Minor Hotels has announced that it will be taking over the operation of the 216-room Mövenpick Hotel Deira in Dubai. The property will operate under the group’s AVANI Hotels and Resorts brand as the AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel.
The purchase marks the first AVANI hotel in the Middle East. The change comes after the hotel’s parent company, Bin Sulayem Investments, signed a management agreement with Minor Hotels. 
Robert Kunkler, chief operating officer of Minor Hotels, said: “This key acquisition to our portfolio allows Minor Hotels to take a strategic foothold in the Middle East for our fast expanding AVANI Hotels & Resorts brand in what is a vitally important market. We are thrilled to continue our excellent relationship with Bin Sulayem Investments. AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel will have the freedom to establish and maintain its individuality and distinct character while benefitting from being part of the Minor Hotels portfolio.”
Abdulla bin Sulayem, general manager of Bin Sulayem Investments added: “This property being rebranded to AVANI is an important step in the evolution of our owned assets. We are excited to strengthen the current relationship with Minor Hotels and look forward to working with them as a key partner in fulfilling the potential of this uniquely positioned property.”
AVANI Hotels and Resorts was launched in 2011 to complement Minor Hotels’ 5-star Anantara brand. AVANI offers relaxed comfort and contemporary style in city and resort destinations to guests who value the details that matter. The brand currently has 13 properties in operation in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Zambia, with a pipeline of further openings in Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East. MH has plans to grow the brand across its global footprint.
