IHG Hotels & Resorts is partnering with Aldar to transform the Yas Plaza complex on Yas Island into an integrated resort under the Vignette Collection brand, significantly expanding its presence in the UAE
This project includes the refurbishment of the hotels into distinct properties, now collectively named Straylight Yas, Vignette Collection. A significant aspect of this redevelopment is the introduction of private beach access to the complex for the first time, enhancing the resort experience for guests.
The transformation will add 1,389 rooms to IHG’s expanding portfolio in the UAE, reinforcing the property’s status as a premier destination that offers a variety of experiences under a unified identity. In addition to the Yas Plaza project, Aldar’s Al Dhafra region hotel, previously known as Tilal Liwa, will also be converted into a Vignette Collection resort. This hotel is scheduled for a soft opening later this year, with a full opening planned for Q2 2025, contributing an additional 110 rooms to IHG’s offerings.
Yas Island has established itself as a premier leisure and entertainment hub since its inception in 2009, renowned for its attractions and major events, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The new resort, slated to open in Q4 2025, will feature an underground tunnel providing direct beach access, alongside a retail and dining strip and connections to Yas Links Abu Dhabi golf course.
Furthermore, the project will introduce a range of new facilities, including golf and beach villas, a beach club, an open-air theatre, and various leisure amenities to enhance the guest experience. The Vignette Collection hotel in the Al Dhafra region will embody local heritage through its design, offering tented villas with private pools, as well as rooms and suites. Guests will enjoy three dining options, a world-class spa, a swimming pool, meeting rooms, a children’s play area, and a gift shop.
Currently, IHG operates 33 hotels across four brands in the UAE, with an additional nine hotels set to open in the coming years.