Novotel Thakher Makkah Hotel, the world’s largest in terms of the number of rooms, located in the Thakher Makkah project in the holy city, is all geared up for the Umrah season after a very successful conclusion of this year’s Hajj season. The hotel’s occupancy was 100 percent during the season, where it received more than 1,800 guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and double the number of other guests.
Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Aboudi, CEO of Thakher Development Company, said that the hospitality and real estate sectors in Makkah witnessed strong performance during this year’s Hajj season. The holy city received more than 2 million pilgrims this year, and it is expected that the upswing will continue during the Umrah season.
Al-Aboudi attributed this remarkable performance to several factors, most notably the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s latest decisions benefiting pilgrims. These include the issuance of Umrah visas in less than 24 hours, and extending the duration of the Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 days, as well as enabling the guests to travel freely within the Kingdom, to explore its unique cultural diversity and enrich their religious and cultural experiences.
Al-Aboudi added: “We at Thakher Development Company, are dedicated to our work in the project, making every effort to meet the expectations of investors, pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors to the holy city of Makkah.”
Among the international hotels located in Thakher Makkah, are the Radisson Hotel and the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel.
The project plays an important role as a contributor to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, which aims to host 30 million Umrah performers and 6 million pilgrims by 2030. Spanning an area of more than 320,000 square meters, Thaker Makkah — upon completion — will include about 100 land plots of various uses for hotels, and residential, commercial and service-related areas. Residential and hotel apartment units will be available in various categories, including for ownership.
Valued at SR26 billion ($7 billion), the project will provide 15,000 direct and 18,000 indirect jobs. The project partakes in achieving the objectives of Vision 2030 by enhancing the services provided to pilgrims and enriching their experience. It also aims to promote the city’s real estate and economic
development.
