RIYADH – A report issued by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) said that a total of 100 towers are currently under construction near the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Once all the projects are completed, over 24,480 hotel rooms will be added to the city's capacity. Salah Al-Bakheet, Deputy Chairman for Investments at the SCTA, said the total investment made in the city's hotel infrastructure over the next two years will exceed SR18.3 billion. Al-Bakheet drew attention to the fact that these projects are being carried out to facilitate the state's plans to increase the number of Umrah and Haj pilgrims. Moreover, he said the projects will increase competition and keep prices low, particularly during the peak season. Two of the landmark projects are Jabal Omar and Jabal Al-Ka'bah projects. The SR10 Billion Jabal Al-Ka'bah Project, consists of six towers with a total capacity of 8,500 hotel rooms, spread over an area of 53,000 square meters. Al-Bakheet said the first phase of the project is due to open at the beginning of 2013 with Anjum Makkah (Makkah Stars) Hotel. Jabal Omar project is being constructed on a total area of 15,000 square metres and comprises 38 five and four-star hotels. It is located on the side facing the Haram on Ibrahim Al-Khaleel Street. The first phase of 10 towers is scheduled to be opened at the beginning of the August 2013. Contracts have been signed with international hospitality companies for the operation and management of these 5-star towers that will have a combined capacity of 13,000 hotel rooms. Al-Bakheet expects the two projects will lead to the creation of 4,000 job opportunities. — SG
