Accor strengthens Dubai portfolio with signing of iconic Creekside Hotel | News
Accor, a global hospitality leader with a portfolio of more than 5,700 properties in more than 110 countries, is pleased to announce the signing of the Creekside Hotel in Dubai, one of the city’s most iconic hospitality and sports landmarks. The hotel is owned by Dubai Duty Free and operated by United Hospitality Management. It will join the Accor network under a white-label franchise agreement before being completely repositioned and added to the MGallery Collection following a detailed renovation plan.
The Creekside Hotel is located in Al Garhoud, home to the Aviation Club, home of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, and just minutes from Dubai International Airport, Festival City Mall, the Gold Souk and heritage sites such as Al Fahidi (Bastakiya). It enjoys a prime location overlooking the historic Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Cub. The hotel has long been recognized as a hidden gem in the city, seamlessly combining modern architecture, breathtaking views and connections to both business and leisure districts.
The property features 292 rooms and suites, each designed for modern comfort and with views over the creek and cityscape. It is also home to an impressive, curated collection of approximately 482 commissioned works of art from 52 artists, displayed in the public areas, guest rooms and bespoke furnishings, reflecting MGallery’s emphasis on storytelling and cultural richness. The leisure and wellness offering includes two outdoor swimming pools with a roof terrace overlooking the atrium, the Akaru Spa with 14 treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, as well as access to the Aviation Club Fitness Centre, including a gym, indoor squash courts, outdoor tennis courts and paddle courts.
The property occupies a unique place in the city’s cultural and sporting fabric as home to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, an arena synonymous with the annual Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and attracting some of the biggest names in global sport. The white-label management agreement reflects a shared vision among all partners to align iconic destinations with brands that prioritize individuality, story-driven experiences and cultural depth.
Jean-Baptiste Recher, Chief Development Officer Luxury Brands Middle East, Africa and Türkiye at Accor said: “We are proud to expand our partnership with United Hospitality Management and Dubai Duty Free through the repositioning of this iconic property. This hotel has deep cultural and sporting significance in Dubai, and we believe this will be industry-leading Accor’s hospitality brand, with its emphasis on stories, character and local charm, is the perfect match to take the hotel to the next level. his legacy.”
Xavier Grange, Global Chief Development Officer Sofitel, Emblems, MGallery added: “The signing of this new MGallery in Dubai marks an exciting milestone in our global journey. We are committed to expanding MGallery through franchise and management partnerships on all continents, including the Middle East, working hand-in-hand with trusted local partners and experienced third party operators to take our unique collection of hotels to new horizons.”
Klaus Assmann, COO of United Hospitality Management Middle East, India & SE Asia, with whom Accor is proud to partner on this project, said: “The Creekside Hotel occupies a special place in Dubai’s history, and we are privileged to be working with Dubai Duty Free and Accor to curate its next chapter. The relaunch of the property under Accor enhances its unique character and allows us to to put together tailor-made guest trips that combine modern luxury. with the hotel’s deep connection with sports and culture. This partnership represents exactly the kind of collaboration that defines UHM’s global growth strategy.”
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, added: “This property and the Tennis Stadium, which incorporates the original Irish Village bar and restaurant, have long been popular with Dubai residents, as well as business and leisure travelers. By working with UHM and Accor, we are ensuring that the Creekside Hotel is not only managed with operational excellence, but also renewed with a bold new vision. Guests can look forward to an elevated experience that continues to reflect Dubai Duty Free’s commitment to excellence in hospitality and world-class sporting events.”
The announcement is also a significant milestone in UHM’s expansion as the group builds on its strong track record of partnerships with global brands in Europe, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. For Dubai Duty Free, the partnership ensures the hotel continues to thrive at the intersection of hospitality, sports and entertainment, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of the city’s lifestyle offering.
Accor currently operates more than 85 hotels in the UAE under a wide range of brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, MGallery Collection, Rixos, Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, ibis Styles and ibis.
