Tag Archives: Makkah

This Hajj season, Emirates is geared up to serve the large volume of pilgrims making their way from the airline’s global network through Dubai, to Jeddah and Medina to perform the once in a lifetime Muslim pilgrimage. Emirates has deployed 10 additional flights between 7 Jun and 10 June, and between 21 June and 26 June to carry pilgrims to Jeddah and Medina. These flights have been carefully timed to meet the flight schedules from key markets for Hajj, including Indonesia, Thailand, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritius, South Africa, Senegal and Pakistan. Emirates has been working hard throughout every travel touchpoint of the journey to ensure comfortable experience, both in the air and on the ground for pilgrims heading to Makkah for this significant trip. The additional flights are operated alongside Emirates’ scheduled services to the two Saudi gateways, and provide increased choice and options for thousands of travellers from across the airline’s global network to carry out one of the key pillars of Islam. The airline has further deployed 19 flights to cities including Amman, Dammam, Kuwait Beirut among others to meet high demand during Eid Al-Adha in mid-June. From arriving to Dubai International, to stopping over in the city and connecting onwards to Jeddah and Medina, Emirates has extended its onboard hospitality to the ground through a carefully planned airport experience. Emirates’ dedicated teams will guide pilgrims during their airport journey to ensure a seamless process of connecting to their onwards flights. Airport Service teams have been tasked with meeting, greeting and escorting all pilgrims from arrival to departure. Travellers are welcomed at the arrival gate by dedicated Emirates Airport Service personnel, holding signs with special greetings for pilgrims, where they are escorted …

The Ministry of Interior is holding the mobile exhibition “No Hajj Without a Permit” in Madinah, between May 20 and 25, 2024, to raise awareness among the residents about safe and secure Hajj practices. Visitors gain insights into the ministry’s use of artificial intelligence to manage crowds during Hajj, but also get familiarized with the Makkah Route Initiative, which is part of the broader ‏Pilgrim Experience Program, which falls under Saudi Vision 2030 and whose goal is to serve pilgrims. This year, the initiative is being implemented for the sixth time at 11 airports in seven countries, facilitating the arrival of pilgrims. Displays at the exhibition highlight the ministry’s efforts to ensure the security and safety of visitors to the two holy mosques. Visitors learn about emergency reporting procedures through the unified security operations centers (911), as well as about the most prominent services offered on the Absher electronic platform.

Accor in partnership with Alesayi Holding announced plans for the opening of a new hotel and residences development, Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences Makkah – MGallery Collection, located in the heart of the Holy City of Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Set to open in 2028, Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences Makkah – MGallery Collection is poised to be a storied and sophisticated destination full of luxury, beauty and culture. The project will span across 2,600 square meters, consisting of 276 hotel rooms and 214 branded residences for sale. The building will also include a business center, a bespoke fitness room and spa, variety of restaurants, and playground for children. Nestled in the bustling heart of Makkah, this hotel serves as a harmonious urban oasis, paying tribute to Makkah’s celestial heritage while drawing inspiration from the rich symbolism of Islamic gardens. The hotel will provide a sanctuary for serenity, spiritual reflection and rejuvenation. Pilgrims and travelers alike will be invited to immerse themselves in this lush harbor within the city with a unique hotel concept to inspire wonder, encourage spiritual reflection in this sacred location, serving as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between the material and spiritual. Every floor of the building will be intricately themed around prominent figures in Islamic history, with the first floor honouring Omar Ibn Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with Him), the second Rashidun caliph and one of the ten to whom Jannah was promised. The intention is for the guest to really experience a boutique hotel stay. The hotel will join the MGallery Collection brand. Established in 2008 the collection of signature, design, and heritage hotels today counts more than 120 luxury boutique hotels …

Located in Jabal Omar and a short walk from the Great Mosque of Makkah, the hotel offers world-class, luxurious amenities, including 1,121 keys of spacious and elegantly designed rooms, suites, and residences that provide a comfortable and peaceful sanctuary for guests. Jumeirah Group continues its regional and international expansion with the opening of its first hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah. The hotel has commenced operations as part of the second phase of the city’s flagship Jabal Omar project, designed by Fosters + Partners architects. Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah is designed to reinforce a sense of serenity through thoughtful service that allows guests to reconnect and reflect as they experience a deeply significant life event visiting the holy city of Makkah. Eight dining destinations, including Mediterranean restaurant Patras, and a lobby lounge serving specialty teas and baked goods, are currently open at the property. Soon, guests will have access to six more unique dining options at the East and West towers, featuring a signature regional Arabesque restaurant alongside Persian, Middle Eastern, South-east Asian, and Indo-Pakistani restaurants, and a café offering the finest teas and French baked goods. The property will also host three meeting rooms and event spaces accommodating between 10-70 people. Katerina Giannouka, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: “We are proud to have opened the first Jumeirah hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in such a significant location, in partnership with Jabal Omar Development Company. Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah will deliver the exceptional service that Jumeirah is known for, enabling an enhanced experience for all who are visiting Makkah.” Bringing its signature hospitality and service to the Kingdom, Jumeirah aims to …

Dur Hospitality and Memar Development & Investment have signed an agreement to operate two hotels in Makkah under the brand Nur by Makarem. The two hotels are among Dur Hospitality’s first Nur by Makarem properties.  The first hotel, Nur Al Naseem, is located in Makkah’s Al Naseem district and includes 124 rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant, café, and various amenities. Commenting on this milestone, Dur CEO, Mr. Sultan Al-Otaibi said:” Nur by Makarem brand is redefining the experience of affordable hotels in Saudi Arabia to meet the growing demand for this category of hotels. The brand will add value and diversity to the hospitality options in the holy cities in line with the Saudi government’s strategy to scale up spiritual hospitality offerings as per Saudi Vision 2030. It will also leverage Saudi heritage hospitality while complying with international standards.” Dur Hospitality’s President of Hotels Operations,  Mr. Hassan Al Ahdab stated: “Nur by Makarem will renovate, convert, and operate the hotel while upgrading the hospitality experience, capitalizing on the heritage, vast potential, and world-class services of Makarem. This concept presents an excellent opportunity for hotel owners and operators in Makkah and Madinah to revitalize their hotels with a new modern and sophisticated look.” Speaking on this occasion, CEO of Memar Development & Investment, Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Muqran said: “ Our company’s strategic priorities as a real estate developer in the hospitality sector focus on developing great hotels in strategic locations in various regions of the Kingdom, providing properties that meet market needs, and signing management and operation agreements with leading local and international hotel operators. We are pleased to be signing a partnership agreement with a leading hospitality company …

SAUDIA has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) to improve the quality of their shared services and provide more initiatives that improve the travel experience. Signed by the SAUDIA Chief Hajj & Umrah Officer, Mr. Amer AlKhushail, and the Executive Vice President of the Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR) and Al Mashaeer, Engr. Rayan Al-Harbi, the agreement provides special prices for SAUDIA guests who are traveling to and from Makkah and Al Madinah via HHR. Later this year, SAUDIA and HHR booking systems will be linked, and Makkah will be added in the list of stations in the booking process. SAUDIA’s customers will be able to issue boarding passes for both the flight and train at the same time, whether through the website, digital application, or sales offices. Mr. AlKhushail said: “This agreement falls in line with SAUDIA’s commitment to improve the travel experience for guests through implementing digital solutions that address the needs of SAUDIA and HHR’s guests. These solutions remove time-consuming steps in finalizing travel procedures and help facilitate trips between Makkah and Al Madinah. This reflects the government’s commitment to make Hajj and Umrah pilgrim’s journey as smooth as possible through providing best-in-class services.” He added, “This is an additional service added to the long list of integrated services provided by SAUDIA to facilitate the journey for Hajj & Umrah pilgrims through providing world-class air transport and logistical services such as self-check-in services, on-board entertainment packages, and more.” Engr. Rayan Al-Harbi said: “The collaboration between SAR and SAUDIA will contribute effectively to enriching and upgrading the pilgrims’ experience, the integration of travel services is one of the many different efforts done to elevate and diversify the …

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a management agreement with Umm Alqura for development and construction of a Grand Hyatt branded hotel in the holy city of Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in close proximity to the Grand Mosque, the hotel will be an integral component of the King Abdul Aziz Road (KAAR) mixed-use urban development project, designed to support one of the fastest-growing religious tourism markets in the world.  “The country’s significant strides to boost tourism complements our own commitment to creating a pipeline in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. Consequently, the opening of Grand Hyatt Makkah will strengthen the Kingdom’s vision to attract more tourists and offer guests an elevated, luxury experience with plans to open further properties in the holy city in the near future,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President of Development, Middle East and North Africa for Hyatt. Yasser Abuateek, CEO of Umm Alqura for Development and Construction, said, “One of our key ambitions is also to add value to the local real estate market, and by introducing globally renowned brands we are making significant strides towards achieving this objective.” Peter Fulton, group president – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southwest Asia, Hyatt, said, “Grand Hyatt Makkah is being designed to meet the unique needs of both visitors and pilgrims and is set to become its own captivating destination within this cultural and religious destination.”

IHG has signed a management agreement with Bougary Holding to develop Crowne Plaza® Makkah Beban. Scheduled to open in December 2019, the new hotel comprising 1200 rooms will be world’s largest Crowne Plaza and a landmark hotel for IHG. Located in close proximity to the Holy Mosque, the hotel will join the existing InterContinental® and Holiday Inn® in the city and cater to the influx of pilgrim visits expected as part of Vision 2030. IHG is the largest international hotel group in Saudi Arabia, both by number of hotels and number of rooms, and the latest signing is aligned with the company’s strategy to expand its footprint in the kingdom. Crowne Plaza® Makkah Beban boasts a host of facilities including two restaurants and a coffee shop, a business centre and three meeting rooms (3323 sqm in total) to cater to a range of meetings and events. Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said, “Saudi Arabia offers great opportunities both in terms of domestic and inbound tourism and is central to our expansion strategy in the Middle East. We have a strong legacy in the Kingdom and are proud to collaborate with Bougary Holding, represented by Mr Loay Bougary, CEO, Bougary Holding, to bring the world’s largest Crowne Plaza to the country. This is a milestone signing for us in the Middle East and is testament to our commitment to the market. Crowne Plaza® brand is loved by travellers across the globe and is known to offer world-class amenities and excellent service to the guest; we are confident Crowne Plaza® Makkah Beban will be a popular choice amongst travellers visiting the holy city.” Loay Bougary, CEO, Bougary …

Four Points by Sheraton has announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem in Saudi Arabia – the brand’s largest property globally. Adding over 1,100 rooms to the Holy City, the hotel is situated in the Al Naseem district and is in close proximity to the centre of Makkah and the holy Masjid al-Haram. “The trajectory for religious tourism into Saudi Arabia continues to grow, resulting in a strong demand for hotels in the Holy Cities,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director – Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “We are delighted to open our fifth property in the Holy City of Makkah. Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem offers pilgrims the brand’s excellent service and a comfortable hospitality experience in the Holy City. With this opening, we now operate 24 hotels in the country and are on track to double our presence in the Kingdom in the next five years.” Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem features 1,136 spacious and modern guest rooms including 121 suites, offering unmatched views of the holy city of Makkah. Reflecting the brand’s promise to provide what matters most to today’s independent travellers, the hotel offers the brand’s defining touches including complimentary bottled water in all rooms, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an energising breakfast with fresh coffee. The hotel includes four dining concepts, Al Sharq, Asia House and two Lobby Cafés.

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced its entry into Makkah, Saudi Arabia, with a partnership with Umm Al Qura Development and Construction Company in the prestigious King Abdul Aziz Road (KAAR) project. Commenting on the signing of this agreement,  Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) said, “We are honoured to partner with Umm Al Qura Development and Construction Company in bringing the first Taj hotel to Saudi Arabia. This signing is aligned to our strategy of a strong focus on global growth markets and to be present where our guests travel to. We are committed to expanding our presence in the MENA region.” This hotel will be IHCL’s fourth venture in the MENA region. The company manages Taj Dubai located in the Burj Khalifa downtown area. It will also open another two hotels in Dubai in the next twelve to eighteen months. The proposed hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance of the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al-Haram), the main attraction for over six million pilgrims who visit the city each year. It will also be in close proximity to commercial offices, retail stores and restaurants within KAAR project. The hotel, scheduled to open in January 2023, will have approximately 340 keys, banqueting facilities and several restaurants to serve all tastes.