Grand Mercure Business Bay opens in Dubai after Gulf Court Hotel rebrand
270-room property introduces culturally rooted hospitality in central Business Bay
DUBAI – Grand Mercure Business Bay has officially opened in Dubai following the rebranding of the former Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay, marking a significant milestone for Gulf Hotels Group and Accor’s premium portfolio in the UAE.
The transformation introduces the Grand Mercure brand to one of the city’s most dynamic districts, blending international hospitality standards with strong cultural identity. Owned and managed by Gulf Hotels Group under a franchise agreement with Accor, the hotel reflects a renewed positioning rooted in locality, refined comfort, and warm service rituals.
The rebranding signals a new chapter for the property, aligning it with Grand Mercure’s philosophy of celebrating the spirit and stories of each destination. While the hotel adopts Accor’s globally recognised brand standards, Gulf Hotels Group continues to oversee operations, drawing on its long-standing regional expertise. The partnership brings together Accor’s global distribution network and loyalty ecosystem with Gulf Hotels Group’s operational heritage in the region.
Prime location
Grand Mercure Business Bay occupies a strategic location on Al Abraj Street along Marasi Drive, placing it at the heart of Dubai’s commercial and lifestyle hub. The hotel is approximately eight minutes from Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and major exhibition and trade venues, reinforcing its appeal to both business and leisure travellers. Its positioning supports Business Bay’s growing reputation as a mixed-use district that combines corporate offices, residential developments, and hospitality destinations.
The surrounding area continues to see significant urban development, with Business Bay emerging as one of Dubai’s most active neighbourhoods. The hotel’s reopening under a premium international brand strengthens its role within the local hospitality landscape and enhances accommodation options in the district.
Rooms and facilities
The hotel features 270 refreshed rooms and suites designed to deliver understated elegance while reflecting a sense of place. Interiors focus on comfort and functionality, catering to modern global travellers seeking both efficiency and cultural connection. Facilities include four adaptable meeting rooms with a combined capacity of up to 90 guests, supporting small conferences, corporate meetings, and private events.
A club lounge complements the business offering, while five dining and entertainment venues contribute to the hotel’s lifestyle appeal. Among the upcoming highlights is Mediterranean Muse, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2026. The property also features an enhanced outdoor pool terrace overlooking Business Bay’s skyline, offering guests a relaxed urban retreat within the city.
Ahmed Janahi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Hotels Group, said the transition reflects a strategic move to strengthen the group’s presence in competitive markets. He noted that the partnership enables the company to continue managing the hotel while leveraging Accor’s global distribution channels and loyalty platforms, supporting long-term growth in Dubai.
Raki Phillips, Regional President for the Premium, Midscale and Economy division across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye at Accor, described the property as a strong addition to Accor’s premium portfolio in the UAE. He highlighted the alignment between the Grand Mercure brand’s focus on destination storytelling and the hotel’s design and service approach, shaped through collaboration with Gulf Hotels Group.
Opening offers
To mark the opening, members of ALL Accor are eligible to earn four times reward points on bookings made between 16 February 2026 and 12 April 2026, for stays valid from 16 February 2026 to 9 August 2026.
ALL Accor members also benefit from exclusive privileges such as discounted rates, complimentary upgrades, late check-out, and reward points redeemable across Accor’s global network of hotels.