40% of entertainment plans to be funded by private sector. 16 entertainment complexes and three additional leisure hubs to be delivered by 2030. Tourism figures expected to reach 26 million inbound visitors by 2023. 18 December 2018:   Saudi Arabia’s real estate market is expected to experience exponential growth as the Kingdom focuses on advancing its entertainment and tourism sectors – according to a new whitepaper released by leading global real estate advisor CBRE.   CBRE, which began operations in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, shared its key insights on the Kingdom’s fledgling entertainment and tourism sectors as part of its whitepaper titled Entertainment in Saudi Arabia: The Game Changer. The report predicts that, fueled by public and private investments and as part of its ......read more

Saudi Arabia, December 17, 2018:  This paper provides a review of the hospitality sector in Makkah and analyses how the market’s fundamentals are anticipated to change over the coming years in light of the wide-ranging initiatives, national reform programs and infrastructure projects set to be delivered in the short to medium term.   “As large infrastructure projects reach completion, the traditional demand-side bottlenecks related to capacity constraints will be alleviated allowing for increased visitation and revenue inflows, which will ultimately uplift hotel values in the medium to long term.” While most hospitality markets in the GCC are driven by traditional demandsupply mechanics, Makkah – for which religious visitation makes up the majority of demand – works slightly differently, ......read more

Merited for best Service, Family and Luxury hotel among 670 hotels in Makkah Province by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site Makkah, KSA, 13 December, 2018:   Makkah Millennium Hotel, the luxury hotel serving the pilgrims coming to Makkah and located directly over the Holy Haram Piazza, has been consistently ranked one of the top two hotels in Makkah province in 2018 by TripAdvisor. Makkah Millennium Hotel was placed alternatively between Top One and Top Two best hotel among 670 Hotels in Makkah, KSA, based on thousands of positive reviews and opinions collected from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide. Saad Khayat, General Manager, Makkah Millennium Hotel and Towers expressed his gratitude for the hotel’s recognition on the website, saying: “It is an honour to be recognized as one of the top ......read more

Stay more and pay less from 28 November till 4 December Saudi Arabia, November 21, 2018:  Makkah Millennium Hotel and Towers, the luxury hotel serving the pilgrims coming to Makkah and located directly over the Holy Haram Al Sharif Piazza and King Fahd Gate, joins the United Arab Emirates’ National Day Celebrations by offering its guests an exclusive “Stay More and Pay Less” package from 28 November to 4 December, 2018. On this occasion, guests can book any 4 nights but pay only for 3, in addition to an early check-in and late check-out. They can also enjoy 20% discount on all outlets and In Room Dining, besides High Speed Wi- Fi. Saad Khayat, General Manager of the 1,437-room property, said: "It is with pride that we participate in this great national holiday. The hotel and towers will reflect the ......read more

And “ITA’AM” project qualifies to the RECon awards in Las Vegas  November  5, 2018:   Continuing the great streak of success and achievements by maintaining the standards of excellence and innovation through campaigns that were launched throughout the year, the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah was crowned with the “ICSC Foundation” prestigious award and the RECon MENA awards at a ceremony (The Middle East and North Africa Retail and Shopping Center Awards 2018) held on October 30 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Center. The awards, organized by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and the Middle East Council of Shopping Centers (MECSC), are designed to recognize the most successful retail and retail centers, to boost net operating income, and to design and ......read more

Leading local and international interior design companies descend upon Riyadh  Riyadh, KSA, 1 November 2018:   Majid bin Abdulmohsen AlHokair, Vice Chairman of the Board of Al Hokair Group officially opened the inaugural edition of INDEX Saudi 2018, a new regional interior design show connecting more than 5,000 designers, architects, project managers and procurers. Welcoming recognised industry brand names from around the world, AlHokair toured the exhibition halls and met company representatives who have gathered in the Kingdom for the three-day event, which finished yesterday (1 November) at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The new trade show hosts more than 100 exhibitors and is showcasing 1,000s of brands which are set to contribute to the region’s burgeoning US$3 billion ......read more

October 24, 2018: Overview In a previous blog post we detailed the TRITON intrusion that impacted industrial control systems (ICS) at a critical infrastructure facility. We now track this activity set as TEMP.Veles. In this blog post we provide additional information linking TEMP.Veles and their activity surrounding the TRITON intrusion to a Russian government-owned research institute. TRITON Intrusion Demonstrates Russian Links; Likely Backed by Russian Research Institute FireEye Intelligence assesses with high confidence that intrusion activity that led to deployment of TRITON was supported by the Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics (CNIIHM; a.k.a. ЦНИИХМ), a Russian government-owned technical research institution located in Moscow. The following factors ......read more

DAAR pursues off-plan sales license from the Ministry of Housing  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 21 October, 2018:   Dar Al Arkan, the largest listed real estate developer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today announced that it has submitted a request to ETMAM, the Developers Services Centre at the Saudi Ministry of Housing, for the accreditation of three comprehensive development projects in Shams Ar Riyadh, totaling over 1.936 million square meters. The company also applied for the issuance of off-plan sales license for projects under construction in Shams Ar Riyadh.  The new masterplans involve three zones in the iconic Shams Ar Riyadh development, which is strategically located on King Khalid Road. The comprehensive development in Zone 1 will be built over an 849,000 square metres area. The Zone 3 ......read more

A Talent Development Programme for National Colleagues in GCC countries Riyadh, KSA, October 20, 2018:   Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa, one of the fastest growing hotel management companies in the region, today launched one of its key initiatives, ‘TooMooH’, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  Translated literally as ambition, TooMooH is a talent development programme established by Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa to meet its rapidly expanding talent acquisition needs across the Middle East where it aims to operate 100 hotels by the year 2020. The programme reflects the brand’s vision to have an active role in the inclusion and development of GCC nationals in the region’s burgeoning hospitality industry. A press event was held at Copthorne ......read more

The award rewards and celebrates excellence across all sectors of the travel and tourism industry Makkah, KSA, 14 October, 2018:   Makkah Millennium Hotel and Towers, the luxury hotel serving the pilgrims coming to Makkah and located directly over the Holy Haram Piazza, is the proud recipient of the coveted “Best 5-Star Hotel 2018” award presented at the Middle East Gala Ceremony of the Arabian Travel Awards 2018 held recently in Dubai. Arabian Travel Awards is a platform for the Middle East to recognize those behind the success of the Travel & Hospitality industry to make them believe they are achievers. It serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the Middle East hospitality industry. Kevork Deldelian, Chief Operating Officer at Millennium Hotels and Resorts - Middle ......read more

INDEX Saudi prepares to host thousands of designers, architects, buyers in Riyadh this month as interior design boom grows momentum    9 October 2018:  Thousands of designers, architects and buyers representing hundreds of international suppliers are descending upon Riyadh this month to capitalise on the boom in interior design spending across the Kingdom.   Saudi Arabia accounts for almost one third (32%) of the total GCC interior design market spend, some SAR11.25 billion of a total SAR35.6 billion, according to a recent Ventures report commissioned by INDEX Saudi, the new design exhibition which runs at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 30 October to 1 November.   The renewed demand for high quality interior design and fit out services in the Kingdom can be ......read more

Riyadh, 26 September 2018:   In honor of Saudi National Day, Al Faisaliah Hotel Riyadh hosted a 3-day celebration at the hotel, offering guests a range of festive experiences and extraordinary culinary treats in line with the historic day. The event was well-received, with a remarkable number of guests attending from all across the Kingdom.   A key part of Saudi history, the day celebrates the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz in 1932 and symbolizes the ideals and hopes of the Kingdom. It provides a sentiment of pride for the country and symbolizes a sense of appreciation by the citizens, being proud of everything that the country has achieved.  The national day celebration also comes in line with highlighting the strong hospitality market in the kingdom, which has ......read more

Choose between a Porsche, Ferrari, or Lamborghini ‘supercar’ to explore the mountain roads and coastal highways of Ras Al Khaimah Uncover the underwater secrets of the Red Sea and explore 5,000-year-old Coral Reefs in Jeddah Packages part of New Hilton Digital Platform offering bespoke luxury experiences, including Private Luxury Yacht Cruises in Istanbul and Pyramid Tours in Cairo Saudi Arabia, September 23, 2018:  As part of Hilton’s new innovative web platform that offers a range of exclusive experiences across the hospitality group’s luxury brands, Waldorf Astoria is offering guests a host of action-packed experiences that will surely win the hearts of adventure-seekers and adrenaline junkies alike.   The new Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah Supercar Experience offers guests the ......read more

Riyadh, 20 September 2018 –   This Saudi National Day, Al Faisaliah Hotel Riyadh is honored and proud to invite guests to celebrate this historic day with a host of festive experiences and extraordinary culinary treats. A key part of Saudi history, the day celebrates the 88th Saudi National Day and the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz in 1932 and symbolizes the ideals and hopes of the Kingdom. It provides a sentiment of pride for the country and symbolizes a sense of appreciation by the citizens, being proud of everything that the country has achieved.  Located in the heart of Riyadh, Al-Faisaliah Hotel will look to showcase its deep appreciation and patriotism for the kingdom and its citizens, while reflecting the spirit of the day for three days from September 21 to 23, ......read more

Stunning private island resort invites guests from the Middle East to enjoy a luxury family vacation filled with complimentary experiences Saudi Arabia, 19th September 2018:   The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes families from Saudi Arabia looking to celebrate their country’s national day with a holiday in cooler climes. To mark the 88th anniversary of the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23rd, visitors from the Middle East can enjoy special room rates, a great selection of dining offers for the whole family and a host of complimentary experiences across the private island resort. For the starting rate of USD 1,100++, guests can choose to check into one of the resort’s garden, overwater, beach and two-bedroom family villas, or the overwater suites.  Each booking also ......read more

Dubai, UAE, 19th September 2018: Celebrating KSA National Day, Dubai Festival City Mall is the place to be this weekend from Thursday 20th until Sunday 23rd September, as the Mall announces a new IMAGINE show. The two-time Guinness World Record breaking, show like no other - IMAGINE, will celebrate this joyous occasion with a special show every evening after sunset for four days.  Families will also be entertained by a traditional band that will roam around the Mall on Sunday the 23rd September from 4 to 7 pm. Shoppers will also be able to enjoy and array of different dining options on the waterfront at Festival Bay, as well as enjoy irresistible shopping offering at Dubai Festival City Mall stores.

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Contract is to develop infrastructure for a 7 million square metre development in the northern growth corridor of Riyadh Contract is expected to generate over 2000 jobs in Saudi Arabia RIYADH, 16 September 2018:   Al Widyan Saudi Real Estate Company (Al Widyan Co.), a private joint stock company owned by Al Akaria Saudi Real Estate Co. (SRECO), has awarded a SAR 1.1 billion contract to BINYAH to develop key infrastructure on the Al Widyan project, SRECO’s 7 million square metre site in the northern growth corridor of Riyadh.   BINYAH is a joint venture between SRECO and Mohammad Ali Al Swailem Group (MASCO), which own 60% and 40% of the joint venture company respectively. Binyah will be responsible for developing all of the infrastructure of the Al Widyan project.      Groundworks ......read more

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) welcomes two new Saudi nationals to key roles at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, in line with the continued Saudization efforts.  Saudi Arabia, September 12, 2018:   Saudization has taken centre stage at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, ahead of Saudi Arabia’s National Day on 23rd September, with the announcement of two new key staff member appointments at the property. As KSA celebrates its 86th National Day this month, Ascott has placed a key focus on training and recruitment of Saudi nationals.  Along with the required Saudization obligations in the Kingdom, Ascott is undergoing traineeships and development training for career growth tailored to the requirements of young dedicated people wanting to work in the hospitality industry.  Ibrahim Tawfig joins as Executive Assistant ......read more

RIYADH, 4 September 2018:  Al Akaria Saudi Real Estate Company (SRECO), one of the largest publicly listed real estate developers on the Saudi stock exchange (Tadawul), has signed a Framework Agreement with the Presidency of State Security to provide real estate services to them in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).   SRECO will provide end to end delivery for all Presidency of State Security projects in KSA, in accordance with the regulations followed in the Kingdom, and after Presidency of State Security obtaining the necessary approvals including project management, infrastructure, building and construction, operation, maintenance and facilities management services. The projects are located in over 100 different locations access the kingdom and are varied in scale and composition.  “We are honored to be ......read more

July 22, 2018:   Rents and sales fell for Sharjah apartments from H2 2017 to H1 2018 accordingly to a recently published report of Bayut.com, the leading property portal in the UAE.   Rental highlights:  Rents fell for both villas and apartments. The largest decreases were in Al Nahda, where the average 1-bedroom apartment price fell by 16.2%.   Sales highlights: The steepest price falls were seen for Al Nahda, where the average for a 2-bedroom apartment fell by 14.3%.   There was good news for both buyers and renters in Sharjah as prices fell in most areas from H2 2017 to H1 2018 according to Bayut.com.   However, changes to property laws in Sharjah announced in April, which allow non-residents to own property in the emirate – may see increased interest ......read more

he property is fully equipped to provide unrivalled quality of service and comfort to the pilgrims Makkah, KSA, (July 19, 2018):   Makkah Millennium Hotel & Towers, the luxury hotel serving pilgrims coming to Makkah and located directly over the Holy Haram opposite to King Fahd Gate, is ready to welcome more than 15,000 pilgrims coming from across the globe mostly from the GCC, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Australia, France, the United States and the United Kingdom, and East Asia during Hajj season 2018 – 1439. The property with an inventory of 1,614 rooms and suites is fully equipped to provide unrivalled quality of service and comfort for the Hajj pilgrims as the Hotel is connected to a commercial complex with more than 450 shops, restaurants and four ......read more

Continued government focus on increasing home ownership in the capital through new affordable supply and more public-private partnership (PPP) agreements   Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 18 July 2018:  Although market conditions in Riyadh remain relatively unchanged this quarter, the governments’ continued focus on providing more affordable housing to drive home ownership amongst Saudi nationals will in turn boost the capital’s overall real estate sector, says JLL’s latest report. In line with the National Transformation Program 2020, the Ministry of Housing aims to increase home ownership for nationals from 47% to 52% through boosting affordable residential supply. A continued focus on this sector of the market was evident this quarter with the Ministry announcing eight new PPP agreements ......read more

July 11, 2018 - ‘Elaf Grand Al Majeedi,’ part of the Elaf Group, a SEDCO Holding Group company and a leading provider of travel, tourism and hospitality services in the region, is one of the best luxury hotels in Al Madina, due to its strategic location opposite to Bab Al Majidi, and the entrance gate for women that offers a unique view of the northern square of the Prophet's Mosque. The hotel, located 20 minutes from Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport, is surrounded by shopping malls and shops in the central region. ‘Elaf Grand Al Majeedi’ is the first hotel in the Kingdom to be branded as "Elaf Grand". Elaf Group launched the new brand after completing a comprehensive renovation of the property, which transformed it from a collection of apartments to one of the best hotels in Al Madina, in ......read more

Saudi Arabia, July 08, 2018:  Tory Burch announces the opening of a new boutique at the Riyadh Park Mall in Riyadh on June 26th. It follows the recent opening of an accessories-only concept at Kingdom Mall in Riyadh. The two stores further extend the brand’s footprint in Saudi Arabia — complementing its boutiques in Jeddah and Al Khobar.   The façade of the store at Riyadh Park Mall is distinguished by green awnings and orange lacquer doors, signature Tory Burch design details. In keeping with all Tory Burch stores, the interior has been designed to create a residential feel. Travertine floors in a basketweave pattern, oak panelling, cane tables and brass fretwork étagères offer a neutral backdrop for a sophisticated mix of furnishings, including a leopard rug, and banquettes covered in an exquisite floral ......read more

Joint venture between UL and GCC Lab Company based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, gets recognition for its alignment with the KSA Vision 2030 UL Middle East received the award at an event held during the Saudi state visit by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to the U.S Dubai, UAE, June 19, 2018:   Gulf Renewables Lab, a UL-GCC joint venture based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, has received a special award for its innovative and forward-thinking initiatives.    Created with the aim of strengthening the Middle East’s Renewable Energy Infrastructure, the joint venture was commended due to its direct alignment to the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and ensure sustainability.    Global safety science organization, UL, is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, U.S.. Its ......read more