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Accor, a global hospitality leader with a portfolio of more than 5,700 properties in over 110 countries, has announced the signing of the Creekside Hotel in Dubai, one of the city’s most iconic hospitality and sporting landmarks.
Owned by Dubai Duty Free and operated by United Hospitality Management (UHM), the hotel will join the Accor network under a white-label franchise agreement before being fully repositioned and added to the MGallery Collection following a detailed renovation plan.
Located in Al Garhoud, the Creekside Hotel encompasses the Aviation Club, home of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, and enjoys close proximity to Dubai International Airport, Festival City Mall, the Gold Souk, and historic districts such as Al Fahidi (Bastakiya). Overlooking the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the property combines modern design with panoramic views and connectivity to both leisure and business hubs.
The hotel features 292 rooms and suites, each offering views of the creek and city skyline. It also houses an extensive art collection of 482 commissioned works by 52 artists, reflecting MGallery’s brand identity centred around storytelling and cultural depth. Amenities include two outdoor pools with a rooftop deck, the Akaru Spa with 14 treatment rooms, sauna and steam facilities, and access to the Aviation Club Fitness Centre, which features a gym, indoor squash courts, outdoor tennis and paddle courts.
The Creekside Hotel also holds a special place in Dubai’s cultural and sporting landscape as the home of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, a world-renowned venue that hosts the annual Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The white-label management agreement aligns the property’s legacy with Accor’s focus on individuality, story-driven guest experiences, and local cultural expression.
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 holds deep cultural and sporting significance in Dubai, and we believe this leading Accor hospitality brand with its emphasis on storytelling, character and local charm, is the perfect fit to elevate its 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 across all continents including in the Middle East, working hand in hand with trusted local partners and experienced third-party operators to bring our unique collection of hotels to new horizons.”
Klaus Assmann, COO of United Hospitality Management Middle East, India & SE Asia, said: “The Creekside Hotel holds 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. Reintroducing the property under Accor elevates its unique character and allows us to craft bespoke guest journeys that blend modern luxury with the hotel’s deep connection to sport and culture. This partnership represents exactly the type 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 visitors. By partnering with UHM and Accor, we are ensuring that the Creekside Hotel is not only managed with operational excellence but also refreshed 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 marks a key milestone in UHM’s expansion, reinforcing its strong partnerships with global brands across Europe, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. For Dubai Duty Free, the collaboration ensures that the property continues to thrive at the intersection of hospitality, sport, and entertainment—cementing its role as a defining landmark in Dubai’s lifestyle offering.
Accor currently operates more than 85 hotels in the UAE, spanning brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, MGallery Collection, Rixos, Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, ibis Styles, and ibis.
