ArabWeeks

Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya announced today a partnership with the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland – Saudi Arabia (HTMi), and the international non-profit Education for Employment (EFE), in an effort to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. With the help of EFE and HTMi, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya will sponsor various groups of women throughout the year, each for four months of training at HTMi – Riyadh. The hotel will then recruit them in various departments where they will be able to contribute to the best of their abilities.

“I’m thrilled to be here today to celebrate with the team of Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya their new initiative to support Hyatt’s global program RiseHY which is designed to introduce youth to hospitality and provide needed employment opportunities,” said Giuseppina Bavasso Hyatt’s director of human resources – Middle East, Africa and South West Asia. “The RiseHY program builds on our long-standing commitment with our existing or new relationships with community-based organizations across the world to provide vocational training and career readiness programs. We understand the challenges young people face and we believe that hospitality is one of the few industries where entry-level opportunities can lead to long-life career chances”

RiseHY is a global program designed to pair the hospitality industry’s career opportunities with young people who need them. As part of the initiative, Hyatt hotels around the world commit to hiring 10,000 Opportunity Youth by 2025.

“The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aims to boost women’s participation in the local labor market and provide equal and rewarding opportunities for everyone, so that they may use their talents and abilities to contribute to the Kingdom’s economy,” Said Walid El Awadly, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya’s general manager. “Building an inclusive and diverse workforce has always been an integral part of Hyatt’s DNA and our commitment towards RiseHY is a chance to bring employment opportunities to the members of the communities in which we operate. This commitment brings Hyatt’s purpose – to care for people so they can be their best – to life in the Riyadh community.”

For any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Safa Hassan, Marketing Communications Manager, at +966-556144617 or safa.hassan@hyatt.com.

Annual hospitality event follows a milestone year for Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, after the launch of new visas which attracted 55,000 visitors in just one month

The third annual edition of the Saudi Arabia Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC), being held from 21-22 January 2020 at Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel in Riyadh, will bring together more than 350 dignitaries, developers, investors, hotel owners and operators to discuss the future of the Kingdom’s ever-growing hotel market in light of the event theme, ‘Transform Tomorrow’. 

Hosted by Dur Hospitality, organised by Semark and co-organised by Bench Events and MEED, SHIC 2020 features more than 90 high-profile speakers from companies paving the way in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality investment industry, including the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, Al Hokair Group, AMAALA, The Red Sea Development Company and Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA). 

Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events and Founder of SHIC, said: “We are excited to kick-off 2020 with the third edition of SHIC, which comes following a pivotal year for the Saudi Arabian hospitality industry. The launch of tourist visas in September 2019 marked the Kingdom’s intention to become a global tourism destination and we are proud to be bringing together the tourism officials, hotel owners and operators working to make this a reality”. 

Expressing his honour at hosting SHIC for the third consecutive year, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Issa, Chairman of Dur Hospitality in turn stated that the rising number of visitors to Saudi Arabia has paved way for quality, authenticity and variety among the Kingdom’s hospitality offering. “While the tourism industry continues to flourish and is expected to increase its contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP by 8% by 2030, we will continue to grow our diversified portfolio, which currently includes over 20 properties, operates 3047 rooms, in addition to several new projects underway. 

Our expansion plans seek to keep up with the demand of the industry and utilize the increased potential it poses with an investment of SAR 1.5billion (US 400 million)  to almost double our portfolio within the next four years,” Mr. Al-Issa added.

Ahead of SHIC, HE Ahmad Al Khatib, President of SCTH, said: “The launch of Saudi Arabia’s first tourism visa marked a historic milestone in the implementation of Vision 2030 and the development of the Kingdom’s tourism industry. Our aspiration is that by 2030, tourism will comprise more than 10% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, attracting 100 million annual visits and creating as many as one million new jobs. Today, we are in an exciting position at the beginning of this journey and we are working closely with the hospitality industry to harness the full potential of Saudi’s tourism sector”.

Within the first month of launching the visa, more than 55,000 tourist visas were issued, providing a glimpse into the huge latent potential of the sector.

John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company, added: “The uptake of the new e-visa demonstrates the widespread interest global travellers have in visiting Saudi Arabia. The e-visa creates opportunities for guests of the Red Sea Project to visit other parts of the Kingdom – and vice versa – making it easier to experience the unique beauty of our destination and be part of our commitment to enhance the natural environment. Through its introduction, the government is again demonstrating its commitment to make tourism a key pillar of the Kingdom’s economy. Visitors from around the world will experience the warm hospitality that Saudi Arabia offers and discover an unexplored part of the world.”

Jerry Inzerillo, CEO, DGDA, said recent progress meant it was “a momentous time in this extraordinary country”.

He revealed: “We plan to break ground in January 2020 for Diriyah Gate, a mixed-use traditional urban community which celebrates the rich cultural history of Saudi Arabia. Diriyah Gate, Riyadh’s new global cultural and lifestyle destination, will be home to leading luxury and lifestyle retail brands as well as over 100 cafés and restaurants. With hospitality, leisure, culture, education and entertainment assets in our development plans, we’re hoping to attract millions of tourists who will fall in love with Diriyah”.

According to SCTH, more than 150,000 new hotel rooms will be built in Saudi Arabia over the next three years, around 30% of which will be government funded while 70% will be driven by the private sector.

Numerous international operators have signified their commitment to the Kingdom. 

“With the direction Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is heading, tourism is expected to rise across existing and new segments fuelling demand for a variation of new accommodation options, example, family friendly hotels including mid-scale and luxury resorts, and extended-stay hotels,” remarked Pascal Gauvin, MD, India, Middle East and Africa for IHG. “We are in active discussions with strategic partners to bring new brands from our global brand portfolio, such as Regent Hotels and Resorts, Six Senses and Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, to the Kingdom to cater to these tourists’ diverse needs and preferences.”

Millennium Hotels and Resorts recently revealed its goal to operate a hotel in every region across Saudi Arabia, targeting 25 hotels in the Kingdom by 2025.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA CEO Kevork Deldelian said: “We have been operating in Saudi Arabia for five years now, with nine hotels in our portfolio. We are already seeing increased business from the new tourist visas and are committed to playing a significant role in providing hotels across the Kingdom to accommodate this increasing demand”.

The SHIC programme will address various topics impacting the future growth of the hospitality sector, from asset management and franchising to sustainable luxury and artificial intelligence. There will also be case studies on mega projects, leadership panels, roundtables and a Three-Minute Pitch to Owners, during which leading brands will present their latest lodging products and loyalty programmes.

Meanwhile, on day one of SHIC, the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) KSA programme will run concurrently, showcasing the most innovative home-grown and international restaurant concepts transforming the F&B sector in Saudi Arabia.

Taajeer Group and MG Motor launches its first electric vehicle
for the Saudi market

MG Motor reveals its first 100% electric vehicle for the Saudi market – the MG ZS EV

MG ZS EV revealed at the 41st Saudi International Motor Show in Jeddah

(10 December 2019, Jeddah) Taajeer Group and MG Motor has revealed its first-ever 100% electric vehicle for the Saudi market – the brand-new MG ZS EV, during the 41st Saudi International Motor Show, held at Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center under the patronage of the advisor of the Governor of Makkah Region. The stylish, compact SUV is based on the popular Middle East seller, especially in the Saudi market, the MG ZS, and is the first all-electric car from the British-born brand.

MG is prepared to embrace the New Energy Vehicle world, and has already showcased this through the overwhelming response and the successful introduction of the MG ZS EV in Europe and the UK, the brand is launching its first-ever 100 percent electric vehicle in the region.

The new MG ZS EV is equipped with a single electric motor that drives the front wheels and delivers 148bhp and 350Nm of torque – accelerating the compact SUV from 0 – 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds. The new EV can travel on a single battery charge of NEDC for 335 KM and is equipped with fast charging which allows up to 80 per cent of the battery to be re-charged in just 40 minutes.

Based on the popular 1.5L petrol version of the MG ZS SUV, the compact SUV has proved to be the perfect option for buyers looking for a stylish, well-equipped, reliable car with an affordable price tag.

As part of MG’s ambitious plans to become market leaders in New Energy Vehicles, the brand continues to undergo a rigorous development program to ensure its innovative vehicles are reliable and equipped to take on the sometimes-extreme weather conditions in the region. This

summer the MG ZS EV was tested in the UAE during the hottest months of the year and concluded the program successfully, demonstrating that the company is ready to deliver electric vehicles in the in general, and in the Saudi market in particular.

Tom Lee, Managing Director for MG Motor Middle East, said: “MG Motor Middle East is benefitting hugely from the brand’s global commitment to remain at the forefront of new energy development. Now, as the region’s major cities focus on becoming the smartest and most sustainable in the world, we can contribute to that vision of the future with our first-ever 100% electric vehicle.

Eng. Hazm Jamjoom, COO of Taajeer Group, said: “The future of cars in the Kingdom is moving towards taking advantage of international technologies, especially in the field of electric vehicles production”.
He added: “Taajeer Group has started equipping infrastructure in collaboration with MG to be fully ready to participate in the future sustainable transport strategy and contribute to reducing dependence on conventional fuels and reducing environmental pollution. This will be a priority for our new 2020 strategy”.
He added, “Statistics shows a significant progress in our sales since the MG brand was launched in the Kingdom, as it has increased from 4,700 Vehicles in 2018 to reach 10,000 Vehicles by the end of 2019. The statistics also indicated a high level of the brand awareness in 2018 and 2019 increased from 12% up to 51%, which means increased demand for branding to an advanced level of satisfaction among the local audience”. He concluded: “To date, we have 20 authorized distributors and partners throughout the Kingdom, which contribute greatly to provide our distinguished after-sales services and ensure spare parts availability”.

MG Motor is experiencing a strong expansion in the Saudi market through a full network of showrooms or authorized dealers in other major cities and the new ZS EV is now available for ordering through Taajeer Group’s showrooms and the first vehicles will be delivered in January 2020.

In a step towards implementation of its strategy and contribution to achieving the Kingdom’s vision 2030 and the National Transformation Plan, Nahdi Medical Company has been undertaking campaigns for nationalizing jobs every year to join the work force across its branches all over the Saudi cities as well as its HQ. Yesterday, Al NAHDI concluded its latest “Career Fair” to support Saudi talents among female and male pharmacists under the campaign “#My Success, My Country Success”, at the Marriott Hotel in the diplomatic area in Riyadh.

The most prominent attendees were representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labor, and the Human Resources Development Fund. The career fair continued for two days, as potential candidates submitted their applications, that were subject to evaluation, and their capabilities were verified against the main job requirements. And those who passed the exam, matched the job description, and were qualified to the final stage, it was agreed with through an employment contract where then they will get job directions and trainings. By the end of the fair, 63 pharmacists and eight diabetic health professionals were hired to be added onto the total of the 1,700 Saudi employees of Al Nahdi.

Eng. Yasser Joharji, CEO of Al Nahdi Medical Company, said: “We affirm the compatibility of Al Nahdi Nationalization’s strategy with the responsibilities of the private sector in supporting Saudization programs and creating real and sustainable opportunities for Saudi talents to achieve the goals of the National Transformation Program.”

“We consider investment in human capital and the development of qualified national talents as part of the company’s efforts to support the national economy and promote sustainable development career paths that serve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which is an ambitious nation as well as strengthening the national character by qualifying the national talents” Joharji added.

Al Nahdi continues its Nationalization campaigns including: its campaign (#our hope grows with you), & (#my success my country success) in order to create new opportunities for Saudis in the pharmacy sector across both genders, through coordination with universities to allow pharma students of colleges in the Kingdom to overgo practical experience within the pharmacies of Al Nahdi and the preparation of Saudis for their career path, through training and qualification programs, provided by “Nahdi Academy”.

The Library House: First Exclusive Club for Businessmen and Businesswomen Opens Up in Riyadh
In fulfillment of the need of the business community and senior executives in Riyadh for high-end facilities that meet their expectations and addresses their need for exclusive luxury services that extend boundless opportunities for networking, relaxation and benefit, The Library House opened its doors in December 1st, 2019 as the first exclusive club for businessmen and businesswomen and senior executives on a three-story, state-of-the-art premises with a total area of 2400 m featuring sublime taste, fine arts and exquisite service.

Mr. Naif Alghaith, CEO of L’Acces Int., which owns the project, stated that The Library House is the first of its kind in Riyadh, and that it is proud to satisfy the needs of the business community in the Kingdom’s capital, especially that it is situated in in King Abdulaziz Road, not far from King Abdullah Financial District, which makes it easily accessible.
Director General, Mr. Mshari Khalid Almubaireek said that The Library House is the creative product of market leading interior design companies in the region, offering numerous facilities such as the Gathering, a deluxe office, a luxury executive room, a multi-purpose meetings room, the Gallery which is designed to host exhibitions from inside and outside the Kingdom and for individuals and specialized companies in the fields of fashion, jewelry and luxury items, Tulgahan corner, C-Square, the Golden Valley, the N Garden and the C Spot Restaurant.
Almubaireek added that The Library House sets itself apart by the high level of efficiency and quality of service it offers to its members that exceed comfort and luxury to providing concierge services, travel and reservations, event planning and execution, reception of members’ VIP guests and organizing private and formal events. He added that the club also boasts a monthly arts and cultural events tailored to suit the taste and needs of the members, which will make The Library House the meeting place of creative artists, thought leaders and arts and culture celebrities from inside and outside the Kingdom.
Mr. Naif Alghaith, CEO of L’Acces Int., expressed his happiness and pride in The Library House saying that it is an addition to the landmarks of Riyadh that can be added to the outstanding achievements of the unprecedented economic, social and cultural renaissance created by the national transformation programs and Vision 2030 of a vibrant society that best express the true essence and spirit of Saudi culture and its aspiration and as a living example of quality of life programs recently activated.
Alghaith said the name of the project was inspired by the ancient history of Arab and Muslim tradesmen who traveled the world and came in contact with the worlds’ civilizations, teaching and learning. Thus, The Library House seeks to distinguish itself, not just as luxury club, but as a meeting place for creative minds that elevate thought and taste and spread the civilizational message of the Kingdom.
Mr. Thafer Althafer, Managing Director, said that the club aims to attract elite business leaders and VIPs from the Saudi, GCC and international societies, and to be a landmark whose reputation transcends the geographic boundaries or Riyadh. He added that this project is the first step and will be followed by similar projects over the next few years spanning the kingdom and providing highest levels of hospitality