JEDDAH, 24 January 2004 — A leading international hotel chain will open a 7-star luxury property in Jeddah by end of this year. Announcing its local and regional plans for 2004, top executives of Hilton International told reporters that the group was committed to opening a “super luxurious palace” for its upmarket clients.
The Jeddah Palace, whose construction is in full swing on the Corniche, is scheduled to open toward the end of 2004. Described the first of its kind in the Kingdom, the palace will have 12 royal suites, eight executive suites, 16 executive rooms, and unique facilities and privacy. The innovative property will cater for dignitaries and VIPs. It will also feature four private meeting or dining rooms together with a luxurious spa on the rooftop.
It will present the city’s exclusive diners with the renowned BICE Italian restaurant in a “Versace style” setting as well as the famous Moroccan restaurant Mamounia, which will offer Moroccan delicacies.
“We currently employ nearly 400 Saudi nationals,” Rudi Jagersbacher, Hilton International’s vice president for operations, Arabian Peninsula, said. The hotel chain was also training 67 Saudis selected from various educational centers and institutions.
“We’re firmly committed to increasing and developing the Saudi workforce in our hotels Kingdomwide. Our key priority is to ensure that each Saudi team member has a career development plan to further their growth in the company, which promoted 20 Saudis to managerial positions in 2003,” Jagersbacher said.
An “Elevator program,” designed as a fast track “general manager” program for high potential team members, is the latest addition to the company’s development and training plan. “The elevator program prepares and guides candidates to achieve general managerial positions within five to 10 years.”
