RIYADH/JEDDAH —

Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company, shared updates regarding its ongoing extensive expansion plans with seven new hotel openings in the GCC and international markets between now and the end of 2019. The announcement was made during its annual GCC roadshow last month, which commenced in KSA, and included the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh, followed by Bahrain and Kuwait.

Among the most prominent hotels highlighted during the roadshow is Jumeirah’s first hotel in KSA - Jabal Omar Jumeirah in Makkah Hotel. Anticipated to open in 2019, the hotel will offer guests and visitors to the Holy capital, Jumeirah’s superior hospitality services. Facilities include 1,033 guest rooms and 93 villas, a variety of dining experiences, meeting facilities, executive lounge, gymnasium and over 90 retail units throughout the complex. Set in a prime location, Jabal Omar Jumeirah is walking distance from the Holy Mosque and comprises four towers with stunning views of Masjid-Al-Haram.

In addition to Jumeirah Living Guangzhou which opened recently in China and Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, which opened last night in Abu Dhabi, other Jumeirah hotels to open soon include:

• Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa – Q1 2019

• Jumeirah Guangzhou – China – Q1 2019

• Jumeirah Muscat Bay – Oman – Q2 2019

• Jumeirah Bali – Indonesia – Q2 2019

Jumeirah’s current collection of luxury hotels and resorts continue to prove attractive to Saudi visitors, with a 23% increase in room nights in 2018, versus 2017 and a 30% increase in room revenues in hotels outside of the UAE. The hotel that recorded the highest visits from Saudis outside of the UAE is Jumeirah Messilah Beach in Kuwait, followed by Jumeirah Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living in London and Jumeirah Royal Saray in Bahrain. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel remains a popular choice with Saudi visitors. The hotel, which was fully renovated during 2018 and re-launched in October, offers 618 rooms and suites and remains Dubai’s premier lifestyle destination, integrating exciting and exhilarating experiences designed for couples, families and friends.

Earlier this year, Jumeirah appointed José Silva as its Chief Executive Officer, who brings to the brand over 35 years’ experience in the premium luxury hospitality industry. Additionally, Michael Ellis joined Jumeirah from Michelin Restaurant and Hotel Guides where he was Global Director for Europe, Asia and the Americas as a Chief Culinary Officer, a new role introduced to the Group’s management team, reflecting Silva’s strategy to refresh and elevate Jumeirah’s culinary offering throughout its luxury portfolio. The appointment of Ellis marks the first step in delivering Silva’s vision to put dining as a core pillar of the Jumeirah experience as its strongest market differentiator.

Jumeirah Group has an established reputation as a valued partner for successful hotel owners and investors globally and is currently operating 23 Jumeirah branded properties across 8 destinations and is growing a second brand, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, an eclectic collection of hotels with a focus on locations at the heart of interesting and exciting neighborhoods. — SG