News broke earlier this month, of the split between Habtoor Hospitality and the Marriott brands – in Al Habtoor City.

The W was swiftly removed from the W Hotel, the St Regis branding is gone from the exterior of the grand property, and the Westin Al Habtoor City is no more.

The properties are still functioning, but being rebranded – under Habtoor branding.

Speculation has been swirling in regards to the split

Could it be the businesses weren’t successful enough? In Dubai’s highly competitive markets, there are many high end hotels, with Business Bay and surrounds not too high on the list of priority destinations for travellers – we’re not privvy to occupancy rates though.

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It could be that there are too many Marriott properties nearby – the JW Marriott Marquis in Business Bay is highly successful and just a stones throw from the Habtoor properties.

It’s unclear what the reasons are, but it’s likely they will eventually come out.

But it may not be a bad thing, Marriott and Habtoor going their separate ways

When Viceroy and FIVE the Palm fell out last year, it was all a bit dramatic, but ultimately led to the creation of a high-end, UAE-owned and operated brand. And what a brand it is. FIVE is operating the Palm resort with gusto, it’s a popular place for tourists and residents alike.

It’s positive to see UAE-based brands growing and prospering, and perhaps Habtoor will be the same.

The name is already a known one, thanks to Habtoor Grand in JBR, and now, with St Regis being rebranded as Habtoor Palace, Habtoor Tower in Marina, and Al Habtoor City; and it could be that we come to associate Habtoor with high-end luxury.

Sometimes it takes a crisis to create a positive situation, and this may just be one of them.

After all, our fair city has its share of Marriott properties already, and many other reputable international brands. But it also is home to some of the most prestigious, home-grown properties, like Jumeirah’s Burj Al Arab, Address Hotels by Emaar, and the Rotana properties. And maybe, soon – Habtoor Hotels.