545,376 Egyptian pilgrims visit Makkah & Madina

Jeddah, November 20, 2012 /- The Saudi government regulated the number of pilgrims during this Ummrah and Hajj season this year due to large-scale construction works at Makkah and Madina. The move was motivated by the government's intention to ensure optimal conditions for a more manageable number. Nevertheless, the Egyptian pilgrims registered a high turnout of 545,376. 

Yousef Abdul Latif Jameel, Chairman, Abdul Lateef Jamil Real Estate Investment Company (ALJREIC), said: “The Saudi Government continues to invest billions of riyals into various infrastructure projects in Makkah and Madina and especially into the expansion of the Holy Mosque. This is stimulating the growth of the country's hospitality and tourism industries. The Grand Mosque in Makkah, for instance, is undergoing a capacity expansion worth SAR 80 billion and is expected to eventually accommodate 1.5 million pilgrims. The project includes the construction of new buildings around the mosque to accommodate the steadily growing number of tourists visiting Makkah for religious purposes.”

This and various other infrastructure projects in the Kingdom are in turn creating new opportunities in the hospitality industry, especially for many private sector players who are involved in several hospitality-related construction projects. Among various major developments taking shape in Makkah is the Jabal Al Kaaba project which will deliver 1,743 hotel rooms during the first quarter of 2014, with the opening of its flagship hotel, Anjum Hotel Makkah.

“ALJREIC has pumped SAR 10 billion in investments to develop new hotels in Makkah and accommodate the growing demand for hospitality services, particularly during the Hajj and Ummrah seasons. Furthermore ALJREIC will be developing the Jabal Al Kaaba project, investing up to SAR 10 billion, with almost SAR 6 billion in land and SAR 4 billion in its flagship hotel development, Anjum Hotel Makkah and there are more hotels to follow under the umbrella of the project and the Anjum hospitality brand'. Jameel added.

“As a development and hospitality management company, we are focusing on the launch of our flagship hotel, which is the “Anjum Hotel' in Makkah. It will be a distinctive contribution to the industry as a hotel of this scale will be a valuable addition to the holy city, which is set to receive more than 13 million Muslim travelers on Hajj and Ummrah by 2019,” explained Jameel.
 
“The “Anjum Hotel” part of the Jabal Al Kaaba project will create new opportunities in the hospitality industry. The increased activity in the Kingdom's hospitality sector will bring in more revenues for the government, in addition to creating new employment opportunities for Saudi Nationals.,” said Ahmad Sabry, General Manager of Anjum Hotel. 

Abdul Latif Jameel Real Estate Investment Co. (ALJREIC), the company behind the Jabal Al Kaaba project, informs that the entire structure of the hotel is already complete with interior works and finishing in progress. “The interiors are being designed to reflect the Saudi Hijazi culture, while also complementing the overall elegance and international standard of the hotel,” added Sabry.

“Anjum Hotel” provides the perfect combination of world class accommodation, outstanding service and genuine Hijazi hospitality. The hotel is truly where spirituality meets hospitality. Moreover, the hotel is connected to the Holy Haram via a private, air-conditioned tunnel, linking directly to the King Abdullah, Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, new gate. In addition, the hotel provides the “Azad Lounge” on the 26th floor for Azad floors guests, separate large prayer rooms for males and females, a fully equipped business center, accessible rooms for guests with special needs, 26 guest elevators, each with the capacity of 16 guests, and free wireless internet. In addition the hotel has a grand arrival experience, that is second to none in Makkah, with an impressive authentic lobby for its guests. As well as its food and beverage outlets have a capacity to accommodate all guests at once, even during the holy month of Ramadan which is a peak season. Furthermore, Anjum Hotel offers a variety of exceptional rooms and suites which sums up to 1,743 guest rooms and suites, most of which have a view over the Holy Haram.

The pilgrims at the hotel will be assisted through the “Manasek Desk” team that is available all times to answer the guests' inquiries.  Meanwhile, the guests' children are assisted with “Kids World facility” were they are supervised by a well-trained team caring for children from 3 to 7 years old.

“Anjum Hotel” is an ideal place for any event as it is prepared with a multipurpose hall especially equipped for meetings, weddings and happy occasions.

The completion of the Anjum Hotel within the Jabal Al Kaaba project is set to reach its final stages in March 2014.. Anjum Hotel is expected to be ready to welcome guests by first quarter of 2014.