Tourexpi
The forthcoming
luxury hospitality community will include a 230-key Raffles hotel, a 250-key
Sofitel Serviced Residence, and a 60-villa MGallery resort, all set to open by
2027. The multi-faceted community will also include office towers, residential
towers, and retail space, all built around a centrally located garden area.
Erth Real Estate Company,
the premium real estate developer across Saudi Arabia, is the owner and
developer of the 4.2 billion Saudi Riyal mixed-use project at Al Yasmin
District and has signed with Accor for hotel management within the two towers
of this development. Accor will provide hotel management services and support
from several brands within its world-leading brand portfolio.
Raffles Riyadh and Sofitel
Extended Stay at Al Yasmin District, both located at King Fahad Road
intersecting with King Salman Road and Al Olaya Street, will reside within
sparkling glass, 34-storey and 42-storey towers – creating an iconic presence
in the city's skyline. The towers, which will enjoy convenient 18-minute access
to King Khalid International Airport by car, will have a clear view of KAFD,
New Murabba, Avenues Mall, SAB Tower and Tamkeen Tower. Ample green space,
including lush gardens, will also surround both buildings. MGallery Resort
Riyadh, only 20 minutes away from Riyadh city center, will be
developed in the Al Waseel district, where some luxury private resorts are
located, and will be situated in a wadi surrounded by date farms. With 60
low-rise villas, it will be an ideal attraction for families and guests looking
for a break from the busy city center and immersion into a vibrant neighborhood
of Riyadh.
Speaking at the
signing event, Saud Abdullah Al Rajhi, the Group Managing Director of Erth
Real Estate stated: "The company's vision of becoming a preferred
real estate brand in Saudi Arabia is fully aligned with leading
first-class projects that meet market expectations and unleash the economic
potential of the Kingdom. Therefore, Erth is pleased to expand its relationship
with Accor by adding new assets to our hospitality portfolio."
"As part of
Accor's ultra-luxury division, Raffles is honored to soon open a second
destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh,"
said Omer Acar, CEO Raffles & Orient Express. "As a brand that is
highly selective of the destinations where we choose to develop, we are
confident that vibrance and growth surrounding the city of Riyadh is
the perfect location to offer our guests the true Raffles experience – one that
is celebrated, authentic, and renowned for its legendary service. We look forward
to welcoming new guests and those returning as family to Raffles Riyadh."
"On behalf of
both the Sofitel and MGallery brands, we are delighted to contribute to a
diverse community of luxury hospitality choices for business and leisure
visitors, particularly those who wish to settle in and stay a little longer to
enjoy the dynamic energy of the cosmopolitan city of Riyadh,"
said Maud Bailly, CEO Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems. "As an
ambassador of French culture around the world, Sofitel will bring the
art-de-vivre that has been so successful at our two other Sofitel destinations
in the Kingdom. Guests will also have the chance to discover the culture and a
vibrant neighbourhood at the new MGallery, with the property providing
sumptuous resort style villas and the luxury of feeling of a home away from
home."
Erth's new luxury
hotels in Riyadh are being imagined by some of the world's top
designers. The lead architect is Foster + Partners, a global studio for
sustainable architecture, urbanism, engineering, and design, founded by Norman
Foster in 1967. With offices across the world, the practice works as a
single entity that is both ethnically and culturally diverse. Additional
consultants will provide expertise on spa, art, technology, and food &
beverage.
Erth's relationship
with Accor started a few years ago with a prestigious development in the region
- Raffles Hotel and Residences Jeddah - which consists of two towers. In one
tower, a world-class luxury hotel; in the other, a stunning set of exclusive
private residences, unlike anything Jeddah has known before, set
against a rich backdrop of Hejazi culture and tradition.
Since the
announcement of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, Erth and Accor have both played a key
role in the development of tourism through several existing and upcoming
projects in key locations across the Kingdom. Accor has been present in Saudi
Arabia for more than 20 years and has contributed to the development of
the Holy destination of Makkah, counting over 9,000 rooms with direct
access to the Haram.
Within the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia, Accor currently operates 42 properties (16,000+ rooms) and has
a robust development pipeline of 34 properties which will add approximately
7,000 rooms to the Group's portfolio by 2027. Properties expected to arrive in
the Kingdom in 2023 include the much-anticipated Raffles Jeddah, Fairmont Ramla
Serviced Residences Riyadh, Sofitel Riyadh, Movenpick Waad Al Shamal-Turaif and
Novotel Makkah Thakher City Residences. Among its Saudi Arabia portfolio,
Accor is leading the way with positive hospitality experiences and
environmentally sound development and operational practices. The new
master-planned community in Riyadh will be developed with ethical,
social, and environmental engagement that will contribute to a healthier
environment while delivering value to its stakeholders, including the guests of
the three new luxury hotels.
Image Credit: © Accor
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