Egyptian singer Amr Diab is set to become a hotelier with new property Locanda. AP
Egyptian singer Amr Diab is set to become a hotelier with new property Locanda. AP
Egyptian singer Amr Diab is set to become a hotelier with new property Locanda. AP
Egyptian singer Amr Diab is set to become a hotelier with new property Locanda. AP

Amr Diab and Emaar Properties to launch luxury hotel Locanda


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

Amr Diab has teamed up with Emirati developer Emaar Properties to launch new hotel Locanda.

The Egyptian pop star made the announcement on his social media channels on Wednesday, describing the brand as having a "high level of luxury lifestyle".

While no location is mentioned, an Egyptian site is likely.

Diab tagged Emaar’s Egyptian subsidiary Emaar Misr in the post, stating the hotel will be situated within a "prestigious development" by Emaar.

The move also comes after the company’s founder, Mohamed Alabbar, uploaded a photo this month with Diab in The Dubai Mall.

Diab posted a 30-second trailer alluding to the style of Locanda.

Surprisingly, the proposed vibe doesn't gel with the sunny Mediterranean influences associated with Diab's music.

A banner of “luxury awaits” comes before vintage-style images of a chandelier, glittering dresses and a record playing on a phonograph. It implies Locanda could be a regal venue with old-world charm, as opposed to the rollicking beach club vibes Diab often channels in hit music videos such as Amaken El Sahar and El Donia Helwa.

The announcement is the next in a growing number of ventures Diab has been involved in of late.

In February, the singer signed an agreement with Anghami, allowing the platform to becoming the exclusive home of his future releases, as well as more than a dozen previous albums and popular music videos.

In 2021, Diab also launched his new eau de parfum, 34, with an advertisement shot in the UAE featuring Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Abu Dhabi's Warner Bros World theme park.

Not every commercial move he's made has been successful, though.

Last year the French car manufacturer Citroen withdrew an advertisement starring Diab after it was accused of normalising sexual harassment.

The advertisement featured Diab driving its new C4 when he nearly runs into a woman crossing the road.

Upon driving off, Diab uses the car’s new camera feature to snap a photo of the woman, which instantly appears on his phone.

As part of the narrative, the photo is taken without the woman’s consent.

While Citroen issued a public apology, Diab has yet to comment and the advertisement remains on his Twitter account.

The controversy has failed to dent the enduring appeal of his near four-decade career.

Earlier this month, Diab played concerts to packed audiences in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh as part of Eid Al Fitr celebrations.

Seven remarkable hotels to open in Saudi Arabia soon — in pictures

  • A bird's-eye view of the internal patio at Sharaah by Jean Nouvel. Photo: Jean Nouvel
    A bird's-eye view of the internal patio at Sharaah by Jean Nouvel. Photo: Jean Nouvel
  • When it opens in 2023, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will form part of The Red Sea project. Photo: Marriott International
    When it opens in 2023, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will form part of The Red Sea project. Photo: Marriott International
  • A rendering of a villa at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Photo: Marriott International
    A rendering of a villa at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Photo: Marriott International
  • The Hyatt-owned Miraval is bringing its mindful wellness concept to Saudi Arabia. Photo: Hyatt
    The Hyatt-owned Miraval is bringing its mindful wellness concept to Saudi Arabia. Photo: Hyatt
  • Miraval The Red Sea will have the largest spa in the region, with 39 treatment rooms and nearly 4,000 square metres of space. Photo: Hyatt
    Miraval The Red Sea will have the largest spa in the region, with 39 treatment rooms and nearly 4,000 square metres of space. Photo: Hyatt
  • Miraval The Red Sea will open by the end of 2023. Photo: Hyatt
    Miraval The Red Sea will open by the end of 2023. Photo: Hyatt
  • An Armani Hotel is set to launch in Riyadh’s Diriyah. Photo: SPA
    An Armani Hotel is set to launch in Riyadh’s Diriyah. Photo: SPA
  • A rendering of the new hotel to open in the Red Palace in Riyadh. Photo: PFI
    A rendering of the new hotel to open in the Red Palace in Riyadh. Photo: PFI
  • The Red Palace in Saudi Arabia. Photo: PIF
    The Red Palace in Saudi Arabia. Photo: PIF
  • Saudi Arabia’s Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotel will have a futuristic vibe. Photo: Saudi Tourism Development Fund
    Saudi Arabia’s Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotel will have a futuristic vibe. Photo: Saudi Tourism Development Fund
  • Public spaces in the Sharaah by Jean Nouvel resort. Photo: Jean Nouvel
    Public spaces in the Sharaah by Jean Nouvel resort. Photo: Jean Nouvel
  • An interplay of solid and hollowed out surfaces emerges as a new form of mashrabiah. Photo: Jean Nouvel
    An interplay of solid and hollowed out surfaces emerges as a new form of mashrabiah. Photo: Jean Nouvel
  • The resort's distinctive views. Photo: Jean Nouvel
    The resort's distinctive views. Photo: Jean Nouvel
  • The design of Sharaan will pay tribute to the site's Nabataean heritage. Photo: Jean Nouvel
    The design of Sharaan will pay tribute to the site's Nabataean heritage. Photo: Jean Nouvel
  • The site’s dramatic rock faces are a central focus of the design, seen here in a guest room.Photo: Jean Nouvel
    The site’s dramatic rock faces are a central focus of the design, seen here in a guest room.Photo: Jean Nouvel
  • A hollowed-out internal patio will lie at the heart of the Sharaan by Jean Nouvel. Photo: Jean Nouvel
    A hollowed-out internal patio will lie at the heart of the Sharaan by Jean Nouvel. Photo: Jean Nouvel
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
Updated: May 26, 2022, 10:52 AM