Ascott Middle East has opened its seventh hotel in Saudi Arabia as the company continues to gain traction in the region. Somerset Downtown Al Khobar also marks the group’s 12th hotel in the region in total.
Somerset Downtown Al Khobar is a 16-storey, 139-key property with exclusive one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Each apartment features views of the city thanks to its floor to ceiling windows.
Commenting on the signing, Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s managing director, Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of Ascott’s largest growing markets in the Middle East, and the opening of Somerset Downtown Al Khobar is the latest milestone in our unparalleled expansion plans for the region. We are thrilled and look forward to welcoming guests to Somerset Downtown Al Khobar to experience its world-class amenities and inspiring living spaces, coupled with Ascott’s award-winning hospitality for the perfect home-away-from-home retreat. Whether planning a long stay or a little getaway, Somerset Downtown Al Khobar is the perfect choice for travellers who enjoy balanced living.”
Tariq Almutlaq, Chairman of Almutlaq Real Estate Investment Co. (AREIC), the developer of Somerset Downtown Al Khobar also added: “AREIC is delighted to partner with Ascott on its journey in Saudi Arabia, offering the residents and visitors of Al Khobar an experience of world-class serviced living with exclusive amenities.
“In collaboration with AREIC, Ascott’s growing portfolio in the kingdom contributes to its robust development, which is an essential part of the Saudi Vision 2030 led by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. Ascott is an internationally awarded upscale brand, and we look forward to a formidable partnership developing and providing more exclusive serviced hotel developments across Saudi Arabia in the near future.”
Ascott Middle East growth
Globally, in 2021, the firm secured 15,100 keys across 72 properties last year and opened 8,200 keys across 40 properties. Ascott Middle East and Turkey boasts 4,269 keys across 32 properties. Ascott Middle East says it remains on target to add 6,000 keys to its MEAT portfolio by 2025.