THE Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world, is set to become one of the largest hotel operators in Makkah, Saudi Arabia with the announcement of two iconic hotels in the holy city. The recent signing of a management agreement between the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and Saudi company Al Majd Al Arabiah comprised a total of 2,850 rooms. The deal will result in the opening of the world's largest Radisson Blu hotel, featuring over 1,250 rooms. Located in the Aziziyah District in Makkah, the Radisson Blu Hotel Al Hidaya, will be situated in the Al Hidaya Complex, which is already welcoming pilgrims across 10 towers and features 4,500 rooms. Two towers will be initially converted to the Radisson Blu brand and will open in two phases with the first tower of 588 rooms set to open in May 2018 and the second tower of 663 rooms in May 2019. The Radisson Blu Hotel Al Hidaya will become a destination by itself, sitting on top of the Al Hidaya Gallery, a commercial retail avenue over 14,000 square meters. The rest of the Al Hidaya complex will be operated by Rezidor for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage and represents 3,250 rooms over 8 individual towers. In addition, the Group also announced the signing of Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Al Hajla that will become the largest Park Inn by Radisson hotel in the global network with 1,600 rooms. The Park Inn by Radisson Al Hajla will be located just over 700 meters from the Haram providing convenience to religious travelers. The hotel is expected to open in Q2 2019. Commenting at the signing celebration with the partners in London, Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, said "we are privileged to continue on our strong journey in Saudi Arabia with Al Majd Al Arabiah and we thank our partner for their trust with the addition of the world's biggest Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson hotels in the holy city of Makkah. We are thrilled to cement our position as one of the leading operators in the holy city and look forward to a successful journey with our partners." "With our compelling brand proposition, operational excellence, guest centric mindset and pragmatic business approach, we are determined to unlock shareholder value to our owners and stakeholders throughout this journey," added Younes. Selman Al Fares, CEO, Al Majd Al Arabiah, said "we are pleased to enter into an agreement with the Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's leading hotel operators. We anticipate the continued growth of religious tourism to the Kingdom and the Holy City of Makkah in its role as an Islamic cultural center for local and international travelers. We believe this demand combined with the international expertise of our hospitality partner will ensure the success of our hotels in the Holy City. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship." The Rezidor Hotel Group has an impressive pipeline in Saudi Arabia with 35 hotels and over 9,000 rooms in operation and in development. The Group remains firmly on track to achieve its target to operate 100 hotels across the Middle East by 2020.
