ATM 2025: Ishraq and Rekan set Batumi projects for December launch
Major progress reported on Georgian hotel and residential developments
DUBAI: At Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, Ishraq Hospitality and Rekan Group reaffirmed their strategic partnership by announcing significant progress on their twin hospitality developments in Batumi, Georgia.
The high-level meeting, held at the regional travel and tourism showcase in Dubai, brought together Sherif Beshara, Group CEO of Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group, and Ahmad Ismail Syan, Owner of Rekan Group. The session highlighted aligned objectives and final-phase milestones as both parties gear up for a December 2025 debut.
The developments include Crowne Plaza Batumi – Beach, a premium beachfront hotel offering 130 well-appointed rooms, and Batumi Beach Residences, a residential-style property featuring 240 fully serviced units designed for extended stays. Together, these projects are poised to transform the Black Sea city’s hospitality and real estate profile.
Meeting at ATM 2025
Construction progress was reviewed in detail, with both companies confirming that timelines remain firmly on track. The site works have entered their final stages, with finishing and pre-opening preparations underway. The opening of the Crowne Plaza-branded hotel and the adjacent residences is expected to play a critical role in attracting international travellers and investors to Batumi – a city that has gained momentum as a year-round coastal destination.
Sherif Beshara remarked, “Our meeting at ATM 2025 highlights the strong partnership and unified vision we share with Rekan Group. As we approach the final phase of development, we remain focused on delivering two distinct hospitality experiences that will elevate Batumi’s presence on the international tourism map. We look forward to welcoming our first guests this December.”
Ahmad Ismail Syan echoed the optimism, stating, “We are proud to see the tangible progress made on both projects. Our collaboration with Ishraq Hospitality continues to exceed expectations, and we are excited to soon open the doors to what we believe will be landmark properties in Batumi.”
Impact and partnerships
These developments are being delivered in collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, the parent company of the Crowne Plaza brand, underlining a shared commitment to hospitality excellence, brand strength, and regional expansion. The projects are expected to contribute to the local economy through employment generation and increased tourist inflow, aligning with Batumi’s ongoing transformation as an investment-friendly tourism hub.
Ishraq Hospitality, the asset management and hospitality arm of Dubai-based Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group, continues to grow its presence beyond the UAE. The company, established in 2007 and acquired by the group in 2011, operates internationally recognised brands such as Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and Crowne Plaza across Dubai. Its recent properties include Staybridge Suites Dubai Al Maktoum Airport, opened in October 2020.
Rekan Group, a multi-sector investment and development consortium, has extensive experience in infrastructure and real estate across Iraq’s Kurdistan region. With active and completed projects in Erbil, Dohuk, and Sulaymaniyah, Rekan Group’s entry into Georgia reflects its strategic vision to expand its regional and international footprint.