IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement for its second Vignette Collection hotel in Dubai, strengthening its partnership with The Heart of Europe, a flagship project by the Kleindienst Group.

The newly signed Marbella Resort Hotel Vignette Collection Dubai is set for a grand opening in January 2026 and marks IHG's debut on The World Islands, an artificial archipelago off Dubai's coast.

The hotel will overlook the Arabian Gulf and will offer 150 rooms.

Fusion of luxury and innovation

Situated in The Heart of Europe, a self-sustaining holiday destination spanning six islands, the Marbella Resort Hotel blends European architecture and top-tier hospitality.

This property, part of IHG's Vignette Collection, reflects the brand's essence — allowing independent hotels to maintain their identity while leveraging IHG’s global scale and expertise in luxury.

IHG’s commitment to unparalleled experiences

Under the leadership of Haitham Mattar, managing director for India, the Middle East and Africa, IHG expresses excitement about the collaboration with The Heart of Europe.

Mattar said in a statement: "Marbella Resort Hotel will re-imagine luxury and set future regional hospitality benchmarks, welcoming global travellers upon its 2026 opening."

The Heart of Europe's founder and chairman, Josef Kleindienst, echoed this sentiment, stating: "This collaboration aligns with our vision of creating a unique destination in one of the world’s most iconic cities, and true to our commitment to excellence, Marbella Resort Hotel Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai promises to offer guests a remarkable and distinctive stay”.

As Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai takes shape, IHG's ambition to redefine luxury experiences in the region comes into focus. 

Currently overseeing 108 hotels across eight brands in the Middle East, IHG continues to set new standards to further solidify its position as a leader in the global hospitality landscape.