Tag Archives: KSA

Accor plans to open three properties in the upcoming project by Rua Al Madinah Holding Company in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The project includes a 142-key Fairmont hotel and 120 Fairmont branded residences, in addition to a 466-key Swissôtel and a 328-key Novotel. The Group is collaborating with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The company undertakes holistic development projects that feature modern urban planning to elevate the experience for visitors from around the world and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Madinah. Rua Al Madinah project is aimed at transforming the city into a modern Islamic and cultural destination. Rua Al Madinah Project’s master plan covers over 1.5 million square meters of space with direct views of Al Masjid al Nabawi, known as the Prophet’s Mosque, and will include 47,000 hotel rooms, with the master plan constituting 63% of open spaces and 37% of built area. The project has been designed according to the highest international standards and offers many integrated transportation solutions, including nine bus stops for visitors and underground parking. Duncan O’Rourke, CEO Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia-Pacific for Premium, Midscale & Economy brands at Accor mentioned: “We are very proud to sign the first Swissôtel property and strengthen our Novotel offering in the Holy city of Madinah. Through these signings our primary goal is to support the diverse offering at the master development of Rua Al Madinah, while continuing a long-term relationship with PIF and accordingly Rua Al Madinah Holding Company.” Since the announcement of the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, Accor has played a key role in the development of tourism, …

Accor signed a master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality, the Saudi startup company redefining Arabian hospitality in both local and international markets, to develop and franchise 18 hotels across second-tier cities within Saudi Arabia over the next ten years. The agreement will see Amsa Hospitality, the Hallmark of Arabian Hospitality, develop a range of Accor’s economy and midscale brands, including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mercure Living, Novotel, Novotel Living, and the recently launched Handwritten Collection, while also acting as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets. Speaking at a press conference at Arabian Travel Market, Mohammad Alathel, Amsa Hospitality’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Amsa Hospitality is committed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 success, a vision that set the path for our development locally, regionally and globally. “As such, we are attached to the Kingdom’s ambitious plan for the development of the country’s second-tier cities. Such an enterprising strategy must be accompanied by quality hospitality, offering the best international standards. “Committed as we are, we believe that Accor is the finest hospitality company to deliver the high level of guaranteed quality we are looking for, together with their wide choice of brands, giving us the ability to propose the optimum hospitality regarding each city environment. “This long-term partnership between Amsa Hospitality and Accor will bring first-rate modern hospitality – a know-how Accor is renowned for – together with Amsa Hospitality’s commitment to bringing centuries-old Arabian traditions of welcoming and generosity to today’s world, true to our ‘Hallmark of Arabian Hospitality’ motto.” As part of the agreement, Amsa Hospitality will be responsible for hotels in several cities in Saudi Arabia, including Ha’il, Jubail, Taif, Al-Ula, Tabuk and Jazan, …

Knight Frank Middle East announced a collaboration with Pan Kingdom Holding Saudi Arabia to focus on Asset Management Project for a newly constructed 2,000 room hotel in Makkah. Turab Saleem, Partner & Head of Hospitality at Knight Frank MENA, expressed excitement for the collaboration, stating that with 20 years of Asset Management experience in the region, Knight Frank Middle East is eager to contribute to the success of the project. The collaboration will see Knight Frank not only overseeing the hotel project but also providing expertise in brand development and business planning for Pan Kingdom’s growing hospitality portfolio. The partnership aims to cultivate new hotel assets in the Kingdom in alignment with the 2030 vision.

The PIF-owned Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) has announced the launch of construction of an entertainment destination located in Saudi Arabia, with a value of SAR1+ billion. The complex will transform the entertainment landscape of the Tabuk region, with about 78% of its space designated for entertainment, 14% for cafes and restaurants, and 8% for stores. Amenities will include an advanced 12-hole indoor golf course offering bespoke experiences, a modern 10-track bowling alley, and a 10-screen cinema hall, according to a company statement. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Dawood, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SEVEN, said: “The destination will add a qualitative leap in the entertainment scene of the region by providing a wide choice of entertainment attractions and distinctive experiences.” The project is being designed as an integrated village, with an innovative water tower inspired by the agricultural heritage of the Tabuk region at its center. This will connect to open community spaces, including gardens, parks and sports fields. The development reflects PIF’s strategy to develop and localize a variety of sectors, including entertainment, leisure and sports, to create a more vibrant society and improve the lives of everyone in Saudi Arabia. It also aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of positioning Saudi Arabia among the world’s top tourist destinations.​

IHG® Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City for a new Hotel Indigo within the city near the Irqah area along Wadi Hanifa in Riyadh. Set to open in 2025, with basement works already completed, the new hotel adds to IHG’s robust growth plans across various new developments that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy. The signing of a new Hotel Indigo in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City is significant, as it is the first nonprofit City of its kind, set to be an incubator for youth and for local and international institutions supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and future leaders. The hotel will be located next to the City’s Al Mishraq Zone and serve as a living laboratory where innovation and social life will thrive, and creativity will meet science and technology. Guests will be able to take advantage of the City’s cultural experiences by using a vibrant pedestrian-only main street as part of the City’s “15 minute” planning concept, with connections to cultural offerings as well as elevated fine dining restaurants overlooking the stunning Wadi Hanifah and views of Riyadh’s city skyline. The City will deliver a platform to experiment with new products and technologies, and will offer interactive retail environments providing customers with immersive experiences. The infrastructure will include a comprehenisve mobility solution, supported by a sustainable cooling and shading system. The solution will become a prime example for modern and integrated urban transportation, while delivering a comfortable environment encouraging outdoor activities. The new-build Hotel Indigo will feature 234 guestrooms and suites, as well as 138 serviced apartments. The hotel is ideally situated just 15 minutes from Riyadh …

Elaf Group KSA, unveiled its brand-new Elaf – Al Taqwa in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The hotel was inaugurated by Dr. Abdulraouf Manna, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Elaf Group and Dr. Adel Ezzat, CEO of Elaf Group in the presence of Mounir Mohamed Nasser, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Medina, several members of the board and the group’s partners. The launch of the new hotel is in line with the group’s commitment to supporting the goals of the “Saudi Vision 2030”, including enhancing the role of the tourism sector in the Kingdom’s development, increasing the contribution of the private sector in the Saudi economy, and diversify investments, further strengthening the Kingdom’s position and its global competitiveness. The Elaf -Al Taqwa hotel serve as a top choice for pilgrims and tourists with its convenient location a few steps away from the courtyard of the south-east corner of Al Masjid an-Nabawi and only 25 minutes’ drive from Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Additionally, the hotel also connects the key religious and historical landmarks. Dr. Abdulraouf Manna, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Elaf Group, said: “We are extremely pleased to open our brand-new Elaf -Al Taqwa Hotel in Medina, which is in line with the Group’s strategy to grow our presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are keen to contribute to the growth of the Hajj, Umrah, hospitality, and tourism sectors in Saudi Arabia and satisfy all the evolving demands of customers by launching more hotel facilities. The launch also reflects the culture of generosity and hospitality of the Kingdom, showcases its values, and is in line with the Group’s commitment to …

Hyatt announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into management agreements with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to manage three new Hyatt-branded hotels, including Grand Hyatt Madinah, Hyatt Regency Madinah and Hyatt Place Madinah. Upon opening, these properties will participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program and will add a combined 1,729 room keys to Hyatt’s portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, significantly expanding Hyatt’s brand presence in the country and demonstrating its commitment to strategic growth of its portfolio in key markets that matter to its guests, World of Hyatt members, customers and owners. The three properties will be part of the Rua Al Madinah project and are set to be the first Hyatt-branded hotels in Madinah, a city that aims to attract 30 million tourists by 2030. The Rua Al Madinah project is one of the most important initiatives of the Public Investment Fund to achieve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to raise the readiness of the eastern region of the Prophet’s Mosque to accommodate the rising demand in tourism. Set within a distinguished urban environment, the milestone project will aim to enrich the visitor’s experience through the development of integrated systems for hotels, commercial projects and urban centres that highlight the religious and cultural characteristics of Al Madinah Al Munawwarah; all, in an atmosphere full of tranquillity and harmony. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in Hyatt’s growth strategy in the Middle East and we are excited to work with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company on the plans for these fantastic properties in Madinah,” commented Javier Águila, Group President, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. “We …

flynas, the Saudi air carrier and the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East celebrated the opening of its office in Doha on January 30, 2023, after operating daily flights between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to be the first low-cost operator linking the two brotherly countries. flynas held a press conference and a dinner party in Doha, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Qatar, HH Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan Al-Saud, and the officials of the Qatar Tourism, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Qatar. flynas is the first low-cost carrier linking the Kingdom and Qatar with daily flights to Doha from Riyadh and Jeddah, within the expansion strategy it launched early last year under the slogan “We Connect the World to the Kingdom”, and in line with the objectives of the Saudi civil aviation strategy to reach 330 million passengers and increase the international destinations connected with the Kingdom to more than 250 destinations by 2030. The Saudi carrier started last November operating up to 6 daily flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Doha, providing its guests with multiple options with the launch of the FIFA World Cup 2022 hosted by Qatar. It is noteworthy that Flynas has reported double annual growth in operation and performance in 2022, with increasing passengers by 91% to 8.7 million, flights by 45% to 66,000, and seat capacity by 46%, in addition to launching 16 destinations and 30 routes as fleet upscaled to 43 aircraft. The success of flynas was recognised with many international awards, including Skytrax International Award as the …

Travellers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are planning to spend more on holidays in 2023, with most in both markets (93%) planning to go away, and more than two thirds in each market (66% in Saudi Arabia and 69% in the UAE planning more breaks than in 2022. Luxury will also be a key theme, with around a quarter planning on staying in luxury accommodation whilst away. The increase in trips and spending is, in part, thanks to more confidence that 2023 holiday plans won’t be impacted by Covid, and the fact that travel remains a priority for Middle Eastern consumers. Sustainability also plays an important role in 2023 travel plans, whilst ‘having a break from it all’ is key for holidaymakers. These are the findings of Marriott Bonvoy’s 2023 Travel Trends research, which analysed the 2023 travel plans of 14,000 travellers across Europe and the Middle East. Wellbeing-led holidays that allow people to get away from it all will be the predominant type of break those in the Middle East go on. More than six in ten from the UAE (61%) plan to, whilst the figure is even higher for Saudi Arabia (73%). Authentic travel is also key, with many wanting to immerse themselves in a complete change of culture, with over half in both markets (55% in the UAE and 56% in Saudi Arabia) wanting to explore new destinations and cultures. To truly soak up local culture, 30% of those from the UAE and 27% of those from Saudi Arabia plan on taking an ‘extended holiday’ of three weeks or more in one destination. Of those going on an extended holiday, 39% from Saudi …

Visitors to the Visa Application Centre submitting their applications can now learn more about the tourism offerings and highlights of India, guided by trained professionals from VFS Global, by visiting the kiosk at the time of their appointment. Mr. N. Ram Prasad, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of India in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia formally inaugurated the new India Tourism kiosk at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Riyadh recently. Mr. N. Ram Prasad, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of India in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia said, “I am pleased to launch the first India Tourism kiosk in association with VFS Global, who have been our partners in KSA for the last 14 years. In addition to best-in-class visa services, applicants will now also be able to learn about all the wondrous tourism offerings of India when they visit this centre.” Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer, VFS Global said, “We are excited to further strengthen our relationship with the Government of India with the launch of our India Tourism kiosk. I thank the Ministry of External Affairs for their constant and unwavering support and faith in our organisation and its services. As the service providers of visa and passport solutions here in Saudi Arabia, it is only fitting that we also provide informational services on all there is to offer in this bountiful country.” VFS Global caters to over 7 million Indians across 9 countries – Saudi Arabia, UK, US, Thailand, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, France, and Australia, offering passport and consular services on behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The organisation has a long-standing association with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, offering visa application …