One of Dubai’s foremost independent hotels has just added some benefits (and syllables), rebadging itself as “Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa Autograph Collection”.

It might sound like a mouthful, but the hotel is making clear it now belongs in the exclusive fold of Autograph Collection hotels – Marriott’s diverse collection of high-personality independent hotels.

The announcement marks the debut of the first Autograph Collection hotel in the Middle East and Africa region. Marriott describes the 446-room Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa as one of Dubai’s most iconic properties, situated on Jumeirah Beach, adjacent to Dubai Marina. All rooms either face the sea or the lawns and gardens of the property.

Guests have been able to stay and earn Marriott Rewards points since mid-February, but the brand has recently begun touting the hotel as its proud new inclusion.

The Autograph Collection was launched January 2010 and currently includes over 60 independent hotels in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, Australia, and the Caribbean and Latin America.

Each hotel is granted access to Marriott International’s global sales and marketing channels; including the Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program, where guests can earn points at more than 3,700 hotels in 71 countries. Each hotel is also featured on Marriott.com for added visibility.