Grand Mercure Business Bay has officially opened in Dubai after the former Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay was rebranded under Accor’s Grand Mercure brand, marking a strategic franchise partnership between Accor and Gulf Hotels Group as Business Bay continues its rapid evolution as a commercial and lifestyle hub.
Grand Mercure Business Bay represents a new chapter for the property, combining Accor’s premium brand standards and global loyalty ecosystem with Gulf Hotels Group’s long-standing operational expertise. The rebrand introduces Grand Mercure’s signature “pride of place” philosophy to Business Bay, blending refined grandeur with local cultural expression and personalised service.
A Strategic Rebrand in the Heart of Business Bay
Owned and managed by Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), the hotel now operates under a franchise agreement with Accor, strengthening its positioning within Dubai’s competitive hospitality landscape.
Located on Al Abraj Street along Marasi Drive, the hotel enjoys a prime Business Bay address, just eight minutes from Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and major exhibition and trade venues.
The renewed identity reflects Dubai’s modern energy while embracing regional warmth and character—an approach aligned with Grand Mercure’s focus on destination-led hospitality.
Hotel Overview and Facilities
Grand Mercure Business Bay features:
- 270 refreshed rooms and suites, designed for refined comfort with a strong sense of place
- Four meeting rooms accommodating up to 90 guests
- Club lounge for business and premium travellers
- Five dining and entertainment venues
- Mediterranean Muse, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant scheduled to open in Q1 2026
- Enhanced outdoor pool terrace overlooking the Business Bay skyline, offering a tranquil urban retreat
Leadership Perspectives
Ahmed Janahi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Hotels Group, said the transition represents a strategic move for the company.
“This transition to the Grand Mercure brand represents a strategic step for Gulf Hotels Group. We continue to manage the hotel while leveraging Accor’s global reach through its distribution channels and loyalty platforms. This partnership enhances our competitiveness in Dubai and aligns with our vision to grow through alliances that complement GHG’s long-standing hospitality heritage.”
Raki Phillips, Regional President for the Premium, Midscale and Economy division across the Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor, highlighted the brand’s destination-led positioning.
“Grand Mercure Business Bay is an exciting addition to Accor’s premium portfolio in the UAE. The brand is built around the stories and spirit of its destination, and this property captures that beautifully. Our partnership with Gulf Hotels Group brings together local heritage, thoughtful design, and the trusted standards that guests expect from Accor.”
Why It Matters
The opening of Grand Mercure Business Bay reflects several wider trends shaping Dubai’s hotel market:
- Franchise-led growth: Regional owners are increasingly partnering with global brands to access loyalty ecosystems and distribution power
- Experience-led positioning: Premium hotels are moving beyond accommodation to emphasise cultural immersion and sense of place
- Business Bay’s rise: The district continues to strengthen its role as a mixed-use commercial, lifestyle and hospitality destination
- Brand portfolio expansion: Accor continues to scale culturally expressive brands across the Middle East
Together, these factors position the hotel as a key contributor to Business Bay’s evolving hospitality offering.
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Opening Offer for ALL Accor Members
To mark the opening, ALL Accor members can earn 4X reward points on bookings:
- Booking window: 16 February 2026 – 12 April 2026
- Stay period: 16 February 2026 – 9 August 2026
Members also enjoy benefits including exclusive discounts, complimentary upgrades and late check-out, with points redeemable across Accor’s global network.
At a Glance
- Hotel: Grand Mercure Business Bay
- Location: Business Bay, Dubai
- Formerly: Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay
- Owner/Operator: Gulf Hotels Group
- Brand Partner: Accor (Franchise agreement)
- Rooms: 270
- Meeting Space: 4 rooms, up to 90 guests
- Dining: 5 venues, including Mediterranean Muse (Q1 2026)
- Opening Offer: 4X ALL Accor reward points for eligible stays
