In keeping with its expansion objectives across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and following the successful operation of two hotels in Madinah and two in Jeddah, Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts (MH&R) now moves to Makkah: A management contract for a new hotel has just been signed with the Kuwait based owner Hajar Real Estate Company K.S.C.C. The 5-star hotel is scheduled to open late 2007.

The new hotel is part of the towering new "Abraj Al-Bait" complex, located directly in front of the Mosque with magnificent views of the holy shrine "Al Kaabah al Musharafah".

The Moevenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah will offer 410 comfortable rooms and suites of the highest standard. All rooms will have wireless internet capabilities and will be fitted with LCD Televisions. The complex will also house 882 fully furnished one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences for individual investment. The residences will be managed by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts under a rental pool system.

"The concept enables investors to lease a fully fitted and furnished residence that may be used free of charge for a certain period yearly. Profits from the residence rental will then be distributed to individual lease holders in the rental pool", explains Musaed Al Saber, Deputy General Manager of Hajar Real Estate Company K.S.C.C.

True to Moevenpick' world class hospitality brand, the hotel will have one main restaurant with a capacity of 800 guests and three private lounges for 40 to 140 guests.

"We are convinced that the philosophy of genuine Swiss hospitality coupled with Moevenpick' expertise in the Middle East and Saudi Arabian markets will also be successfully embraced in Makkah", added Musaed Al Saber.

"The new hotel in Makkah will complement our strong presence in both Jeddah and Madinah. Visitors on their annual Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage will now enjoy Mövenpicks' trademark True Excellence in Swiss Hospitality in both holy cities under the same brand", explains Andreas Mattmuller, Senior Vice President Middle East Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts.

"We're delighted to have found a strong partner in Makkah with the Hajar Real Estate Company K.S.C.C. under the direction of Mr. Yousef Al Omar and look forward to being associated with this prestigious development", said Jean Gabriel Pérès, President & CEO Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts.

The Moevenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah is already the sixth Mövenpick property within the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia after Jeddah (two hotels), Madinah (two hotels) and Al Khobar (opening in 2007).