Accor is expanding its Mantis brand in the Gulf region following the 2024 launch of Hawar Resort by Mantis on Bahrain’s UNESCO-listed Hawar Island. The company plans to open new properties in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2026.
The expansion aligns with growing demand for sustainable travel options. According to Virtuoso, 64% of high-end travelers seek eco-conscious accommodations, and 42% are willing to pay a premium for them. Accor’s upcoming properties aim to address this demand through nature-based, low-impact experiences.
Saij Mountain Lodge by Mantis is scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah in the second quarter of 2026. Located on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, the resort will feature 70 stand-alone lodges constructed from locally sourced materials intended to integrate with the mountain environment.
Guest experiences will include guided hikes, beekeeping workshops, and farm-to-table dining designed to encourage visitors to engage with the natural surroundings.
In Saudi Arabia, Basiqat by Mantis is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026 in Al Uyaynah, roughly 40 minutes from Riyadh. The dual-site resort will feature 218 keys, including suites, villas, desert tents, and Zad Palace Suites. Its design incorporates natural materials, earthy tones, and elements inspired by local architecture.
Amenities will include dining venues, indoor and outdoor pools, a hydro spa, yoga pavilion, and landscaped gardens. A heritage-inspired souk, kids’ club, and flexible event spaces aim to appeal to both leisure visitors and meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) markets.
Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund, said the development sets “a new standard for hospitality in Saudi Arabia,” supporting Vision 2030’s goal to position the kingdom as a global destination for sustainable tourism.
According to Connecting Travel, Accor is also planning to debut Mantis Hiddn in Addo, South Africa, on 1 March 2026. The off-grid lodge will include 12 mountain suites and two private villas on an 800-hectare private reserve, offering views across ridges and valleys.
The timing of these openings coincides with a broader increase in eco-tourism and off-grid hospitality in the region. Other recent developments include Parvara in Fujairah and Nomad in Sharjah’s Kalba mountains. In 2026, Ennismore’s Our Habitas brand will introduce glamping caravan accommodations in Hatta, reflecting a wider industry trend toward mindful, low-impact travel in the GCC.
For outdoor hospitality operators, these developments highlight the importance of integrating sustainable design, off-grid experiences, and diverse amenities to meet rising demand for eco-conscious stays.