RIYADH – Cristal Hotels & Resorts, one of the most dynamic hospitality groups in the region, has announced that it has recently signed agreements to manage three hotels in Saudi Arabia, adding momentum to Cristal Hotels & Resorts' long-term expansion drive in key markets across the Middle East. Cristal Hotels & Resorts also announced the establishment of its subsidiary Cristal KSA, in affiliation with a local partner, to serve the large and fast growing Saudi Arabian market. Cristal KSA will be managing the Cristal Amaken Hotel, which will open in 2014 in the 2nd Industrial City, Riyadh; Cristal Himmah Hotel, which will open in 2015 in Dammam; and Cristal Siyaha Hotel, which will open early 2013 in Riyadh. The new hotels will collectively supply more than 600 hotel rooms in KSA's burgeoning hospitality market, sustaining the company's strategy of establishing Cristal Hotels & Resorts as the premier hotel operator in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The Cristal Amaken Hotel is owned by Amaken for Tourism Company and will have 270 keys; Cristal Himmah Hotel, owned by Dar Al Himmah Company, will have 190 keys; and the Siyaha for Tourism Company-owned Cristal Siyaha Hotel, located in the Olay business district on King Fahd Road, will have 150 keys. All three hotels will also feature a complete range of business and hospitality amenities, including F&B outlets, meeting rooms and health clubs. Peter Blackburn, President & CEO, Cristal Hotels & Resorts, said: "Saudi Arabia has been a very important growth destination for Cristal Hotels & Resorts and the new management agreements for the three hotels will certainly drive forward our expansion initiatives in KSA. The demand for hospitality amenities in Saudi Arabia continues to surge and we are therefore thrilled to deliver more than 600 hotel rooms within the next two years through joint efforts with our local partner, complementing the robust market growth while establishing our own unique brand of hospitality in key destinations in KSA. Moreover, the successful launch of Cristal Amaken Hotel, Cristal Himmah Hotel and Cristal Siyaha Hotel will also further boost our ongoing expansion program across key markets in the Middle East." Cristal Hotels & Resorts aims to become the premier hotel operator in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The hospitality group offers a wide choice of 4 and 5-star accommodations for business and leisure throughout the region. Cristal Hotels and Resorts manages two hotels in Abu Dhabi: Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi, one of the most environment-friendly hotels in the UAE; and Cristal Salam Hotel, which opened in November 2011. The group also manages the historic and prestigious Cristal Grand Kadri Hotel in Lebanon and the Cristal Itsandra Beach Hotel in Comoros, which are currently undergoing refurbishment, and will be operational by end of 2012. – SG
