Three Hotel Brands Make Their Move On Saudi Arabia

In a significant day for Saudi Arabia’s travel industry, three brands have announced their entry into the country’s burgeoning travel market.

Luxury operator One&Only Resorts is to open a 150-room resort on Jeddah’s Red Sea, marking its first property in Saudi Arabia.

The deal was announced today by Kerzner International Holdings, Al Khozama Management Company and Saudi Oger, although no timeframe for opening was given. The 95,000sqm resort, located in Obhur to the north of the city, will feature 230 metres of beachfront and 150 rooms, suites and villas.

With extensive meeting facilities, dining, retail and sporting options, health spa and residential component, the resort aims to become a destination for business and leisure travellers.

Alan Leibman, CEO, Kerzner International, described the beachfront location as “remarkable” and should help it stand out from the numerable five-star competitors in the city. It marks the operator’s third resort in the region, complementing its two properties in Dubai, the One&Only Palm Jumeirah and One&Only The Palm.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement with Dyafah Al Mutahida LLC to open a 200-key Staybridge Suites in Jeddah, marking the first Staybridge Suites extended stay property in Saudi.

Staybridge Suites Hira Street will be located around 7km from King Abdulaziz International Airport and will be developed on a 14,700sqm mixed-used development that includes retail outlets, healthcare facilities and a multi-purpose hall.

Staybridge Suites Hira Street will join three existing IHG properties in Jeddah, the 300-room InterContinental Jeddah, 323-room Crowne Plaza Jeddah, and 319-room Holiday Inn Al Salaam Jeddah.

Ascott has also made its move on the Kingdom, securing a management contract for its first premier serviced residence in Riyadh. The 230-unit Ascott Olaya Riyadh is slated to open near the King Abdullah Financial District in 2015. The management contract was awarded by Rafal Real Estate Development (RAFAL).

The addition of Ascott Olaya Riyadh will increase Ascott’s GCC portfolio to almost 1,300 serviced apartment units across seven properties in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.