MAF's Mall of Emirates hotel to lose Pullman tag

Pullman Mall of the Emirates Dubai will be rebranded by an unidentified US operator next month, incumbent Accor said in a statement on Monday.

The Majid Al Futtaim Properties-owned hotel has been operated by Accor under the French group’s Pullman brand since October 2010.

“The two parties have reached a consensual decision to end that management contract, and Majid Al Futtaim Properties will rebrand the hotel in January 2013 under an American brand to be confirmed,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Deira City Centre Hotel is expected to re-launch under Accor’s Pullman brand by February 2013, following extensive renovation of its 317 rooms over the past 18 months.

Peter Walichnowski, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: “The rebranding of the two hotels comes as part of our proactive approach to asset management. We have decided to retain the successful Pullman brand for our Deira City Centre Hotel, and introduce an American operator to The Pullman Hotel, Mall of The Emirates to diversify our hotel portfolio, which is managed exclusively by European operators at the current stage.

“Our longstanding relationship with Accor remains strong. They have been reliable partners over the past 14 years and they will continue to manage seven of our hotels. We are also in advanced discussions with them about the management of two new hotels outside the UAE,” Walichnowski added.

Majid Al Futtaim Properties owns nine hotels in Dubai, eight of which are operated by Accor under the brands Pullman, Novotel, Suite Novotel and ibis, and one which is operated by Kempinski.

Christophe Landais, managing director Accor Middle East, commented: “The rebranding of The Pullman Hotel, Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre Hotel are good illustrations of our successful partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Properties, demonstrating Accor’s ability to dynamically adapt to its investors’ strategic needs for mutual benefits.”