Accor to Reposition Dubai’s Creekside Hotel Under MGallery Collection

By Jenny Susan / November 14, 2025

Dubai, UAE: Accor, a global hospitality leader, is pleased to announce a significant expansion in Dubai. They confirm the signing of the Creekside Hotel, 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 initially join the Accor network under a white-label franchise agreement. Subsequently, it will undergo a detailed renovation before being fully repositioned and added to the prestigious MGallery Collection.

Situated in Al Garhoud, the hotel enjoys a prime location overlooking the historic Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Crucially, it incorporates the Aviation Club, home of the annual Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. It is also just minutes from Dubai International Airport and heritage sites such as Al Fahidi. The hotel has long been recognised as a hidden gem, seamlessly blending modern architecture, sweeping views, and connectivity.

Luxury, Culture, and Sporting Significance

The property features 292 rooms and suites. Designers ensured each accommodation offers modern comfort. Moreover, guests enjoy views over the creek and cityscape. The hotel holds an impressive, curated collection of approximately 482 commissioned artworks by 52 artists. This collection is displayed throughout public areas and guestrooms. Ultimately, this reflects MGallery’s emphasis on storytelling and cultural richness.

Leisure and wellness offerings enhance the stay: Two outdoor pools with a rooftop deck overlooking the atrium; The Akaru Spa with 14 treatment rooms, sauna, and steam rooms; Access to the Aviation Club Fitness Centre, including a gym, indoor squash courts, and paddle and outdoor tennis courts.

The property holds a unique place in the city’s cultural and sporting fabric. Specifically, it is home to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, an arena synonymous with the annual championships.

A Shared Vision for Legacy and Luxury

Jean-Baptiste Recher, Chief Development Officer Luxury Brands Middle East, Africa and Türkiye at Accor, shared his pride. “This hotel holds deep cultural and sporting significance in Dubai,” he noted. “We believe this leading Accor hospitality brand is the perfect fit to elevate its legacy.”

Klaus Assmann, COO of United Hospitality Management Middle East, India & SE Asia, welcomed the project. “The Creekside Hotel holds a special place in Dubai’s history,” he said. Therefore, we feel privileged to work with Dubai Duty Free and Accor to curate its next chapter. “Reintroducing the property under Accor elevates its unique character.”

Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, emphasised the collaboration. “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,” he commented. Guests can look forward to an elevated experience reflecting Dubai Duty Free’s commitment to excellence. The project is a major milestone in UHM’s global expansion.

Accor currently operates more than 85 hotels in the UAE, across a diverse array of brands.

Have a story to share with us? Email the author on jenny@hotelsofuae.com.