Under the theme of ‘Focus on the Future’, the Saudi Arabia Hotel Investment Conference (SHIC) will present industry insights into how to capitalize on the multitude of hospitality investment opportunities arising in the Kingdom.
Located in the heart of the Region, this brand-new hotel is going through the preopening phase and will welcome guests as from April 2018. The hotel is constructed in such a fashion to include 3 wings, a central, a left and a right.
The Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh looks set to reopen next month after the hotel was converted into a lavish prison for high-profile Saudis, detained in what the kingdom called an anti-corruption sweep.
The Ritz-Carlton had closed its doors to guests since November last year, when around 200 people -- including business executives, officials and at least 17 princes -- were arrested and given rooms at the five-star hotel as holding cells.
STR's preliminary December 2017 data for hotels in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, indicates significant supply growth and negative performance. Based on daily data from December, Jeddah reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:
Millennium Al Aqeeq and Millennium Taiba Hotels, part of Millennium Hotels & Resorts have announced the appointment of Jamal Abdulla as the new Cluster General Manager of the two luxurious properties in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Prior to joining Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Abdulla was the Managing Director for the ‘5 Stars Hotel Division’ with Mohamed Al Ali Al Swailem Investment Co., where he was responsible for the openings, renovation and operations of their hotels. He has previously worked with international hotel groups such as Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Accor Hotels and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
Radisson Blu, the iconic hotel brand driven by innovation and design, has opened its first resort in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia on December 4. Radisson Blu Resort, Al Khobar Half Moon Bay, with 137 rooms, suites and private chalets, is a stunning resort set on the western shoreline of Half Moon Bay.
STR's preliminary November 2017 data for hotels in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, indicates significant supply growth and steep performance declines.Based on daily data from November, Jeddah reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:
Adding to its expanding portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Cristal Group has entered into a management agreement with Bayat Company for Hotel Services to operate Bayat Suites by Cristal. The 47-keys property enjoys a superb location in the city of Muhayil in Asir Region that lies in the southwest of the country. Expected to open in December 2017, the fully-furnished serviced apartments will offer guests a choice of two and three-bedroom units equipped with outstanding facilities.
STR's preliminary October 2017 data for hotels in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, indicates rate-driven performance growth. Based on daily data from October, Jeddah reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:
Often cited as being one of the most luxurious and prestigious hotel brands in the world, a certain Middle Eastern property that is part of Ritz Carlton Hotels' portfolio has been making headlines for slightly more scandalous reasons in recent days. Saudi Arabia's Ritz Carlton Riyadh, a 5-star hotel in the capital city, is reportedly being used as a makeshift detention centre for some Saudi royals who were recently arrested after a corruption investigation was launched which saw at least 17 princes and leading government officials detained after an order was issued by King Salman bin Abdul Aziz to take those under suspicion into custody. It is reported that there are now more than 30 high profile officials being kept in the Ritz Carlton Riyadh, many of them relatives of Saudi Arabia's ruling class. The arrests were carried out by Abdul Aziz's son and heir, Mohammed bin Salman, who has made a name for himself in recent months by shaking up the deeply traditional status quo in the UAE state, and arresting blood relatives of royals and rulers could potentially spell trouble for him in the future.
Firas, who is Jordanian, joined Rezidor in January 2003 as Front Office Manager at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh. Since then he has held various positions including Operation Manager. He joined The Radisson Blu Royal Suite Hotel, Jeddah and promoted in January 2017 as Executive Assistant Manager , which was his most recent position.
Naoufel Tekaya has been appointed as general manager for Fraser Suites Riyadh, which is due to open in Q4 2017.
Continuing its expansion in Saudi Arabia, Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI) has signed Swiss-Belhotel and Suites Jazan. The announcement was made by Mr Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International. Featuring 210 keys, the upscale 4-star property is owned by Cardamom International Property Management LLC and is superbly located in the port city of Jazan with direct access to the beach.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world's leading luxury hospitality company, and Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC), a leading developer in the Middle East, announce plans for a new Four Seasons hotel in the Holy City of Makkah (also known as Mecca) as part of the Jabal Omar integrated real estate development. Ideally located adjacent to Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām (the Grand Mosque) and with direct access and unobstructed views of the Haram, Four Seasons Hotel Makkah will offer the most gracious accommodations in the city.
Rabih, who is Lebanese, has started his career in the industry as receptionist. He held various positions as Front Office Manager, Rooms Division Manager and Executive Assistant Manager – Rooms. This is his first position at Carlson Rezidor and his first positions as Hotel Manager.
STR's preliminary September 2017 data for hotels in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, indicates strong performance growth.Based on daily data from September, Jeddah reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:
Located in the heart of the city, with only 3 minutes" drive to Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Hospital and 7 km's from Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Regional Airport in Tabuk, cater to the needs of business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel has 82 upscale fully equipped rooms and suites featuring traditionally inspired Arabian décor combined with international standards of service, in compliance with Swiss International"s tag line – International Quality, Local Affinity. The hotel also features 2 meeting rooms, 1 large banquet hall, fine dining restaurant, café, fitness center, indoor pool and a Spa.
The newly constructed hotel in Al Rass region of Al Qassim Province is the first International chain hotel in Al Rass offering international standards, comfort and service. The hotel has 62 rooms and suites with all upscale amenities including free Wi-Fi. The Suite rooms also have Jacuzzi and Sauna. A revolving restaurant – Grill Room, on the top floor that offers breathtaking 360° view is the talk of the town. In addition, the hotel also has a café for women only and a lobby café on the ground floor. The facilities also include one big banquet hall with a capacity of 200 guests, 3 meeting rooms, a male Spa and a female Spa. The hotel is expecting domestic travelers, both leisure and business.
STR's preliminary August 2017 data for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, indicates lower occupancy levels but higher rates amid significant supply growth. Based on daily data from August, Jeddah reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:
Tourism in the Middle East has long been dominated by the high-end resorts in Dubai, Egypt and Jordan yet they could soon have a new challenger in their midst. Saudi Arabia is turning its attention to tourism and entertainment as it seeks to not only reposition its economy but also meet a pent-up demand for greater leisure options within its own population.