Emaar Hospitality is taking a new approach by selling five of its UAE hotels to Abu Dhabi National Hotels. While the value of the deal was not disclosed, Dubai-based Emaar said moving to an asset-light model will enable the business to unlock its potential. The hotels are Address Dubai Mall, Address Boulevard, Address Dubai Marina, Vida Downtown and Manzil Downtown. 

The National’s Mustafa Alrawi and Chris Nelson discuss the possible reasons behind the move, which will likely see Emaar focus on the issue of management and hotel management contracts like other global brands such as Hilton and Marriott. Is it a good move for both sides?

Also in this episode

• John Lacey, the founder and chief executive of Dubai’s Power League Gaming, or PLG, talks to Chris about the wonderful world of professional video-gaming ahead of the e-Sports Grand Slam world championship event in Abu Dhabi next month – a first for the UAE and the wider Middle East.