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Qatar Airways launches off-airport check-in service in Makkah for Hajj and Umrah Passengers
Image Courtesy: Qatar Airways Qatar Airways, the World’s Best Airline as voted by Skytrax 2024, has introduced off-airport check-in service in Makkah, providing Hajj and Umrah passengers with a seamless and hassle-free travel experience. Launched in partnership with Saudi Ground Services (SGS), this service enables passengers to complete check-in formalities, receive their boarding passes, and the baggage to be collected from the city, ensuring a smooth journey to the airport. Effective March 1, 2025, Qatar Airways passengers departing from Jeddah can take advantage of a new off-airport check-in service at Makkah Clock Royal Tower, a Fairmont Hotel. Conveniently located at the hotel entrance from the ring road on L2, this service streamlines the check-in process, reducing airport wait times and allowing pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey with ease and comfort. Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said: “At Qatar Airways, we recognise the profound significance of Hajj and Umrah and remain committed to enhancing the travel experience for our passengers. By introducing the off-airport check-in service in Makkah, in partnership with Saudi Ground Services, we are ensuring that pilgrims can begin their journey with convenience and peace of mind. This initiative reflects our dedication to delivering world-class services tailored to the needs of our passengers, reaffirming our commitment to seamless and innovative travel solutions.” Saudi Ground Service’ Chief Executive Officer, Mohammad Abdul Kareem Mazi, said: “At Saudi Ground Services, we are honoured to continuously expand our innovative Hajj & Umrah off-airport solutions in collaboration with our partner Airlines ensuring we fulfil our commitment to serve all Hajj & Umrah passengers. Our partnership with Qatar Airways reflects our shared dedication to deliver seamless and Innovative travel experiences enabling pilgrims focus on their spiritual journey while we take care of their travel needs with convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind.” Passengers using the off-airport check-in service will benefit from an expedited departure process, with baggage securely transported to the airport and minimal waiting times at check-in counters. This initiative is part of Qatar Airways’ ongoing efforts to enhance its services for Hajj and Umrah travellers, offering a superior level of convenience and comfort from the moment their journey begins. This service is part of Qatar Airways’ award-winning offerings, designed to provide the highest levels of comfort, reliability, and care for those undertaking this sacred journey. As the World’s Best Airline for an unprecedented eight times, Qatar Airways remains committed to elevating every aspect of the passengers’ travel experience to passengers travelling from Saudi Arabia. With operations to 11 cities across the Kingdom, offering over 120 weekly flights – including 35 weekly flights to Jeddah – Qatar Airways continues to enhance connectivity and convenience, ensuring a seamless and exceptional journey for travellers.
RateTiger Channel Manager improves online booking efficiency for Al Ebaa Hotel Makkah
Al Ebaa Hotel Makkah reports that it has successfully implemented the RateTiger Channel Manager for streamlining its online booking operations. Over the past five months, the hotel used the channel management system to update rates and inventory across online sales channels and receive reservations into their PMS. As a result, the hotel significantly streamlined its online booking operations and enhanced its overall revenue management strategies. Likewise, RateTiger Channel Manager saved the hotel considerable time in terms of global and regional OTA management and the provision of extensive market coverage through a wide OTA spread. According to hotel IT manager Waqas Ahmed: “We are thoroughly impressed with the RateTiger Channel Manager and the exceptional support from the team. This system helped streamline our processes, boosted our revenue, and provided us with peace of mind. The exceptional support and comprehensive features have allowed us to manage our online distribution channels more efficiently and effectively. We are grateful for this partnership and excited about the continued growth and success it will bring to our business.”
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, a ‘mecca’ for those on a spiritual quest
Rizwan Shaikh, General Manager, Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah The Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, Saudi Arabia offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the Grand Mosque, multilingual staff, and a variety of dining options. Every detail in the hotel has been meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere that resonates with the spiritual aspirations of guests. In an interview with TDM, Rizwan Shaikh, General Manager, Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, shares more about the hotel, culturally sensitive practices and trends in religious tourism. Travel Daily Media (TDM): Please share with us the USP of Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury hotel. Rizwan Shaikh (RS): As Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury hotel, Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah offers direct views and access to Masjid al-Haram, creating a unique environment tailored specifically for Umrah travellers. With 1,121 elegantly appointed rooms, suites, and serviced residences, the hotel combines luxurious comfort with a spiritually enriching atmosphere, enhanced by attentive multilingual staff and a range of personalised services. Our vision was to create a serene, spiritually enriching environment that enhances the pilgrimage experience. TDM: How does Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah epitomize luxury? RS: Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah epitomises luxury through its elegant design, exceptional service, and exclusive amenities. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and spiritually enriching experience for every guest. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the Grand Mosque, multilingual staff, and a variety of dining options that cater to international tastes. Additionally, our dedicated prayer facilities and culturally sensitive practices ensure that each guest's needs are met with the highest level of care and respect. TDM: As the property offers direct views and access to Masjid al-Haram, kindly let us know how it is the perfect destination for Umrah travellers. RS: To cater to the growing number of Umrah travellers embarking on religious journeys, visitors arriving at Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah will find a spiritually enriching environment and attentive multilingual staff who ensure that every aspect of their stay reflects the significance of the pilgrimage. From personalised services and dedicated prayer facilities to guided religious tours of Mecca, every detail is meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere that resonates with the spiritual aspirations of our guests. TDM: What are the latest trends in hotel room sales and marketing that are taking the industry by storm? What is the strategy that you are utilising to ensure good occupancy and RevPAR numbers? RS: One of the leading trends in the tourism industry today is slow travel, with travelers seeking destinations where they can truly experience local culture. At Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, we ensure that our services are culturally sensitive and aligned with local customs. We are committed to respecting and integrating local traditions while delivering the exceptional service Jumeirah is known for. Additionally, we focus on easing visa issuance to Saudi Arabia and aligning our hotel initiatives with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, as well as the holy city's goal of attracting more pilgrims. TDM: Kindly share with us the trends that you have been witnessing for religious tourism over the years. RS: Religious tourism has seen significant growth, particularly in destinations like Makkah, as more people seek to understand and engage with different religious traditions. This increased interest has led to the development of specialised faith-based travel programs, such as health retreats or cultural immersions.
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, opens all 4 towers offering 1,121 keys for international Umrah travellers
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury hotel, has officially opened all four of its towers, welcoming pilgrims from around the world. With 1,121 elegant rooms, suites and serviced residences, the property offers direct views and access to Masjid al-Haram, creating an unparalleled hospitality experience for Umrah travellers. Personalised Service from Multilingual employees Whether they are seeking solace or connection, visitors arriving at Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah will find a spiritually enriching environment and attentive multilingual employees who ensure that every aspect of their stay reflects the significance of the pilgrimage journey. From personalised services and dedicated prayer facilities to guided religious tours of Mecca, every detail is meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere that resonates with spiritual aspirations of the guests. Making visitors feel at home is a wide variety of international cuisines, ranging from Mediterranean delights to Asian delicacies and traditional Arabic dishes, while bookable floors offer maximum privacy for larger groups and extended families. Direct views and access to Great Mosque The hotel allows families to have the option to stay together in the spiritual heart of Mecca in a space that feels like home yet surrounded by the incredible views of the Great Mosque. They can reflect, pray and find solace while having access to all the comforts of a luxury hotel. International visitors can reach the holy city with ease thanks to a network of direct flights operated by Saudia and the world’s leading airlines, while hassle-free online visa applications make the experience a breeze.
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah unveils accommodations for Umrah Travellers from India
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury hotel, has officially opened all four of its towers, welcoming pilgrims from around the world. With 1,121 elegant rooms, suites and serviced residences, the property offers direct views and access to Masjid al-Haram, creating an unparalleled hospitality experience for Umrah travellers. Whether they are seeking solace or connection, visitors arriving at Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah will find a spiritually enriching environment and attentive multilingual employees who ensure that every aspect of their stay reflects the significance of the pilgrimage journey. From personalised services and dedicated prayer facilities to guided religious tours of Mecca, every detail is meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere that resonates with spiritual aspirations of the guests. Spiritual heart of Mecca Making visitors feel at home is a wide variety of international cuisines, ranging from Mediterranean delights to Asian delicacies and traditional Arabic dishes, while bookable floors offer maximum privacy for larger groups and extended families. “We wanted families to have the option to stay together in the spiritual heart of Mecca in a space that feels like home yet surrounded by the incredible views of the Great Mosque,” said Rizwan Sheikh, General Manager at Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah. “Here, they can reflect, pray and find solace while having access to all the comforts of a luxury hotel.” “India is an important market for us and to cater to the growing number of Indian travelers embarking on religious journeys, we have implemented several strategies. We offer multilingual staff and materials in multiple languages, including Hindi, to assist with communication. Our dining options include a variety of Indian cuisines to make our guests feel at home. Additionally, we provide special prayer facilities and arrange guided religious tours to ensure that their spiritual needs are fully met” added Shaikh. International visitors can reach the holy city with ease thanks to a network of direct flights operated by Saudia and the world’s leading airlines, while hassle-free online visa applications make the experience a breeze.
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah opens with 1,121 keys in Saudi Arabia
Jumeirah Group, the luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, continues its regional and international expansion with the opening of its first hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah. The hotel has commenced operations as part of the second phase of the city’s flagship Jabal Omar project, designed by Fosters + Partners architects. Located in Jabal Omar and a short walk from the Great Mosque of Makkah, the hotel offers world-class, luxurious amenities, including 1,121 keys of spacious and elegantly designed rooms, suites, and residences that provide a comfortable and peaceful sanctuary for guests. Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah is designed to reinforce a sense of serenity through thoughtful service that allows guests to reconnect and reflect as they experience a deeply significant life event visiting the holy city of Makkah. Eight dining destinations, including Mediterranean restaurant Patras, and a lobby lounge serving specialty teas and baked goods, are currently open at the property. Soon, guests will have access to six more unique dining options at the East and West towers, featuring a signature regional Arabesque restaurant alongside Persian, Middle Eastern, South-east Asian, and Indo-Pakistani restaurants, and a café offering the finest teas and French baked goods. The property will also host three meeting rooms and event spaces accommodating between 10-70 people. Bringing its signature hospitality and service to the Kingdom, Jumeirah aims to enrich the overall guest experience through unparalleled attention to detail and personalised service. The hotel opens with 507 guest rooms and elegant suites across two high-rise towers with beautiful views over the city and the Great Mosque of Makkah. A further 526 rooms and suites will be added in phases across two more contemporary towers, accessible via express elevators to provide smooth and seamless access. Hotel guests will also have the option to book entire floors, which feature 14 rooms and suites per level, to ensure the highest level of privacy and exclusivity during their stay. To complete the luxury offering, the hotel hosts 88 spacious residences, which sit across the podium of the four towers of Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah. The exclusive residences offer spacious terraces, allowing guests to join the group prayers at the Great Mosque of Makkah from the comfort of their own accommodation. Recently appointed General Manager to Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, Rizwan Shaikh, brings over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience gained across India, Singapore and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including hotels with five-star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide.
First Grand Hyatt in Makkah announced
Hyatt Hotels announced that its affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Umm Alqura for development and construction of a Grand Hyatt branded hotel in the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Located in close proximity to the Grand Mosque, the hotel will be an integral component of the King Abdul Aziz Road (KAAR) mixed-use urban development project, designed to support one of the fastest-growing religious tourism markets in the world. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of Hyatt’s prime focus areas within the Middle East,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president of development in Middle East and North Africa for Hyatt. “The country’s significant strides to boost tourism complements our own commitment to creating a pipeline in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. Hence, this opening will strengthen its vision to attract more tourists and offer guests an elevated, luxury experience with plans to open further properties.” Slated to open in January 2025, it will be the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Makkah and the second Grand Hyatt hotel in Saudi Arabia, joining Grand Hyatt Al Khobar which is slated to open in 2020.
Marriott unveils plans for new Makkah property
Marriott International has signed a landmark agreement with Nahdet Al-Mashaer to open a 2,600-room Fairfield by Marriott property in Makkah. The deal is expected to deliver the first Fairfield by Marriott property to the Middle East and Africa region, create the largest Fairfield hotel in the world and bring one of the largest hotels to the growing religious destination of Makkah. Construction of the hotel has already commenced, with the property slated to open in 2023. “We are thrilled to be working with Nahdet Al-Mashaer to create a distinctive Fairfield by Marriott that will serve Makkah, the sought-out destination for rising numbers of religious pilgrims,” said Jerome Briet, chief development officer of Middle East and Africa in Marriott International. The Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem is set to rise in five towers in the Al Naseem district and in close proximity of the Grand Mosque. Plans call for 2,600 well-appointed spacious, modern suites that would separate areas for working and sleeping. “As a company, we remain focused on developing projects that further enhance Makkah as one of the most important destinations in Saudi Arabia while supporting the overall growth and development of the kingdom,” said Emad Hejazi, chairman of Nahdet Al-Mashaer.
H Hospitality to expand with first hotel project in Makkah
Yaser Al-Sharif, CEO of JODC and Fadel Al Ali, chairman of HHC H Hospitality Collection, the hotel management company of Abu Dhabi Capital Group, has been selected by Jabal Omar Development Company to manage its new 5-star hotel development in the Holy City of Makkah. H Hospitality Collection (HHC) is an Abu Dhabi based hospitality management group which currently has a presence in Dubai, Seychelles, Podgorica and Rabat. With a strong pipeline to expand in the coming years, it has been tapped by Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC), one of the largest real estate developers in the Middle East and one of the largest listed companies in the Saudi Tadawul Stock Exchange. The agreement is a significant milestone for HHC, as the new hotel marks its foray into the Kingdom. The property will be part of JODC’s mega-development, with a total built-up area of over 2 million square metres featuring residences, hotels, malls, retail amenities, prayer areas and other facilities. "Serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and supporting the Kingdom’s focus on promoting tourism" Fadel Al Ali, chairman of HHC, said: “We are delighted with this new project that perfectly complements our expansion strategy across the Middle East. Serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and supporting the Kingdom’s focus on promoting tourism, under the Saudi Vision 2030, we see significant opportunity in operating our first hotel project in Makkah.” Delegates from HHC and JODC at the signing ceremony HHC will manage the 5-star hotel which will have 650 guest rooms, three restaurants offering extensive culinary choices, a lounge, café, meeting rooms and a modern gymnasium. The hotel will welcome its first guests by the beginning of 2020. "Choosing a brand that has roots in the region" Yaser Al-Sharif, CEO of JODC, said: “We are privileged to partner with Abu Dhabi Capital Group, one of the most distinguished organisations that is expanding the footprint of its H Hospitality Collection in Saudi Arabia. The agreement marks the importance they place in operating their first hotel project in the Holy City of Makkah. “The proposed H Hotel is situated close to the Grand Mosque and will appeal to visitors from the GCC and across the Islamic world by offering distinctive value propositions that will contribute to our growth. By choosing a brand that has roots in the region, we are confident of delivering a world-class hospitality choice to Makkah visitors.”
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