Representative ImageHotels across the Middle East are increasingly moving beyond pilot projects to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics as part of their core hospitality strategy. Driven by labour optimisation, sustainability goals, and rising guest expectations, AI is now being used across both guest-facing touchpoints and back-of-house operations. The hospitality sector in the region is staying ahead of the curve by investing in new technology to optimise their revenue, guest-experiences and operational efficiency. Several hotels in the region provide clear case studies of how these technologies are being implemented in practice.
From AI-powered kitchen analytics at Hilton to robotic mixologists in Doha, the region’s luxury leaders are moving beyond pilot programs to embed automation into their core business strategies.
‘Nuha,’ a virtual hospitality concierge
At Address Downtown Dubai, AI has been deployed to support front-of-house operations through an AI-powered virtual concierge. The system is designed to handle guest enquiries, provide local recommendations, and assist with common service requests. Nuha, powered by ChatGPT technology delivers conversation that feels natural, intuitive, and deeply personal. For operators, this model demonstrates how conversational AI can reduce pressure on concierge and front-desk teams, particularly in high-occupancy luxury properties, while maintaining service consistency and availability across peak periods.
Robotics as an Experience Differentiator
W Doha illustrates how robotics can be integrated into hospitality as an experiential and marketing asset. The hotel collaborated with Icosium AI & Robotics to introduce a robot mixologist in the hotel lobby, offering guests drinks, futuristic service and entertainment.
While not primarily designed for labour replacement, the deployment reinforces brand positioning and guest engagement. For lifestyle and luxury brands, this case highlights how robotics can support differentiation without disrupting service culture.
AI-savvy upcoming hotels
Saudi Arabia’s YOTEL OXAGON, part of the NEOM development, represents a new-build approach where automation is embedded from the outset. The announced concept includes self-service check-in, digital or robotic concierge systems, and highly automated guest rooms. For developers and operators, this signals a shift toward scalable, tech-led hospitality models that reduce long-term staffing dependency while aligning with smart-city infrastructure.
Turning kitchens into data lab with AI for Sustainability and cost cutting
AI adoption is also delivering measurable ROI in hotel operations. At Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, AI-powered computer vision technology is used in kitchens to track food waste. By analysing what is discarded and identifying operational inefficiencies, the hotel has reportedly achieved significant reductions in food waste and associated costs. This use case demonstrates how AI can support sustainability targets while directly improving margins—an increasingly critical concern for hotel operators.
Smart hotels offer Smart Rooms with Energy Optimisation
At Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, advanced guest room automation systems integrate lighting, temperature control, and energy management. For large resorts and luxury properties, smart-room technologies enable improved guest comfort while providing operators with centralised control and data to optimise energy consumption and maintenance.
AI and robotics in Middle East hotels are not limited to novelty applications, rather are being deployed strategically across guest engagement, operational efficiency, sustainability, and brand positioning. As technology costs decrease and integration improves, AI is rapidly becoming a competitive necessity rather than an experimental add-on. For hospitality leaders, the focus is shifting from “whether” to adopt AI, to where it delivers the greatest operational and commercial impact.
How do you think artificial intelligence (AI) is going to change the way hotels function in the Middle East region?
