SINGAPORE – Construction has started on Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts’ first property in the Middle East: Swissôtel Makkah in Saudi Arabia. The hotel is expected to open in January 2011.
The city of Makkah is located in the west of Saudi Arabia close to Jeddah. It is the birthplace of Mohammed, the Prophet of Islam, making it the holiest city in the Islamic world.
The Swissôtel Makkah will have 1,571 guest rooms, including 88 suites, spread over 53 floors, with half of all the rooms and suites enjoying a view of the Holy Mosque.
Meinhard Huck, president, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, said, “We will definitely look into further opportunities for expanding our business in this market in the future.â€
The hotel is part of the Abraj Al Bait complex developed by Saudi Binladin Group in the Development of King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project.
The Saudi Binladin Group (SBG) is a multinational construction conglomerate and holding company for the assets owned by the Binladin family, founded in 1950 and headquartered in Jeddah.
