IHG has inked a management agreement with Acico Gulf Real Estate to turn the Nassima Royal Hotel into the Voco Dubai, marking the first signing of the chain's new upscale hotel brand in the Middle East.

Hosted by IHG’s senior leadership team, the Middle East launch was attended by the global Voco team, including the brand’s F&B and design specialists.

IHG launched Voco in June to strengthen its position in the $40-billion upscale segment, which is expected to grow by $20 billion by 2025.