GRAND MERCURE BUSINESS BAY OPENS IN DUBAI FOLLOWING THE REBRANDING OF GULF COURT HOTEL BUSINESS BAY
THE TRANSFORMATION INTRODUCES GRAND MERCURE’S GRANDEUR, CULTURAL RITUALS AND WARM HOSPITALITY TO ONE OF DUBAI’S MOST DYNAMIC NEIGHBOURHOODS
Grand Mercure Business Bay has officially opened its doors in Dubai following the rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay, owned and managed by Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), under a franchise agreement with Accor.
This milestone marks a new chapter for the hotel, shaped by Grand Mercure’s distinctive approach to hospitality that celebrates pride of place through refined grandeur, cultural immersion and heartfelt human connection.
Rooted in international hospitality standards while deeply anchored in its destination, Grand Mercure Business Bay reflects the brand’s philosophy of elevating locality through meaningful gestures, warm rituals and intentional service.
The hotel’s renewed identity brings together Dubai’s modern energy with the warmth and character of the region. Through the rebrand, Gulf Hotels Group continues to manage the property, pairing its long-standing operational expertise with Accor’s global brand strength, loyalty ecosystem, and distribution platforms.
The hotel features 270 refreshed rooms and suites, designed to offer refined comfort while reflecting a strong sense of place. Four versatile meeting rooms accommodate up to 90 guests, complemented by a club lounge and five dining and entertainment venues.
Highlights include Mediterranean Muse, a Mediterranean-inspired dining destination scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2026. Completing the experience, an enhanced outdoor pool terrace overlooking Business Bay’s skyline offers a serene urban retreat inviting moments to pause, unwind, and reconnect.
Ahmed Janahi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Hotels Group, said: “This transition to the Grand Mercure brand represents a strategic step for Gulf Hotels Group. We continue to manage the hotel while leveraging Accor’s global reach through its distribution channels and loyalty platforms. T
his partnership enhances our competitiveness in Dubai and aligns with our vision to grow through alliances that complement GHG’s long-standing hospitality heritage.”
“Grand Mercure Business Bay is an exciting addition to Accor’s premium portfolio in the UAE. The brand is built around the stories and spirit of its destination, and this property captures that beautifully.
Our partnership with Gulf Hotels Group brings together local heritage, thoughtful design, and the trusted standards that guests expect from Accor.
We look forward to welcoming travellers to a hotel that feels both rooted in Dubai and refreshingly new,” said Raki Phillips, Regional President for the Premium, Midscale and Economy division across the Middle East, Africa & Türkiye, at Accor.
The rebranding aligns with Gulf Hotels Group’s broader strategy to strengthen its international portfolio through franchise partnerships with leading global brands and strengthens the property’s role within the Business Bay community.
As the neighbourhood continues to emerge as one of Dubai’s most dynamic districts, Grand Mercure Business Bay aims to become a meaningful hospitality contributor, a place where residents, travellers, and professionals find experiences shaped by warmth, culture, and genuine connection.
This direction aligns seamlessly with Accor’s regional vision to bring culturally expressive, experience-led hotels to key destinations across the Middle East.
To celebrate the opening, members of ALL Accor will enjoy 4X reward points on bookings made between 16 February 2026 and 12 April 2026, for stays between 16 February 2026 and 09 August 2026. Members enjoy exclusive benefits including discounts, complimentary upgrades, and late check-out, while earning points redeemable at Accor hotels worldwide.
