RIYADH: Top hospitality brands signed deals at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh to capitalize on the opportunities available in the Kingdom.

France-based Accor Group said it will strengthen its position in the Kingdom with the addition of more than 25,000 rooms and the launch of a wide variety of brands.

The global hospitality group also recently launched Accor One Living, an initiative offering specialized knowledge in mixed-use and branded residential development.

Ladun Investment Co. signed an agreement with Cheval Collection. The partnership encompasses multiple contracts for the construction and operation of Cheval Ladun Living, which is a hotel apartment tower located on King Fahd Road, near the King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh.

The deal represents Cheval Collection’s inaugural project in Saudi Arabia, featuring 130 residential units of varying sizes, from one to three rooms, alongside amenities like a gym, a swimming pool, and a sauna.

The project’s construction is scheduled to begin this year and will be completed in 2027.

Marriott International, Inc. and Al Qimmah Hospitality, a subsidiary of BinDawood Trading, signed an agreement to bring the JW Marriott brand to Jeddah.

Located on the Jeddah Corniche, the hotel is expected to become a prime destination for luxury-seeking travelers who desire a waterfront escape.

“The signing of JW Marriott Hotel Jeddah continues to reflect the strong growth opportunities for our luxury brands across the Kingdom. As part of the country’s Vision 2030 framework, Jeddah continues to build itself as a leisure and business destination,” Chadi Hauch, regional vice president of Marriott International, development of the Middle East, said in a press statement.

On behalf of Al Qimmah Hospitality, Abdul Razzaq BinDawood commented: “We will leverage our expertise and experience in the retail and hospitality sectors to make JW Marriott Hotel Jeddah a successful addition to the city’s landscape.” 

Baheej Tourism Development Co., a joint venture between ASFAR, the Saudi tourism investment company owned by the Public Investment Fund, and the Tamimi-AWN Alliance, signed a deal with Kerten Hospitality.

The agreement grants Kerten Hospitality management of Baheej’s hotel in Yanbu under the premium Cloud 7 brand.

Cloud 7 is an innovative hotel and residential lifestyle brand, recognized for its designs, check-in lobbies, healthy food options, and retail boutiques.

“Baheej’s collaboration with Kerten Hospitality underlines our core principle: empowering partners and subsidiaries through our expansive network,” Fahad bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR said.

The PIF-owned company also signed agreements with Mantis and KMC to manage the operations of Al Baha Mountain Lodge & Adventure Park.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and China stand to gain by sharing expertise in city planning, sustainable urban development, and construction technology as officials from both sides met in Beijing.   

Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail and Chinese Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ni Hong held discussions to explore cooperation opportunities in developing housing policies and programs for residential communities. 

This move extends from the Chinese President’s visit to the Kingdom in December 2022 and the agreements signed between the two nations during that time. 

Following the meeting in Beijing, Al-Hogail stated in a post on X: “Our leaders have completed an agreement on the importance of strengthening the partnership and aligning Saudi Vision 2030 with the Belt and Road Initiative, which will reflect positively on the aspirations and economic standing of Saudi Arabia and China globally.”  

He added: “We are working to enhance fruitful cooperation between the two countries in various fields including developing urban areas and attracting the best Chinese construction companies to benefit from their expertise in enhancing housing units in various regions of the Kingdom, with the aim of achieving the goals of the housing program — one of the programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 — by providing various housing and financing options for citizens.”  

Furthermore, the two countries reviewed successful experiences in providing housing solutions and options, along with enhancing opportunities for citizens to own homes. They also discussed ways to facilitate the exchange of experiences in urban management and the application of best practices in this regard. 

The meeting was part of an official visit by Al-Hogail to the Chinese capital. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with senior officials in the Chinese government, heads of construction companies, and banks to strengthen the partnership in the construction sector. The trip also aims to attract top international companies in real estate development.