Address unveils world’s highest prayer room
Address Jabal Omar Makkah unveils Sky Mussallah, the world’s highest prayer room overlooking the Holy Kaaba.
Rising 483 metres above sea level with breathtaking views of the holy sights of Makkah, this stunning prayer room has been awarded Guinness World Record for “Highest Prayer Room Within a Skybridge”.
The prayer room has been specially designed to offer a heartfelt connection to its sacred surroundings, providing a bird’s-eye view of Masjid al-Haram with a full sight of the Holy Kaaba.
The interiors of Sky Mussallah feature a seamless fusion of ancient Arabian charm and contemporary opulence and can accommodate around 520 people.
Rotana to double Saudi presence
Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region is set to launch eight properties in the Kingdom in the next four years, doubling its key count to more than 4,400 across 16 properties in Saudi Arabia.
The eight new properties include four Edge by Rotana and one Rayhaan by Rotana in Riyadh, Dar Rayhaan by Rotana in Al Khobar, Al Manakha Rotana in Madinah, and an Edge by Rotana in Al Baha.
Across the wider GCC, Rotana’s strong regional pipeline for 2024 also includes Onyx Arjaan by Rotana in Manama (Bahrain), Bomonti Arjaan by Rotana in Istanbul (Türkiye), Riviera Rayhaan by Rotana in Doha (Qatar) and Luxor Rotana Resort in Luxor (Egypt).
Rotana is working to develop a total of 49 new properties in 29 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Türkiye.
Additionally, Rotana is also expected to make its debut into the Algerian market with the launch of Azure Rotana Resort & Spa in the port city of Oran, while Bloom Arjaan by Rotana on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island is also scheduled to open this year.
Tamayyaz by Accor preps young Saudis
The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has signed a strategic partnership with Accor, a world leading hospitality group, dedicated to nurturing and developing Saudi talent within the hospitality industry.
Through the “Tamayyaz by Accor” programme, the collaboration seeks to offer fresh graduates and talented individuals a clear path for career advancement, expedite nationalization by identifying essential roles in each department, cultivate internal talent, implement onboarding programmes, and design career growth plans. Upon completing the 6-month programme, 256 trainees will be employed in their preferred departments within the hotels.
To mark this partnership, the Ministry was represented during the signing ceremony by the Deputy Minister of Tourism for Human Capital Development, Engineer Mohammed Muin Bushnag, while Accor was represented by Jean-Jacques Morin the Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale and Economy division, in the presence of several officials.
Marriott announces apartments in Sindalah
Marriott International has signed an agreement with NEOM to bring Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy to Sindalah, the luxury island destination in the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia’s northwest coast.
Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will offer premium and luxury apartment-style accommodations to meet the increased demand from families and younger travellers, who now seek more space and homely amenities when staying away from home.
Designed to cater to travellers seeking more residential amenities, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Sindalah will feature units ranging from studios to one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, all equipped with a separate living room, full kitchen, and in-unit washer and dryer. The property, set to open in 2024, is also slated to offer a fitness centre and swimming pool.