Official contract signing for Kempinski's first hotel in Saudi Arabia

Kempinski Hotels has been awarded the management contract for this new five star luxury hotel in Jeddah in December last year.

The signing ceremony took place in the newly launched Bella Vista Suite at the Kempinski Grand Hotel Geneva and was attended by Mr. Abdullah Al Issa, Managing Director of Mohammed Al Issa & Sons Company, the Owning Company of the project and Mr. Ulrich Eckhardt, President of Middle East and Africa for Kempinski.

Reto Wittwer has high hopes for the group's first entry into KSA, saying, "This is a significant step up the regional ladder for Kempinski as we continue to venture into new and emerging hospitality markets, and a move we feel confident with based on our consistent popularity and rapport with Saudi guests at other Kempinski properties across the Middle East and abroad; Kempinski Grand Hotel Geneva is in fact a very good example which makes the venue choice today of great significance especially as we now approach the high season for Arab and GCC travelers."

Located on Jeddah Cornish overlooking the Red Sea shores, the first property for the group in Saudi Arabia is expected to open in winter 2010.

Designed by Perkins and Will International, the Kempinski Hotel, Jeddah is set to be the first green intelligent hotel building in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using the most advanced electro mechanical green technology.

Sheikh Mohammed Al Issa said, "We share Kempinski's values and vision in providing the finest possible service and experience within the hospitality industry. As a relatively young market in terms of luxury hotels, there is an evident need in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the experience and established five star standards that Kempinski can provide."

Al Issa confirms that "It is our commitment to a way of living; we have appointed a green consultant to deploy techniques during the entire project that save natural resources and saves energy."

The 240 meter high tower hotel aims to be the finest address for leisure travelers in Jeddah featuring first class facilities including 250 luxury guest rooms and suites, 71 serviced apartments, two restaurants, a stunning spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and a 1000 sqm ballroom. Moreover, corporate guests can avail themselves of the advanced business and meetings facilities including fully equipped modern meeting rooms, VIP offices and business suites.