Dubai, UAE – The 251-key Shaza Hotel in Makkah is due to open within the next 12 months, whilst the 205-key hotel in the capital of the Kingdom, currently under development, is due to open in 2017. Commenting on the signing, Simon Coombs, President and CEO of Shaza Hotels, said: "Following the opening of Shaza Al Madina and the signing of Shaza Jeddah, we have been actively searching for the right opportunities to increase our portfolio of hotels in the Kingdom. We are very proud and honoured to have been selected by Al-Rajhi Investments as the operator for these luxury properties in Makkah and Riyadh. Our companies share common values and objectives. In close coordination with Al Rajhi Investments, Shaza Hotels are crafting hotels that we hope will be admired for their design, services and people."

Shaza Makkah is located in Jabal Ka'aba with extensive views of Al-Masjid Al-Haram. The guests will be embraced by a sanctuary of calm in the contemplative atmosphere of the hotel rooms, restaurant and the signature lounge.

Shaza Riyadh is inspired by an Andalusian riad, and is located on the Eastern Ring Road next to the Al Rajhi Grand Mosque, an upcoming district of the capital. The 205 rooms have been designed and equipped for the needs of corporate, leisure and long staying guests. The hotel will have wellness facilities, traditional cuisine in a contemporary setting and purpose planned banqueting rooms.

Sulaiman Abdulaziz Al-Rajhi Real Estate Investment Company

Part of the Suleiman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi Real Estate Investment Company; Al-Rajhi Investment provides products and services in line with the rapid growth of the hospitality sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The hotel management company owns several hotels across the Kingdom, including the Crowne Plaza Medina Hotel, which consists of 506 rooms and suites, and Crowne Plaza Al Khobar, one of the most important tourist attractions in the city.

About Global Hotel Alliance

Shaza Hotels is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA ). Founded in 2004, and based on the airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance ("GHA") is today the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands. GHA uses a shared technology platform to drive incremental revenues and create cost savings for its member brands, and operates a multi-brand loyalty programme, DISCOVERY, which has over 5 million members. GHA's member brands are currently: Alila, Anantara, Art Series, Atura, AVANI, Barceló Premium, Corinthia, Doyle Collection, First, GLO, Individual Collection, Kempinski, Leela, Lungarno Collection, Marco Polo, Meritage Collection, Meydan, Mokara, Omni, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL, Per AQUUM, QT, Rydges, Rixos, Shaza, Tangram, Thon, Tivoli and Ultratravel Collection encompassing over 550 upscale and luxury hotels with 110,000 rooms across 76 different countries. For more information visit www.gha.com

About DISCOVERY programme

DISCOVERY is about making travel unforgettable. Members of the programme receive recognition and rewards across 550 hotels, resorts, palaces and spas in all of the Global Hotel Alliance hotels. Local Experiences, the innovative rewards of the DISCOVERY programme are unique, authentic experiences, which are created by each hotel to give a taste of local traditions and culture. Naturally, members also receive stay benefits, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, room upgrades and of course enhanced personal recognition as they move through the membership levels, each and every time they stay at one of the Global Hotel Alliance hotels. For more information visit www.gha.com

About Shaza Hotels

Shaza Hotels is an international hotel management company comprising of two unique brands: Shaza in the luxury segment, and Mysk in the upscale segment. The brands are characterised by their dedication to offering true Arabian hospitality inspired by the traditions and culture of the Silk Route and reflected by a contemporary Middle Eastern style décor and serene ambiance that is appreciated by the most discerning travellers. Shaza is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). For more information please visit www.shazahotels.com

About DISCOVERY Loyalty

A memorable trip demands more than a comfortable stay. DISCOVERY, an award-winning global loyalty programme, provides 16 million members recognition and perks across over 570 hotels, resorts and palaces in 78 countries. Elite members have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture through Local Experiences, distinctive activities that capture an authentic taste of each destination. For more information, visit discoveryloyalty.com

Katrina Thornely
Marketing Coordinator
+971 50 658 3952
Shaza Hotels Ltd.