As many as 28,000 rooms are expected to open throughout the region through the remainder of 2008, with at least 43,000 more set to be unlocked in 2009, based on Lodging Econometrics' research. "The pipeline is front-end loaded," Ford says.

As Dubai cools down, other parts of the Middle East are expected to do the opposite, though at a smaller scale. For example, Abu Dhabi, which seeks to become the cultural center, has the second-largest pipeline with 73 projects totaling 21,800 rooms by Ford's count.

Saudi Arabia and Oman have roughly 50 projects each, while Qatar has 35 projects in the pipeline, mostly in Doha. Egypt, which seeks to develop beachfront resorts along its "Red Sea Riviera," has 31 projects totaling nearly 11,000 rooms, according to Lodging Econometrics.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC made its first foray into the region this summer with the opening of the 140-room Staybridge Suites Cairo CityStars. It is working with Bukhamseen Group on two additional Staybridge projects in Kuwait, with 120 suites in Salmiya in November 2009 and 150 suites in Farnawiya in January 2010.

IHG has also signed with Aldar Properties for a 165-suite Staybridge in Abu Dhabi that will open sometime next year. That project will be part of Aldar's $40-billion Yas Island development, which will include a Formula One racetrack along with Ferrari and Warner Bros. theme parks.

Staybridge Suites properties in the region will feature many of the same amenities as found at those frequented by American guests, including fully-equipped kitchens and free WiFi access, says Tom Rowntree, IHG's vice president-commercial, Middle East & Africa. After-hours receptions hosted by the hotel's general manager are expected to appeal to business and leisure travelers alike, he says.

"Staybridge Suites' flexible approach and blend of a domestic environment with traditional hotel services is expected to bridge the gap between conventional hotels and serviced apartments," Rowntree tells GlobeSt.com in a recent e-mail. "As such, Staybridge Suites will accommodate the needs of a broad range of travelers, from those in town on business or looking for a 'home-from-home' experience while on holiday, to those relocating to the area or even seeking temporary housing during household renovations."

Lodging Econometrics notes that the Middle East hotel boom presents "an extraordinary opportunity" for global brands, with 35% of pipeline projects having yet to select a flag. Middle East-based Rotana Hotels, Inns & Suites has the largest guestroom count in the region's pipeline, with 33 projects totaling 10,256 rooms.

IHG has eight InterContinental and five Crowne Plaza upscale hotels in the pipeline, while also accelerating its mid-market program in the region with nine new-design Holiday Inns and three Holiday Inn Express, Ford says. Among North American hoteliers, Marriott International Inc. has 23 projects in the pipeline, including seven Ritz Carltons, while Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide plans a total of 21 luxury hotels, including a 342-room project in Dubai that will bear its new Baccarat luxury brand.