The award rewards and celebrates excellence across all sectors of the travel and tourism industry Makkah, KSA, 14 October, 2018:   Makkah Millennium Hotel and Towers, the luxury hotel serving the pilgrims coming to Makkah and located directly over the Holy Haram Piazza, is the proud recipient of the coveted “Best 5-Star Hotel 2018” award presented at the Middle East Gala Ceremony of the Arabian Travel Awards 2018 held recently in Dubai. Arabian Travel Awards is a platform for the Middle East to recognize those behind the success of the Travel & Hospitality industry to make them believe they are achievers. It serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the Middle East hospitality industry. Kevork Deldelian, Chief Operating Officer at Millennium Hotels and Resorts - Middle ......read more

INDEX Saudi prepares to host thousands of designers, architects, buyers in Riyadh this month as interior design boom grows momentum    9 October 2018:  Thousands of designers, architects and buyers representing hundreds of international suppliers are descending upon Riyadh this month to capitalise on the boom in interior design spending across the Kingdom.   Saudi Arabia accounts for almost one third (32%) of the total GCC interior design market spend, some SAR11.25 billion of a total SAR35.6 billion, according to a recent Ventures report commissioned by INDEX Saudi, the new design exhibition which runs at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 30 October to 1 November.   The renewed demand for high quality interior design and fit out services in the Kingdom can be ......read more

Riyadh, 26 September 2018:   In honor of Saudi National Day, Al Faisaliah Hotel Riyadh hosted a 3-day celebration at the hotel, offering guests a range of festive experiences and extraordinary culinary treats in line with the historic day. The event was well-received, with a remarkable number of guests attending from all across the Kingdom.   A key part of Saudi history, the day celebrates the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz in 1932 and symbolizes the ideals and hopes of the Kingdom. It provides a sentiment of pride for the country and symbolizes a sense of appreciation by the citizens, being proud of everything that the country has achieved.  The national day celebration also comes in line with highlighting the strong hospitality market in the kingdom, which has ......read more

Choose between a Porsche, Ferrari, or Lamborghini ‘supercar’ to explore the mountain roads and coastal highways of Ras Al Khaimah Uncover the underwater secrets of the Red Sea and explore 5,000-year-old Coral Reefs in Jeddah Packages part of New Hilton Digital Platform offering bespoke luxury experiences, including Private Luxury Yacht Cruises in Istanbul and Pyramid Tours in Cairo Saudi Arabia, September 23, 2018:  As part of Hilton’s new innovative web platform that offers a range of exclusive experiences across the hospitality group’s luxury brands, Waldorf Astoria is offering guests a host of action-packed experiences that will surely win the hearts of adventure-seekers and adrenaline junkies alike.   The new Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah Supercar Experience offers guests the ......read more

Riyadh, 20 September 2018 –   This Saudi National Day, Al Faisaliah Hotel Riyadh is honored and proud to invite guests to celebrate this historic day with a host of festive experiences and extraordinary culinary treats. A key part of Saudi history, the day celebrates the 88th Saudi National Day and the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz in 1932 and symbolizes the ideals and hopes of the Kingdom. It provides a sentiment of pride for the country and symbolizes a sense of appreciation by the citizens, being proud of everything that the country has achieved.  Located in the heart of Riyadh, Al-Faisaliah Hotel will look to showcase its deep appreciation and patriotism for the kingdom and its citizens, while reflecting the spirit of the day for three days from September 21 to 23, ......read more

Stunning private island resort invites guests from the Middle East to enjoy a luxury family vacation filled with complimentary experiences Saudi Arabia, 19th September 2018:   The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes families from Saudi Arabia looking to celebrate their country’s national day with a holiday in cooler climes. To mark the 88th anniversary of the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23rd, visitors from the Middle East can enjoy special room rates, a great selection of dining offers for the whole family and a host of complimentary experiences across the private island resort. For the starting rate of USD 1,100++, guests can choose to check into one of the resort’s garden, overwater, beach and two-bedroom family villas, or the overwater suites.  Each booking also ......read more

Dubai, UAE, 19th September 2018: Celebrating KSA National Day, Dubai Festival City Mall is the place to be this weekend from Thursday 20th until Sunday 23rd September, as the Mall announces a new IMAGINE show. The two-time Guinness World Record breaking, show like no other - IMAGINE, will celebrate this joyous occasion with a special show every evening after sunset for four days.  Families will also be entertained by a traditional band that will roam around the Mall on Sunday the 23rd September from 4 to 7 pm. Shoppers will also be able to enjoy and array of different dining options on the waterfront at Festival Bay, as well as enjoy irresistible shopping offering at Dubai Festival City Mall stores.

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Contract is to develop infrastructure for a 7 million square metre development in the northern growth corridor of Riyadh Contract is expected to generate over 2000 jobs in Saudi Arabia RIYADH, 16 September 2018:   Al Widyan Saudi Real Estate Company (Al Widyan Co.), a private joint stock company owned by Al Akaria Saudi Real Estate Co. (SRECO), has awarded a SAR 1.1 billion contract to BINYAH to develop key infrastructure on the Al Widyan project, SRECO’s 7 million square metre site in the northern growth corridor of Riyadh.   BINYAH is a joint venture between SRECO and Mohammad Ali Al Swailem Group (MASCO), which own 60% and 40% of the joint venture company respectively. Binyah will be responsible for developing all of the infrastructure of the Al Widyan project.      Groundworks ......read more

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) welcomes two new Saudi nationals to key roles at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, in line with the continued Saudization efforts.  Saudi Arabia, September 12, 2018:   Saudization has taken centre stage at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, ahead of Saudi Arabia’s National Day on 23rd September, with the announcement of two new key staff member appointments at the property. As KSA celebrates its 86th National Day this month, Ascott has placed a key focus on training and recruitment of Saudi nationals.  Along with the required Saudization obligations in the Kingdom, Ascott is undergoing traineeships and development training for career growth tailored to the requirements of young dedicated people wanting to work in the hospitality industry.  Ibrahim Tawfig joins as Executive Assistant ......read more

RIYADH, 4 September 2018:  Al Akaria Saudi Real Estate Company (SRECO), one of the largest publicly listed real estate developers on the Saudi stock exchange (Tadawul), has signed a Framework Agreement with the Presidency of State Security to provide real estate services to them in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).   SRECO will provide end to end delivery for all Presidency of State Security projects in KSA, in accordance with the regulations followed in the Kingdom, and after Presidency of State Security obtaining the necessary approvals including project management, infrastructure, building and construction, operation, maintenance and facilities management services. The projects are located in over 100 different locations access the kingdom and are varied in scale and composition.  “We are honored to be ......read more

July 22, 2018:   Rents and sales fell for Sharjah apartments from H2 2017 to H1 2018 accordingly to a recently published report of Bayut.com, the leading property portal in the UAE.   Rental highlights:  Rents fell for both villas and apartments. The largest decreases were in Al Nahda, where the average 1-bedroom apartment price fell by 16.2%.   Sales highlights: The steepest price falls were seen for Al Nahda, where the average for a 2-bedroom apartment fell by 14.3%.   There was good news for both buyers and renters in Sharjah as prices fell in most areas from H2 2017 to H1 2018 according to Bayut.com.   However, changes to property laws in Sharjah announced in April, which allow non-residents to own property in the emirate – may see increased interest ......read more

he property is fully equipped to provide unrivalled quality of service and comfort to the pilgrims Makkah, KSA, (July 19, 2018):   Makkah Millennium Hotel & Towers, the luxury hotel serving pilgrims coming to Makkah and located directly over the Holy Haram opposite to King Fahd Gate, is ready to welcome more than 15,000 pilgrims coming from across the globe mostly from the GCC, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Australia, France, the United States and the United Kingdom, and East Asia during Hajj season 2018 – 1439. The property with an inventory of 1,614 rooms and suites is fully equipped to provide unrivalled quality of service and comfort for the Hajj pilgrims as the Hotel is connected to a commercial complex with more than 450 shops, restaurants and four ......read more

Continued government focus on increasing home ownership in the capital through new affordable supply and more public-private partnership (PPP) agreements   Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 18 July 2018:  Although market conditions in Riyadh remain relatively unchanged this quarter, the governments’ continued focus on providing more affordable housing to drive home ownership amongst Saudi nationals will in turn boost the capital’s overall real estate sector, says JLL’s latest report. In line with the National Transformation Program 2020, the Ministry of Housing aims to increase home ownership for nationals from 47% to 52% through boosting affordable residential supply. A continued focus on this sector of the market was evident this quarter with the Ministry announcing eight new PPP agreements ......read more

July 11, 2018 - ‘Elaf Grand Al Majeedi,’ part of the Elaf Group, a SEDCO Holding Group company and a leading provider of travel, tourism and hospitality services in the region, is one of the best luxury hotels in Al Madina, due to its strategic location opposite to Bab Al Majidi, and the entrance gate for women that offers a unique view of the northern square of the Prophet's Mosque. The hotel, located 20 minutes from Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport, is surrounded by shopping malls and shops in the central region. ‘Elaf Grand Al Majeedi’ is the first hotel in the Kingdom to be branded as "Elaf Grand". Elaf Group launched the new brand after completing a comprehensive renovation of the property, which transformed it from a collection of apartments to one of the best hotels in Al Madina, in ......read more

Saudi Arabia, July 08, 2018:  Tory Burch announces the opening of a new boutique at the Riyadh Park Mall in Riyadh on June 26th. It follows the recent opening of an accessories-only concept at Kingdom Mall in Riyadh. The two stores further extend the brand’s footprint in Saudi Arabia — complementing its boutiques in Jeddah and Al Khobar.   The façade of the store at Riyadh Park Mall is distinguished by green awnings and orange lacquer doors, signature Tory Burch design details. In keeping with all Tory Burch stores, the interior has been designed to create a residential feel. Travertine floors in a basketweave pattern, oak panelling, cane tables and brass fretwork étagères offer a neutral backdrop for a sophisticated mix of furnishings, including a leopard rug, and banquettes covered in an exquisite floral ......read more

Joint venture between UL and GCC Lab Company based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, gets recognition for its alignment with the KSA Vision 2030 UL Middle East received the award at an event held during the Saudi state visit by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to the U.S Dubai, UAE, June 19, 2018:   Gulf Renewables Lab, a UL-GCC joint venture based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, has received a special award for its innovative and forward-thinking initiatives.    Created with the aim of strengthening the Middle East’s Renewable Energy Infrastructure, the joint venture was commended due to its direct alignment to the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and ensure sustainability.    Global safety science organization, UL, is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, U.S.. Its ......read more

Saudi Arabia, 10 June 2018:   Alstom has, for the past few weeks, been conducting initial dynamic tests for the Riyadh Metro Project at the FAST consortium Line 4 Depot Test Track in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh Metro Project, owned by Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), consists of 6 lines totalling 176 km and 85 metro stations.    The test campaign includes the demonstration of the performance of the railway system, from power supply to signalling systems, using the trains which have already been delivered.    Alstom, as part of FAST consortium is supplying a fully integrated metro system for lines 4, 5 and 6, which includes: 69 Metropolis-based Riyadh Metro trains, Urbalis signalling system, Hesop energy recovery station as well as tracks. The Metropolis-based train for Riyadh is ......read more

As a Continuation of a Series of Charity Activities Riyadh, 10 May 2018 – Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski organized an open day to donate blood on May 9th, which took place in front of the Ballroom of the hotel in the presence of media, community influencers, and prominent philanthropists. The hotel's management is always keen on continuing its support to humanitarian services and is fully committed to social responsibility.  The blood donation campaign, organized in collaboration with the Military Hospital in Riyadh, successfully raised awareness about the importance of blood donation and showcased the role of this process in encouraging the spirit of cooperation amongst all members of society. Ghada Al-Rasheed, Human Resources Manager at the Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski said, "This is one of the most important ......read more

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 18 2018:   Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company (ADSB), a leading provider of construction, repair and refit services for naval, military and commercial vessels, has launched two 64-meter landing ships for the Kuwait Naval Force as part of a contract to build eight naval ships to support Kuwait’s military capabilities.  The ships were launched during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Kuwaiti Naval Force in the presence of Lieutenant General Mohammad Al-Khodr, Chief of the General Staff at Kuwait Armed Forces; Lieutenant General Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nawaf Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of Staff; Major-General Khaled Al-Kandari, Commander of the Kuwait Navy; Brigadier Fayez Al Muhairi, Commander of Floating Units at the UAE Armed Forces, and Dr. Khaled Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of ......read more

Dubai, UAE, April 11, 2018:  Many people know that their mental and emotional wellbeing is as important as – and can actually affect – good physical health. In our busy, modern lives we can often feel removed from nature and even ourselves. So HJÄRTELIG collection invites us to press the “pause” button, if only for a little while, on a daily life that’s often hectic, complicated and online. Whether to practice some yoga, to tend to a plant or simply to relax amongst beautiful, natural materials, HJÄRTELIG collection is about the moments to re-focus and to revitalise ourselves. Designed with a delicate touch, these home furnishing products have a light and peaceful feeling, yet are useful and durable for everyday life at home.  THE DESIGNERS  “With the ......read more

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 11th April 2018:   The sixth edition of The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia and second annual Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia were opened Tuesday (10th April 2018) by His Excellency Faisal Alfadl, Secretary General of the King Saud Foundation and Founder of the Saudi Green Building Forum. AlFadl also hosted a full-day ‘Green Building Workshop’ during the first day of the events at the conference at Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia, detailing Saudi’s position as a world leader in sustainable construction, with an “intelligent cities” green built environment on its horizon. Thousands of hospitality and construction industry professionals are anticipated to descend on Jeddah for the major trade events running together at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events for three days, ......read more

Robinsons’ John Lewis celebrates its first anniversary in Dubai with spectacular events Dubai, UAE, April 7, 2018:  The high-end brand “John Lewis” got into the festive mood on March 29th celebrating its first anniversary in Dubai. The iconic store celebrated a morning of entertaining activities, which were initiated with an introduction speech by the General Manager Mr. Adosh Sharma from 11:00 to 11:30 am. The real party mood started at 11:30 with revealing the birthday cake along with a delightful English brunch. The diverse activities comprised of three workshops that ranged from an etiquette session to a baking class. The guests engaged in learning all the secrets of baking delicious cupcakes with our "Master of Cupcake" baking class. Those who were curious to find out more about table manners ......read more

With a total of four mobile showrooms, GROHE has been on the road in Europe and the Middle East since March 2017 So far, the XXL trucks have covered approximately 150.000 kilometres in 33 countries Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 4 April 2018:  GROHE, the world's leading manufacturer of sanitary fittings, welcomed the 100,000th visitor to its innovation tour through Europe and the Middle East. GROHE employees congratulated Muneem Al Fashtaki in front of the GROHE XXL truck in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The sales manager of Al Falaj Trading Est., a medium-sized distributor of the region, visited the mobile showroom in order to find out about the latest GROHE innovations.   Representing all visitors to the GROHE trucks, he received a small gift of a GROHE Power & Soul shower set that allows switching between ......read more

Saudi Arabia, March 27, 2018:  The Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA), a non-profit professional organization, successfully threw the spotlight on the significant role that Facilities Management (FM) plays in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) rapidly thriving freehold property segment, in a specially hosted workshop and networking event that was held last March 26, 2018 at the Sofitel Hotel in Jeddah Corniche. The exciting one-day event was sponsored by MEFMA Corporate Members Al Mahmal Facilities Services Company.  The event featured a panel discussion covering the topic, 'The strategic role of FM in the KSA Freehold Property Sector,' which featured the participation of industry experts Mohammad Al Duraibi, Member of the Board of Directors, MEFMA; Hazim Al-Dabbagh, Managing Partner, SureFix ......read more

The Third Edition of the Sale to run from March 28th to March 31st with up to 70% off 27 March 2018, Dubai, U.A.E:   SOUQ.com has announced the third edition of ‘Everything For You Sale’ giving customers a chance to shop for what they want at great prices, with up to 70% off from Wednesday, March 28 to Saturday, March 31. The third edition of SOUQ’s biggest sale of the season will give customers the opportunity to search for what they want, with great savings on thousands of products. For customers, looking for a personal makeover, revamping their home, stocking up on kitchen supplies or craving to get their hands on the latest gadgets, you can find a vast selection on SOUQ’s ‘Everything For You Sale’:  This year, customers can shop an even greater selection, as ‘Everything ......read more