Rotana Evaluates Return to Syria While Maintaining Regional Expansion

Rotana is evaluating a return to Syria and is in discussions with owners and developers about two or three potential projects, chief executive Philip Barnes told The National. The Abu Dhabi-based hotel operator left its Syrian property in 2014 amid instability.

The review follows changes in sanctions and renewed interest from developers. Rotana said any move would need to account for financing, international partners and operating conditions before a project proceeds.

The company also said it retained its workforce through recent regional disruption. Dubai occupancy reached 82% in August, and Rotana expects profitability to reach about 80% of last year’s record level while it advances a pipeline of roughly 40 hotels over five to six years.