Makkah’s New Al Shohada Hotel opens

RIYADH: In a major move to expand its operation the Al-Khozama Management Company has unveiled a new five-star Al Shohada Hotel situated in the close proximity of the Holy Haram in Makkah. “The 494-room hotel has the largest lobby and parking area in the holy city,” said Sameh El Nashar, the newly appointed general manager of Al Shohada Hotel. The property has a new look after a multimillion-dollar renovation project undertaken recently. It has the largest lobby in Makkah to accommodate some 200 guests, while it has a parking area for more than 250 cars. “And the hotel is now bustling with life in Ramadan,” said the general manager, adding that Al Shohada Hotel is offering the best Ramadan cuisine in its Ramadan tent as well as in its restaurants. A major attraction of the lobby is its permanent art exhibition, a daily fresh flower arrangement and an ice-carving showpiece. The hotel offers complimentary bus and private car facilities, which keep shuttling between the Holy Haram and the hotel around the clock. “This is in addition to our diverse range of cuisine, which is one of our major strengths,” he said.

Movenpick Hotel aims to be EP’s new destination

ALKHOBAR: Eastern province Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Fahad opened the new Movenpick Hotel Al Khobar at a special event here recently. Located in the heart of the city and boasting stunning views of the Arabian skyline and Gulf shore, the five-star hotel aims to target business travelers and upscale conferences and weddings. It has 101 spacious and luxurious rooms, as well as 42 suites offering all the comfort and amenities one would expect from a first class international hotel. A 1,600-meter multipurpose banquet hall has been designed for weddings, conferences and meetings, and offers a large pre-function area and private entrances, as well as a bridal room located within direct access to the ballroom. Culinary spots include Indian restaurant Maharaja by acclaimed Michelin chef Vineet Bhatia, which serves traditional Indian cuisine from the Northwest Frontier combined with a ‘dum pukht’ style that embodies true ethnic dishes with a modern presentation. Its range of leisure facilities includes a fully equipped fitness center, which combines workout options with state-of-the-art equipment, steam room, sauna, squash court, Turkish bath and indoor swimming pool.

SIA starts Riyadh service

RIYADH: Singapore Airlines (SIA) will begin service to Riyadh in December. Its flights, via Dubai, will begin Dec. 14 using the Boeing 777-200 aircraft. The carrier will operate four flights a week on the route. “The introduction of Singapore Airlines’ new service to Riyadh is a sign of our confidence in the tremendous potential of the Middle Eastern region,” said Huang Cheng Eng, a Singapore Airlines’ executive vice president. SIA said it will continue its three times a week service to Jeddah, via Abu Dhabi

Crowne Plaza partners with award-winning designer

JEDDAH: Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has announced the next contributor to its Crowne Plaza Think Tank campaign — award-winning designer and typographer, Stefan Sagmeister. He is the second innovator to be revealed as part of this year’s Think Tank campaign, which sees the hotel brand sign up a number of creative and business leaders as ‘Crowne Plaza innovators’. Each innovator is working with the hotel brand to create a different product or service, which directly benefits business travelers staying at Crowne Plaza hotels. The partnership will see Stefan Sagmeister explore how and where people can find inspiration while traveling on business. The designer believes that traveling away from home and staying in a new environment is highly conducive to formulating new ideas as it delivers a fresh perspective, without being distracted by familiarity.