In recognition of its rapidly expanding presence in the Middle East and its anticipated expansion in Africa, Marriott announced today that it will open a new regional headquarters in Dubai on Jan 1, 2010.

The office will greatly expand its current area operations in the region and its opening coincides with the 30th anniversary of Marriott's participation in the region's hospitality industry.

The new regional office will be responsible for the operations, finance, sales, marketing, human resources for five of Marriott International's hotel and resort brands in the Middle East and Africa, including its JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments brands.  Today, the company has an area team in Dubai which reports into its London-based regional office. 

"We are positioning ourselves to take full advantage of the unprecedented growth in tourism that the region is predicted to attract over the next decade," said Ed Fuller, president & managing director of international lodging for Marriott International.

He said that some 68 million arrivals are expected in the Middle East by 2020.  "Couple that with the global spotlight the FIFA World Cup will focus on the southern part of Africa in 2010 and you have the foundation for amazing growth despite the current economic difficulties," he added.

Mr. Fuller said that Marriott's portfolio of hotels in the Middle East and Africa has increased substantially since the company opened its first hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 1980.

 "Today, we operate 22 properties spanning five lodging brands and totaling more than 6,500 rooms. We expect to more than double our presence in the region over the next 36 months as we add approximately 30 hotels," he said.

In addition to the new regional office, Marriott International will continue to have a development team and a global sales office based in Dubai.