Tourism & Hospitality | Thursday 24 March, 2016 4:40 pm |

 Aiana Hotels & Resorts has announced Aiana’s plans to open a 611-room hotel in the Holy City of Makkah in Q3 2016, which will now be the first Aiana property to welcome guests.

Sheikh Turki bin Faisal Al Thani, Chairman of Al Sawari Holding, said: “With seven properties launched across the Indian sub-continent and the Middle East within a short span of less than a year, our vision is fast taking shape. I am confident that with launch of our hotels in Makkah in 2016, guests from around the world will be delighted to experience our unique ‘Hospitality 2.0’ promise that is aimed at offering innovative service in a smart, stimulating environment.”

“Today we celebrate a defining moment in the Aiana brand journey. The announcement of Aiana Makkah is a key milestone for the brand and it is an honor to bring the Aiana experience to the Holy City. We are looking forward to opening the first Aiana hotel in the Middle East in 2016,” said Amruda Nair, Joint Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Aiana Hotels & Resorts.

Aiana Makkah will be Aiana Hotels and Resorts’ first hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, strategically located near the City Centre and with direct connectivity to the Masjid Al Haram.

Designed specifically to provide comfort by anticipating the needs of families and groups that visit Makkah for holy pilgrimage, Aiana Makkah will provide adequate car parking space, clean well-appointed rooms, efficient and friendly service and all day dining that will feature signature dishes from the Middle East, Indian sub-continent, Far East and North Africa.

“(The) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a key market for Aiana Hotels and Resorts and we are honored to open our first property in the Holy City of Makkah. At Aiana, we are conscious of the deep religious sentiment that drives millions of devout pilgrims to the Holy City of Makkah every year and our key focus will be to offer a comfortable and seamless experience while being mindful of the austere nature of their travel”, added Nair.

“At Al Sawary Holding, we are delighted with the progress achieved by Aiana in less than one year. We believe in the potential of the Aiana brand and are committed to support its expansion across the Middle East, Indian sub-continent and South East Asia”, said Mohammed Shafiek, Managing Director, Al Sawary Holding.