Al Habtoor Group presents Al Habtoor Palace Budapest: the new era of luxury hotels in Europe

In a landmark moment, global conglomerate Al Habtoor Group has officially launched its ultra-luxury brand, Al Habtoor Palace Budapest, bringing the first Emirati luxury hotel brand to Europe. The grand opening ceremony was held at the hotel’s exclusive location on Elisabeth Square in the heart of Budapest. Diplomatic dignitaries, business leaders, industry experts, and international media representatives attended the event to witness the launch of this exceptional property.

The opening of the Al Habtoor Palace Budapest is a strategic milestone for the Al Habtoor Group, coinciding with the company’s 55th anniversary and further strengthening its global expansion strategy. The new ultra-luxury hotel is a harmonious blend of Dubai’s legendary hospitality standards and Budapest’s rich European heritage, taking the city’s luxury hotel scene to a new level.

A vision of luxury that transcends borders

Al Habtoor Hospitality’s story began in 1979 with the opening of the Metropolitan Hotel in Dubai, marking the beginning of home-grown hospitality in the UAE. As Dubai evolved into a global hub for luxury, innovation, and unique experiences, so did Al Habtoor Hospitality, setting a new benchmark for excellence and sophistication. Over the decades, the group has steadily expanded, shaping Dubai’s hospitality industry with iconic properties such as Al Habtoor Palace Dubai, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, and the iconic Al Habtoor City lifestyle resort, redefining the concept of ultra-luxury hospitality in the region.

Al Habtoor Hospitality – 14 hotels worldwide

Today, Al Habtoor Hospitality operates 14 hotels worldwide, in the UAE, the UK, the US, Austria, Hungary, and Lebanon. This has made Al Habtoor Hospitality the first pioneering Arab hospitality brand in Dubai, creating world-class services, iconic developments, and revolutionary hospitality concepts. Now, with the opening of Al Habtoor Palace Budapest, it has become the first Arab hospitality brand to enter the European market, bringing Arab hospitality, impeccable service, and unparalleled luxury to the heart of Central Europe.

Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, said, “It is a strategic move that reinforces our long-term vision to expand the Al Habtoor Group’s global presence and bring our heritage of excellence to new markets.“

He added: “For over five decades, we have been building not just businesses, but institutions that set new standards. The opening of Al Habtoor Palace Budapest demonstrates our commitment to representing Arab excellence on a global scale. This is just the beginning as we continue to look for new investment and expansion opportunities in Budapest and beyond. Al Habtoor Palace Budapest is a milestone in the evolution of our hospitality business and reflects our belief in growth, innovation, and uncompromising luxury. This is the dawn of a new era for Al Habtoor Hospitality, and I am excited to see our vision come to fruition in the years to come.“

Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice President and General Manager of Al Habtoor Group, said, “Our mission has always been to provide exceptional experiences, and with this opening, we bring Al Habtoor Hospitality’s world-renowned hospitality and services from Dubai to Europe. This is a defining moment for our hospitality division as we introduce a brand that embodies personalised service, world-class comfort, and a commitment to excellence. We are excited for our guests to experience the pinnacle of luxury at Al Habtoor Palace Budapest.“

A unique blend of culture and hospitality

Located in one of Budapest’s most exclusive squares, Al Habtoor Palace Budapest is a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture, now a reinterpreted symbol of timeless luxury for the modern age. The property’s design blends sophisticated European grandeur with contemporary Arabian luxury, offering guests a truly unique and sophisticated experience.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts partnership

To further strengthen its position as a world-class luxury destination, Al Habtoor Palace Budapest has announced that it has officially joined the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection—the highest category in the brand’s portfolio of the world’s most iconic and sought-after independent hotels. This exclusive partnership provides guests with the opportunity to join the ‘I Prefer Hotel Rewards’ programme, the world’s largest loyalty programme for independent hotel chains. This allows members to enjoy exclusive benefits, room upgrades, and VIP services at Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide.