Radisson Hotel Group Elevates Elie Milky to Chief Development Officer as Middle East Hotel Boom Accelerates Toward 2030 Vision

Radisson Hotel Group is shaking up the Middle East, and the stakes have never been higher. The group boldly elevates Elie Milky to Chief Development Officer, setting the stage for a seismic shift in hospitality. Meanwhile, a hotel boom surges across the region, driven by unstoppable ambition and vast investment. Yet questions swirl.

How will Milky steer Radisson Hotel Group through this whirlwind? What secrets lie behind the Middle East’s feverish race toward the 2030 Vision? Growth beckons. Competition intensifies. And suspense crackles in the air. As Radisson Hotel Group sharpens its strategy, every move counts. Milky’s promotion signals more than a title change. It hints at bold plans, fierce rivalries, and new horizons. The Middle East hotel market pulses with energy, and the 2030 Vision looms closer each day. Readers can’t look away. A thrilling story is unfolding, and Radisson Hotel Group is right at its center.

A Veteran at the Helm

Milky isn’t a newcomer. He’s a seasoned veteran with Radisson, marking 15 years with the group last month.

Over that time, he’s been instrumental in sealing major deals across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf, transforming the Middle East into one of Radisson’s fastest-growing markets.

He knows the territory, the stakeholders, and the fierce competition. Now, he steps into a bigger role with more responsibility — and higher expectations.

Middle East in Hospitality Overdrive

The Middle East is no ordinary hotel market. It’s an engine roaring with ambition and billions in tourism investment.

Countries like Saudi Arabia are unleashing game-changing plans like Vision 2030, reshaping entire cities, coastlines, and desert expanses into luxury playgrounds and cultural hubs.

Meanwhile, Dubai continues to set global benchmarks for hospitality innovation. Travelers are pouring in, seeking ultra-premium stays, unique experiences, and world-class service.

Radisson sees this momentum — and wants a bigger slice of it.

Scaling Teams for Aggressive Growth

Milky’s promotion comes alongside a significant scaling of Radisson’s Development and Feasibility teams.

The group is adding new specialist analysts and project managers to support deal sourcing, underwriting, and technical project execution.

These teams, based out of Dubai, are on the move constantly. They’re traveling to Riyadh, Cairo, and beyond, ensuring Radisson is embedded in the region’s growth stories and can offer on-the-ground support for hotel owners navigating rapid market shifts.

Saudi Arabia Takes Center Stage

Saudi Arabia is the beating heart of Radisson’s Middle East strategy.

In the past year alone, Radisson has opened two new Park Inn properties in Makkah: Makkah Thakher Alsharqi and Makkah Thakher Algharbi. These hotels deepen Radisson’s presence in one of the world’s most significant religious tourism markets, where demand remains robust and growing.

Meanwhile, new properties have launched in Riyadh and Madinah, expanding Radisson’s footprint in key Saudi cities.

The pipeline keeps getting stronger. The upcoming Radisson Collection Residence Riyadh, set to open in Q4 2025, will be the brand’s third property in the Saudi capital. It underscores Radisson’s belief in Riyadh as a rising business and leisure hub under Vision 2030.

Expanding Across Borders

Radisson isn’t just focusing on Saudi Arabia. The group’s ambitions stretch across the region, capturing diverse opportunities.

In Kuwait, Radisson launched the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Apartments in November 2024 — the brand’s second presence in the country.

Further west, Radisson recently signed deals for the Radisson Collection Residence Amman Abdoun and Radisson RED Amman Downtown. These projects mark the debut of both brands in Jordan, opening fresh markets where upscale and lifestyle hospitality are in growing demand.

Moreover, Radisson RED is charging into new territories with two properties planned for Diriyah in Saudi Arabia and Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. The RED brand’s vibrant, design-driven ethos taps into a younger traveler base craving modern, tech-forward hotel experiences.

Numbers Speak Volumes

All told, Radisson’s Middle East portfolio is approaching 100 hotels either operating or in the development pipeline.

It’s a significant figure — but still only two-thirds of where the group wants to be by 2030.

The target is clear: over 150 properties and 50,000 keys across the Middle East, Cyprus, and Greece. That’s a bold vision, especially considering fierce regional competition from global hotel giants and emerging homegrown brands.

However, Radisson’s recent momentum suggests it’s not just dreaming big — it’s executing with precision.

Challenges and Opportunities

Yet this expansion won’t be easy. The hospitality landscape is evolving fast.

Rising construction costs, shifting traveler expectations, and geopolitical complexities keep the region’s hotel markets in constant flux. Owners and operators must balance ambitious plans with operational discipline and profitability.

Moreover, sustainability is becoming a non-negotiable priority. Travelers — especially those in luxury and upscale segments — are demanding greener hotels, responsible operations, and genuine local engagement.

Milky and his team must navigate these currents while ensuring Radisson’s new developments align with market trends and investor returns.

A Future Fueled by Vision

Milky’s promotion reflects Radisson’s confidence in his ability to steer this ambitious growth.

The company is betting on a leadership approach that blends deep regional knowledge, strong owner relationships, and sharp analytical thinking.

With travel rebounding strongly and the Middle East surging ahead with transformative projects, the hospitality sector is full of potential.

Radisson’s moves are sending a clear message: it’s ready to play a leading role in shaping the region’s hotel future.

And with Milky at the development helm, the group is positioning itself to seize opportunities others might miss.

As 2030 edges closer, all eyes will be on how Radisson’s vision translates into bricks, mortar, and unforgettable guest experiences across one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

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