THE Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah went dark for one hour on Saturday, March 24, to shine a light on climate action in support of Earth Hour 2018. The hotel joined millions around the world in turning off its lights at 8:30 p.m. local time to illuminate a powerful message about environmental awareness and action. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) created the annual global environmental awareness event 11 years ago to emphasize the threat of climate change.
The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah participated by turning off the facade and non-essential interior lighting utilizing 2,500 evironment-friendly bee-wax candles to light-up the lobby, ‘Reyhana restaurant,’ ‘Karamel Lounge’ and the spa. In-house guests participated with The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah ladies and gentlemen by turning off their room lights and air condition. All participants gathered in a tranquil ceremony in ‘Bab Al Bahr’ lounge to enjoy refreshing beverages prepared by The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah skilled mixologists in a candlelit setting. In a mystical yet traditional ritual that evoked the spirit of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Zam-Zam man dressed in traditional attire, with an amphora across his body, poured Zam-Zam water into an intricate bowl for guests to sip and experience serenity moments by the Red Sea.
“It’s a privilege for us to support Earth Hour because it echoes Marriott International’s global focus on the environment,” said Denise Naguib, vice president of sustainability and supplier diversity. “Today, business plays a critical role in taking on our world’s most pressing social and environmental issues, including climate change. Earth Hour reflects a philosophy we aim to practice year-round through our sustainability & social impact platform, Serve 360.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah is the new icon in the ‘Bride of the Red Sea,’ that welcomes you from the revered Al Hamra Corniche, through its palatial doors with wide-open grandeur. From your first steps, the palatial hotel encapsulates the mystique of the Kingdom, from the soothing sounds of the opulent fountain entrance, to the warm welcome from the doorman elegantly dressed in traditional attire, providing the first glimpse of Saudi Arabian hospitality.
Setting the new benchmark in town, The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah is the ideal destination to host social events, business meetings and high-profile conferences. With 7,700 sq.m of magnificently appointed meeting spaces, it is set to customize to scale, theme and significance. The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah also features three exceptional dining venues that blends authenticity, royal ambiance and lengendary service for an memorable experience. — SG
