Assila Investments and Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in relation to the management and operation of a luxury hotel and residences development in Jeddah, the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and the principle gateway to Makkah. Slated to open in early 2018, it will be the first Shangri-La in Saudi Arabia.

The 242-room hotel will be in a prominent 65-story development located on Jeddah Corniche Road facing the Red Sea. Shangri-La will also manage and provide services to 122 residences in the tower.

The hotel will feature three restaurants, function rooms, including a three-story grand ballroom, luxury spa and fitness areas, an indoor pool, a children’s club and several lounges.

The building’s design, by global architecture and design firm Perkins+Will, was the recipient of the 2009 MIPIM Architectural Review Future Project Award for Best Tall Building.

The tower is situated perpendicular to the shoreline to maximize water views and optimize solar exposure, and its exterior "skin" features synthetic fabric architectural sails that shade the interior spaces, protect balconies from wind, maintain privacy and house LED lights that create a distinctive patter over the surface of the building, mimicking the wave of sail in the ocean breeze.

“We are excited about the prospect of developing the first Shangri-La branded hotel in Saudi Arabia and look forward to working closely with the Shangri-La team to bring its renowned hospitality to Jeddah,” said Abdullah Alissa, the CEO of Assila Investments.