downtown will have 204 keys. The converted hotel will stand on the creekside in the Al Nakheel district, close to Al Naeem Mall and around 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.
The location should enable it to attract both business and leisure guests in a growing emirate whose hotel appeal was notably underlined by the record financing of the future Wynn Al Marjan Island.
Al Jaddaf, positioned between Downtown and the airport
In Dubai, Garner Hotel Dubai Al Jaddaf will have 81 keys. It will be located near Al Jaddaf Waterfront, between Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, in a well-connected area.
The hotel will feature a rooftop pool overlooking Dubai Creek and will place guests within easy reach of the city’s main business, leisure and cultural hubs.
A model designed for conversion
Garner is positioned in the mainstream segment, which is growing in the region, promising quality stays at an affordable price. The brand focuses on three essentials: a convenient location, a good night’s sleep and a well-executed breakfast.
For owners, the model is designed to be adaptable and conversion-led, offering solutions described as efficient and pragmatic for unlocking value from existing assets. It provides access to IHG’s quality standards, its enterprise systems and its global loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards.
Analysis – Opting for conversion allows IHG to accelerate its midscale presence without waiting out new-build timelines, a rationale already seen at the launch of Garner in Greater China.
Strengthening IHG’s midscale offer in the Emirates
For Haitham Mattar, Managing Director India, Middle East & Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, Garner’s arrival in the Middle East marks an important step in strengthening IHG’s midscale offer in the region. He sees the United Arab Emirates as a natural launch market, driven by strong demand from travellers seeking quality stays at an accessible price, and by owners looking for a model backed by the group’s systems, scale and global platforms.
Amit Basnet, founder and CEO of Nooa Holdings, noted that Garner’s flexible model and its focus on quality, affordable stays make it a well-suited solution for both destinations. He said the group intends to open the two hotels and explore further opportunities to develop its portfolio with IHG.
The signings respond to growing demand for branded midscale accommodation in the United Arab Emirates. Aimed at transit, business and leisure guests, the two hotels will broaden the offer in Al Jaddaf and Ras Al Khaimah, as part of IHG’s strategy targeting high-potential destinations in the country.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
IHG brings Garner Hotels to the Middle East with a dual UAE signing
Deal: two conversion hotels signed with Nooa Holdings, 285 keys combined
Garner Hotel Ras Al Khaimah Downtown: 204 keys in Al Nakheel, ~15 minutes from RAK International Airport
Garner Hotel Dubai Al Jaddaf: 81 keys near Al Jaddaf Waterfront, rooftop pool overlooking Dubai Creek
Brand: regional debut of IHG’s fastest-scaling global brand, launched in 2023
Next step: both hotels expected to open in 2026
