IHG’s signing of Marbella Resort marks its debut Vignette Collection hotel on the World Islands.

IHG Hotels & Resorts, a prominent global hotel company, has recently finalized a franchise agreement for its second Vignette Collection hotel in Dubai, partnering with The Heart of Europe, a flagship project under the Kleindienst Group. Slated for a grand opening in January 2026, the Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai, represents a significant milestone for The Heart of Europe, strengthening IHG’s presence within The World Islands, an archipelago of man-made islands situated in the Arabian Gulf, off Dubai’s coast.

The Vignette Collection brand provides an opportunity for owners of exceptional independent hotels to maintain their distinct identity while enjoying the advantages of IHG’s global reach and expertise in luxury and lifestyle.

The forthcoming Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai, is situated within ‘The Heart of Europe,’ a self-contained holiday destination spanning six islands. Each island seamlessly blends European architectural charm with top-tier hospitality, offering luxury and innovation on a serene beachfront. The Heart of Europe includes a range of opulent properties, from beachfront villas and premium hotels to innovative underwater accommodations and a variety of high-end amenities like climate-controlled streets and a coral institute dedicated to preserving and rejuvenating the marine ecosystem.

Upon its completion, the Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai, will feature 150 rooms with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. True to the Vignette Collection brand, the property will harmoniously combine exclusivity with a sense of community and locality, featuring a distinctive Andalusian-inspired design with contemporary architectural elements.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East, and Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it reflects IHG’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for guests. He highlighted that the Marbella Resort Hotel will redefine luxury and set new hospitality standards in the region upon its opening in 2026.

With the property currently under construction, the Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai, is poised to be a key milestone in IHG’s pursuit of providing unparalleled guest experiences and elevating luxury standards in the region.

Josef Kleindienst, Founder and Chairman of the Kleindienst Group and The Heart of Europe remarked on the honor of collaborating with one of the world’s leading hotel groups to introduce the Vignette Collection brand to The World Islands Dubai. He emphasized their commitment to excellence and the unique experience that Marbella Resort Hotel will offer, drawing inspiration from Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and embodying a perfect fusion of luxury, innovation, and the beauty of the UAE.

IHG currently operates 108 hotels across eight brands in the Middle East, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Hotel Indigo, voco, and Six Senses.