SDRPY and SU from UK Government train more than 80 professionals from across 14 Saudi government entities  RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 13, 2019:   Officials of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) have jointly organized the 1st Saudi-UK Stabilization Workshop with counterparts from the Stabilisation Unit (SU) of the Department for International Development (DFID), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Ministry of Defense (MoD), UK Embassy Riyadh and UK Embassy Yemen. The workshop is covering the UK's approach to stabilization, security and justice sector stabilization, the UK's Fusion Doctrine, and the Whole of Government Approach. The workshop is aimed at sharing views and experiences on stabilization principles and lessons learned from different contexts, ......read more

Effort Paves Way for More Development and Reconstruction in Yemen Following Riyadh Agreement     RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 11, 2019:  A joint workshop of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of Yemen, entitled "The Future of Development and Reconstruction in Yemen," kicked off Sunday morning at the headquarters of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) in Riyadh. In attendance are Prime Minister of Yemen Dr. Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, SDRPY Supervisor-General Ambassador Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jabir, a number of ministerial officials of the Yemeni government, Saudi Assistant Minister for International Financial Affairs Abdul Aziz Al-Rasheed, and SDRPY personnel. At the opening, Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Saeed explained that the Kingdom's support through ......read more

 KENZO is pleased to announce the store opening of a new store located at Mall of Arabia in Jeddah. November 10, 2019:  The store features KENZO’s identity within the space, from interior design to the versatile collections. The new KENZO store connects with the local ambiance while engaging with the worlds of creativity and modernity. The 111-square-meter space displays large mirrors and aluminum racks that showcase pieces from the latest collections. The aesthetic is sophisticated and clean with a friendly and colorful atmosphere. Spanning the area, the store showcases the KENZO ready-to-wear, accessories, and footwear collections, with a focus on bags. The collections feature garments that strike the perfect balance between youthful, streetwear and classic looks. The store will further carry the ......read more

Hosted by Emirati photographer Obaid Al Budoor who shares with us his personal hospitality journey in the Holy City  The 4-part series is airing now on National Geographic Abu Dhabi’s YouTube Channel   November 10 2019:   National Geographic Abu Dhabi announced today the release of a new short format series in partnership with Accor, providing viewers a behind-the-scenes insight on the sprawling growth of the hotel infrastructure sector in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia to meet the needs of the ever-growing number of pilgrims throughout the year.  Hosted by Emirati National Geographic photographer Obaid Al Budoor, the 4-part mini-series showcases the vast infrastructure developments in Makkah over the past decade, highlighting the city’s efforts to accommodate Muslim pilgrims ......read more

Four-part ‘a Look Into Accor’ Programme, Hosted by Emirati Photographer Obaid Al Budoor, Goes Behind the Scenes at Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel Properties in the Holy City   November 10, 2019:    Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, has partnered with free-to-air Arabic documentary channel, National Geographic Abu Dhabi, to produce a four-part series showcasing its world-class pilgrim hospitality services at its Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel properties in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.   Airing now, ‘A look into Accor’ follows the personal hospitality journey of host, Emirati photographer Obaid Al Budoor, glancing behind the scenes at Raffles Makkah Palace; Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel; Swissôtel Al Maqam; and Swissôtel Makkah, to discover how their expert ......read more

The hotel is being crowned at the Arabian Travel Awards over the 1,896 hotels operate in Makkah Makkah, KSA (30 October 2019):   M Hotel Makkah by Millennium, the 5-star hotel located at the heart of the holy city of Makkah, wins the “Best 5 Star Hotel in Makkah” at the Gala ceremony of the Arabian Travel Awards 2019. After recently being crowned as “Best Value Luxury Hotel Award” at “The Hotel of the Year Awards”, this recognition reflects quality levels of the services being provided by the hotel against the best value and a range of comprehensive facilities.  On 22 October 2019, the Gala ceremony of the Arabian Travel Awards took place at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in the presence of top regional hoteliers, renowned public figures, and tourism and ......read more

Millennium Taiba and Al Aqeeq are positive about the strong and sustained impact of the new program Al Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (October 27, 2019) – Millennium Taiba and Al Aqeeq, 5-star hotels at the heart of Madinah, are strongly optimistic about the demand to be created post the launch of the new tourist visa program in the kingdom Saudi Arabia. Initially available to the US, British and EU’s Schengen zone, tourists from 49 countries will be eligible for the new visa with convenient facilities.   The kingdom received 24,000 visitors within just 10 days from the launch of the new program, where tourists can get their visa on arrival after applying on the online portal. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage announces that the governments look forward to attracting 100 million ......read more

October 27, 2019:    With the weather cooling down, it is the perfect time to visit Saudi Arabia. Shaza Hotels has announced superb promotions across its hotels in the Kingdom that will allow travellers to make some great savings while enjoying some amazing benefits.   Shaji Abu Salih, Corporate Director – Business Development, Shaza Hotels, said, “The tourism industry in Saudi Arabia is on a renaissance now, thanks to Vision 2030 and its leaders. The country has an abundance of natural, historical and cultural surprises, which will be now open to the world at large canvas.   With the revolutionary reforms like relaxed visa policies, hotel accommodation regulations and immense infrastructural developments & planning in tourism, Saudi Arabia has taken a new leap in the global tourism ......read more

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 21, 2019:   /PRNewswire/Knowledge Bylanes -- Saudi Ambassador to Yemen and Supervisor-General of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jabir said today that Saudi-American cooperation has developed the capabilities of more than 60 young professionals from various ministries in the Kingdom in the field of stabilization and containment of conflict. The training is designed to prepare and equip subjects with knowledge in light of current and future needs for daily work on resolving complex and aggravated issues in conflict areas, and specifically on furthering the development of Yemen. This came during a speech delivered by Al Jabir on Sunday morning at the opening of the second stabilization workshop, organized by SDRPY, in the presence of US ......read more

The hotel will cater to the increasing number of religious tourists visiting the country   20 October 2019:  IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a Management Agreement with leading hospitality supplier, The Arabian Hospitality Company, to open Holiday Inn Madinah West in 2022. The new property will cater to the influx of religious tourists expected as part of Vision 2030 and reinforces IHG’s commitment to expand its presence and diversify its portfolio across the Kingdom.   Once completed, the 700-key property will be IHG’s fourth hotel in Madinah, joining InterContinental Dar Al Hijra, InterContinental Dar Al Iman, and Crowne Plaza Madinah. Conveniently located in one of the most frequented pilgrimage areas in Saudi Arabia, Holiday ......read more

Out of 2.5 million pilgrims, 24,481 stayed in the hotels Al Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (October 1, 2019) – Millennium Taiba and Al Aqeeq, 5-star hotels at the heart of Madinah, reveal exciting statistics about their performance during the last season of Hajj. Total of 24,481 pilgrims put their trust in the hotels to provide them with comfort while performing Hajj rituals.  The hotels prepared perfectly for the last Hajj season. Millennium Taiba Hotel associated with health affairs to vaccine its employees since Muslims are coming from every corner of the world, the employees might be quite vulnerable and openly exposed to various types of viruses and diseases. Millennium Taiba Hotel also prepare a welcoming Arabic coffee, dates, and flowers to the “Hujaj”. Millennium Al Aqeeq Hotel prepared 1600 meal ......read more

Modon Properties awards project to three contractors with work expected to start in October Al Mehairbi: The project is aligned with the future vision of Abu Dhabi to meet citizen’s housing requirements Al Sahi: Riyadh City project is progressing according to construction schedule The current project covers 8.4 million square meters   Abu Dhabi, UAE, 22 September 2019: In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and following the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to build a modern community that adheres to the highest sustainability standards, Modon Properties (Modon), a development company mandated by the Abu Dhabi government to build vibrant and ......read more

LuLu Hypermarkets awarded supermarket operating contract Al Hosani: These milestones highlight the steady, on-schedule progress being made at Riyadh City and our commitment to implementing the highest standards.   18 September 2019:  Modon Properties (Modon), a development company mandated by the Abu Dhabi government to build vibrant and sustainable communities and develop strategic mixed-use projects in Abu Dhabi Emirate, has completed a supermarket project located in North Riyadh City (formerly known as South Shamkha). Modon awarded Lulu Group International the operating license as part of its ongoing cooperation with leading retail brands, designed to meet the needs of residents in North Riyadh City.    Modon has also awarded the tender for its Retail Strip Mall project, as a part of the ......read more

Concluding a successful Hijri year, the hotel offers 50% discount on suites during the Saudi National Day Makkah, KSA (15 September 2019): M Hotel Makkah by Millennium, a 5-star hotel located at the heart of the holy city of Makkah, offers its guests a generous discount of 50% on suites during the Saudi National Day. This offer comes to conclude a successful Hajj and Umrah season and starts a new Hijri year with a mesmerizing experience.  M Hotel Makkah by Millennium has witnessed a very successful Hijri year in terms of occupancy and performance during the last Hajj and Umrah season. With its 785 spacious rooms and suites elegantly designed and equipped with the latest technologies and amenities, the hotel continues to be a destination of choice for Makkah’s visitors and celebrities in particular. Recently, M Hotel ......read more

The hotels showed great occupancy last year and prepare for this year’s Hajj and Umrah season  Al Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (September 08, 2019) – Muslims across the world have just embraced the new Hijri year and prepare themselves for the Umrah season; similarly, Millennium Taiba and Al Aqeeq are gearing up in full force to welcome pilgrims for this Hijri year. Both the hotels are welcoming guests with new Hijri year greetings, as a warm and caring gesture to making the guests feel important and taken care of. Millennium Al Aqeeq Hotel, a five-star hotel comprising 505 spacious rooms stylishly designed and equipped with the latest amenities, witnessed a great performance last year with a massive occupancy during last year’s Hajj and Umrah season. Likewise, the Millennium Taiba Hotel that is located ......read more

SAPTCO’s shuttle bus will drop off guests from the doorsteps of the hotel directly under Al Haram using Kuday Tunnel Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (27 August, 2019) –  Millennium & Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem, the newly opened properties of Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, situated in Al Naseem district within the holy city of Makkah, reveals a new partnership with SAPTCO to transfer guests via shuttle buses from doorsteps of the hotel directly to Al Haram through the Kuday Tunnel. This partnership is aimed at saving time and efforts of the guests by reducing their walking distance. It will be only few steps from under Abraj Al Bait to the escalator until the guests find themselves in front of AbdulAziz Gate of Al Haram. SAPTCO was established in 1979 according to a royal decree to provides a wide and ......read more

Effat will oversee all sales and marketing operations and develop new strategies to elevate customer experience and hotel's revenue   Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - 18 August, 2019: Millennium & Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem, the newly opened properties that situated in Al Naseem district within the holy city of Makkah, are pleased to officially announce the appointment of Mr. Haitham Effat in the position of cluster director of sales and marketing. Effat will oversee all sales and marketing operations and lead the sales team in developing new innovative strategies that will both elevate their guests’ experience and total revenue. Bringing onboard a wide range of skills and a wealth of experience that extends over 22 years, Haitham Effat will oversee sales and marketing related operations in Millennium ......read more

“Hotel of The Year Awards” recognizes M Hotel Makkah for its luxurious services and facilities Makkah, KSA - 15 August 2019:  M Hotel Makkah by Millennium, a 5-star hotel located at the heart of the holy city of Makkah, scoops the “Best Value Luxury Hotel Award” from the “Hotel of The Year Awards”. Every year, the Hotel of the Year Awards recognizes and rewards hotels and spas that deliver exceptional levels of service and world-class facilities to its guests. Reflecting M Hotel Makkah by Millennium’s restless efforts in elevating excellence levels of its services, the hotel receives this recognition for its distinguished services and outstanding facilities. The award winning hotel won “Guest Review Award” last year and recently has gained a tremendous attention from ......read more

In cooperation with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Millennium & Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem mark the first Hajj season with 5,000 guests Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - August 05, 2019:   Millennium and Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem hotels, situated in Al Naseem district within the holy city of Makkah, host 5,000 pilgrims sponsored by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin AbdulAziz, during Hajj season this year. As part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah, the two hotels host pilgrims from 72 nationalities from around the globe to perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam.  The two hotels comprise 1307 keys and are part of Al Rajhi complex in Al Naseem district at a walking distance from Al-Rajhi Mosque. In addition to an ......read more

Millennium Taiba and Al Aqeeq Hotels are splendidly set to welcome pilgrims  Al Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - August 1, 2019:   Muslims from around the world are now preparing to travel to Makkah to perform one of the Islam pillars “Hajj”. Hotels and other hospitality providers are no different in terms of competing to entice guests by offering a premium and authentic hospitality. Millennium Al Aqeeq Hotel, a five-stars hotel comprising 505 spacious rooms stylishly designed and equipped with the latest amenities, prepares for this Hajj season by welcoming the “Hujaj” with flowers, a variety of delicious dates and refreshing juices to help guests beat the heat in summer. The hotel is not only preparing the most tasteful Arabian coffee in town, but it also plays Tala' al-Badru ......read more

KSA, 24 July 2019: Continued government spending on giga-projects, coupled with growing developments in the entertainment sector, is likely to stimulate demand in the real estate market in Saudi Arabia, as it looks to reduce its reliance on oil, according to JLL’s 2019 mid-year review report. The kingdom's economy accelerated by 1.6 per cent in the first three months of 2019 compared to 1.3 per cent in the same period last year, according to official government data.  With conditions remaining soft across most sectors of the market in the first half of 2019, the hospitality and entertainment industries witnessed a number of major development announcements. These included the revealing of Al Qiddiya’s master plan in Riyadh, aiming to cement the city’s position as the ‘Capital of Entertainment, ......read more

Millennium Taiba Hotel Madinah bags ISO 22000:2018 Al Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - July 24, 2019:  Millennium Taiba Hotel Madinah, a five-star hotel located at the heart of Madinah next to Al Masjed Al Nabawi, celebrates a new level of excellence by receiving an ISO certificate in food safety management system. The hotel is being awarded those certificates as an acknowledgement for meeting the requirements of ISO 22000 in its 2018 version. Certification Company IQNet, credited by DQS CFS GmbH the German Association for Sustainability, has awarded the certificate to the hotel for its strict compliance with the standards and requirements of the ISO 22000 in its 2018 version. This certificate stands for the highest international standards of the hospitality provision of food and beverages services as the hotel has ......read more

4,200-room property marks major milestone in IHG’s ongoing legacy in the Kingdom 11 July 2019:  IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is continuing to expand its footprint across Saudi Arabia with the signing of voco Makkah in partnership with Maad International, among the Kingdom’s largest hospitality real estate development companies. The property will be the largest voco in the world, when operational in early 2020, and it will cater to the growing number of religious tourists in KSA. The 4,200-room hotel will take IHG’s portfolio in the country to over 19,500 rooms, solidifying IHG’s position as one of the largest hospitality players in Saudi Arabia.  voco Makkah will occupy a premium location within the greater Maad Hospitality Towers ......read more

• Combined-cycle power plant in Maisan will deliver electricity supply to more than three million Iraqis  • Siemens equipment includes F-class gas turbines, steam turbine, generators, main transformers and project supervision • Power Diagnostics Services to optimize performance, including employee training and know-how transfer   09 July  2019:    As part of its long-term support to expand Iraq’s power infrastructure, Siemens has received an order to supply gas and steam turbines and generators as well as long-term power generation services for the 840-megawatt (MW) Maisan Combined Cycle Power Plant, located in Maisan Governorate in the southern region of Iraq. Both CITIC Construction Co., Ltd., the engineering procurement and construction firm building the plant, and Iraqi ......read more

Do not miss the utmost captivating wedding and honeymoon packages this summer  Makkah, KSA (7 July 2019):  Summer is the season of special occasions and grand celebrations, and weddings are no exception. M Hotel Makkah by Millennium, a five-star hotel located at the heart of the holy city of Makkah, unveils an interesting and value offer for couples looking for to enter the golden cage and perpetuate their most special night. Being a home to two grand ballrooms that can easily accommodate more than 500 guests, the hotel rewards couples with an attractive wedding package to tie the knot and pursue their journey together with blessings at the heart of Makkah next to Al Masjed Al Haram. The package includes a dinner buffet for 50 invitees at Lotus Ballroom and a complimentary stay at an executive suite with a free ......read more